A Special Experience on the CRJ450

At a recent media event hosted by United Airlines in Los Angeles, I had the chance to step inside the brand-new Bombardier CRJ450. While it isn't a completely new aircraft, the CRJ450 has undergone impressive transformations aimed at enhancing the regional flying experience on what was once regarded as the least favorite plane in United Express’s fleet.

Redefining the Regional Flight Experience

The CRJ450 is a restructured version of the CRJ200, now featuring First Class, Economy Plus (space-saving seating), and standard economy seats. With the addition of First Class and Economy Plus, the maximum passenger capacity is reduced to 41 from 50. United Airlines states that this aircraft is designed to provide a more premium flying experience for short-haul flights, boasting a more spacious feel and a distinctly different atmosphere compared to traditional regional aircraft of similar size.

First Class: A Cozy Yet Convenient Space

The CRJ450 has a compact First Class cabin featuring 7 seats arranged in a 1-2 layout. As is typical with regional aircraft, the seats here recline, though they do feel a bit more cramped compared to the CRJ550. Without overhead bins, the First Class cabin feels more open, offering a natural separation from the rest of the cabin, even without a curtain divider. For carry-on luggage, there’s a compartment at the front of the cabin that can hold up to 7 large bags. While there are no seatback screens, passengers can stream content via United's in-flight Wi-Fi (with Starlink launching soon).

Economy Plus and Standard Economy Seats

Behind First Class lies the economy cabin, which includes 16 Economy Plus seats that offer extra legroom. Unlike the First Class section, the economy cabin features overhead compartments that are significantly larger than those on the CRJ200. United assures that these can accommodate more large carry-on bags (though still not enough for every passenger). At the rear of the cabin is a restroom that remains as compact as ever.

A Higher Standard for Regional Flying

The CRJ450 is part of United's broader strategy to enhance the flying experience with premium configurations, even on short flights and smaller aircraft. By reducing the number of seats and increasing the ratio of premium seating, United hopes passengers will be willing to pay more for a better experience, even on regional flights. In my opinion, this is a sound approach, even though I can’t envision this aircraft being used for long-haul flights (though it still has the range for about three hours).

Conclusion: A New Chapter for United Airlines

The CRJ450 marks a new chapter in United’s efforts to deliver premium products across its fleet. The airline is striving to elevate the regional flying experience by decreasing seat density and focusing on premium seating. While passengers will surely appreciate the First Class and Economy Plus options, I believe the standout feature most travelers will value is the high-speed Starlink internet on board, making short flights quicker and more enjoyable.

A Special Experience on the CRJ450