United only smaller planes fly into Portland

Just made reservervations with a travel agency and found out the only planes going non-stop from Chicago are 70 Seaters (CRJ-700).

Since I%26#39;ve only flown big jets, I%26#39;m pretty scared. Anyone have experiences that will help me feel better about my decision?

Thanks.

United only smaller planes fly into Portland

Hi,

I have flown this equipment and its 50-seat predecessor between Portland and Chicago several times, though not for the past couple of years. CRJ stands for Canadair Regional Jet. This is made by Bombardier of Canada. The CRJ-700 is a fairly new jet---their regional jets were mostly 50-seaters previously. I think the first 70-seaters began flying in 2000 or 2001.

I always thought these were nice planes and pretty comfortable. There isn%26#39;t a lot of headroom, but that never bothered me since it%26#39;s a pretty short flight. I really like the 2-by-2 seating configuration.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this plane.

United only smaller planes fly into Portland

In my opinion, you will enjoy these smaller jets much better! They are far more comfortable. All the 50 seaters I have flown on have leather seats. It%26#39;s a very sleek airplane. Have fun and enjoy your stay in Maine!

Regards,

Randy

www.RLAshey.com

Thanks Randy and Downeast....

This plane is a 70 seater....I think. It%26#39;s just strange...and was kind of scary when I was first told. Used to fly big jets to Portand and even Bangor. I was surprised, but it helps to hear from you both!

Since I%26#39;m not a frequent flyer, I was really nervous and almost ready to call back and cancel the trip.

There%26#39;s really no need for concern, but I%26#39;m not afraid of flying so I guess that%26#39;s easy for me to say :) I%26#39;ve flown in many of those smaller planes and I love it because it takes so little time to board and unboard the plane. Oftentimes I%26#39;ve flown on planes with one seat on one side of the aisle and 2 on the other. I request the lone seat because then I don%26#39;t have to be squished next to someone I don%26#39;t feel like talking to! They are not as tall so if you are over 6%26#39; it might be kind of awkward, but otherwise no big issues.

I once read that you are more likely to be mauled to death by a donkey than killed in a plane crash. I remind myself of that during turbulence and it always makes me laugh :)

I flew United from Portland to DC on a small jet (don%26#39;t remember exactly which one) last summer. I remember the flight attendant saying something about United%26#39;s fleet of small jets - many are new. I%26#39;ve done a fair amount of flying, on jets both big and small, and I have to say that it was the most comfortable and smoothest plane ride I%26#39;ve ever had. No huge line at boarding, or long wait for luggage - the way flying should be. So enjoy, and have a great trip!

Thanks, Rose and Maineiac....I feel much better reading your posts.

Don%26#39;t have to worry about the whole tall issue...so, I think it%26#39;s all good.

I did some checking, too...and it does seem as though these smaller planes are the way of travel to certain destinations...period.

Good to hear about your experiences!!!

You will find that there is a major increase in the use of ';regional jets'; all across the country. It is the airlines attempt to fly as many full flights as possible. For shorter flights I actually prefer the smaller jets. I just flew United to Chicago from Portland last month on the CRJ-700 and then flew back to Portland via Dulles on a CRJ-700. I thought the planes were fine and they were more comfortable then the larger United jets we flew on the rest of our trip to get to the west coast.

Great to know, Countymounty. It seems as though the smaller planes are well liked, and that really helps calm the nerves.

Thanks.

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