EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Situational Awareness; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
During cruise the Captain (Pilot Flying) realized that we accepted the ATC assigned altitude of FL350 when we had been limited by a Pack 1 MEL to a cruise altitude of FL250.  We noted that aircraft pressurization was within limits and we then contacted ATC and requested a descent to FL250 and continued the flight without incident. Better coordination of MEL limitations and perhaps using a visual reminder of any non-standard requirements during the flight.
An EMB-145 Captain realized that FL350 was not an authorized cruise altitude with a pack inoperative so he descended to FL250 in compliance with the MEL.