5 Reasons I Love Flying The Embraer E175

5 Reasons I Love Flying The Embraer E175

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Typically I go out of my way to avoid regional jets. They’re loud, tight, require you to gate-check your bag, often don’t have first class, etc. However, there’s one regional jet I love — the Embraer E175 (perhaps more accurately, the entire family of Embraer jets, as I like the Embraer E190, etc., as well, but just don’t fly them as much).

I most frequently fly the Embraer E175 on American Eagle, and I think I almost prefer the plane to American’s domestic mainline fleet. Why?

No middle seats on the entire plane

There aren’t really any bad seats on the Embraer jets, as there are no middle seats. This is great if you’re traveling with someone, since you can have a window and aisle. Not only that, but the seats are over 18″ wide, making them among the widest economy seats you’ll find on any plane.

Embraer E175 economy class cabin

Great ratio of first class seats

This of course varies by airline, but American Eagle’s Embraer E175s have a fantastic ratio of first class seats. The planes have a total of 76 seats, and 12 of those are first class seats (~16% of the plane). Compare that to:

  • American’s 737s, which have a total of 172 seats, only 16 of which are are first class seats (~9% of the plane)
  • American’s A319s, which have a total of 128 seats, only eight of which are first class seats (~6% of the plane)

Upgrade chances don’t get much better than on the Embraer E175, thanks to the percentage of first class seats.

Embraer E175 first class cabin

Single first class seats

As someone who loves looking out the window but also likes having access to the aisle, this is something I value. While economy on the Embraer E175 is in a 2-2 configuration, first class is in a 1-2 configuration. If you’re lucky, you can snag one of the solo first class seats and have both a window and an aisle.

Embraer E175 first class solo seats

Big windows

This might sound minor to some, but continuing on the above, I love looking out windows. Many regional jets have small windows that aren’t even at eye-level. The Embraer E175 has huge windows (at least they feel that way) at the perfect level. I feel like they’re bigger than on typical Airbus or Boeing narrow bodies, though perhaps that’s an illusion.

The Embraer E175 has big windows

Feels like a big jet

In terms of the passenger experience, the Embraer feels more like a big jet than a regional jet. You don’t have to crouch when walking down the aisle, the seats and aisle are wide, the overhead bins are big enough to store full size carry-ons, the plane is fairly quiet, the engines are under the wings, etc. While the CRJ-700 is about the same size, it does very much feel like a regional jet. If you’re someone who usually gets claustrophobic in regional jets, the Embraer E175 may be the plane for you.

The Embraer E175 feels like a big jet

Bottom line

It’s always a joy to fly Embraer jets. They’re comfortable, regardless of whether you’re in economy or first class, and I don’t even mind them for long stretches.

As someone who frequently flies American Eagle Embraer E175s, my only frustration is that Wi-Fi on the planes is slower than on the mainline fleet. Other than that, I’ll almost take an Embraer E175 over an Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.

Anyone else love Embraer jets as much as I do?

Conversations (70)
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  1. Angela Guest

    I've never flown on a Embraer 175. Thank you for all your comments I'll try not to be so nervous. Your reviews do make me feel more calm about the smaller plane

  2. Kiwi Guest

    Can one take a standard size carry-on and a personal item in the cabin? I plan to put expensive camera equipment in these bags.

  3. Brad Johnston Guest

    I think you meant to write, you like flying in them, not flying them. Flying something is piloting it whilst flying in it is being a passenger. Otherwise, good article!

  4. Melinda Filidei Guest

    Did you feel more/less turbulence in this aircraft ? Flying Delta on an Enbracer next week from Orange County to Salt lake, never been on an Embracer. I’m nervous

    1. Mike Guest

      The Embracer is still prone to turbulence like any plane but you won't feel turbulence any more then you would other aircraft just because it's a smaller plane. The best option on any plane to help lessen the feeling of turbulence is to try to get a seat where the wings are. When I fly on the Embracer I feel like I'm in a smaller more nimble plane like coming from a larger SUV to a more nimble sporty car :-> I think you'll enjoy flying on it.

    2. Matt Guest

      The 175 is a GREAT plane; so well-designed, modern, and comfortable. And whenever turbulence feels bothersome, always remind yourself that it's just differences in the air's consistency outside, not anything with the plane. Just like the differences when driving your car over gravel road and smooth blacktop. Nothing more! :)

  5. Pilot Gary Guest

    Love the 175 for all the same reasons noted here. Plus the performance of these mid sized aircraft’s is very impressive.

  6. Clarice Guest

    Has anyone flown nonstop from Birmingham to Miami? If so, how was the flight?

