Had my first ride on an Embraer 170 last night on a United Express flight back from DFW (regional carrier Chatauqua Airlines). I don't have any pictures of it yet, but the product web site is below which has some.
(The 175 variant seems to be a slightly more passenger version, 100 nm shorter range)
This is an extended range regional jet, able to go 2,100 nautical miles on a flight. These regional jets in their extended range versions are showing up more and more with longer flights, as I've been on this one and also an extended range Canadaire to DFW.
Unlike the Embraer 135/145 I've been on which has a rear engine configuration, the 170 has a wing engine configuration. The plane seemed very new, the seats were very comfortable with good legroom (although toward the end of the flight I was itching to stretch my legs), and good overhead storage if you get on early enough to grab it. There is only overhead storage on the right side of the aircraft facing forward.
A 2 x 2 seat configuration with a small first class section up in front. The seats are pretty spacious, although the padding makes it hard to stay seated more than an hour. Quiet, comfortable for the most part.
The overhead bins are large enough to handle a roll-aboard piece of luggage, although there aren’t enough of them if a lot of the passengers bring them on. Be prepared to have to do a bit of juggling and negotiating with dorks placing their small bags up top on a full flight.
The space under the seat in front accommodates fairly large bags and still leaves space for your feet. Most amazing, a regional jet of this configuration allowing me to stand up without banging my head.
No entertainment, but the seat back pocket is roomier than most small planes.
Plane is very quiet in the cabin, most likely from the wing configuration.
Cockpit is modern glass cockpit.
Product Web Site
(Updated 8/28/09 after United Express flight to Indianapolis)
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