I've only flown one CRJ - the new 900. As the previous poster said, you can carry standard items onboard, but the larger pieces will be gate checked. It's a little faster then checking all the way through, but you definately won't have access to it during the flight. The overhead bins are virutally non-existant (they would hold a purse), so pack what you need onboard in your purse or very small carry-on.