  7. Emma Guest

    Has anyone flown Miami to Dominica island on the embraer 175 ? Is the main cabin extra seats worth upgrading from economy seats?

  8. Gary Guest

    Is this the same as United Express (United Airlines) E7W? I can’t find anything with this equipment description

  9. Ralph Guest

    When I first found that my United flight from Albuquerque going back home to Chicago was on an E175, I was pessimistic at first because of experience with the CRJ-700 back in 2017 when I flew to Minneapolis. After reading this article, I feel kinda more optimistic about my upcoming flight on one.

  10. Scott E Guest

    I do a ton of regional travel, and always book for time of departure or arrival. While I do prefer the 737 to the AB320 flights, this provides a new wrinkle for my planning. I've been avoiding this plane for years because I'm 6'3" and "husky". As the biggest guy on every flight, more room is worth the change. I'm booking STL to DFW now and thanks for this post!!

  11. Matt Guest

    Have to agree about the turbulence. My worst rides (as someone said kiss the ground) have been on these 175s.

  12. Fish Guest

    Agreed on the seating configuration. However it is prone to reacting more harshly to turbulence vs 37 size aircraft from what I've found. We flew into Everett WA last night on a north to south approach. Conditions were windy for sure but that last ten minutes of the flight were quite unnerving for all on board with the plane pitching in all directions.. definately a kissing the ground moment afterwords.

  13. JwJ Guest

    I flew on a E-175 from DCA TO CLE round trip in seat 2 A to CLE and seat 3A from CLE to DCA. I love the jet even though it is a bit noisy. I love the 1st class I will be taking another trip to CLE from DCA in March. I love myself some E-175.

  14. Julian Johnson Guest

    I agree and have nothing more to add!!

  15. John Guest

    I fly frequently between Ecuador and the U. S. I have to change planes, switching from a 737 to an E175. I prefer the E175 for several reasons. The most important reason is that a first class seat on the E175 are noticeably more comfortable than a business seat on the 737. Secondly, the first class seat has more leg room than the 737's business class seat. And third, I LOVE the one seat configuration...

    I fly frequently between Ecuador and the U. S. I have to change planes, switching from a 737 to an E175. I prefer the E175 for several reasons. The most important reason is that a first class seat on the E175 are noticeably more comfortable than a business seat on the 737. Secondly, the first class seat has more leg room than the 737's business class seat. And third, I LOVE the one seat configuration where I have direct access to both a window and the aisle. I LOVE THE E175!

  16. Rammy Guest

    This review is spot on. As an airline pilot who commutes and deadhead a lot.

  17. Carrie Guest

    How is this plane with pet carries? What is the maximum size carrier allowed?

  18. Chris Rombis Guest

    YEAH No!!!!!
    Play for the first time it was horrible. The seats were to close the window seats were short unless you were 5 foot 5 inches. The washroom was small enough to barely turn and I am a fit person. The overhead compartments we're under sized . Not recommended as a flight out that was with Air Canada . Flight attendants were amazing. The only plus that they had on the flight

  19. Benedito Venturoso Guest

    I fully agree. And you will be even more impressed after flying in E2 new family of Embraer jets. They are awesome, most spacious, luggage bins can store one hand luggage for each passenger. And it’s the quietest passenger jet ever built. And internet & entertainment system works perfectly. It’s state-of-art engineering, the most fuel efficient planes per seat.

  20. scliu Guest

    Fully agreed with the 5 reasons plus very spacious luggage bin. Thanks for sharing! I actually flew both E175/190 and Canadian C/A220. The E175/190 are quieter, smoother and much more comfortable to me.

  21. Darnell Guest

    It is good to know that I am not the only one who loves to fly on an embraer and for the same reasons too.

  22. Chuck Guest

    August this year, flew United 175s (actually Mesa operated) Houston to Baltimore Znd Dulles to Key West. Great legroom in regular coach and my full size carry-on easily fit in the overheads. Flight back to Houston from Tampa on a United 737-900. The Economy Plus on this flight had no more legroom than the 175. The 175 is a great aircraft.

  23. Shirley Monson Guest

    In the past couple months, I've flown on the E175 twice for the first time after flying on nothing but B737s for many years. I first got interested in the Embraer because I know someone who is a Captain on the E175 (with Alaska-Horizon). For my first flight, a short one across my state, my seat was in row 15. The leg room was good, but I really noticed how narrow the cabin was. Also,...

