We’re heading to Austin via Houston today. The first leg of the trip is on United’s ERJ175 from GSP to IAH. It’s been several years since I’ve reviewed the United ERJ175 so I figured I should write an update. I usually enjoy the ERJ175, it’s a comfortable plane, I think better than most other narrow body aircraft. GSP-IAH is only a 2 hour flight so it was long enough to get comfortable, but short enough to not become sir crazy.
Bottom Line: United is really making an effort to become a nicer airline. This ERJ175 is no exception. The interior is clean and comfortable. The snack service is just as you’d fine on the mainline aircraft too. The only downside is lack of in seat entertainment.
United ERJ175 Boarding
We arrived at the boarding gate just as our boarding group was called. So no photo of the outside of the plane right now.
United ERJ175 Economy Cabin
The United ERJ175 has the standard 2-2 seating configuration in the economy section. There are 16 rows of Economy seats. Somewhat interestingly, there are no exit row seats on the ERJ175, just 4 doors in total, 2 in the front, 2 in the rear.
The seats are pretty slim, but they were clean and outfitted with somewhat new looking upholstery.
Left hand side has the same 2 seat configuration. While this might be a regional jet, the seats are not as cramped as you’d find on the CRJ200 or ERJ135.
United ERJ175 Economy Seat
Legroom here on the ERJ175 is adequate. I will say these seats are particularly slim though so the pitch is pretty tight and the seats are short. For a plane that usually is in the air for less than 2 hours, that’s just fine.
Overhead, nothing fancy but there are individual air vents.
Outside it’s a kinda cloudy day but it should be pretty nice in Austin when we arrive. The door was closed and the flight attendants gave their safety briefing.
United ERJ175 Departure and Takeoff
We headed towards the runway for a South West facing takeoff. That’s nice because it saves some time in the air heading to Houston. The pilots told us it would be just about 2 hours in flight.
We took off right on time, in fact we’re a few minutes early.
United ERJ175 Economy In Flight
Nice quiet day flying. The plane was mostly full, I’d guess that there were only about 5 empty seats on the flight. One thin to note, I like to sit on the right hand side for these westbound flights. We’re in the northern hemisphere so the sun will be on the left.
Because the sun is on the other side of the plane, we can open our window without blinding ourselves. Here above the clouds we got a great view.
United ERJ175 Economy Drinks and Snacks
The flight attendants came through the cabin to offer their drink and snack service. I went with a coke, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
United also offers my single favorite plane snack. These little dark chocolate quinoa crisps are amazing. I just love them. The only problem is they are small, I want like 6.
United ERJ175 Economy Lavatory
I went to the rear lavatory on the United ERJ175. This space isn’t huge, but for a small plane the bathroom is certainly usable. I wouldn’t say the lavatory was spotlessly clean though, just a little messy.
I headed back to my seat with about 45 minutes left in the flight.
United ERJ175 Landing and Arrival
We started our decent into Houston and the pilots told us it looks like a beautiful day. The flight attendants came through the cabin to collect trash.
As we continued our descent into Houston, the sun is starting to set outside.
And on the ground here at IAH. We’re about 15-20 minutes early.
And look at that, to close things out, we’re not parked at a jet-bridge and get to walk outside. I love that, especially when the weather is nice outside. I also got to get my picture of the plane.
United ERJ175 Economy Final Thoughts
The ERJ175 continues to be a good ride. One that I’ll actively seek out, regardless of the airline. United’s ERJ175 is clean and comfortable, the newer interiors on this particular aircraft are better than most. My favorite thing about United is the snack. I cannot get enough of the dark chocolate quinoa crisps United offers.
As a whole, I’m glad to see United continue to improve, even when it’s on small planes like the ERJ175.