Delta joins United in debuting special CRJ-550 regional jet with walk-up bar
It's not often that you hear travelers sing the praises of a regional jet, but that might be about to change aboard Delta Air Lines.
The Atlanta-based carrier's regional affiliate SkyWest Airlines will introduce the custom-configured Bombardier CRJ-550 regional jet on select Delta Connection flights, as first reported by AirlineGeeks and later confirmed to TPG by a carrier spokesperson.
Delta's CRJ-550 will debut in the coming weeks, and it be outfitted in the exact same configuration as United Airlines'. The jet will feature 10 first-class recliners, as well as 20 extra-legroom Comfort+ seats and 20 standard economy seats.
Unlike other regional jets, the CRJ-550 will also feature three special luggage closets between first class and economy, with space for a handful of full-size rollaboards. Typically, when flying on a small regional jet, large carry-on bags must be gate-checked or valeted for delivery after the flight.
This process takes up precious time during connections and is also a way for travelers to lose their bags. (That's why I always recommend using Apple AirTags, even when you're traveling with only carry-ons.)
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In addition to the storage closets, first-class passengers will enjoy a small walk-up bar area stocked with snacks and soft drinks in the galley.
Across all three cabins, the CRJ-550 will fit a total of 50 passengers — a number that was intentionally chosen by Delta for one big strategic reason.
Major U.S. airlines have so-called scope clauses with their pilot unions that limit the number of flights that can be operated with regional jets. These scope clauses are designed to ensure that carriers won't simply outsource as much flying as possible to (cheaper) regional affiliates.
Scope clauses put a cap on the number of flights that can be operated by smaller regional jets. However, there's typically one big exemption from these scope clauses: They don't apply to regional jets that fit 50 passengers or fewer.
As for the CRJ-550, this plane is purposefully laid out to accommodate just 50 passengers. In fact, the fuselage of the CRJ-550 is the exact same one as the CRJ-700, which can fit around 70 passengers.
However, due to the scope clause, Delta can't simply add more flights on the CRJ-700 (or even larger regional jets) if it wants to grow its regional operations.
It can remove seats from regional jets to accommodate 50 passengers, thereby avoiding violating the scope clause and giving passengers a more comfortable onboard experience.
In fact, this is a move first popularized by United, and its United Express regional division. The Chicago-based carrier was the first airline to fly the CRJ-550 back in 2019. Given the plane's premium-heavy configuration, it now operates on some of the airline's more business-focused regional routes, such as between Newark and Washington, D.C.
Five years later, Delta seems to agree that United's move is indeed one worth copying. There's no telling yet which routes Delta's CRJ-550 will fly, but the airline did confirm that the CRJ-550 will replace single-class regional jets.
"SkyWest is in the process of implementing the CRJ550 in its Delta Connection operations later this year. The two-class CRJ550 will be modified from SkyWest’s existing fleet and will replace flying that was previously single-class to align with the Delta Connection experience customers have come to expect from Delta," Delta shared in a statement.
As Delta leans into its strategy of being the most premium U.S. airline, it makes sense for the airline to introduce the CRJ-550. The airline's mainline pilots might not love the move, but it's a win-win for passengers and the carrier.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.