Canadair RJ700 Seating Guide Everything You Need To Know

For travelers preparing for a regional jet flight, understanding the specific layout of the Canadair RJ700 is essential for comfort and convenience. This aircraft, often operated by regional affiliates of major carriers, features a 2-2 seating configuration that differs significantly from larger wide-body jets. This guide provides a detailed analysis of the cabin layout, seat dimensions, and passenger experience to help you navigate the journey effectively.

The Canadair RJ700, a mid-size regional jet typically configured to carry between 70 and 78 passengers, is a common sight in the skies of North America and beyond. While commonly associated with short-hop flights, the physical dimensions of the cabin create a unique environment distinct from its larger counterparts. This article examines the specifics of the seating arrangement, utilizing industry terminology and insights to provide a comprehensive resource for frequent flyers and first-time passengers alike.

Understanding the 2-2 Configuration

The defining characteristic of the RJ700 cabin is its 2-2 seating layout, meaning there are two seats on the left side of the aisle and two on the right, with no middle seats. This configuration is less common in larger aircraft, which typically use a 3-3 layout, and it significantly impacts the passenger experience regarding space and access.

Advantages of the 2-2 Setup

• Ease of Access: With no middle seat, passengers can board and deplane quickly, and moving within the cabin to use the restroom or retrieve items from overhead bins is unobstructed.
• Reduced Armrest Conflicts: Unlike the 3-3 layout, there is no passenger in the middle to dispute armrest territory, theoretically leading to a more comfortable seated experience.
• Window and Aisle Availability: Every passenger has either a window or an aisle seat, catering to preferences for views or easier mobility.

The Trade-Off: Width and Bulk

While the lack of a middle seat is a benefit, the 2-2 configuration does not necessarily equate to more personal space. Because the total width of the aircraft fuselage is fixed, the seats in a 2-2 layout are often closer to the window and the aisle than they would be in a 3-3 configuration on a smaller plane.

According to aviation seating consultant SeatGuru, the perceived width of a seat is a function of the seat width, the armrest thickness, and the distance to the adjacent seat. In the RJ700, the reduction in the number of seats per row allows for slightly wider seats, but the trade-off is a reduction in the overall cabin girth, which can make the cabin feel more intimate or crowded depending on passenger size.

Detailed Seat Dimensions and Specifications

To truly understand the comfort level of the RJ700, one must look at the specific metrics. Aircraft seating is measured in inches and pitch, the latter referring to the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it.

Standard Measurements

1. Seat Width: Typically between 17 and 18 inches. While this is comparable to many standard economy seats, it is important to note that this is the width of the seat cushion itself, not the total space available to the passenger due to armrests.
2. Seat Pitch: Usually around 30 to 31 inches. This is the standard pitch for a domestic economy seat and determines legroom. Passengers of above-average height may find this pitch to be restrictive on longer flights.
3. Armrests: The armrests in the RJ700 are generally considered to be "full grab" armrests, meaning they are substantial and often contoured. While they provide stability, they can encroach on personal space, making the seat feel narrower than the actual width measurements suggest.

Cabin Zones and Variations

It is critical to note that not all seats on the RJ700 are created equal. Airlines often configure the cabin with different zones that offer varying amenities.

• Forward Cabin: Typically located near the cockpit, this section often experiences less noise and vibration. Seating here is generally considered premium within the economy cabin.
• Rear Cabin: This area is often closer to the lavatories and galleys, which can lead to increased noise and foot traffic. However, some passengers prefer this location for easier access to restrooms.
• Overwing Seats: These seats are located above the wings. While they offer a unique view, they tend to be noisier due to engine proximity and may have restricted overhead bin access during boarding.

The Passenger Experience: Comfort and Amenities

Sitting in the RJ700 provides a specific sensory experience that is distinct from larger aircraft. The cabin height is lower, and the windows are smaller, which contributes to a tube-like feeling.

Noise and Vibration

The General Electric CF34 engines that power the RJ700 are known for being relatively quiet compared to older turbofan engines. However, the cabin is a composite material shell that can transmit engine rumble and aerodynamic noise more noticeably than the thick metal walls of a Boeing or Airbus jet. Passengers sensitive to noise may find that noise-canceling headphones are essential, particularly during takeoff and climb.

Window Views and Overhead Space

1. Windows: The windows are smaller than those found on modern wide-body aircraft, offering a view that is more "porthole" than "picture window." While they are adequate for viewing clouds and ground lights, they are not ideal for passengers who enjoy expansive views.
2. Overhead Bins: The overhead bins on the RJ700 are shallow compared to those on mainline aircraft. This can be a significant issue on longer flights where passengers may need to store roll-aboards. Often, passengers find that the bins fill quickly, forcing them to gate-check luggage, which adds an extra step to the boarding and deplaning process.

Strategic Seat Selection Tips

Given the constraints of the RJ700 cabin, strategic selection is key to a positive flight. Avoiding certain areas of the plane can make the difference between a pleasant hop and a restless journey.

• Avoid the Lavatories: Rows directly adjacent to lavatories are subject to constant foot traffic, the sound of flushing toilets, and occasional odors. Airlines usually mark these rows, but it is worth double-checking the in-flight map if booking directly with the airline.
• Avoid the Galleys: The galley is where flight attendants prepare meals and drinks. It is a high-traffic area that can be noisy, especially when carts are being pushed up and down the aisle.
• Consider the Wings: If you are sensitive to motion, sitting over the wings provides the most stable ride during turbulence, as this is the aircraft's center of gravity.
• Utilize Map Tools: Websites like SeatGuru provide specific maps for the RJ700 configurations used by various airlines (such as Air Canada Express, Delta Connection, or American Eagle). These maps highlight "good," "neutral," and "bad" seats based on the specific quirks of the airline's layout.

The Future of the Regional Jet

The role of the Canadair RJ700 is evolving. As airlines seek to optimize efficiency on thinner routes, the demand for 76- to 88-seat aircraft has fluctuated. While newer models like the Embraer E-Jet E2 family offer more modern cabins and improved economics, the RJ700 remains a workhorse for many regional operators.

Industry analyst Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group notes that the regional market is in a state of transition. "The question isn't just about the seat width of the RJ700," Harteveldt explains. "It's about the overall experience. Airlines are looking at how to make these shorter flights more attractive, and that includes seating comfort, even if it is just incremental improvements."

For the passenger, this means the RJ700 will likely remain a familiar fixture for years to come. By understanding its specific seating layout and characteristics, travelers can transform a potentially cramped regional flight into a manageable and even comfortable part of their journey.