SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 20054 times:
I had been waiting for this for a long time. When I learned that AC was buying the new Embraers, I couldn't wait for a chance to get on one. And when I was booking a trip to FRA and noticed that AC had deployed E175s on the BOS-YYZ route, I grabbed my chance. Choosing a flight on an E175 meant that I would have a very long layover at YYZ. But I wanted to visit some friends in Toronto anyway, so the extra time there was a bonus. BTW, I've already written two trip reports on BOS to FRA through YYZ trips on AC. So, in this one, I'll concentrate on the E175 leg, which I felt it'd be the most interesting, given that it's a new model.
I took the Logan Express from Woburn and I was at the airport at 930am. Terminal C was not very busy and, as usual, the AC desks had hardly any line in front of them. The agent quickly checked me in. I then went through security (it only took 10 mins or so, not too bad) and spent some time at UA's Red Carpet Lounge. It beats the terminal, but it's quite "spartan" shall we say... I was at gate C14 (the usual gate for the YYZ flights) just after 10am. The brand new E175 was glittering in the bright morning sun (it's always awkward taking pictures from C14, as the jetway obscures most of the plane; it's really annoying).
I usually hate seeing people standing in front of the gate waiting for boarding to start. However, I wanted to get on board first to take some shots of the interior before anybody else boarded. So, there I stood, laptop and my trusted Olympus C-8080WZ on my left shoulder and right hand on my carry-on, ready to go. I got some funny looks from some of the passengers, but I didn't care: it was for a good cause!!! The gate agent called boarding for people needing wheelchairs first and an elderly couple was helped down the ramp and towards the jetway. Then, general boarding started, and they first invited executive class and Elites, Super Elites, and Star Alliance Gold passngers to board first. I'm Elite so I showed my boarding pass and ran down the ramp and into the jetway. One of the F/As greeted me very courteously just outside the plane's door and I got on board. Noone was behind me, so I started snapping. First, the small but nice-looking Executive Class cabin.
As I said, this was my first time on board one of the new Embraers (I had experienced ERJs and CRJs before) and my first impressions were excellent: for a small plane, it felt roomy and confortable. The fact that the cabin was brand new and "unspoilt" also enhanced the positive experience. The seats were confy, with good width for a small plane, and surprisingly good legroom (cudos AC). Unfortunately, the windows are spaced out quite far apart (this is obvious on some of the above cabin pictures) and I ended up with a large chunk of the wall right next to me. This forced me to have to lean over in order to take any pictures through the window. I was also disappointed to see that the PTVs had not been installed yet.
I was quite happy to read the book I had with me (Ragnar's Claw by William King, a Warhammer 40,000 novel), but I was also looking forward to finding out what programming AC will be offering on short flights. Oh well, not a big deal I suppose.
Here are a couple of shots of the safety card. The artwork seemed a bit rushed. That plane on the inside looks nothing like an E175!
Our captain welcomed us and said that we were on board AC's 6th E175, which was only 9 days old! I don't think I've ever been on such a "baby" plane before. We closed doors early. The economy cabin was quite, but not totally, full; I'd say around 80%. Executive class only had two or three passengers. We pushed back at 1045am and we passed by a Midwest B717 (N908ME).
We held short off 9 and I got a good view of an AA MD82 taking off before us (AA1531 to ORD). And just before 11am, we were rolling down the runway. Take off was smooth and, given the extremely nice and clear weather, we got some fabulous views of the Boston area. Snap! Snap! Snap! Can you blame me?
Next to me sat a very nice Asian lady from Vancouver and she also commented on how beautiful the area looked from above. I couldn't agree more. We eventually reached our cruising altitude and I carried on snapping pictures. I'm a big sucker for tall winglets and I found the E175's wing irresistible!
At some point I apologised to the Asian lady about being constantly in front of the window and snapping pictures. She said that it was not a problem but asked me what I was going to do with all the pictures I took. I was about to explain to her all about a.net, but then I thought that I'd rather not and said that I'd share them "with my friends". I made a comment about how confortable that plane was and she said that, on her way to Boston, she was on a much smaller jet which she didn't like at all as it felt very crammed. That would have been a CRJ then!
Service in economy consisted only of drinks and they didn't even offer hot coffee. Very disappointing. Come on, AC, you can do better! I just had a glass of water.
