Ever found yourself staring at your boarding pass, seeing "operated by American Eagle" and wondering, just how big is this plane going to be? You're not alone! It's a common question, and understanding the different sizes of American Airlines' regional jets can make a big difference in your travel experience. While they might not be the behemoths of the sky like a Boeing 777, these smaller aircraft play a crucial role in connecting communities and feeding passengers into major hubs.
Let's embark on a journey to demystify the size of American Airlines regional jets, giving you a clear, step-by-step guide to what you can expect.
Step 1: Engage with Your Curiosity – Why Does Size Matter?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's acknowledge why this question is so important to travelers. Is it about legroom? Overhead bin space? The feeling of security in a smaller aircraft? Or perhaps you're simply curious about the engineering marvels that crisscross our skies?
Whatever your reason, knowing the size of your regional jet can impact your comfort, your packing strategy, and even your peace of mind during the flight. Regional jets, while efficient for shorter routes, often come with certain trade-offs compared to their larger "mainline" counterparts. So, let's get you informed!
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| How Big Is An American Airlines Regional Jet |
Step 2: Understanding the "Regional Jet" Designation
First things first, what exactly is a regional jet?
Sub-heading 2.1: The Definition of a Regional Jet
A regional jet (RJ) is generally defined as a jet-powered airliner with fewer than 100 seats. These aircraft are specifically designed for shorter routes, connecting smaller cities to larger airline hubs. They are typically operated by regional airlines (like American Eagle, which is American Airlines' regional brand) on behalf of the mainline carrier.
Sub-heading 2.2: The "Scope Clause" Impact
In the U.S., a significant factor influencing regional jet size is the "scope clause." These are agreements in pilot contracts that limit the size and number of aircraft regional airlines can operate for their mainline partners. Since 2012, American Airlines, along with Delta and United, have generally capped their regional jets at 76 seats and a maximum takeoff weight of 86,000 lbs (39 metric tons). This is why you'll often see regional jets clustered around this passenger capacity.
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
Step 3: Identifying American Airlines' Regional Jet Fleet
American Airlines primarily utilizes two main families of regional jets through its American Eagle partners:
Sub-heading 3.1: The Embraer E-Jet Family
The Embraer E-Jet family is a popular choice for regional operations due to its modern design and passenger comfort. American Eagle primarily operates the Embraer ERJ-175 (E75).
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Passenger Capacity: The E175 typically seats between 65 and 76 passengers, often configured with 12 First Class seats, 20 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 44-48 Main Cabin seats.
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Dimensions:
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Length Overall: Approximately 103-106 feet (31-32 meters)
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Wingspan: Around 94 feet (28.6 meters)
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Height Overall: Roughly 32 feet (9.8 meters)
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Cabin Max Width: Approximately 9 feet (2.7 meters)
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Max Cabin Height: Around 6 feet 5 inches (2 meters) – meaning most people can stand up comfortably.
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Seating Configuration: Often a 2-2 configuration in First Class and a 2-2 configuration in Main Cabin, meaning every seat is either a window or an aisle! This is often a perk of the E175.
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Overhead Bins: While larger than some older regional jets, overhead bin space can still be limited, especially for larger carry-on roller bags. You might be asked to gate-check your bag.
Sub-heading 3.2: The Bombardier CRJ Family
The Bombardier CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) family is another workhorse of the regional aviation world. American Eagle operates various models, most notably the CRJ-700 (CR7) and CRJ-900 (CR9).
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Bombardier CRJ-700 (CR7):
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Passenger Capacity: The CRJ-700 typically seats around 65-70 passengers. Configurations vary but often include 9 First Class seats, 8-16 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 40-48 Main Cabin seats.
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Dimensions:
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Length Overall: Approximately 106 feet (32.3 meters)
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Wingspan: Around 76 feet (23.2 meters)
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Height Overall: Roughly 24 feet (7.6 meters)
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Cabin Max Width: Approximately 8 feet 4 inches (2.55 meters) – This is a narrower cabin than the E175.
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Max Cabin Height: Around 6 feet 2 inches (1.89 meters) – Standing upright might be a snug fit for taller individuals, especially in the aisle.
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Seating Configuration: Typically a 2-2 configuration throughout the aircraft.
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Overhead Bins: These are generally smaller than those on the E175, and you are highly likely to be required to gate-check standard roller bags.
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Bombardier CRJ-900 (CR9):
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Passenger Capacity: The CRJ-900 is slightly larger than the CRJ-700, typically seating 76 passengers to meet the scope clause limits. This often includes 12 First Class seats, 12-31 Main Cabin Extra seats, and 36-52 Main Cabin seats.
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Dimensions:
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Length Overall: Approximately 118 feet (36.25 meters)
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Wingspan: Around 81 feet (24.9 meters)
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Height Overall: Roughly 24 feet 7 inches (7.5 meters)
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Cabin Max Width: Approximately 8 feet 4 inches (2.55 meters) – Still a narrower cabin.
