Has anyone flown United Explus?

[Shadowcat70]

The first half of our flight has been downgraded to one of the crj-700 "Explus" planes. It seems so small and I am reading different things about the size of the overhead compartments and carry ons. Each of my kids will be bringing a carry on. One will be a backpack and the other is a little barbie rolling bag. I will have a small backpack purse as well. My kids' bags will have their "entertainment" for the trip (gameboy, snacks, etc), and I am trying to figure out if we will have to stow these under the plane or what?

I'm a little upset that the plane was downsized because I don't like flying in little planes, and I am hoping it gets upgraded since it's a Friday on a holiday weekend.

 

[dudspizza]

The first half of our flight has been downgraded to one of the crj-700 "Explus" planes. It seems so small and I am reading different things about the size of the overhead compartments and carry ons. Each of my kids will be bringing a carry on. One will be a backpack and the other is a little barbie rolling bag. I will have a small backpack purse as well. My kids' bags will have their "entertainment" for the trip (gameboy, snacks, etc), and I am trying to figure out if we will have to stow these under the plane or what?

I'm a little upset that the plane was downsized because I don't like flying in little planes, and I am hoping it gets upgraded since it's a Friday on a holiday weekend.

I have been on the CRJ's many times. I don't mind flying on them, but they are a little more cramped. Typically, roll-a-board type suitcases are checked at the aircraft door. I have always been able to take my backpack and laptop bag on with me. My dad has had to check his roll-a-board. The overhead bins are smaller.

Here is some info on the CRJ-700. http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/United_Airlines/United_Airlines_Canadair_CRJ700_C.php

Duds

 

[sam_gordon]

I don't fly much, but when I do a CRJ is usually at least part of the trip. A backpack will be allowed on the plane. As dudspizza said, a rolling suitcase will need to be checked at the gate.

Basically, when you get to the gate, go to the attendant and ask for a gate check tag. The tag gets put on the bag and you keep the rip off tag (matching numbers on both). The majority of the time there was a cart just at bottom of the steps to the plane and you left your bag on the cart. That's generally where you pick them up too.

However, I went through Montgomery, AL and they had an 'service elevator' type setup at the top of their gangway. That's where you picked up/dropped off your gate check luggage.

Follow the crowds. They'll generally lead you right. And look at the bright side... CRJs only seat 50-75 people. They load/unload pretty quick.

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Sometimes with the explus at some airports it involves going outside to enter the plane instead of the hallway style. In Ottawa in the middle of winter that is quite cold! So be aware of that. Like PP's have said your rolling luggage will be valet checked (you pick them up after getting off the plane to take with you onto your next plane. Since I either fly solo or in pairas I prefer the explus as its either rows of 1 and 2 or rows of 2 and 2. Im weird about the rows of 3+ when I dont know the person I'm sharing with, but don't displace my social anxiety onto yourself !
They don't do movies on the United Explus as a note as well. I was on a 4 hour explus Ottawa to Denver and they did 1 drink pass (as thats all they were equipped to do) and did no offer of food for purchase. It was kind of a long flight without a movie or offer of food or second drink like most 2+ hour flights. So be aware of that.

 

[dudspizza]

I don't fly much, but when I do a CRJ is usually at least part of the trip. A backpack will be allowed on the plane. As dudspizza said, a rolling suitcase will need to be checked at the gate.

Basically, when you get to the gate, go to the attendant and ask for a gate check tag. The tag gets put on the bag and you keep the rip off tag (matching numbers on both). The majority of the time there was a cart just at bottom of the steps to the plane and you left your bag on the cart. That's generally where you pick them up too.

However, I went through Montgomery, AL and they had an 'service elevator' type setup at the top of their gangway. That's where you picked up/dropped off your gate check luggage.

Follow the crowds. They'll generally lead you right. And look at the bright side... CRJs only seat 50-75 people. They load/unload pretty quick.

I also love how quickly they get up in the air and how quickly they can stop when they land...... those monster jets seam like they take forever to get in the air and stop!

Duds

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Unfortunately onboard space is very limited ... this picture will give you an idea of the size of the plane

 

[uva185]

Is your flight operated by Sky West? I love their flight attendants! All "ExPlus" means is the flight is a regional jet with First class and Economy Plus.

 

[Shadowcat70]

Thank you for all the comments. It makes me feel almost excited to fly on this type of plane.

We are flying United out of PDX, and the details did say Skywest. I am guess they are out of the same gate area that United flies out of, but we are planning extra time at the airport just in case they are not.

This will also be the first time either of my kids will be flying... needless to say they are getting a variety of planes on our trip lol

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

they do fly out of the same area of YOW and ORD at least... they are within a United area of a terminal not like way off by American Airlines or in the boonies lol

 

[dudspizza]

The plane will say United on it, possibly "operated by Sky West" in small letters.

Again, I enjoy the smaller planes. I have been on one for over 2.5 hours and been fine. You typically have 1 flight attendant for the plane... a bit more intimate....

duds