I've never flown on these birds. I'm a big fan of A320 series as I fly quiet lot in these birds and feel like they are built really solid. (same feeling I get from the 777) so I was kind of disappointed when AC went with these somewhat less proven Brazilian chicas instead of the European birds. I'm an enthusiast and understand the E190 is closest to A319 at least on paper and costs significantly less but I was wondering what is everyones opinion on these aircraft?

I am a huge fan of the Embraer's.

I find them comfortable, roomy and a good feel to them, if there is such a thing.

I usually choose them when I can if flight times are close. It feels less like a sardene can in Y. Just my $0.02

I know they have their detractors here (E180 ha ha) but I really like it. Especially up front if you can get the one seat to yourself. And down the back I prefer the 2-2 seating rather then the 3-3 on the airbus. The seats are comfortable. The only thing is no hot meal in J.

My only opinion on the Embraer is Cabin comfort and I must say, they are very comfortable!
I love the very spacious cabin and how light it is. A big plus for me is the extra large windows. Usually whenever I fly I'll take the E90 as it is my favorite plane. Only downside is no Oven for food in J. That's the only reason why I've decided to take the A319 to Montreal in a few weeks. I want a hot meal.

What about the technology that's been put in to these planes vs. the A320 series?

I read somewhere they still use Analogue Fly-by-wire, can someone confirm this? That would be strange considering the 21 year old A320 has fully digital Fly-by-wire.

But based on this feedback I think I'll take a ride on an E90 to see how comfy they are.

^ I concur with the others -- definitely the most comfortable of the narrow-bodies in Y, and the single seat in J is nice (the few times I've had a chance to ride in one).

As mentioned, the lack of ovens is really a downside, but I'd take comfort over food on a plane any day.

I can't answer about the analogue f-b-w, but it's worth noting that each airline configures its planes differently. AC's Embraer configuration is among the more roomy, with 33-34" pitch in Y, with in-seat AVOD. Another carrier's 190, say, JetBlue, might be a tighter config. My favorite aspect of the E90 is 2x2 economy seating - i.e., no middle seat... ever.

Seating is quite comfortable, but I find both the 170s and 190s ride quite rough in turbulence.

With no chance of a middle seat and AVOD on every plane I look for the Embraer as my first choice when booking flights. My favourite AC plane for CAN/US travel.^

http://www.aerospace-technology.com/...s/embraer_190/

And from the above link:

"The aircraft has an all-digital cockpit. The avionics suite is modular and lightweight and is based on a Honeywell Primus Epic Electronic Flight and Information System (EFIS) with five liquid crystal colour displays.

The aircraft is equipped with fly-by-wire flight control, i.e. computer-controlled, electrical primary flight control with the exception of the ailerons."

I like both Embraers in the fleet. I have flown a few times in back on the 175 and once up front on the 190. The 190 flight was in some decent turbulence and I did not find it too uncomfortable. The 2 + 2 seating is a big plus for me.

If you google "fl250" you can find a very interesting blog by a new Embraer FO. He has an entry on a flight that had all sorts of technical problems recently (the second or third on the page). He also gives an interesting perspective on problems with ground personnel at his airline.

I really like the E90 as a passenger, very roomy and comfortable.

Yes it uses analogue fly-by-wire but that type of flight control system is still inherently more robust (engineering term that means resilient to single component failures) than the conventional flight control system you will find on the CRJ700/705/900/ and ... 1000(). It was a conservative engineering/business decision from Embraer that made a lot of sense, as going full digital would have likely delayed entry into service by at least several months.

The two main advantages of fly by wire, relaxed stability (leading to a smaller tail and lower fuel burn), and envelope protection are present for both analogue and digital FBW aircraft.

In a few years they will be able to upgrade the family and go digital without too much difficulties if they want to.

Add another Yes vote from the back.

As a Tangoer I endorse these planes. ^

I tend to like them myself - though I don't mind the CRJ-705 in Y, if I get seat 12A

A few times an E75 has let me down. There is nothing quite like a plane being fully rebooted a few times to give you confidence... but lately they have been fine.

I generally prefer them over 319s in Y - J, well, it is J....

-Brian

Ah yes, the re-boot of the E90: shut everything down and wait a few minutes, then start it all up again. Two out of eight flights.