Embraer/CRJ Aircraft and LGA

[kitty9]

My airline has lost their leases for their larger jets and have changed my flight to LGA from a 717 to a CRJ. Does anyone know how LGA handles deplaning passengers on these regional aircraft? The reason I'm asking is, I'm still rehabing a triple fracture of my knee, and will be traveling with a mobility scooter. The flight takes off from Milwaukee, and they don't have jetways for their CRJ's and you have to board from an outside ramp on the tarmac. Is this the same for LGA or do they covered jetways?

[smeyer418]

Originally Posted by kitty9

My airline has lost their leases for their larger jets and have changed my flight to LGA from a 717 to a CRJ. Does anyone know how LGA handles deplaning passengers on these regional aircraft? The reason I'm asking is, I'm still rehabing a triple fracture of my knee, and will be traveling with a mobility scooter. The flight takes off from Milwaukee, and they don't have jetways for their CRJ's and you have to board from an outside ramp on the tarmac. Is this the same for LGA or do they covered jetways?

all jets use a covered jetway.You better check with the airlines I have never seen a scooter on a plane this small.

[paul929207]

Most likely the scooter will have to be checked at the gate. In your case, you would ride as far as you can than walk to your seat. Upon arrival, the scooter and other gate check items are placed either at the bottom of the stairs or at the end of the jetway nar the plane.

[FlyerTalker]

Given that there are a number of separate terminals at LGA, and you don't mention airline (though I suspect Midwest), why not call them directly for an answer? They would know as part of their requirements in complying with the ADA.

[kitty9]

Believe me, I have been on the phone with Midwest and can get no information from them. They all say they don't know how things will be in NYC, and can't give me anymore information. They did say they will gate check the scooter, but they don't know how the arrival will be at LGA. Nice info from an airline that says they have the best care in the air. HA>

[elycelynne]

I found a "contact us" phone number for LaGuardia on its website -- it's 718-533-3400.

And if your new plane is a CRJ-200 you have my sympathies. (Crackerbox, sardine tin, you name it!)

[kitty9]

Yep, elycelynne, that's the sardine tin I'm stuck with. It sure stinks to live near an airport with such subpar service. Can't find direct flights except for maybe one or two, and most now are flying those tin cans out of MKE. Guess I gotta move to a bigger city, lol BTW, thanks for the phone number.

[elycelynne]

It's the least I could do after benefitting from your wisdom on the solo (and other) board(s). For future reference -- If you ever have the option of booking an EMB-170 as opposed to the CRJ-200, jump on it. Still a regional jet, but SO much nicer (at least on United)!

[skf]

Flew out to Cleveland last year in an Embraer. I'm not a big guy & have no mobility issues, & it was uncomfortable. Sounds iffy.

[elycelynne]

Originally Posted by skf

Flew out to Cleveland last year in an Embraer. I'm not a big guy & have no mobility issues, & it was uncomfortable. Sounds iffy.

Was it an Embraer 140 or 145 (with the three-seats across configuration)? If so, then yes, those are like flying on toy planes. If it was an Embraer 170, I'm surprised (not saying that you didn't perhaps have some reason to feel uncomfortable, it's just that I found them to be light years ahead for comfort for a regional jet).

[keltic]

I can´t really see why "smaller should mean worse", unless one suffers from claustrophobia. The CRJ200 if one has an average size it´s pretty confortable, usually provides a smooth ride, and gives a sense of privacy, which the big beasts can´t. Once seated the personal space and seat pitch is really generous. It offers the same performance specifications as bigger ones, and usually can cope well with bad weather, or at least not worse than other bigger models. In fact I do prefer smaller things than seeing dozens of people in an space which is as packed as on the CRJ200s jets.

However it has "cons" as not being able to accomodate big luggage or special ones like wheelchairs onboard. I don´t how it works in LGA but all airline, should provide solutions to passengers with mobility problems. So in most cases, passengers are usually taken onboard assisted by the ground handlers.

