When you step onto a regional flight operated by a Bombardier CRJ700, you're boarding one of the workhorses of North American short-haul aviation. Airlines love this jet because it bridges the gap between turboprops and mainline narrowbodies. Passengers, however, often dread the narrow cabin and the scramble for overhead bin space. You don't have to guess where you'll sit. Knowing the layout lets you lock down comfort before boarding.
The CRJ700 typically seats between 65 and 70 passengers, configured in a 2-2 layout throughout coach and business class. Unlike larger Boeing or Airbus aircraft, there's no dreaded middle seat anywhere on the plane. Every passenger gets either a window or an aisle. That's the good news. The catch is that the cabin is compact, storage is tight, and pitch varies significantly depending on the airline operating your flight, such as United Express, American Eagle, or Delta Connection.
Understanding the CRJ700 Cabin Layout
Most CRJ700 models feature a split cabin. You'll find a small regional first class or economy plus section at the front, followed by standard economy stretching toward the rear. Row numbers typically run from 1 up to 20 or 21.
Because the fuselage is narrow, the overhead bins on the port side (left) of the aircraft are tiny. They can barely fit a standard backpack, let alone a regulation roll-aboard suitcase. The starboard side (right) bins are slightly larger, but standard carry-on rollers still frequently have to be gate-checked. If you hate waiting on the jet bridge for your bag after landing, pack light or pick your seat strategy carefully.
First Class and Economy Plus
If you book a premium seat at the front of the aircraft, you'll experience 1-2 seating on some legacy configurations or standard 2-2 seating with extra legroom. For example, United's CRJ700 layout features true regional first class in rows 1 through 4 with a 1-2 configuration (A seats sit alone, while C and D seats share the right side).
Economy Plus rows right behind first class offer around 34 to 36 inches of pitch. That's a massive upgrade from the standard 31 inches found in the back. If you're tall, paying for these seats or securing them through elite status isn't just nice—it's essential for knee survival.
Standard Economy
Standard economy occupies the bulk of the rear cabin, starting around row 8 or 9. The layout is strictly 2-2. Seat width sits at roughly 17 inches, which feels snug compared to mainline jets. Window seats come with a minor quirk: the fuselage curves inward sharply near the floor, which cuts into your shoulder and foot space. If you want maximum room to stretch your legs diagonally into the aisle, pick an aisle seat.
Best Seats on the Canadair RJ700
Securing a great spot on this regional jet depends entirely on what you prioritize during your flight. Let's break down the optimal choices.
Best for Legroom: Bulkhead Rows
Row 1 in first class and the first row of economy plus (often row 7 or 8 depending on the airline) offer the most legroom on the plane. You won't have anyone reclining into your personal space. Keep in mind that bulkhead rows in economy often feature solid partition walls, which can restrict how far you can stretch your feet straight ahead. Check specific carrier maps on SeatGuru before finalizing your choice.
Best for Quick Exits: Forward Economy
When the flight lands, deplaning a regional jet happens through a single forward door. If you're seated in row 18, you'll wait a long time to step off. Booking a seat in rows 8 through 11 puts you near the front of the economy cabin, ensuring you're off the plane quickly to make a tight connection.
Best for Solo Travelers
If you're flying alone on an airline configuration featuring 1-2 seating in premium cabins, grab the 'A' seat on the left side. You get a window, an aisle, and zero neighbors. In standard 2-2 economy, booking an aisle seat gives you easy access to stretch out without disturbing a seatmate.
Seats to Avoid and Common Pitfalls
Not all seats on this aircraft are created equal. Avoid these traps to ensure a smooth trip.
Exit Rows and Recline Issues
Exit rows on the CRJ700 (typically around row 12 or 14) provide extra legroom, but they come with trade-offs. The exit door mechanism can sometimes intrude into the window seat's foot space. Furthermore, airlines often lock or restrict recline on the row immediately in front of the exit row to maintain a clear evacuation path. Always verify recline status if you like to sleep on flights.
The Dangers of the Final Rows
Rows near the back of the aircraft experience the highest vibration and engine noise from the rear-mounted GE CF34 turbofans. The ride gets bumpy when the weather turns rough. Additionally, you'll be right next to the lavatory and the galley, which means constant foot traffic, flight attendant chatter, and slamming doors throughout the flight.
Overhead Bin Realities
Gate-checking bags is a rite of passage on regional jets. Because the bins can't handle standard carry-on roller bags, airlines usually hand you a pink or yellow tag as you board. You drop your bag at the bottom of the stairs on the tarmac and pick it up in the exact same spot upon arrival. If you want to avoid this hassle, pack a soft-sided duffel or a backpack that fits easily under the seat in front of you. You can review official FAA guidelines on baggage safety at the Federal Aviation Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any middle seats on a CRJ700?
No. The aircraft features a strict 2-2 configuration in economy and a 1-2 or 2-2 setup in premium cabins. Every single passenger gets either a window or an aisle.
Can I fit a standard roll-aboard suitcase in the overhead bins?
Most standard carry-on rolling suitcases won't fit, especially on the left side of the cabin. You should expect to gate-check larger bags and pick them up on the jet bridge after landing.
Which rows have the best legroom?
Bulkhead rows and economy plus rows offer the most generous pitch, ranging from 34 to 36 inches. Standard economy offers around 31 inches of pitch.
Is the CRJ700 loud during flight?
The engines are mounted at the rear of the aircraft. If you sit in the final rows, engine noise is noticeable. Seats located forward of the wing are significantly quieter.