    In the past couple months, I've flown on the E175 twice for the first time after flying on nothing but B737s for many years. I first got interested in the Embraer because I know someone who is a Captain on the E175 (with Alaska-Horizon). For my first flight, a short one across my state, my seat was in row 15. The leg room was good, but I really noticed how narrow the cabin was. Also, when it was time to deplane, I bumped my head slightly when standing up...oops! For my second flight, which was about 3 hours, I paid extra to sit in Premium Class (in Row 7). The leg room was so spacious that I could complete extend my legs (I'm 5'5")! And it just felt less cramped overall. The First Class seats looked REALLY comfy, but I just couldn't justify the big price difference. (I'm saving my money to fly first class when the flight is a long one...5 hours or more.) I did not need to use the lav, so can't add anything more about it. I'm hoping to fly again on the E175, especially since I was able to avoid bumping my head after my 2nd flight!

  24. Donna Guest

    Please discuss turbulence and smoothness of flight in smaller jetonns

    1. John Guest

      Donna, the E175 negotiates air turbulence as well as the larger jet aircraft. At least I can't tell a difference. Matter of fact, as I think about it now, my flights on E175s have been smoother than on 737s! I always disembark an E175 thinking the pilots are great (which they are), but I think that it's, at least in part, because the E175 aircraft is great. . . .

  25. Tortuga Diamond

    I book into this plane every chance I get. 4A is my favorite seat in F, but I'm also partial to 5A (or similar first row of Y).

    Thanks for writing this post; it really brightened my day. Cheesy, I know, but true.

  26. John D Guest

    I had my first opportunity to fly the E series with AA last October when my son and I took a trip down to Texas for his 18th birthday and it was also his first commercial flight ever. I will have to say I was very impressed with it on the 2-hour flight from CID to DFW and it was a great flight. In December we got stuck on a CRJ700 on a flight from ORD to SLC with AA when they downsized us from an A319 and have to say I would have rather been on the E175 again.

  27. Andrew Guest

    Absolutely agree. The only downside of the Embraer jets (for me) is where they gate in LAX. Other than that, awesome.

    1. BG Guest

      Where do they gate in LAX? I fly fairly frequently, my wife hates it, but am booking flights to go see our kid in a few months as she will be away for college.
      Little things like this matter to my wife so curious about your comment (and a little worried about turbulence in the plane)

  28. Linda Guest

    The Embraer 175/190 are my favorite jets and 2A is my favorite seat. As someone who is short, Embraer first class seats are the only first class seats where I can put my feet flat on the floor - a big plus in comfort for me. The Embraer 145 has grown on me since pandemic. With its 1-2 seating, I can always get a single seat when traveling alone. Only issue is that AA blocks...

    The Embraer 175/190 are my favorite jets and 2A is my favorite seat. As someone who is short, Embraer first class seats are the only first class seats where I can put my feet flat on the floor - a big plus in comfort for me. The Embraer 145 has grown on me since pandemic. With its 1-2 seating, I can always get a single seat when traveling alone. Only issue is that AA blocks first 3 rows when choosing seating until just before boarding time, so I rarely get my favorite 2A seat on the Embraer 145. I am not a big fan of first class in the CRJs (although the single seat aisle is a plus over the 319s and 320s). I also find the Embraer seat much easier to fall asleep in and like that the seat recline doesn't result in the seat of my neighbor in front making it extremely difficult to get out of the seat, as happens in 319/320.

  29. ChuckMO Member

    It is a nice ride, but I flew one MIA-STL a few years back and it felt like that flight took twice as long as the 319 I flew STL-MIA a few days earlier.

  30. JS Guest

    Nice looking plane, but if you are on connecting flights and come across it, you have a 50% chance that your hand luggage (standard size, no SNL sketch material) will be taken from you. Just last week in ZRH an overzealous Swissair (ok, "Swiss") gate agent was on Hitlerian mode and didn't allow half of the plane to board with hand luggage "due to space constraints". She was so successful that the plane took off...

    Nice looking plane, but if you are on connecting flights and come across it, you have a 50% chance that your hand luggage (standard size, no SNL sketch material) will be taken from you. Just last week in ZRH an overzealous Swissair (ok, "Swiss") gate agent was on Hitlerian mode and didn't allow half of the plane to board with hand luggage "due to space constraints". She was so successful that the plane took off with half of the luggage racks empty and half of the passengers upset. I seriously dread seeing an Embraer on my flight reservation because I know it is going to be stressful come connection time.

  31. Ryan Guest

    Fully agree. Best narrowbody aircraft in the fleet. We only see CRJ-700s/900s in SBN. but an easy drive south to IND nets ERJ-175s galore. I hope someday SBN-CLT/DFW gets upgauged to a ERJ-175.

  32. Rob Guest

    +1

    Here in Europe I often used KLM an Austrian on short flights and both have quite a number of Embraer planes. Yes, the windows are bigger. And the seats are great. And the Embraer planes are some of the most secure plane models if you look at the statistics.

