Please Help! Embraer Regional Jet 145

[maggiew]

Can anyone tell me how big this regional jet is? I am trying to book the cheapest, NONSTOP flight and this is the plane that I am finding. It seems small. I am not a good flyer (thus, the NONSTOP part. I can only take one take off and landing per trip) and I am not sure I can do a small plane. Is this one bouncy and will we feel all the turbulence?? I am about ready to book on AMTRAK because I am not sure about this plane.

Maggie

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

http://www.embraer.com/english/content/aeronaves/aviacao_comercial/erj145/default.asp

It looks like it isn't a turbo-prop which is good (to me anyway). It is 1-2 configuration on the seats. One side of single--then an aisle than another side of doubles. That is small for a plane.

I don't know about the turbulence, though.

 

[HayGan]

http://www.embraer.com/english/content/aeronaves/aviacao_comercial/erj145/default.asp

This plane isn't the biggest but it is not the smallest either. You can feel turbulance on just about any plane. You'll be fine. Airline travel is certainly one fo the safest modes of transportation.

No offense, but if you really are that terrified of flying why aren't you taking the train?

 

[goin2disneyagain]

http://www.embraer.com/english/content/aeronaves/aviacao_comercial/erj145/default.asp

It looks like it isn't a turbo-prop which is good (to me anyway). It is 1-2 configuration on the seats. One side of single--then an aisle than another side of doubles. That is small for a plane.

If it is a 1-2 seat configuration then it probably has about 37 seats total. A jet isn't a turbo prop so if says jet then it's a jet (although a small one).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If it is a 1-2 seat configuration then it probably has about 37 seats total. A jet isn't a turbo prop so if says jet then it's a jet (although a small one).

Duh--sorry about that!

I hate turbo props--so was pointing the lack of it as a "special" feature. OK, never mind me.

I counted the rows--and yes you are right on the seats.

 

[maggiew]

http://www.embraer.com/english/content/aeronaves/aviacao_comercial/erj145/default.asp

This plane isn't the biggest but it is not the smallest either. You can feel turbulance on just about any plane. You'll be fine. Airline travel is certainly one fo the safest modes of transportation.

No offense, but if you really are that terrified of flying why aren't you taking the train?

I have flown before and am able to fly normally. We did fly last time to go to WDW. But I am really nervous flying. I fly for the kids and put on a happy face (so they won't be scared). But inside my stomach is doing loops. But that's on a regular plane. I just think this small plane would send me over the edge if I can feel every bump etc.

Maggie

 

[HayGan]

I have flown before and am able to fly normally. We did fly last time to go to WDW. But I am really nervous flying. I fly for the kids and put on a happy face (so they won't be scared). But inside my stomach is doing loops. But that's on a regular plane. I just think this small plane would send me over the edge if I can feel every bump etc.

Maggie

I fly all the time (big and small planes) and it really has to do more with the air flow than the size of the plane. Are you likely to fell some turbulance during the flight - yes! But I have experienced turbulance on virtuallye very flight I have ever taken (and there have been alot!) I would seriously recommend taking some sort of mild sedative or having a glass of wine to calm your nerves before you board the plane if flying bothers you that much!

It really sounds like you are getting yourself worked up about this plane. My person theory is that plane travel scares many people because you are completely out of control of the situation. Try to relax and remember that these are trained professionals and you are very safe in their hands no matter the size of the plane.

I hope you have a wonderful trip & enjoy your flight (or train ride!)

 

[Pixie]

I found this link somewhere on this site a little while ago.

http://www.seatguru.com/home.shtml

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Another poster was right on the money when they wrote that you can feel turbulence on any plane -- regardless of size. I have been on an absolutely massive DC-10 and felt every bump in the air. I have also been on a BAe 146 (small regional jet plane) and felt as though I were floating on a cloud. The turbulence you feel has more to do with the weather and air patterns on any particular date than the plane you're flying.

That said, the Embraer plane of which you are so concerned can fly as high as the "big boys" -- 37,000 feet isn't anything to sniff at. You'll be just fine.

 

[my3kids]

Usually flying from a pretty small airport, we are always happy to have a jet of any size! The regional jets are fine, just smaller than what you'd expect from a larger plane. I like the 1/2 configuration...no middle seats always make me happy. Everyone is guaranteed an aisle or a window, and a lot of people get both! You probably will have to gate check your carry on though. The storage is very small, and other than purses, most folks leave their small suitcases on the tarmac for storage underneath and pick them back up as soon as they walk off the plane.

 

[kydisneykid]

I have flown this type of jet severial times in the past year or so and you feel no more trubulenece then you do on one of the bigger jets. But as someone pointed out, you will have to check your carry on bags on the tarmac as there is very little overhead storage. I hope this helps.

 

[maggiew]

Thanks guys. I think I will book the Embraer flight. I really couldn't get around it other than Amtrak. Would I be able to take a small backpack (laptop case size) with book, music, etc. or will I need to check that?

Maggie

 

[DisFlan]

maggiew - you'll probably feel more bouncing on AMTRAK.

We fly the Emb. RJ145 on Continental often from NW Arkansas to Houston. It's not a problem. Yes, it's small and the seats are a bit harder than normal, but it gets us there non-stop. They'll collect your larger carry-on bag as you get on the plane and give it back on the exit ramp as you get off, so make sure it's tagged well. You can also take an over-the-shoulder type bag on with you. This is GREAT for our shorter stays. No checked luggage! (I'm getting really good at packing a LOT in those small bags.)

This isn't the greatest plane, but it isn't the worst, either. If I have the choice of an RJ non-stop and a bigger plane with stops, I'll happily take the RJ. An hour or two is fine. I wouldn't want it for a long-haul, though. It tends to put your butt to sleep.

DisFlan

 

[HayGan]

Thanks guys. I think I will book the Embraer flight. I really couldn't get around it other than Amtrak. Would I be able to take a small backpack (laptop case size) with book, music, etc. or will I need to check that?

Maggie

There is overhead space and room under seats for small carry ons so you will be able to take a backpack onboard!

 

[Chicago526]

To me, a small plane is when drink service consists of the pilot turning around and and handing you a Thermos of coffee!

I agree with the othe posters, you should be fine. One of the posters said to have a glass of wine. I agree, but keep it to ONE glass. If you appear drunk, they may not let you onboard.

 

[maggiew]

To me, a small plane is when drink service consists of the pilot turning around and and handing you a Thermos of coffee!

Oh my!!! Now that one I couldn't do.

Maggie

 

[DebbieB]

I flew on one once (ROC/PIT), it wasn't bad. The only thing I would be concerned about is if you are clastrophobic. It's much narrower than a full size jet. We didn't have to go out on the tarmac, they used a regular jetway both ways.