At some point the pilot announced "Ladies and gentlemen, the passangers sitting on the left-hand side of the plane in two mins or so would get a great view of Niagara Falls. As for the passengers on the right-hand side, well, I suppose you should have sat on the left!" Ha, ha, ha! Indeed, Niagara Falls appeared and I took a couple of pictures (all of which turned out terrible for some reason...).
Here's another view framed by the window. If you look really closely you can see Toronto's famous CN tower (towards the right and it is really small...).
We reached gate 235 at Terminal 2 in less than 10 mins and a few mins early. I let everyone else get off first, as I was hoping to snap some pictures of the cockpit on my way out. When I reached the door, I saw the captain getting out of the cockpit. I asked him whether it'd be OK to take some pictures and he said that'd be no problem. So, I got in (well, I stood at the door, as it's really pretty small). The copilot was still on his seat and I asked him too whether he minded if I took some pictures. He said he didn't and asked me if I wanted him to get out of the way. I was a bit embarrassed and I told him to stay where he was. As I was snapping the pictures I said I was sorry for being a nuisance. "You'd better be! No, not a problem at all. Take your time." he said. What a nice guy! Here are the pictures. BTW, I can't believe that the second one got NOA_motiv; the screeners clearly have no taste!
Given all that, I reached immigration dead last. But I didn't care... Mission accomplished!
--------------------
Final Thoughts
For a small plane, the E175 was awesome! I loved it. It was confortable and felt roomy. Much roomier than the CRJs. I was on an AC jazz CRJ 200 on the way back (I flew through YUL) and it sucked; it looked crammed, it felt crammed, and it was crammed. I do reserve judgement on comparing against the later CRJ models, though, since I haven't been on AC's 705s yet to be able to make a totally fair comparison. However, I'd be very very surprised if they are anywhere near as confortable as the E175s. I think AC made a great choice buying the E175 for some of their premium routes. I feel that they will be very popular with frequent travellers. And, given the choice, I'll have no second thoughts in choosing the Embraers over the crammed CRJs in the future.
BTW, I only recently got my first few pictures accepted by a.net (it was a struggle, I'm telling you). The cockpit shots are already uploaded (one was accepted) and the cabin shots are next. If you take a minute to tell me which others you think would have a chance, it would be of great help to me. I'm still trying to work out the kind of shots the screeners like. And, yes, I do know that I will have to rotate them, edit them, crop them, etc. Thanks in advance!
Finally, special mention should go to the AC flight crew for allowing me into the cockpit and for taking the time to talk to me. Thanks, guys, you were great!
Tony
Nikon: we don't want more pixels, we want better pixels.
San747 From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4936 posts, RR: 13 Reply 2, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 19753 times:
Very nice!
I think the youngest plane I ever flew on was N521JB, I flew that when it was about 8 months old...
JetMaster From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 19471 times:
Hi Tony,
thanks for such a great detailed report on the E175! Superb picture coverage also! The E175 looks really nice and comfortable, though they should have installed the PTVs already.
A380 From Canada, joined Dec 2000, 658 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 19295 times:
SNATH,
I tried CRJ705 and CRJ200 recently. I can tell that the CR7 is a huge improvement over the old 200. The seats are still crammed (not wide enough) but leg room is good.
AirWillie6475 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 2448 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 19278 times:
Quoting A380 (Reply 4): The seats are still crammed (not wide enough) but leg room is good.
The CRJ900 seats here in the states are the same as any other larger AC.
Fuffla From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 399 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (7 years 7 months 3 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 19253 times:
Fantastic report. It looks like a great aircraft to fly in.
I hope an airline in the Australia/New Zealand area buy them one day as they are ideal for lower yeild routes that the 737/A320 are not suited to. Such as Byron Bay, Maroochydoore and Coffs Harbour.
Air New Zealand would also be a great airline for the aircraft. The routes they fly require high frequencies but lower yeilds.
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 7, posted (7 years 7 months 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 18831 times:
Hey guys,
I was off Internet for a couple of days. Thanks for the nice comments and I'm glad you enjoyed the report!
Quoting JetMaster (Reply 3): The E175 looks really nice and comfortable, though they should have installed the PTVs already.
For a small plane, it's definitely very confortable and it also feels very roomy.
Quoting A380 (Reply 4): I can tell that the CR7 is a huge improvement over the old 200. The seats are still crammed (not wide enough) but leg room is good.