    I actually take a look at the plane when I book KLM or Austrian.

  33. Timo Diamond

    Completely agree! The E175 & E190 are spacious, quiet and offer a very zippy take off...lift is fast and fun.

  34. Ted Guest

    Yes! The E175 is very comfortable. Especially for economy with 2 x 2 configuration and 18 inch width. It spanks the CRJ 700, and is far better than 737 as well IMHO. It is about the same as A 320, but 2x2 is a big plus. I have not tried American E175 yet, but for Delta and United it is very comfy. Quiet too!

    Definitely my preferred domestic plane for shorter and even medium flights

  35. Azamaraal Guest

    Unfortunately you don't bother to compare the Brazilian Embraer to the Canadian/US C Series/A220.

    The C100 and C300 beat the pants off Embraer E Series in every department.

    A very interesting article comparing the E175 to the old CRJ which is comparing apples to oranges.

    Sadly AA and Alaska chose the Embraer planes, probably because of dumping prices. You are now stuck with an inferior product no matter how much you try to praise the...

    Unfortunately you don't bother to compare the Brazilian Embraer to the Canadian/US C Series/A220.

    The C100 and C300 beat the pants off Embraer E Series in every department.

    A very interesting article comparing the E175 to the old CRJ which is comparing apples to oranges.

    Sadly AA and Alaska chose the Embraer planes, probably because of dumping prices. You are now stuck with an inferior product no matter how much you try to praise the heck out of them. Still the same old same old without lipstick.

    1. Jesper Guest

      Or, maybe just maybe, when AA's regional partners ordered the E175 jets, there was no such thing as the C series (A220) available for delivery. The E175s have been around for much longer than A220.

      When it becomes time to replace the Embraer jets, the European owned A220 might be a very good option. Should nothing better have hit the market by then.

  36. Klaus Guest

    Just sitting in a CRJ550 for the first time. That is a fantastic airplane. It has a small self serve bar and a luggage compartment on each side as a cabin divider. No Gate checking.

  37. Grumpytoad Guest

    Not a 175, but once flew an all economy Embraer ERJ 135 LR on Airlink in South Africa. Seating was a 1-2 configuration. I had one of the single seats. I don’t recall if I paid extra for it, but I assume so.
    As an airplane nerd, I got a huge kick being able to peer over the top of the wing while standing on the tarmac.

  38. gstork Guest

    Agree… these are definitely the best of the RJ’s. I’m flying home right now on one of Delta/Skywest’s. Very comfortable up front. Only big negative is the lav is so tight on headroom, you literally have to bend backwards a good 45 degrees to use the facilities while standing (granted I’m 6’1… but still)

  39. Salty B. Guest

    If possible I always book 2/3/4A on this and CR7/9, or anything besides the B seat in the first row of Y; you get a stupid amount of legroom and still have the F seat in front for your stuff. The B seat has nothing in front for storage and it's where every oblivious idiot bangs into you

    The ER170/75/90/95 seems so much better than the CR7/9 for some reason. Is it wider? The Y seats in the CR7/9 are pretty narrow in comparison.

  40. Eric Guest

    Does American still fly the E-175? I thought they stopped the contract with Mesa Airlines so there’s no more of these? AA use to fly these regional jets from lax to Denver now AA us flying 737 and A321 half empty on the lax to den route.

    1. Mike Guest

      The E175 out of LAX use to be flown by Campus Airlines that went out of business in 2020. SkyWest just picked up the contract for that flying and started flying AA E175 in September.

    2. Dirk Guest

      AA flies E-175's out of Bakersfield (nonstop to DFW) via Envoy Air.

  41. Heidi Guest

    I flew on this aircraft yesterday on a United regional partner from Tucson to Denver and was upgraded to first where I sat in 3A, single seat with aisle and window. My roll aboard fit in overhead bin and there was plenty of room under seat in from of me for my briefcase. It was quiet and comfortable and United’s in-flight entertainment via app and was available.

  42. Steven Guest

    I finally flew on a E 175 TUS LAX to TUS Delta. I could not believe I was on a regional at all. Very comfortable ride lots of room. On the return flight to TUS i received an upgrade. What a wonderful experience. I will be actively looking for this equipment on my next flight.

  43. Michael Guest

    Ben, I fly DFW to Mexico pretty often and always enjoy the ERJ-175 on the route. First Class is very comfortable and I feel less crowded on this aircraft than some of the Airbus planes that are available.

    I will always choose the ERJ-175 when available on the route.

