You've probably seen it sitting out on the tarmac, looking like a pencil with wings. The Embraer RJ145 American Airlines flies is a bit of a polarizing legend in the aviation world. Some passengers call it the "Satan Chariot." Others, mostly solo business travelers, swear it’s the best kept secret in the sky. Honestly, it just depends on whether you value your personal space or your ability to stand up straight.
It’s small. Really small.
If you are tall, the ERJ-145 (as the pilots call it) is basically a series of low-ceiling obstacles designed to humble you. But there’s a reason this Brazilian-made jet hasn't been put out to pasture yet. While American Airlines has been moving toward bigger regional jets like the E175, the "pencil" refuses to quit. It serves those tiny airports where a 737 would be overkill and a turboprop would be too slow.
Why the ERJ-145 Still Matters in 2026
For a while there, everyone thought these 50-seat jets were Toast. During the pandemic, they were being sent to the desert in droves. But then something funny happened. People started traveling again, and airlines realized they needed these "utility players" to keep small-town America connected.
Piedmont Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American, actually started pulling dozens of these planes out of storage at Pinal Airpark recently. They aren't just surviving; they’re expanding. As of early 2026, Piedmont is the primary operator of this fleet for American Eagle. They’ve been refurbishing them, hiring hundreds of maintainers, and proving that the 50-seat model still has legs.
Basically, if you’re flying from a hub like Charlotte (CLT) or Philadelphia (PHL) to a smaller city like Salisbury or State College, you’re probably going to be on one.
The "1" in the 1-2 Seating: The Secret Win
Most people see a small plane and groan. I get it. The overhead bins are tiny. You have to "valet tag" your carry-on bag because a standard rollaboard simply won't fit above your head. You leave it on a cart at the end of the jet bridge, and they put it in the belly.
But here is the trick.
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The Embraer RJ145 American Airlines uses has a 1-2 seating configuration. This is the holy grail for solo travelers. On the left side of the plane (the "A" seats), you have a window and an aisle.
No seatmate. No fighting for the armrest. No awkward "excuse me" when you need to use the tiny bathroom in the back. You have your own little pod of solitude. For a 45-minute flight, it’s actually more private than a First Class seat on a much larger plane.
The Realities of the Cabin
- No First Class: It’s all Main Cabin. Every single seat is the same, except for the exit row.
- Zero Wi-Fi or Power: This is the big one. While American is upgrading their bigger regional jets (like the E175 and CRJ-900) with satellite Wi-Fi and power outlets, the ERJ-145 is mostly a tech-free zone. You’re back in the early 2000s. Download your Netflix shows before you board.
- The "Hunch": Unless you are under 5'8", you will be walking down the aisle with a slight tilt to your neck.
- Noise: You’re sitting closer to those Rolls-Royce AE3007 engines than you’d probably like. It’s loud. Bring noise-canceling headphones or prepare for a vigorous hum in your ears for the duration of the flight.
What Most People Get Wrong About Safety
There's this weird myth that small planes are "less safe" than big ones. It’s usually because you feel the turbulence more. Since the ERJ-145 is light, it does get bounced around a bit more in rough air.
However, the safety record of the Embraer 145 family is actually stellar. It’s a workhorse. These planes are built to handle high-cycle environments—meaning they take off and land six or seven times a day. The engines are incredibly reliable. Piedmont’s maintenance teams in places like Albany and Harrisburg know these planes inside and out. They recently even donated one of these jets to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to train the next generation of mechanics because the airframe is so fundamental to modern regional aviation.
Survival Tips for Your Next Flight
If you see "Embraer RJ145" on your boarding pass, don't panic. Just plan ahead.
First, grab an "A" seat. Seriously. If you’re stuck on the "C" and "D" side, you’re in a standard narrow seat with a stranger. 12A is a personal favorite for the balance of wing view and engine noise.
Second, embrace the valet tag. Don't try to stuff your "guaranteed to fit" suitcase into the overhead bin. You will lose that battle, and the flight attendant will be annoyed. Just take your laptop and chargers out before you reach the plane, drop the bag on the cart, and pick it up on the jet bridge when you land. It’s actually faster than waiting at a baggage carousel.
Third, check your connection times. Because these planes are often used for "thin" routes, they can be more susceptible to weather delays at smaller airports. Giving yourself a 45-minute connection in Charlotte when you’re coming in on an ERJ-145 is living dangerously.
Future of the Fleet
American has stated they want to retire most 50-seat single-class jets by the end of the decade. They want "dual-class" regional jets with First Class cabins and high-speed Wi-Fi everywhere. But "end of the decade" is a long way off. For now, the Embraer RJ145 remains the backbone of American's regional connectivity.
It’s not luxurious. It’s not fast. It definitely isn't spacious. But it’s the reason you can get from a small regional airport to London or Tokyo with only one stop. And for the solo traveler in seat 9A, it’s the most private seat in the sky.
Actionable Takeaways for Passengers
- Check the Aircraft Type: Look for "LR" or "ER" in the flight details; American's fleet is primarily the LR (Long Range) version.
- Avoid Row 1: While it looks like it has legroom, the bulkhead can actually be more restrictive for your feet.
- Pack a Small "Personal Item": Only things that can fit under the seat in front of you should come inside the cabin. Think backpack, not a small duffel.
- Seat Selection: If 12A or 18A (the exit rows) are available, snag them immediately for the extra bit of legroom.
The Embraer RJ145 isn't going anywhere just yet. It’s a rugged, noisy, cramped, and strangely endearing piece of aviation history that continues to do the heavy lifting for American Airlines. Pack light, sit on the left, and enjoy the solitude of the "A" side.