What bothers me in the 200s is that, when sitting on a window seat, the wall is too curvy and I keep hitting my head against it. Is that the same on the CR7?
Quoting Fuffla (Reply 6): It looks like a great aircraft to fly in.
Yes, it is!
Tony
Nikon: we don't want more pixels, we want better pixels.
SafeFlyer From Canada, joined Jan 2001, 621 posts, RR: 5 Reply 8, posted (7 years 7 months 2 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 18763 times:
Very nice report! It's surprising that they didn't offer coffee though I mean, normally, that's a standard. And about the PTVs... I guess this might explain the odd sticker on the seatbacks of this 763:
LongHauler From Canada, joined Mar 2004, 4281 posts, RR: 36 Reply 10, posted (7 years 7 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 18485 times:
The AVOD are being installed next month, if the schedule is correct. When the 190s arrive, (starting next month too) they will start service with the AVOD functioning.
The next aircraft in the fleet to be re-equipped with AVOD will be the B767s with the new 777 interiors.
I can't imagine why there was no hot coffee on board, that is certainly standard. The only thing I can think of is with such a new aircraft, and galleys, the coffee makers may not have been working. There are two however in the 175, odd that they both would not work!
Never gonna grow up, never gonna slow down .... Barefoot Blue Jean Night
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 11, posted (7 years 7 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 18265 times:
Quoting SafeFlyer (Reply 8): I guess this might explain the odd sticker on the seatbacks of this 763
Interesting. I don't remember seeing stickers like that on AC's B767s.
Quoting Boeingfanyyz (Reply 9): Just out of curiosity, which runway did you land on?
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (7 years 7 months 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 17911 times:
Nice report!
I've flown US Airways E70's and they are superb, very nice, just like being on a small Airbus A32X series, I compare to the Airbus because it's light & roomy, a nice place to be as a passenger.
Not managed a CRJ-100/200 yet, have flown a LH CRJ-700, was ok but the E170-190 series is just so much better.
FLYACYYZ From Canada, joined Jan 2004, 1914 posts, RR: 12 Reply 14, posted (7 years 7 months 5 days ago) and read 17717 times:
Quoting SNATH (Thread starter): Service in economy consisted only of drinks and they didn't even offer hot coffee. Very disappointing. Come on, AC, you can do better! I just had a glass of water.
I always chuckle when I read these statements. Traditionally we say "would you care for something to drink"? Did you actually ask for a coffee and subsequently denied the request or was the pot simply not visible on the cart. Often on the smaller jets particularly the CRJ, we keep the pot on the burner to keep the coffee hot, and just run it given the short distance to the galley. With 4 combi-brewers (coffee & tea makers) on the aircraft, unless there was some sort of galley water malfunction, hot beverages are ALWAYS available. Hmmmmm.
On a side note, great flight report. I'll buy you a Starbucks if ever our paths cross.
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 15, posted (7 years 7 months 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 17672 times:
Quoting Mir (Reply 12): If you look at the text on the sticker, it has nothing to do with PTVs, but rather tells you to stow the tray table for takeoff and landing.
I'm impressed! Can you actually read it? Or was it you who took the picture?
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 13): I've flown US Airways E70's and they are superb, very nice, just like being on a small Airbus A32X series, I compare to the Airbus because it's light & roomy, a nice place to be as a passenger.
I would happily fly on any E-jet of any airline. In fact, I hope AC starts flying the E90s into BOS too!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 13): Not managed a CRJ-100/200 yet, have flown a LH CRJ-700, was ok but the E170-190 series is just so much better.
I have actually been on a LH CRJ700 (twice). It was a couple of years ago and I remember that I started working on my laptop and I had to be very careful not to constantly elbow the passenger next to me. It was pretty crammed. But, I have to admit I was happy that it was not a Avro RJ. Nothing wrong with them, in fact I like them in general, but LH has a very unconfortable 3-3 config in them which I find unbearable, even on the 2-hour or so flights I've been on them.
Quoting FLYACYYZ (Reply 14): I always chuckle when I read these statements. Traditionally we say "would you care for something to drink"? Did you actually ask for a coffee and subsequently denied the request or was the pot simply not visible on the cart. Often on the smaller jets particularly the CRJ, we keep the pot on the burner to keep the coffee hot, and just run it given the short distance to the galley. With 4 combi-brewers (coffee & tea makers) on the aircraft, unless there was some sort of galley water malfunction, hot beverages are ALWAYS available. Hmmmmm.
