(Note that this article covers the whole CRJ line. There are different versions of this equipment, differing mostly in the length/number of passengers).
Two snapshots of Canadair Regional Jet "60" version (interior and exterior), Peoria, IL June 18, 2000. United Express colors. The manufacturer calls them the Bombardier CRJ200.
The CRJ jets are "regional", small jets. The version in the picture holds about 50 passengers. While a small plane, and not much headroom when you stand up (and watch your head in and out of the door), these are great planes to take a flight on. They're smooth, relatively quiet, and usually have good legroom and comfortable seats. If the flight is long enough they will have cabin service for drinks. One thing to watch out for is that they don't have deep overhead storage bins, so you will probably have to use the space under the seat in front of you for a briefcase or laptop bag.
I've been on these a bunch, usually out of IAD as United Express. While most people moan when they know they are going on a small plane, I look forward to these because I think they're comfortable and you know the flight is probably less than 2 hours.
The picture above was taken as I was walking away from the plane, and gives a good perspective on the overall size of the plane. The two engines are at the rear of the plane below the tail, and not on the wing like many planes. The shot below shows the inside of the plane. These planes are generally newer than others, and the interior generally shows this with somewhat modern passenger layout and overhead ventilation and lights and usually being in pretty good condition.
Checked baggage is placed in a compartment in the rear of the craft. I like looking in the cockpit of these planes, as they have a very modern "glass" avionics package. The dashboard contains about 4 main color displays that the pilot can change to different readings and instruments depending on their need at the moment. There is usually a little metal label attached to the inside left of the cabin door with the serial number that shows the date of manufacture. Usually they are only 3 or 4 years old.
The Canadaire Regional Jet is actually 4 different models, the CRJ100, the CRJ200, the CRJ700, and the CRJ900. I've never been on the 100 or the 900. All these models also come in one or two "extended range" versions allowing them to perform on routes of 3 hours or so duration (and stretching the meaning of "regional jet"). The 200 holds 50 passengers and has one bathroom. The 700 holds about 70 passengers with 2 bathrooms and also sometimes is configured with a first/business class cabin.
I've seen this equipment sometimes shows up on my intineraries as a "CRJ 60". I also see "CRJ 65" or a "CRJ 95", and sometimes the emergency card on the plane is marked CL-65. I'm not sure what the designation means, but it probably relates to combinations of "normal" and "entended range" versions of this aircraft or the cabin configuration.
CL-65 at night.Product Web Site
(Last Update: March 13, 2005)
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