United CRJ-550 regional jet fits First Class and bar

28^th Oct 2019

United’s new CRJ-550 regional jet has started flying today, with an innovative new cabin. Mostly flying out of Chicago, the CRJ 500 features First Class, with large leather seats, and walk up bar - the first in a small jet with only 50 passengers.

United Airlines regional services, predominantly around Chicago and Newark, are undergoing a passenger experience renaissance. There is a new aircraft flying to smaller airports, configured with 10 larger leather first class seats, a walk-up bar for first class passengers to grab snacks and drinks, and a huge storage bin at the front to collect roll aboard luggage.

Traditionally serviced by small turbo prop aircraft with just basic economy (or Coach) class, the new aircraft is much more spacious, and avoids the problem of passengers having to gate check carry on luggage. The aircraft is also a rarity in that is has Economy Plus, with 20 seats, and 20 regular economy seats.

United's Bombardier CRJ-550 is a reconfigured and re-certified CRJ-700 with 50 seats instead of the latter's typical 76 seats.

The Bombardier CRJ (or the Canadair Regional Jet) is a family of regional jets manufactured by Bombardier and owned by Mitsubishi. They are made for a niche market, where large jets like the Airbus A320 are too large, and where turbo props, such as the Dash 8, would not be perceived well, such as a dominant Business market.

United is creating these new 50 seat jets so that they can increase the number of routes on which they fly a jet, while still offering a decent premium product for those willing to pay.

The economics of flying First Class on a small light route of at best 30 to 40 minutes may mean takeup is limited.

However, for United, it gives a huge boost. The airline has a pilots agreement such that United Express is limited to flying 255 aircraft with 51-76 seats. However, that doesn't apply to planes with 50 seats or less such as this one.

Does United's CRJ-550 have First Class?

Yes, you bet. That's what makes it so unusual. The CRJ-550 is the world's only 50 seat regional aircraft to offer true first class seating and other premium amenities.

These include space for every customer to bring a roller bag on board.

There is also a self-service bar for first class passengers. Called the refreshment center (sic), it has snacks like crisps and biscuits, plus soft drinks.

Partly this is to give full service to those up the front, as there will just be one member of the cabin crew on the entire plane. It therefore makes sense if passengers serve themselves.

The Premium Economy seats give more overall legroom per seat. There is also inflight wifi for the whole aircraft.

What are United CRJ-550 routes?

United will be operating 10 aircraft from today, with 54 CRJ-550s by June, almost all from the Chicago (ORD) hub.

Destinations include from ORD include Cincinnati (CVG), Indianapolis, Indiana (IND), Madison, Wisconsin (MSN) and Oklahoma City (OKC).

The longest leg route will be between Washington-Dulles (IAD) and St. Louis (STL), or 2 hours, 25 minutes flight time.

United CRJ-550 regional jet fits First Class and bar

Does United's CRJ-550 have First Class?

What are United CRJ-550 routes?

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