S80

I have the misfortune of having to fly on one of these jets coming up soon since they've downgraded from the E170 that was flying the route, and I'd rather walk. I particularly need knee space, and would prefer to be in row 1 over the exit row, however rows 1-3 are blocked according to EF (and unselectable, even as an EXP, like some of BA's blocked seats are actually selectable for elites). I know AA blocks some seats for those who need them due to their mobility needs, however I'm unsure why they'd need 3 rows blocked off. Any idea how to select them and/or why they're blocked off in the first place?

USFlyerUS

My guess is weight and balance. They probably want to fill those seats last and only after the rest of the plane fills. If the plane is somewhat empty, you would likely be asked to move further back after boarding. This might be their attempt at avoiding the on the fly moving around after boarding.

home92345

Yes, for weight and balance. Flew on one recently and even though it showed 17 seats available day before the flight, the seat map only had a couple of seats toward the middle that could be selected. Flight left with the front three rows empty and when a passenger onboard wanted to move forward, the FA said he couldn’t due to weight and balance.

S80

I guess I'm walking instead, thanks for the confirmation!

plinth857

Sorry for your misfortune. I too have several flights on these awful pieces of metal... replacing E145's that were on the routes before.

suzy1K

What do the overhead bins on the CRJ2 look like? I was on a CRJ recently CMH-DCA (not Air Wisc) and the overhead bins were ancient. The right side had sliders as doors not the pull down / up variety.
Which makes me ask about the CRJ2 because I'm booked on one Sunday & have to bring electronic equipment (flatbed scanner) that I can't check. The specialized case will fit in a 145/175 overhead bin, but if the CRJ2 space is so small (like the time capsule cabin last week) they'll make me gate check my case. I'd rather change my flights / routing ahead of time. The one time I checked the case the scanner didn't come out intact. I think the fragile stickers plastered all over the case might have had something to do with that ...

KDCAflyer

The CRJ bins can't fit standard rollaboards so I would change your flight.

suzy1K

Hi KDCA -- thanks for the confirmation. I'll take your advice especially since the price diff in flights is less than the cost of a new scanner.

Biggie Fries

I think the answer is "no," but, just in case: Any advantage to the exit row seats?

Centurion

Yes you are first out the emergency exit.

USFlyerUS

I always choose them. I think there is slightly more legroom. However, the window seat is missing an armrest against the window, if I remember correctly.