Everytime I have taken those flights it has been a full sized plane like a 737 so that is interesting that they have changed to a smaller plane. I read 8.9 million tourists in 2011 down by 33% from the year before. Still that is a LOT of tourists going to Egypt. That may be the difference, less space needed.
I imagine they will have gate check of carryons if required.
On this trip the GUIDES Henry and Hany are amazing and do not worry too much about anything they will take care of us SO WELL.
