SEA_Tigger

Last night I was on a Mesa CRJ-700 from BNA to DEN. People have been asking "what's it like?" and "where should I sit?", so I thought I would bring you the next installment in our series of PSAs - Public Seating Announcements.

The CRJ-700 is essentially a stretch CRJ-200 / CL-65. While I am sure there are real differences across all three planes, as a general passenger, you'll never notice them, so forgive me the comment.

The CRJ-700 is operated for UAX by at least Skywest and Mesa.

First Class is two rows of 1+2 seating. The lefthand side is A and the two righthand seats are D(Aisle) and F(Window). Beware the EasyCheckin Seatmap. It shows 1/2AD as a pair and 1/2F as the single (like Business Class on the 777s, which MEC's seatmap shows as 2+2+2+1 or something odd like that as I recall). I was auto-assigned 2D when my upgrade cleared at 72 hours and when I used Mr. Easy Checkin, I picked 1F. I soon realized this was not right, so I snagged 1A at the gate. The fellow in 2F got caught out as well, as he was looking for the single (2A - which was available, but he decided to keep 2F since 2D was empty, as well).

Seat width is given as 19", same as the 767-300 Domestic First Class seat or the 767-200/767-300 Business Class seat. The paired seats have a wide armrest, but not as wide as that found on the domestic First seat. Probably an inch less or so, and no sculpted little "tray" for drinks.

Pitch is officially given as 37" and this looks to be about right for Row 2. Row 1 has about 40" or so. It's not quite as generous as Row 1 in the "reconfiged" A319/A320 or the two-class 777, but I could fully stretch out my legs (I am 6' 2"). My flight had three seats filled. I was in 1A.

The seat design is different from the domestic United First seat. I find it more comfortable, personally. Better back and leg support (the cushions wrap around the front a bit). It is covered in blue leather (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) and the recline is probably about 45° or so - less then the domestic First seat. However, the "natural" recline (when the seat is in the full "up" position) is more then the domestic First seat and I found it more comfortable. I believe the headrest is moveable, but it is flat with the seatback so I did not need to raise it like I do with the domestic First seat headrest, which always pinches me in the back when down. The headrest does not have wings (that I could see).

There are overhead bins along the right side of the First Class cabin, and they are the same size as those on the CL-65. So anything bigger then a laptop bag/briefcase/purse will need to be gate checked. We boarded and deplaned via a jetway at BNA and DEN. The overhead lighting and climate-control modules are really nicely done, and are also found on new CL-65s (I flew a brand new AWAC CL-65 from ORD-BNA in the new UA colors). Each module has two lights and two vents, so if sitting in 1A or 2A, you have plenty of light and air.

There is a small closet behind Row 2, and then the Economy Cabin begins. The seats are 2+2 and are covered in blue leather (or a reasonable facsimile thereof). Seat design is similar to the ex-SHT 737s, but better then what one finds on the CL-65. Seat width is given as 17.2" but I did not try them. Pitch is given as 31". It looks tight, but not "CRJ Tight" if you know what I mean. More like regular Economy on a 757-200. Shorter people can cross their legs. The front cushion wraps down a bit, so it probably provides a little more support and comfort then the CL-65 seats.

Row 3 has excellent legroom - not quite as much as Row 1, but probably 38" or so (so think 1AB on a 733 or 735). Row 12 is the Exit Row, and is also quite good (35" or so - think Economy Plus). So Row 3 and Row 12 are the rows you want to gun for. I forgot to check to see if overhead bins were on the left side of the plane in Economy.

Windows are indeed "mainline jet height", though about a third smaller in area. The cabin is right at 6' 2" (I can feel my hair brushing the top of the ceiling) and the width / style is pure CL-65 (hence the reason I call it a "stretch CRJ" even if it might not truly be one). Galley is exactly the same as that found on the CL-65, so it's drinks and snack mix, only. They did have glassware for First.

I find it probably the second best use of 500 milers in the Fleet (after Business Class on the 747/777). The two hours just breezed by. It was much better then doing the reverse last year in 1B on a CL-65, to be sure.

Addition - It appears that all CRJ-700 regional jets in service with United Express carriers will be configured with First Class and Economy Plus seating. SkyWest planes with a registration of N715SK or higher almost definately are two-class configuration, and the lower registries are being reconfigured currently. Mesa planes came with First at delivery, but I don't believe we have a Mesa rep on FT so I don't know how the Economy Plus conversion is going.