Many shorter routes on domestic airlines in the United States are operated by smaller regional jets connecting smaller airports to larger city pairs. The “big three” airlines American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines operate regional jets in a three-class configuration offering first class, extra legroom economy and standard economy seats. Three class regional jets comprise of the Bombardier CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 aircraft as well as the Embraer E170 and E175 aircraft. These aircraft fly routes ranging from half an hour to almost 3 hours of flight time. Delta Airlines mainly operates their regional aircraft on short to medium haul routes. On the east coast, many routes are shorter routes such as Boston to Newark, New York to DC and so forth. Delta Air Lines operates CRJ-700 and CRJ-900 Regional Jets under the Delta Connection brand utilizing regional airlines Endeavor Air (a wholly owned subsidiary) and SkyWest. The first class product aboard a Delta Connection Endeavour Air CRJ-900 will be reviewed flying from Worcester, MA (ORH) to New York LaGuardia (LGA).
First Impressions
Boarding commenced with those requiring additional time or assistance as well as US Military personal with first class boarding shortly thereafter. Seats are configured in a 2 on 1 configuration with 12 seats featuring Delta’s signature diamond stitching used on First and Comfort Plus seats. At the seat was a Delta Air Lines branded bottle water on the arm rest. Only 3 first class seats were occupied on this evenings flight. After boarding concluded, the lead flight attendant came around taking drink orders for a pre departure beverage. After takeoff the flight attendant performed a second beverage order and came around with complimentary snacks. Snack options included chips, chocolate chip cookies, gummy bears and 88 acres snack bars
Inflight experience
First class seats on the CRJ-900 feature an adjustable headrest as well as ample recline. In the seatback are three separate seatback pockets of various sizes including the safety information card. There is a trey table located in the side armrest. It can be opened halfway or fully and slides forward and back to provide additional space. The tray table can fit a standard sized laptop or tablet. They tray table itself had a flimsy feeling when opened in the full position. AC power outlets are located between the seats. During the flight the charger did not fully secure in the power outlet and would fall out when accidently bumped into and during turbulence. The single side seats may be favorable for solo travelers. The 12 Seats in first class on Delta Connection CRJ-900s have significantly more room than economy seats. Seat width is 19.6 inches while pitch is 37 inches compared to 17.3 inches width and 30 inches of pitch in economy. Some CRJ-900s feature a 70-seat configuration to meet union scope clause requirements. These aircraft have the same amount of first class seats and the same onboard product however. WIFI is available to purchase. Delta Air Lines is rolling out free WIFI on select aircraft however the regional jets currently have the older Wi-Fi system requiring a purchase to browse. Delta.com can be reached on the WIFI free of charge. This portion of the WIFI worked without difficulty. Before long the flight began the initial descent into New York LaGuardia. The flight attendants came by all classes of the cabin handing passengers mini–Delta Air Lines wings as a thank you. Additional bottles of water were also handed out. The Endeavor Air crewmembers working this flight ensured that all passengers were well taken care of in spite of the barely half hour long flight.
Final approach
Regional jet aircraft are generally smaller and not as spacious as mainline aircraft lacking many amenities. Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air’s regional jet first class products share many similarities with mainline aircraft. On shorter flights there will not be a full meal service, instead a variety of snacks is offered. This is regardless of aircraft size and pertains more to route distances. The larger seat shares many similarities to mainline delta aircraft with a few exceptions such as the Airbus A321neo first class product. The most noticeable difference being the lack of an inflight entertainment screen. Other than that the overall product is nearly identical with slight differences in width and pitch depending on aircraft type. The crew working this flight did a stellar job looking after passengers despite the quick flight. Passengers received snacks and beverages in a timely manner. The crew was even able to complete a snack service in comfort plus and economy. Both Flight attendants were personable and professional even cracking jokes at times. Overall, Delta’s regional jet first class differs little from the mainline aircraft counterparts. The Delta Airlines regional jet first class product is average in todays standards, yet it gets the job done no problem.