(ASPEN) Delta Air Lines will replace all CRJ-700 regional jets with Embraer aircraft on its Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) routes starting in November 2025, the airline said in an Aug. 8 update. The shift covers SkyWest-operated Delta Connection flights from Atlanta (ATL) and Los Angeles (LAX). Delta says the change is designed to add baggage space for ski equipment, improve reliability in mountain weather, and offer a calmer, roomier cabin compared to the CRJ-700, according to Delta and multiple industry reports published Aug. 8–11.
Which aircraft and routes are affected
Delta describes the incoming planes as “Embraer jets.” Aviation outlets that track SkyWest’s fleet indicate the aircraft will be the Embraer E175, which is commonly used on Delta Connection’s mountain routes.
- The formal Delta notice did not name a specific model, but AirlineGeeks and Simple Flying identified the E175 as the likely type based on SkyWest’s operations.
- The network change applies to both gateways Delta serves at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE): ATL–ASE and LAX–ASE.
- All affected flights will shift to Embraer equipment in November 2025.
Why the swap is happening
The timing comes just ahead of peak ski season. Delta notes Aspen demand has been rising, with a 10% seat capacity increase last year. Trade reports from Aug. 8–11 say the airline aims to address routine “bulk-out” problems that left ski bags behind on some CRJ-700 flights.
Key goals cited by Delta and industry coverage:
– Bigger cargo space for skis and snowboards to reduce last-minute baggage cuts.
– Improved winter reliability in mountain weather conditions.
– Better passenger comfort, including larger windows and a quieter ride.
“The decision addresses baggage frustrations and improves the overall trip, aligning the experience with Aspen’s premium status,” said Amy Martin, Vice President – Network Planning (Delta).
Operational and payload benefits
Local air service analyst Bill Tomcich, a consultant with Fly Aspen Snowmass, told the Aspen Times the E175 can carry, on average, up to six more passengers than the CRJ-700 under Aspen’s limiting conditions—such as hot and high days, strong winds, or longer stages to hubs.
- That additional payload matters during school holidays and weekend peaks when small payload cuts can cascade into missed bags and tight standbys.
- The E175’s larger cargo holds are expected to cut baggage incidents and speed up handling at a constrained mountain airport where winter schedules run tight.
Competitive context at ASE
- United removed the CRJ-700 from Aspen earlier this summer.
- With Delta moving to Embraer, American Airlines remains the last carrier operating CRJ-700s to ASE as of August 2025, which could prompt American to review its fleet choice on the route.
- Separately, American announced a new seasonal nonstop from Charlotte (CLT) to Aspen, launching Dec. 19, 2025, operating Friday–Sunday through early April 2026—another sign of strong demand.
What travelers will notice
What passengers will first notice is the gear capability and cabin changes.
- The E175’s holds are deeper and wider than the 70-seat CRJ’s, meaning fewer last-minute cuts when flights hit weight and space limits.
- For families and groups, this reduces the chance some ski bags arrive on a later flight.
- Inside the cabin, expect updated interiors, more personal space per seat, and roomier bins that fit more standard carry-ons—helpful on long weekends when heavy winter clothing is common.
Booking and day-of-travel tips
Schedule files for November should start showing Embraer (E175) on delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Delta and local planners recommend these practical steps:
- Confirm the aircraft type during booking and again within 72 hours of departure.
- Re-check your flight and seat map closer to travel day—equipment substitutions can happen in winter.
- Arrive early during peak periods because winter adds deicing and ramp safety steps.
Additional traveler checklist (bullet points):
– Book early for holiday and weekend peaks—many flights will sell out despite last year’s +10% seat growth.
– Pack skis and snowboards per airline rules; larger holds help but size and fee policies still apply.
– Tag bags clearly, use sturdy cases, and consider flexible tickets or travel insurance for winter months.
– Pad connection times for complex itineraries through ATL or LAX during peak months and monitor weather alerts.
Safety, reliability, and airport context
Industry coverage highlights expected reliability gains from the Embraer platform at high-altitude airports. Although ASE has invested in runway and deicing improvements over the past decade, winter in the Rockies still produces frequent ground holds and air traffic flow constraints.
- The E175’s performance window gives dispatchers more options to keep flights within safe operating limits while maintaining usable payloads, reducing last-minute bumps.
- These aircraft provide a cushion when weather and performance limits tighten.
Baggage screening and federal guidance
On baggage prep, review federal screening guidance for sports gear. The Transportation Security Administration posts current rules on skis and snowboards to help with packing and checkpoint processing.
- See TSA’s official page: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/skis-snowboards
Broader trend and implications
Delta’s move reflects a broader shift at Aspen away from the CRJ-700 toward Embraer regional jets, driven by terrain and winter reliability concerns.
- United’s retirement of the CRJ-700 at ASE and Delta’s full swap in November mark a turning point.
- American’s new CLT–ASE seasonal service for winter 2025–26 adds East Coast access and extra weekend capacity, signaling confidence in Aspen’s demand.
Quick summary of expected benefits (table)
| Benefit | Expected result |
|---|---|
| Bigger cargo holds | Fewer baggage “bulk-outs” for ski equipment |
| Modest payload gains | ~Up to six more passengers on average under limiting Aspen conditions |
| Improved cabin comfort | Quieter ride, larger windows, more personal space |
| Better winter reliability | More operational flexibility at high-altitude, terrain-challenging airport |
Final reminders
- Look for Embraer/E175 on ATL–ASE and LAX–ASE flights from November 2025 onward on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
- Re-check aircraft type within 72 hours of departure.
- Follow TSA guidance for skis and snowboards at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/skis-snowboards.
- Arrive early on peak weekends, tag gear clearly, and consider flexible travel options during winter months.
Delta’s fleet update is intended to ease baggage pressure and smooth the Aspen travel experience just in time for winter—bringing more room for ski gear, improved comfort, and better operational performance to a small, busy mountain airport.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delta will replace CRJ-700s with Embraer E175s on ATL–ASE and LAX–ASE starting November 2025, adding baggage space for skis, improving winter reliability, and offering a quieter, roomier cabin to reduce bulk-out baggage incidents and better serve growing Aspen peak-season demand for travelers and operators alike.
