US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - ERJ's vs mainline

I'm currently looking at the RDU-LGA schedule. This appears to be a mix of mainline US Airways service and ERJ US Airways Express service.

The best flight for my schedule is the 5:15 p.m. ERJ departure. I suppose I could cool my heels at the US Airways Club in RDU and take the 6:50pm mainline A319 service, with the slim chance of an upgrade (doubtful as its a Friday evening). I've never been on an ERJ before. How is the comfort for this 1:45 hop? I would really prefer the schedule of the ERJ, but I could wait if the A319 would be substantially more comfortable.

Also, how is the US Airways Club is RDU? Is it a shoebox like the one in Tampa etc. or is it anything special?

Thanks...

I'm not sure, but I think you mean a CRJ. In that case, I can attest to the fact that if US outfits theirs like ComAir & ASA, it's like sitting on a cloth covered piece of plywood and eating your knees. Good luck finding overhead space even for a laptop unless you are among the first to board also.

Also, a CRJ's typical configuration is set at exactly 50 passengers, purposely to take advantage of FAA regulations so there is one overworked FA instead of two.

If it were me, I'd easily wait the extra time to sit ANYWHERE on an A-319 vs a CRJ, and I've not personally been in the RDU Club, but I heard it's nice - I think they got the old American Admiral's club space when AA pulled out in the early 90's.

Just my $0.02

US's CRJs are less comfortable than riding the CTA, and have nearly the same amount of overhead storage space http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Your best bet is to try for seat 1A, which in the configurations I've seen is all by itself up front (no neighbor sharing the all-too-little space you're allocated). I've had a number of pleasant conversations with the one overworked FA whilst sitting in this seat, which is about 30 inches from, and facing, his/her jumpseat. You could play patty-cake with the FA from 1A.

Mike

[This message has been edited by Mikey likes it (edited 04-25-2001).]

I don't care for CRJs but keep in mind that flights to LGA get cancelled/delayed on a regular bases. I would go for the early flight but be prepared to be on the late flight. I have better luck going to PHL and taking the metroliner to NY.

The club is my home base, it isn't that large but I have never had a problem getting a seat and don't expect a great mixed drink. Eat before you go to the airport RDU is going through renovations and most of the food is terrible. They have a jersy mikes for fresh subs but everything else is on a cart with old packaged food.

By all indications it is an ERJ and not a CRJ. That is what the online timetable is showing. Nonetheless, I'm sure they are very similar.

If you want to see for yourself, it's US4893 in question. In the details section, shown as:
US Airways Express (Operated by Chautauqua Airlines)

Originally posted by BizJet:
By all indications it is an ERJ and not a CRJ. That is what the online timetable is showing. Nonetheless, I'm sure they are very similar.

If you want to see for yourself, it's US4893 in question. In the details section, shown as:
US Airways Express (Operated by Chautauqua Airlines)

If indeed it is an ERJ (aka the JungleJet, not the Flying Skidoo), then it's bound to be more a little more comfortable than the CRJ. The Embraer jets are configured 1-2 versus Candair's 2-2 configuration.

OTOH, neither is comparable to an A319. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

RZ

I was on an ERJ from ERI to PIT for the first time on 17 April. I didn't think it was too bad, but it was only a 20 minute flight. Overhead space is small, but the seats weren't TOO bad. I actually thought it was MORE comfortable than the DC9's and F100's that serve that route, and about the same as a 737-300 in coach--maybe a bit better. The A319 is DEFINITELY more comfy and roomy, though. If you do take the ERJ, I don't think you'll be too miserable, though.

But, then again, maybe I've just used a bunch of words to say nothing at all...

Suffice to say, for my trip this weekend, I opted for an ERJ from DCA to CMH instead of an F100 from PIT to CMH.

Originally posted by Surfrider:
I'm not sure, but I think you mean a CRJ. In that case, I can attest to the fact that if US outfits theirs like ComAir & ASA, it's like sitting on a cloth covered piece of plywood and eating your knees. Good luck finding overhead space even for a laptop unless you are among the first to board also.

Also, a CRJ's typical configuration is set at exactly 50 passengers, purposely to take advantage of FAA regulations so there is one overworked FA instead of two.



A couple corrections. #1 - the RDU - LGA flights are run by Chautauqua which means ERJs, not CRJs. The 1x2 seating is decent. And, the plane feels like a corporate jet. #2 - all US RJs are leather seats, not cloth. So, they do feel better. The recline is small but decent for a non-mainline craft.

Originally posted by Surfrider:
I'm not sure, but I think you mean a CRJ. In that case, I can attest to the fact that if US outfits theirs like ComAir & ASA, it's like sitting on a cloth covered piece of plywood and eating your knees. Good luck finding overhead space even for a laptop unless you are among the first to board also.

Also, a CRJ's typical configuration is set at exactly 50 passengers, purposely to take advantage of FAA regulations so there is one overworked FA instead of two.



A couple corrections. #1 - the RDU - LGA flights are run by Chautauqua which means ERJs, not CRJs. The 1x2 seating is decent. And, the plane feels like a corporate jet. #2 - all US RJs are leather seats, not cloth. So, they do feel better. The recline is small but decent for a non-mainline craft.

Thanks for the updates and the corrections, folks, if the ERJs are a 1-2 config, then they are more like the Dornier 328s, and I do not mind those at all, so long as I can get the single side seat!

I used to get those 328s from SBN-PIT and I agree, they are better than a middle seat in an F100 for sure!

Sorry for the misleading previous info, but at least you know a couple types of plane/airline combinations to stay the heck off of! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Originally posted by rachel:
...but keep in mind that flights to LGA get cancelled/delayed on a regular bases. I would go for the early flight but be prepared to be on the late flight.


Good advice. Go for a seat on the single side of the ERJ (1x2 config). If that fails, grab the later A319 flight.

My wife and I were rerouted off of a cancelled mainline RDU-LGA flight onto this same ERJ aircraft type recently. I really had not complaint about the seating, and the in cabin service (for coach) was actually an improvement over mainline in my opinion. The only negatives were the shortage of in cabin carry-on space (so be prepared to gate-check any larger "carry-ons" if necessary), and the fact that I had confirmed First-Class upgrades on the cancelled flight (but we were able to use them on the return instead).

I don't feel so aprehensive now about taking an ERJ from PHL to Ottawa in June. I was able to get 1A in both directions, too!

Bizjet:

More info, the RDU club is nice but small. The agents are all very nice, as is the regular bartender David, but I only get to chat and have OJ when I make the early AM RDU-DCA runs. Unfortunately you have learned of the big cutback in service out of RDU to DCA, LGA, BOS. Used to be Airbus, 737 and F100s now mostly Express on ERJs. Lost my FC upgrade seat. Get the single side and gate check anything bigger than a computer if near the front since the overheads are on the right side over the 2 seats and the first few rows on the left extend into the galley?/FA area.