Delta's least comfortable regional jet makes an unexpected return

The least comfortable regional jet is returning to Delta Air Lines.

The Atlanta-based airline is set to operate the CRJ-200 — a 50-seat all-economy aircraft — on several routes from Detroit and Salt Lake City in the upcoming weeks, as indicated by Cirium schedules. These routes include:

• Detroit to Alpena, Michigan
• Detroit to Escanaba, Michigan
• Salt Lake City to Butte, Montana
• Salt Lake City to Casper, Wyoming
• Salt Lake City to Cedar City, Utah
• Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone, Montana

Loyalty essentials: Top strategies to accumulate airline miles

Delta's decision to "retire" the CRJ-200 from its fleet occurred around eight months ago, marking a significant change in their operations.

The CRJ-200 is designed with only 13 rows of economy seating in a 2-2 layout. With overhead bins that accommodate only small backpacks and the absence of Wi-Fi and power outlets, the travel experience can feel reminiscent of earlier aviation days. Passengers with larger carry-ons must valet their bags at the gate until arrival.

If you find yourself needing to use the restroom mid-flight, be prepared to navigate a tight space, as the lavatory can be quite cramped.

For years, Delta and other major U.S. airlines have utilized the CRJ-200, a favored choice among regional jets for route planning. It offers lower operating costs compared to larger planes and, with just 50 seats, it allows airlines to adhere to their pilot unions' scope clauses, which restrict the extent of outsourced flying to more affordable regional carriers. These clauses ensure airlines maintain a balanced approach to outsourcing.

These regional jets are not directly operated by Delta; instead, they are flown by affiliate carriers. Some of these affiliates are fully owned by Delta, like Endeavor Air, while others, such as SkyWest Airlines and Republic Airways, operate under contract with Delta in smaller regional areas.

In this scenario, SkyWest is responsible for operating the new CRJ-200 flights for Delta Connection. Apart from possibly seeing an announcement at the gate or a few placards onboard, passengers may not notice much difference between a Delta Connection flight operated by SkyWest and one flown by Delta's mainline aircraft — though those in a CRJ-200 are likely to feel the tighter cabin space.

Historically, the CRJ-200 has ranked low in terms of comfort, so many passengers might be surprised to see Delta — known for its premium services — reintroducing this aircraft after its retirement.

It appears Delta has solid reasoning behind this decision. Summer demand remains robust in various markets, and SkyWest, Delta's regional partner, is keen on introducing the new CRJ-550 regional jet into its Delta Connection service.

"To facilitate our transition to the CRJ-550 fleet and ensure sufficient aircraft availability during the busy summer season, SkyWest may deploy the CRJ-200 in certain Delta Connection markets this July as needed. All such aircraft changes are temporary and will not impact flight schedules or frequencies," stated Marissa Snow, SkyWest's managing director of communications.

The operation of the CRJ-200 is expected to cease once there are enough CRJ-550 regional jets in service, although the timeline for this is uncertain. The CRJ-550 is built on the larger CRJ-700's fuselage but accommodates only 50 seats.

Those 50 seats are arranged in a much more comfortable layout compared to the CRJ-200. The CRJ-550 includes 10 first-class recliners, 20 extra-legroom Comfort+ seats, and 20 standard economy seats.

In a departure from other regional jets, the CRJ-550 will feature three dedicated luggage compartments between first class and economy, capable of holding several full-size rollaboards. SkyWest will operate the CRJ-550 on routes that previously used single-cabin models like the CRJ-200.

However, until the fleet has an adequate number of CRJ-550s, Delta passengers should be prepared for the possibility of a temporary downgrade in their travel experience.