Aeronautics
CRJ 550: The 50-Seat Jet Upgrading Regional Travel
7 min read
By: Aviation Co
Regional flights often conjure images of cramped cabins, limited overhead space, and the dreaded gate check. But the CRJ 550 — a sleek, 50-seat jet built for premium comfort — defies that expectation. Operated by United Airlines and, more recently, Delta Air Lines, the CRJ-550 blends a spacious interior, elite cabin features, and clever airline strategy into a regional jet experience that feels elevated.
What is the CRJ 550?
The CRJ 550 is a redesigned version of the Bombardier CRJ700, a regional jet originally built for up to 76 passengers. But the CRJ 550 seats only 50, and that’s by design. This downsizing helps airlines stay within “scope clause” limits set by pilot union agreements, which cap the number and size of aircraft flown by lower-cost regional carriers. By converting CRJ700s into CRJ550s, airlines like United and Delta can deliver a more premium short-haul experience without breaching those contractual limitations.
While it offers a premium feel, the CRJ 550 typically operates out of smaller domestic terminals rather than major international airports, focusing on high-frequency regional routes.
CRJ-550 Specs at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the key specifications of the CRJ-550, including seating, range, speed, and the airlines currently operating this premium regional jet.
| Specification | CRJ-550 |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 50 seats (10 First Class, 20 Economy Plus, 20 Economy) |
| Range | ~1,378 nautical miles (2,552 km) |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.75 (~515 mph / 829 km/h) |
| Airlines Operating | United Airlines (via GoJet Airlines), Delta Air Lines (via SkyWest Airlines) |
Why was the CRJ 550 created?
Pilot unions have long negotiated scope clauses to protect mainline pilot jobs, restricting regional jets to certain weight limits and seating capacities. While this protects job quality, it also restricts fleet flexibility. Enter the CRJ 550: a clever workaround that lets airlines offer first-class, Wi-Fi, and extra comfort — while using regional crews and staying within the contract rules.
United Airlines was the original and largest operator, launching the CRJ-550 in 2019 with regional carrier GoJet Airlines. The goal was to give premium passengers a more comfortable ride on routes too short for larger mainline aircraft. The result was a game-changer in the world of regional flying.
Who flies the CRJ 550 in 2025?
As of 2025, United Airlines remains the primary operator, flying the CRJ-550 through GoJet Airlines on routes from major hubs like Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Newark (EWR), and Washington D.C. (IAD). The airline has integrated the jet seamlessly into its premium product lineup, complete with full loyalty program benefits.
In 2024, Delta Air Lines joined the game, launching CRJ-550 service through SkyWest Airlines. Delta now flies the CRJ-550 from hubs such as Salt Lake City (SLC), Detroit (DTW), and Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP). While Delta’s rollout is smaller than United’s, its adoption of the aircraft signals broader industry recognition of the model’s value.
How is the CRJ 550 interior different from other jets?
Step aboard a CRJ 550, and it’s immediately clear this isn’t your typical regional jet. The interior is divided into three cabins: 10 First Class seats, 20 Economy Plus seats, and 20 standard Economy seats. Every seat offers more legroom than typically found on comparable regional jets.
Overhead bins are another standout feature. Because the CRJ-550 carries fewer passengers than its original CRJ700 design intended, there’s ample bin space for roller bags—a rarity on regional jets. Travelers accustomed to gate-checking bags will appreciate that no gate-checking is typically required.
In First Class, passengers often notice the elevated service, with flight attendants offering premium touches like a snack and beverage station. This premium touch brings a mainline feel to short-haul routes and reinforces the jet’s high-end ambitions.
CRJ 550 cockpit and performance
From a technical standpoint, the CRJ 550 cockpit is nearly identical to that of the CRJ700, which means it benefits from proven avionics and a common type rating for pilots. The aircraft is optimized for short- to mid-range routes, making it ideal for regional flights under 900 miles.
While the aircraft itself isn’t new—the CRJ700 airframes are simply refurbished—the result is a refreshed, more spacious ride that leverages the reliability of an existing fleet with the comfort of a premium overhaul.
While major carriers typically rely on larger jets from Airbus and Boeing for long-haul routes, the CRJ 550 fills a unique niche for high-comfort short-haul travel.
A win for frequent fliers
For frequent travelers, especially those in United MileagePlus or Delta SkyMiles, the CRJ-550 is a noticeable upgrade. Instead of sacrificing comfort on regional hops, elite status members can enjoy first-class seating, overhead bin space for bags, and the familiar perks of mainline service—all while earning and redeeming miles as usual.
From a loyalty perspective, this matters. Many premium flyers book short regional connections as part of longer itineraries. The CRJ-550 ensures those legs don’t feel like a downgrade.
Industry impact and controversy
The CRJ 550 is also a case study of how airlines balance labor contracts, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Critics argue the model is inefficient—flying a 76-seat-capable aircraft with only 50 passengers drives up per-seat costs and increases emissions per flyer. However, airlines counter that the passenger satisfaction gains and labor compliance make the model worthwhile.
It also signals that comfort is becoming a higher priority even on shorter routes, especially for premium customers.
Elevating the Regional Jet Experience
The CRJ 550 is a rare find in the world of regional jets: one that delivers legroom, storage, and service far above what travelers typically expect on short-haul flights. Whether you’re flying Delta’s CRJ 550 out of Detroit or catching a United CRJ from Newark, the experience is smoother, roomier, and decidedly more premium than anything else in its class.
For travelers tired of squeezing into tight rows on regional routes, the CRJ-550 interior feels like a breath of fresh air—and a welcome upgrade in the world of short-haul flying.
What do you think: Is the CRJ 550 a smart move toward premium regional travel, or just a clever workaround for scope clause limits? Dive into discussions like this on The Aviation Co., a space for aviation lovers, frequent flyers, and pros to connect.
FAQS
How much legroom do passengers get on the CRJ 550 compared to other regional jets?
One of the CRJ 550’s biggest selling points is space. Unlike most 50-seat regional jets, the CRJ 550 is configured with just 50 seats in a larger airframe originally built for up to 76. That means more generous legroom, a true first-class cabin, and even room for a self-serve snack station on some carriers. For frequent regional fliers used to cramped cabins, the extra inches feel like a real upgrade.
Is the CRJ 550 quieter or smoother than older regional jets?
Travelers who’ve flown the ERJ-145 or older CRJs often notice a difference right away. The CRJ 550, though built on refurbished CRJ700 frames, benefits from refreshed interiors and improved soundproofing that make the cabin feel calmer. While it won’t match the quiet of a widebody, the ride is smoother and less fatiguing than many of its regional predecessors.
What airports or routes most commonly feature the CRJ 550?
You’ll most often see the CRJ 550 flying short- to mid-range routes out of major hubs. United Airlines deploys it from Chicago O’Hare, Newark, and Washington D.C., connecting to mid-sized cities across the Midwest and Northeast. Delta now flies it from Salt Lake City, Detroit, and Minneapolis–St. Paul. These are markets where premium demand exists, but passenger loads don’t justify larger jets.
How does the CRJ 550 impact airline operational costs or emissions?
The CRJ 550 is something of a trade-off. On one hand, flying a 76-seat airframe with only 50 seats isn’t the most cost-efficient setup, and per-passenger emissions can be higher than larger jets. On the other hand, it allows airlines to meet pilot scope clause restrictions while still offering a premium product. The strategy is less about efficiency and more about delivering a competitive edge on key regional routes.