I'm afraid I'm going to really disappoint you. I did explicit ask for a coffee and I was explicitly told by the F/A that there was no coffee available. And, no, I'm not making it up.
Quoting FLYACYYZ (Reply 14): On a side note, great flight report. I'll buy you a Starbucks if ever our paths cross.
Thank you. I'll keep you to your word! And if you decide to come to the Boston Airline Show this weekend:
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 17, posted (7 years 6 months 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 17089 times:
Yegbey01 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 1679 posts, RR: 3 Reply 18, posted (7 years 6 months 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 17101 times:
I flew YYZ-BOS on the E175 back in September.....very impressed indeed.
CV990 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 20, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 16496 times:
Hi!
Nice report and nice to remember some sights that I flew in the past! Departure from BOS is fantastic, I landed there in 1998 in a BA 747 Classic and it was amazing the fact that you see water almost until you land! YYZ is a great place, I landed there twice, one again in a BA 744 and at night in a AC 321, nice airport, CN is truely a trademark for all of us who land there and see it and I'm looking forward to fly that brazilian 175!!!
Regards
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 21, posted (7 years 6 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 16322 times:
Quoting Logan22L (Reply 19): Hey Tony: I can see that the first three words are "Stow and latch." Cool report - I'm going BOS-YYZ in a couple of weeks, but I'll be on an A319.
Hey Logan,
Great to hear from you! The A319 is cool too. But the E-jets are special! So, when are we going spotting?
Quoting CV990 (Reply 20): Departure from BOS is fantastic,
Absolutely! When the weather is great, it's absolutely gorgeous!
Quoting CV990 (Reply 20): it was amazing the fact that you see water almost until you land!
You should do it in the dark and in the snow!
Tony
Nikon: we don't want more pixels, we want better pixels.
Logan22L From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 22, posted (7 years 6 months 1 week 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 16198 times:
Quoting SNATH (Reply 21): So, when are we going spotting?
Well, the past couple of weekends haven't been good, either because of fog or runway configurations, and this weekend I'm off to YYZ. I guess it's gonna be cold whenever we do get out there.
SNATH From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, RR: 24 Reply 23, posted (7 years 6 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 16064 times:
Quoting Logan22L (Reply 22): Well, the past couple of weekends haven't been good, either because of fog or runway configurations, and this weekend I'm off to YYZ. I guess it's gonna be cold whenever we do get out there.
Yeah, no problem. I'm going to Germany on Friday night (via YUL) and I'll be there for a week. Let's try to hook up sometime after Thanksgiving.
Have a safe trip to YYZ. Toronto is a great place and I've always enjoyed my visits there!
Tony
Nikon: we don't want more pixels, we want better pixels.
777ER From New Zealand, joined Dec 2003, 11319 posts, RR: 17 Reply 24, posted (7 years 3 months 2 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 14970 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
I'm hopping to fly to YYZ in August from ORD on the E170, just hope the travel agent follows my request, she did follow all my requests last time.
25 SNATH: I've flown on AC E175s twice since I wrote the trip report and loved them. I'd get out of my way to get back on one over all other similar types. Jus
26 GCDEG: Great report and excellent pictures. I know what you mean about the tall winglets! Fortunately I get to see them everyday at work but on a Boeing 737-
28 SNATH: You know, I had missed that! Thanks for pointing it out! Incidentally, I did the same route (and same flight number!) last January on a different E17
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From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 3232 posts, 
First, the small but nice-looking Executive Class cabin.
I made a comment about how confortable that plane was and she said that, on her way to Boston, she was on a much smaller jet which she didn't like at all as it felt very crammed. That would have been a CRJ then! 
Indeed, Niagara Falls appeared and I took a couple of pictures (all of which turned out terrible for some reason...).
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Canada, joined Dec 2000, 658 posts, 
From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 399 posts, 
I mean, normally, that's a standard. And about the PTVs... I guess this might explain the odd sticker on the seatbacks of this 763: 
From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, 
I did explicit ask for a coffee and I was explicitly told by the F/A that there was no coffee available. And, no, I'm not making it up.
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From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
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