  44. Paul Gold

    I agree, these are better than many mainline narrowbodies.
    I would like to see more airlines fly the A220 though.

  45. Brandon Bachik Guest

    Maybe it’s just the flights I’ve been on but the turbulence is greater on these aircraft than larger jets

  46. Desperado Guest

    Agree w/ all the points you make. Perfect place for 3-4 hour flights. 3C is one of my favorite seats in the sky for domestic travel.

  47. uldguy Diamond

    AA often uses the ERJ-175 on some fairly long segments; often over 2.5 hours. I get the fact that the planes don't have ovens, but not offering any food option on the 175 makes me avoid it when I have the option to fly a mainline jet on the same route with food service.

    Other than that, it's a comfortable plane.

    1. Mike Guest

      I don't know about AA-equipped E175s, but Alaska E175s have two ovens, one in both the front and rear galleys, and DL E175s have one oven in the back galley. That being said, with the reduced service during Covid they have not been getting a lot of use lately.

  48. Jerry Guest

    Great aircraft. Love it! A fun operator is Royal Jordanian ( RJ LOL), with champagne even on those short flights out of AMM.

  49. Always Flying Somewhere Guest

    Completely agree with you on the E170/E190 family. Here's another advantage over some other RJs:

    While I generally enjoy boarding from the ramp, there are times when I'd prefer a jet bridge, and the E170/E190 types are more likely to operate from one... although I have used one to board from a CJR-200 and Q400 on a couple rare occasions.

  50. D3kingg Diamond

    Being on an active taxiway in an er175 or CRJ alongside a 777 or 787 is an experience.

  51. BRC Guest

    Engines are over the wings? ;o)

  52. D3kingg Diamond

    Big fan of the CRJ 900 and E175. 1A is my favorite unless it’s January 1st. Then you will hear happy new year a hundred times while boarding. Otherwise row 4 or the first row in the main cabin is fabulous . 360 turn on take off from Hobby to DFW is cool.

  53. Stephen Guest

    Such a shame they cannot be used for ASE flights and we are stuck with the CRJ700 torture tube.

  54. Weymar Osborne Gold

    I haven't had the chance to fly on the A220 yet (although that's more of a mainline plane than a regional jet anyway) but I agree that the E-Jet series are my favorite planes to fly on. Since I don't live in a hub city, I probably fly more on regional jets than I do mainline ones and I'll always try to choose a flight on an E-Jet over a CRJ or *shudders* an ERJ. Funny enough Embraer also makes the ERJ-145, which has to easily be my most despised aircraft type.

  55. Frederik Guest

    I have said this before, but the British Airways Embraer fleet into and out of LCU remind me of Concorde except with bigger windows, when I am onboard.

    Also very keen on Embraer, they are the only underwing rather than rear engined jets that I don’t mind flying behind in Economy.

  56. derek Guest

    I don't like it because none of the major U.S. airlines fly it. Only regional airlines using brand names similar to the majors.

    1. Mike Guest

      As a customer, why does it matter that they are operated by a regional airline instead of a major?

  57. Monopod Guest

    With United Express, the seats are very much slimline with little padding and no headrest at all. Otherwise, great plane. The B seat in the first row of economy is aligned with the aisle in the first class, so you get infinite legroom.

  58. Bryan Guest

    Functioning air vents!

  59. Ivan X Gold

    I’m with you all the way! I certainly prefer flying United Express E-175’s over ther 737’s and A319’s from SBA, for all the reasons you stated.

  60. Craig Guest

    I agree with all 5, but I HATE the tiny bathrooms. If you're a smaller person, then I'm sure they are not an issue, but I am 6'2" (and I also have a bad neck).

  61. Hilton Shumway Guest

    You didn't mention the overhead bins are bigger than most regional jets so you can actually fit most carry on bags

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

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Salty B. Guest

If possible I always book 2/3/4A on this and CR7/9, or anything besides the B seat in the first row of Y; you get a stupid amount of legroom and still have the F seat in front for your stuff. The B seat has nothing in front for storage and it's where every oblivious idiot bangs into you The ER170/75/90/95 seems so much better than the CR7/9 for some reason. Is it wider? The Y seats in the CR7/9 are pretty narrow in comparison.

1
uldguy Diamond

AA often uses the ERJ-175 on some fairly long segments; often over 2.5 hours. I get the fact that the planes don't have ovens, but not offering any food option on the 175 makes me avoid it when I have the option to fly a mainline jet on the same route with food service. Other than that, it's a comfortable plane.

1
Angela Guest

I've never flown on a Embraer 175. Thank you for all your comments I'll try not to be so nervous. Your reviews do make me feel more calm about the smaller plane

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