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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Could it be that a seat in the first row was needed for the FA, for example if the jump seat wasn't operable? Rules would require the FA to be seated in the closest seat to the door for takeoff and landing.
OP could have asked the GA before boarding, but some people consider the C+ seats on the CRJ-200 to be bad due to lack of legroom (bulkhead). The exit row has a bit more space, but it's way in the rear of the aircraft.