From Pittsburgh to New York City, I flew on an American Eagle Embraer 175 (E-175) operated by Republic, a short and very scenic flight from Western Pennsylvania to Eastern New York.
American Eagle E-175 First Class Review (PIT-JFK)
Buying last-minute business class tickets was over $600 and economy class was over $400, so it made sense to use miles (15,000 British Airways Avios for domestic first class, so a rather attractive four cents per point in value).
Even though I checked in the day before and already had a mobile boarding pass, I like to pick up a paper boarding pass so I stopped at the counter in PIT to obtain one (just in case of a mobile phone malfunction, I like having a back-up paper boarding…though I find myself making the effort to get one much less than before).
The agent was quite gregarious and that dated airport and the boarding pass that said “Smoke: No” and just the rather cold gray morning with mostly male business travelers, many wearing coats and ties, made me feel like I had stepped back in time.
The Pre-Check line was longer than the normal line (with a reminder to leave your guns at home…), but I waited for it in anyway because I did not want to take my shoes off or my laptop out of the bag.
After a stop at the Admirals Club, I proceeded down to the gate where the old school boarding gate also made me feel like I had stepped back in time.
American Airlines / American Eagle 4438 (operated by Republic)
Pittsburgh (PIT) – New York (JFK)
April 2023
Depart: 10:04 AM
Arrive: 11:40 AM
Duration: 01hr, 36min
Distance: 340 miles
Aircraft: Embraer E-175
Seat: 2F (First Class)
I was one of the last to board, so I don’t have my usual pristine cabin shots, but here’s a couple from a previous trip:
I settled in my window seat and leaned back. The chair was comfortable and I found the first class (what most of the world calls business class) seat quite plush and more comfortable than on mainline, particularly when compared to a 737 jet.
We took off on time, but the captain announced a delayed arrival in New York due to heavy traffic in the region.
Once in the air, a flight attendant offered a choice of beverage. I had consumed more than enough coffee already, so I just had sparkling water, served in a glass. There were no snacks offered with it.
Wi-fi (for purchase) and streaming video (complimentary) was available. I did not have to pay for wi-fi thanks to my T-Mobile Magenta plan.
It was nice to have internet, but I was treated to very beautiful views out the window, particularly as we flew over Manhattan:
Another short and smooth flight on American Eagle. We landed in T8 at JFK.
CONCLUSION
I always get deja vu of flying in a different era when traveling from Pittsburgh, but the morning went quite smoothly. Even on a short hop, it is nice to fly up front and I appreciated the great views out the window.
Finally, a semi-related note on Breeze. Breeze offered flights from Pittsburgh to Islip Long Island (ISP), but the timing (single daily flight) was horrible. Now I see Breeze has cut the service altogether. American Airlines, on the other hand, offers at least four flights per day. That’s the power of network carrier to attract last-minute ticket sales…
Does even get a drink on this flight?
Economy class did get a beverage, which I thought was impressive.
The best seat in that plane IMHO is 5A. Best legroom in the plane, easy aisle access from window seat, can still store small carry ons underneath the F in front
I think I’d choose the 7500 point economy option on this route if available. Just too short for me to justify the extra avios. ESP if 2×2 everywhere.
Recently flew some domestic legs around the USA using avios. Loads of great redemptions considering how expensive paid flights were and we had checked luggage. Some economy and some biz.
First class and they don’t even have the snack basket?
Is the overhead bin room enough for carry on roller??
Hello,
Pittsburgh based here. When the PreCheck line is longer then the regular I go through regular and they give me a yellow card that says I have PreCheck and they treat me as such. There is also the alternate security checkpoint across the street in the old Terminal E that pops you out at the top of the escalators by the tram.
The first class line is even shorter at the far right next to Dunkin Donuts with the same yellow card.