Generally speaking, Embraer aircraft are better than Bombardier. This is coming from years of experience with engineers, test pilots, airline pilots, etc...

With that said, Eagle's CRJs are newer models than the E-145s...kind of like comparing a 2008 Jeta to a 1999 Mercedes. So...they kind of cancel each other out as far as which plane is "better".

The ERJ has FAR more pilots, bases, and routes which means greater flexibility with your schedule.

Fewer pilots on the CRJ side means less time on Reserve. I have actually heard of some CRJ guys who had a line their first month.

On the ERJ side it is currently 7 to 9 months before you can hold a line. However, with enough people below you on Reserve you actually have a higher QOL than a line holder. That is the situation I am living right now...I pick the flights I want, when I want. When I want extra days off I just bid a RAP and sit at home.

The CRJ has first class built in which means you can score meals and drinks that go beyond the ERJ's almonds/cheese tray/water options. This may seem like no big deal now...but trust me when I say that after a LOOOONG duty day, as you get to your hotel at 10pm when everything is closed and you are starving....some almonds and a big bottle of water will make you want to throw the hotel phone out the window.

I chose the ERJ without hesitation. For me the choice was easy as I live in DFW, but even if the CRJs were still based here I still would have picked the ERJ. Like I said before, greater flexibility, more pilots to trade with, and more bases to choose from if/when I move. I just wish we had first class with some nice meals...but oh well.