Originally Posted by
SchmutzigMSP
At least the new jets Northwest has purchased are arguably more comfortable than the ERJ-135/145 and the CRJ-200/700s that dominate the other carriers. The CRJ-900 and EMB-175 will be an improvement over those if you've never flown in one before.
A CRJ-900 is absolutely no better than a -700 in terms of cabin height and shoulder room. Directly from Bombardier's spec pages:
CRJ-700 CRJ-900
Cabin maximum width (centreline) 8 ft 5 in 2.57 m 8 ft 5 in 2.57 m
Cabin width (floor level) 7 ft 0 in 2.13 m 7 ft 0 in 2.13 m
Maximum height 6 ft 2.25 in 1.89 m 6 ft 2.25 in 1.89 m
Further, given that these dimensions represent changes from the -200 series by +1.0 inch,
-2.0 inches and +1.25 inches, respectively, to suggest that these meaningfully are better than the CRJs (-100, -200 and -700) flown by other airlines is stretching logic.
As for the EMB-175 experience, that is, indeed, much better.