I’m heading up to Manchester New Hampshire for work. This particular trip involves 2 different United ERJ145s but this review is for the Dulles to Manchester flight. The ERJ145 is one of the smallest commercial jets in service, with only 50 seats, in the US, these are operated almost exclusively by regional connection carriers. 50 seat aircraft aren’t super fun, they are small and somewhat cramped. I do however think the ERJ 145 is superior to the CRJ 200.
Bottom Line: I don’t mind the ERJ145 over short distances, mostly if I can sit on the single seat side of the plane. United does a fine job on these short flights, but it’s nothing special.
United ERJ145 Boarding
Boarding for our flight to Manchester started right on time. I had spent a little time in the excellent Ethad Lounge here at IAD(Full Review Here). The A#N gates here at IAD are a little different, once you pass the gate podium and scan your boarding pass, you end up in an outdoor hallway.
This covered walkway is used to board several flights, they are well labeled so you don’t end up on the wrong plane. There are also agents at each doorway checking boarding passes again, just to make sure.
Boarding of the ERJ 145 at Dulles is done by stairs, no jet-bridge here. This whole area is only used for small regional jets. I always love walking outside before boarding.
United ERJ145 Cabin
The United ERJ145 cabin is all economy arranged into a 1-2 configuration. If you can get a seat on the single seat section, it’s really not too uncomfortable.
The ERJ145 is pretty narrow, so there’s only one overhead bin over the 2 seat side of the plane. A full size carry on won’t fit and will be gate checked.
I found my seat on the left hand side of the plane. While not huge, these seats have a window and aisle access, that’s pretty good in my book.
United ERJ145 Seats and Comfort
The United ERJ145 is an all economy plane. But some seats are better than others. The exit rows do have more space than standard seats, unfortunately those were already occupied when I chose seats. The standard seats on the left hand side are somewhat small, but not terrible.
No in seat entertainment or WiFi on the United ERJ145 so bring something of your own. The good news is this flight is just over an hour.
Boarding was quickly finished. We have a great flight attendant, very welcoming. It’s a small plane, she asked for a show of hands if there are any coffee takers. She’d get that going here on the ground so it would be ready on the flight.
United ERJ145 Push Back and Takeoff
Just before push back the pilot gave his welcome and told us it would be a 1 hour 12 minute flight up to Manchester. We soon pushed back, just a few minutes early so that’s always welcome.
We tookoff towards the North. IAD was surprisingly empty this morning.
It was a beautiful day for a flight up to New Hampshire.
United ERJ145 In Flight
Our flight up to Manchester was mostly uneventful. As you can see, this isn’t a full flight.
The view the whole flight was perfect. Not a single cloud to be seen.
United ERJ145 In Flight Snack
United has my absolute favorite economy snack. The Undercover Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Quinoa Crisps are amazing. The flight attendant was very friendly and bubbly too.
United ERJ145 Landing and Arrival
Over NYC, pilot told us we have a great view of the city from the right side of the plane. The left gets to see New Jersey, sorry. He then said we’re on our descent into Manchester and would be arriving in about 20 minutes.
Just a few minutes later we were on our approach to MHT. This is actually my first time flying into New Hampshire. I’ve been here lots of time, just never flown in directly.
And on the ground, a few minutes ahead of schedule on this beautiful day.
United Airlines ERJ145 Final Thoughts
United’s ERJ145 isn’t a big plane, it doesn’t have first class, wifi, or in seat entertainment. But without it, small airports like Manchester might not have as many flights. Most 50 seat aircraft are somewhat uncomfortable, but the 1-2 seating arrangement on the ERJ145 is much better than 2-2 on the CRJ200. I don’t mind the ERJ145 if I can sit in the single seat on the left side of the plane.
United’s service on the ERJ145 is about the same as you’d find on larger planes in economy. There’s a drink service with complimentary soft drinks and snacks. Nothing heavier will be offered, the flights for the ERJ145 will be somewhat short.