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Max Cabin Height: Around 6 feet 2 inches (1.89 meters)
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Seating Configuration: Predominantly 2-2 seating.
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Overhead Bins: Similar to the CRJ-700, expect to gate-check most standard carry-on bags.
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Step 4: Comparing Regional to Mainline Jets – A Quick Glance
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To truly grasp "how big" a regional jet is, it's helpful to compare it to a larger "mainline" aircraft like a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320, which American Airlines also operates.
As you can see, regional jets are significantly smaller in every aspect compared to their mainline counterparts. This is by design, allowing them to serve routes that wouldn't be profitable for larger aircraft.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Step 5: Practical Implications for Your Journey
Now that you have a clearer picture of the size, let's talk about what this means for you, the traveler:
Sub-heading 5.1: Baggage Considerations
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Carry-on luggage is often affected the most. On CRJ aircraft especially, you should anticipate needing to gate-check your roller bag. This means you leave it at the aircraft door and pick it up right after landing. While convenient for quick retrieval, it means you won't have immediate access to its contents during the flight.
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Personal items (backpacks, purses, laptop bags) usually fit under the seat in front of you.
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Always check American Airlines' official baggage policy for the most up-to-date information, as policies can vary based on your ticket type and status.
Sub-heading 5.2: Cabin Comfort
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Legroom: While specific seat pitch varies, regional jets can feel cozier. "Main Cabin Extra" seats offer more legroom and are often a good investment if you value space.
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Standing Upright: In the Embraer E175, most average-height individuals will be able to stand upright in the aisle. In the Bombardier CRJ series, it might be a bit more of a squeeze for taller passengers.
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Aisle Width: Aisles are narrower, so be mindful when moving about the cabin.
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Noise: Regional jets, particularly older models like the CRJ-200 (though less common with American now), can be noisier than larger mainline jets. Seats towards the rear of the aircraft tend to be the loudest due to engine proximity.
Sub-heading 5.3: Overall Flight Experience
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Shorter Flights: Regional jets are typically used for shorter flights, so the reduced space and amenities might not be as impactful as they would be on a longer journey.
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Connecting Flights: Many regional jet flights serve as feeders into larger hubs, where you'll then connect to a mainline flight for a longer journey.
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Turbulence: Due to their smaller size, regional jets can be more susceptible to the feeling of turbulence compared to larger aircraft. Don't worry, they are built to handle it, but you might feel the bumps more.
By understanding these nuances, you can better prepare for your journey and set realistic expectations for your American Airlines regional jet experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know which regional jet I'm flying on with American Airlines?
You can typically find the aircraft type listed on your booking confirmation, in the American Airlines app, or on flight tracking websites by entering your flight number.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
How to pack for an American Airlines regional jet to avoid gate-checking?
For CRJ aircraft, it's best to use a soft-sided bag or a smaller "personal item" that fits under the seat. For E175s, smaller roller bags might fit in the overhead, but be prepared for the possibility of gate-checking.
How to get more legroom on an American Airlines regional jet?
Consider purchasing a "Main Cabin Extra" seat or selecting a bulkhead or exit row seat, which offer additional legroom.
How to deal with turbulence on a regional jet?
Sitting over the wing tends to be the smoothest part of any aircraft. Keep your seatbelt fastened, and if you're prone to motion sickness, consider medication beforehand.
How to choose the best seat on an American Airlines regional jet?
For the E175, any seat can be good due to the 2-2 configuration. For CRJs, consider seats further forward to potentially reduce engine noise and be among the first to deplane. Window or aisle is a matter of personal preference, but aisles can feel a bit more cramped on CRJs.
How to know if my carry-on will fit in the overhead bin of an American Airlines regional jet?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
American Airlines' website provides specific dimensions for carry-on bags. Compare these to your bag's measurements. If your bag is a standard carry-on roller, be prepared for gate-checking on CRJs, and sometimes on E175s if the flight is full.
How to utilize the limited space on an American Airlines regional jet?
Pack light! Use travel-sized items, and wear layers instead of bulky clothing. Consider packing essentials you'll need during the flight in your personal item.
How to make a long regional jet flight more comfortable?
Bring your own entertainment (fully charged devices), comfortable headphones to mitigate noise, a neck pillow, and snacks. Get up and stretch when safe and permitted by the crew.
How to differentiate between American Eagle and mainline American Airlines?
American Eagle flights are typically operated by smaller regional aircraft (like the E175 or CRJ series) and serve shorter routes. Mainline American Airlines flights use larger aircraft (like Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, or wide-body jets) for longer, higher-demand routes.
How to avoid flying on an American Airlines regional jet if I prefer larger planes?
When booking, look for flights operated by "American Airlines" (without "operated by American Eagle") and check the aircraft type. If available, choose flights on Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, or larger aircraft. However, for shorter, less-traveled routes, a regional jet might be your only option.
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