Business Class on American Airlines' Embraer Jet: My Journey to the Gateway City
New York City to Saint Louis, Missouri ✈
On my recent trip to St. Louis, Missouri, I flew on an Embraer 175 with American Airlines, departing from LaGuardia Airport in New York City. American Airlines upgraded me to Business Class at no extra cost, making the trip much more comfortable. The flight from LGA to STL only takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, but it's always nice to have a more comfortable seat.
St. Louis, Missouri, is commonly referred to as the "Gateway City." This nickname stems from its historical significance as the starting point for westward expansion in the United States, particularly during the 19th century. The Gateway Arch, a monument in St. Louis, symbolizes this role and is a prominent landmark representing the city’s connection to the exploration and settlement of the western frontier.
“My experience flying Business Class on the American Airlines Embraer 175 from LaGuardia to St. Louis was exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable.”
After arriving at Terminal B in LaGuardia Airport, and passing through a short TSA PreCheck line, I took a moment to enjoy the impressive water feature that was part of the recent terminal renovations. The feature is located in the new Arrivals and Departures Hall and adds a nice touch of tranquility to the busy environment. It's a large, interactive fountain with water jets that create ever-changing shapes, patterns and words. This dynamic display provides a bit of a show for travelers passing by.
The water feature was created by Aquatique Show, a French company known for designing high-tech, large-scale water displays around the world. Based in Strasbourg, Aquatique Show has built a reputation for their innovative use of water and light, blending artistry with technology to create stunning installations. Their work at LaGuardia adds to the airport's modernized atmosphere.
In LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, kosher meals can be found at a few locations. I headed to Sweet Leaf Coffee Roasters next to Beecher's Market Cafe, located near Gate 30, and found a selection of kosher packaged meals. The café offers a variety of pre-packaged options, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The meals are clearly labeled with kosher certification.
After enjoying a kosher wrap, I boarded the plane. One of the perks of flying on a smaller plane like the Embraer 175 is the quicker boarding process. With fewer passengers—typically between 76 to 88 depending on the configuration—boarding tends to be faster and more efficient compared to larger jets. This makes the whole experience a lot less stressful. There’s less waiting around at the gate, and the reduced number of overhead bins means fewer issues with finding space for carry-on luggage.
From a practical standpoint, this translates to getting everyone on the plane and settled in quicker, which can lead to an earlier departure and sometimes even an early arrival. It’s a small difference, but on regional flights, these little conveniences add up to make the overall flying experience smoother and more relaxed.
The Embraer 175 is part of the E-Jet family, which has been in service since the early 2000s. Designed for shorter, regional flights, this aircraft is often used by airlines like American for routes where the passenger demand doesn't require larger jets. While smaller than most traditional airliners, the E175 is built to maximize comfort and efficiency on these shorter trips.
The seating configuration in coach is a 2-2 layout, meaning there are two seats on each side of the aisle, eliminating the middle seat. In Business Class, however, the layout is 2-1, giving each row a little more room. My Business Class seat was on the single side, which offered added privacy and space.
During takeoff, we were treated to a stunning view of Manhattan and Central Park. As the plane ascended, the iconic skyline came into view, showcasing the towering skyscrapers that define the city. No matter how many times I see it, I always marvel at the sight of the park's expansive lawns and tree-lined paths particularly striking from the air.
Service in Business Class is more personalized, with priority boarding and early deplaning, allowing you to avoid long lines and get settled in faster. Onboard, I received complimentary beverages and snacks, which is a step up from what’s offered in the main cabin. Since it was a short flight, a full meal was not offered.
Business Class seats on the Embraer typically offer extra legroom and wider seats compared to those in coach, giving you more space to stretch out during the flight. The seats also tend to be more cushioned and supportive, which is a noticeable upgrade, especially on longer regional flights. You’ll often find additional recline options and sometimes even a footrest.
During the landing, I had a great view of The Gateway Arch near the Mississippi River. As the plane descended, the Arch stood out against the skyline, offering a unique vantage point of one of the city's most iconic landmark. Seeing it from the air was a nice way to end the flight, especially since I planned to take the Tram Ride inside the Arch. It was a perfect reminder of the destination ahead.
Embraer: A Brazilian Aerospace Company
The most popular airline manufacturers in the world are Boeing and Airbus, which dominate the commercial aviation industry. Boeing, based in the United States, is known for producing aircraft like the 737, a popular narrow-body jet used on short to medium-haul flights, and the 777 and 787 Dreamliner, which are commonly used for long-haul routes. Airbus, headquartered in France, is Boeing's main competitor, with its A320 family being one of the most widely used aircraft for short-haul flights, and its A350 and A380 catering to long-haul and high-capacity routes.
Embraer is a Brazilian manufacturer specializing in regional jets like the E175, which is used for shorter flights with fewer passengers. Embraer was founded in 1969 with the goal of developing Brazil's aviation industry. Initially, the company focused on producing military aircraft, but over the years, it expanded into the commercial aviation market. Embraer made its mark with the ERJ 145, a regional jet that became popular for short-haul flights in the 1990s. This success laid the foundation for the company’s growth in the regional aviation sector.
In the early 2000s, Embraer launched its E-Jet family, including models like the E170 and E175, which became widely adopted by airlines for regional routes. These aircraft are praised for their fuel efficiency, modern avionics, and comfortable cabins, making them ideal for flights between smaller cities or as feeder routes for larger hubs. Embraer’s focus on regional jets has allowed it to become a key player in this niche market, competing with other manufacturers.
Over the decades, Embraer has also ventured into producing business jets and defense aircraft, diversifying its product lineup. Today, it remains one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, known for its innovative design and leadership in the regional aviation space.
Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri
In St. Louis, I was looking forward to visiting Gateway National Park, which encompasses the iconic Gateway Arch and offers a glimpse into the city's historical significance as a departure point for westward expansion. The Gateway Arch itself is an impressive monument, standing at 630 feet, and provides breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River from its observation deck. Additionally, I planned to take a boat cruise on the Mississippi River, which promised a unique perspective of the arch and the surrounding area while enjoying the sights and sounds of this vital waterway.
My experience flying Business Class on the American Airlines Embraer 175 from LaGuardia to St. Louis was exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable. The spacious seating arrangement, coupled with the attentive service, made for a relaxing journey, allowing me to unwind before arriving at my destination. The quick boarding process and the pleasant views of both Manhattan during takeoff and The Gateway Arch during landing added to the overall positive experience. With the convenience of kosher meals available at the airport and the premium amenities on board, it was a trip that reinforced the benefits of choosing Business Class for regional flights.