[skf]

Originally Posted by elycelynne

Was it an Embraer 140 or 145 (with the three-seats across configuration)? If so, then yes, those are like flying on toy planes. If it was an Embraer 170, I'm surprised (not saying that you didn't perhaps have some reason to feel uncomfortable, it's just that I found them to be light years ahead for comfort for a regional jet).

It was 3-across, felt like sitting on a spring, no padding. I was constantly bumping the bulkhead. This was Continental Express.

[kitty9]

I finally cancelled the flight on Midwest for a number of reasons. First of all, their bathroom is totally inaccessible for anyone with mobility issues as their very narrow aisle cannot accommodate a walker. And I'm just not too thrilled with the whole boarding from the tarmac. If the weather is even just a tiny bit iffy, there could be problems.

I booked a flight with Air Tran, in their business class seats which will be just fine.

[elycelynne]

Originally Posted by kitty9

I finally cancelled the flight on Midwest for a number of reasons. First of all, their bathroom is totally inaccessible for anyone with mobility issues as their very narrow aisle cannot accommodate a walker. And I'm just not too thrilled with the whole boarding from the tarmac. If the weather is even just a tiny bit iffy, there could be problems.

I booked a flight with Air Tran, in their business class seats which will be just fine.

Going from a CRJ-200 to business class? I'm sure it will be more than "just fine".

[scottbee]

Originally Posted by kitty9

If the weather is even just a tiny bit iffy, there could be problems.

While people may have a lot of reasons to discredit regional jet operations, this is certainly not one of them. The equipment on these aircraft is every bit as good as that on larger a/c, and the weather limits are no different.

[CPT Trips]

Originally Posted by scottbee

While people may have a lot of reasons to discredit regional jet operations, this is certainly not one of them. The equipment on these aircraft is every bit as good as that on larger a/c, and the weather limits are no different.

I read the issue to be the need to board from the tarmac with no protection from the elements and climbing aboard . . . not aircraft flight capabilities.

[kenish]

I am a pilot (light planes) and would much rather be in a regional jet or turboprop when the weather gets iffy. As Scottbee says, the equipment, crew, and procedures are just as good as the "mainline" operations. And smaller planes are far less vulnerable to things like wind shear on approach than larger aircraft.

Also smaller aircraft can use secondary runways and that's a big bonus at mega-hubs like DFW and ORD. Quite a few times I've been on a regional jet or turboprop and we have taxied past 20+ jets waiting for the long runway while we were "wheels up" right on time. Last thing, it's nice to get your luggage at the aircraft instead of waiting at the carousel.

[kitty9]

Originally Posted by scottbee

While people may have a lot of reasons to discredit regional jet operations, this is certainly not one of them. The equipment on these aircraft is every bit as good as that on larger a/c, and the weather limits are no different.

You've misunderstood my posts. My concern is NOT with the reliability of the aircraft, but with the ability to board the aircraft from the outside in inclement weather. I'm disabled, and when I last had to fly a CRJ, the airport did a terrible job of snow removal from the outside ramp and it was ice covered with only a layer of sand to make it a bit more safe. That's my concern and not with the safety of the aircraft.

[cindep]

Enjoy your flight on AirTran in business. I'm a bit "fluffy" and it is a very nice ride "up front". Nothing like "first class" on other airlines, but definitely better than in the back. I think you made a good choice.

[scottbee]

Originally Posted by kitty9

You've misunderstood my posts. My concern is NOT with the reliability of the aircraft, but with the ability to board the aircraft from the outside in inclement weather. I'm disabled, and when I last had to fly a CRJ, the airport did a terrible job of snow removal from the outside ramp and it was ice covered with only a layer of sand to make it a bit more safe. That's my concern and not with the safety of the aircraft.

YMMV; last time I stepped on and off an RJ, it was via a jetbridge. The answer, it depends on the airline and the airport. In fact the only time I can think of that I didn't use a jetbridge, was at YXS