Yesterday in my post about some of the Delta news highlights from March, I touched on a piece about the further reduction of flights from CVG, that is, Cincinnati airport. Some of these changes are as a result of fewer routes but others are from smaller CRJ200 jets being switched to larger jets like CJR700/900s or even mainline 717s.
A number of readers have commented that they would rather keep enduring (a good word I think) the tiny 50 seats jets rather than reduce the frequency of service to their home airports. For me, personally, I would MUCH rather have less flight choices and only have larger birds. Thankfully, in this one case, Delta agrees with me as we keep seeing the reduction of the CRJ200s continue system wide.
Now I can say I do miss some of the ships that were around before the CRJ200s. Take for example a turbo prop my fellow blogger MJ flew for a living (for AA not DL) that is the SAAB 340. I really liked this plane (and not just because it was Swedish). 😉 While the SAAB was not fast, it was a comfortable ride and a fun ride as well. Sure it was loud but one of my favorite “features” was that this plane had the tendency to have “weight and balance issues” that resulted in many “bumpertuinties” or chances to get a voucher to take a later flight.
All of this brings me to my very special day on the first Monday of this month that was the very first scheduled flight from my home town airport SBN on a “real” jet. A CRJ but a 700 with “1st Class“, Comfort Plus and Main Cabin coach seats was so sweet. I spent 50,000 SkyRubles to fly this in 1st class in 1A and did earn points for this historic trip. It was great I have to tell you.
The FA, once I told him just what the flight was and what it meant to me, even served me my first ever Woodford Reserve in a “real” glass prior to flight in SBN. It is a moment I will never forget. Maybe not a Lufthansa 1st class on a 747-800 but to me “almost” as special after decades of horrid CRJ200 flights from SBN.
Now much of this post is clearly personal and I guess for a Sunday post this is just a good place to share this, but I would love to get more feedback. Am I the only one who is more that happy to trade comfort for frequency of flights? You tell me and please vote in my poll below! – René
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Right on Rene! I agree with the trade and the don’t forget the other benefit when it’s the 717-200 its mainline! Which means Delta won’t cancel unless they really have to.
@DSG – Yes, good point. Did not really think of that but spot on.
Two comments:
First, surprised you haven’t before had WR in a real glass!
Second, although I will miss the frequency of flights allowed by smaller birds, I’m glad to see they are being replaced with WiFi enabled planes
@Brian – Pre-flight is normally plastic cups. I don’t like my Woodford in plastic.
I have several million miles in the air and have had my share of really bad flights. Nearly ALL of them were related to the CRJ200 in some way. So glad to see them going away.
Woodford in plastic? That’s worse than a flight in a CRJ200!
Why do I miss the Saab planes? The foot massage from the vibrations when your feet were on the floor! I remember my first CRJ200 flight and I wished it was my last. Time to move them on to those who will appreciate them.
Thankfully I can count my flights on CRJ200s on one hand.
Looking good Rene! I hope you took Lisa to a posh dinner all dolled up!
Rene, your perspective on this might be a little skewed. You seem to love the new plane because it has first class, which means a potential upgrade for top level elites. I have no love for the 50 seaters either, but most people, myself included sit in the back anyway. At least the greater frequency gives more options to the larger public.
@Christian – Even in back the 700 & 900 are very nice and MUCH better than a CRJ200: http://deltapoints.boardingarea.com/2012/07/11/delta-economy-comfort-crj-900-seats-and-a-trip-report-part-one-the-perfect-delta-trip/
I will be happy as anyone to see the last of the CRJ200s, as I fly in and out of BMI and PIA all the time. But I must say that even the CRJ200s are a big step up from the horrid ERJ145s United flys.
I keep waiting to see elimination of 200s at MLI, and PIA too, but it seems like it’s going to be forever LOL I don’ like MLI as an airport, but they do have 900s on the MLI to ATL route. Keep hoping for improvement, but don’t see it coming soon.