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.[/QUOTE]

Maybe for passengers they require bags to be checked. But for deadheading or commuting crewmembers you can gate check your bags. They actually prefer it so your not hogging the overhead bin with a rollerboard, flight case, laptop bag, and cooler. That's what the blue gate check tags are for. It does take longer to get your bags back than compared to a crj. I usually get mine back before people with strollers.