Originally Posted by
Phuz
I think its just due to ramp handling. Some companies are going to have different policies than others. The CRJ loads planeside and checked baggage on the same side as the jetbridge stair with less of a rise to the boarding door, whereas the 170 is opposite side of the airplane with more work to get those bags upstairs. That may be what causes a company to say "screw it, just check em".
It depends on the carry on baggage program. Some require the bags be checked (US Airways) while some do not. When I worked as an FA for Republic on the 170 we did not have a program for gate checks on the 170. The reason we were given is Airways regarded the 170 like a mainline aircraft with no planeside checks.