ExpressJet uses Embraers, like the ones I work on. If ExpressJet handles it the way my company does, your carry-on bags that are too large for the fairly small overhead bins, will be "valeted." That means, as you approach the door of the plane, your bags will receive a special colored tag....then you will relinquish your bags. When you get off the plane, these special colored tagged bags will be brought up to the jetbridge when you offload (or at the bottom of the stairs, whatever the case may be.) You will not have to go to baggage claim to retrieve your bags.

It is actually a very nice feature of the regional jets...you don't have to worry about overhead bin space, nor have to schlep your bags onboard. And, rarely does one have to worry about the bag not making the flight.