Good but light weight and inexpensivem car seat for air travel? I will be traveling alone with my 15 month old daughter this summer (she is currently only 20lbs) and I have been researching on a good but light weight car seat for air travel, and also as a back up car seat. Any suggestions would be great, thanks! Good but light weight and inexpensivem car seat for air travel? I will be traveling alone with my 15 month old daughter this summer (she is currently only 20lbs) and I have been researching on a... » Read More Good but light weight and inexpensivem car seat for air travel? I will be traveling alone with my 15 month old daughter this summer (she is currently only 20lbs) and I have been researching on a good but light weight car seat for air travel, and also as a back up car seat. Any suggestions would be great, thanks! « Show Less
177686
We used it for air travel, fairly easy to install and fit the small seats in those small rural airport planes. Easy to carry around too as long as you are carrying only a backpack diaper bag and the carseat with baby. I wouldn't recommend trying to juggle more than that (unless you have a husband or helper to assist you.)
177687
Check out the Cosco Scenera. It's super lightweight. The only issue I've found using it on the plane is that you have to be in the bulkhead seats to rear-face it but other than that it's a great, cheap, lightweight seat. I think it weighs about 8 or 9 lbs and depending on the version you get it's between $40 and $60 so you can't get cheaper.
160221
I used an older model on an airplane. All car seats have to be forward facing and an airplane doesn't have a latch system. I always think installing a car seat without a latch system is more difficult. Also it is difficult to carry onto the airplane and move it between seats without bumping into anyone while still trying to wrangle the kiddo� I think this is true for all car seats though, not just this particular brand/model. Traveling with kids is just a lot more work!
800929
It worked great for us when we travelled with our 9 month old. We just tried it again now that he is 15 mo and 26lbs and it tends to fold. But when he was smaller we were gone for 2 weeks and used it daily and never had a problem.
391660
I find it kind of cumbersome to use when switching from car to car. I can imagine having to carry through an airport. Love the seat, but it took a little bit for me to get it down to a science. If you have an infant u may want to use a cradle car seat instead.
665314
I have the spring version of the RXT and we live in Utah where it gets over 100* but it's dry heat. My LO is 3 mo old and so far she hasn't gotten too hot, however I am not sure our material is the same. My friend has the red ones and she bought this nifty air hose ar babies r us that connects to your vent to give a little more air directly on her girls. My lo does get a little warm, but not nearly as warm as she did in the graco snugride 35. She would sweat really bad if she got upset. There is a page on Facebook that you can get this question answered plus many more. There are over 23k members and these ladies that run the site are professional car seat techs and know so much about every seat on the market. They can let you know how well a certain seat will work if you have one in mind, also they will give you recommendations if you tell them the car u have, the height/weight of the child and what percentile they are in and budget. With that info they can give you recommendations for the best seat that will last you. Also anything you would want to know about the radian, including pics and personal stories. Its called "Car seats for the Littles" there are two pages, its the one with the most members. They also have a list if people all over the country, including FL that will help and or ck your installation of the seat and its free. I never knew there was so much to know about carseat safety! Sorry for the long answer. . Hopefully I helped some. :)
1569654
I purchased this seat as a gift for my niece and her daughter. I sent her your question and this is how she answered: We don't have AC in the car so it is hot, period. But I love the seat. It's light considering its size. Easy to buckle it in and easy to buckle her in. It's padded well and roomy." Sorry not to be more help, but I imagine if it trapped much heat she would've had a complaint about it, especially since they were a/c-less.
2125198
I don't know how diligent the airlines about measuring the child??!!! If it fits otherwise and makes you feel better, maybe try. I don't know when each airline allows a child to use the regular seat belt. Check out the airlines site or call!!
291094
I know this is late to the discussion, but it will help someone in the future. We traveled with that car seat and had no problems. It was difficult to get through security because they had to hand search it, and carrying a car seat onto the plane was bothersome, but the added safety is well worth it. Had no problems getting the car seat to fit once on the plane. Strapped my son in and he slept the either flight.
1213775
I used it with my daughter at 5 months. You're fine. It is only for use with an infant carrier though, not for use with a convertible car seat.
874186
I think you will find that the vest is too big for her. My 3 year old is 33 pounds and 39" tall. It's a little big on him and I will not use it at this point for him but think in 6 months it would be ok for occasional use. Out of curiosity, I tried it on my 64 pound, 52" tall 7.5y. Although he's passed the weight limit (I wouldn't use it for him), it still fit. I would not attempt it on a child so young unless you would otherwise go without a car seat as I'm sure it's better than nothing. I suggest the Diono Radian, it's a great foldable car seat with high safety ratings. Get the simple one without all the extra supports, we use that for travel for our 3y old. Diono Radian R100 Convertible Car Seat, Stone I think you will find that the vest is too big for her. My 3 year old is 33 pounds and 39" tall. It's a little big on him and I will not use it at this point for him but think in 6 months it would be ok for occasional use. Out of curiosity, I tried it on my 64 pound, 52" tall 7.5y. Although he's passed the weight limit (I wouldn't use it for him), it still fit. I would not attempt it on a child so young unless you would otherwise go without a car seat as I'm sure it's better than nothing. I suggest the Diono Radian, it's a great foldable car seat with high safety ratings. Get the... » Read More I think you will find that the vest is too big for her. My 3 year old is 33 pounds and 39" tall. It's a little big on him and I will not use it at this point for him but think in 6 months it would be ok for occasional use. Out of curiosity, I tried it on my 64 pound, 52" tall 7.5y. Although he's passed the weight limit (I wouldn't use it for him), it still fit. I would not attempt it on a child so young unless you would otherwise go without a car seat as I'm sure it's better than nothing. I suggest the Diono Radian, it's a great foldable car seat with high safety ratings. Get the simple one without all the extra supports, we use that for travel for our 3y old. Diono Radian R100 Convertible Car Seat, Stone « Show Less
1442258
I have traveled with the carseat and alone with a 2-3 yr old, both internationally and domestically. Now, I'm a pretty strong woman, but it's not very joyful carrying this over your back along with carry on bag, stroller, kid, backpack, and or whatever you choose to bring with you. It does not come with the back straps, they have to be purchased separately (I purchased on amazon) and they have about a 6 inch long padding strip (which is very minimally padded). My daughter is 3 now and I have no plans to travel anytime soon, but if I do I'll be checking in the seat, not bringing it on the plane. Now, the seat itself is incredible, it's fits on any airline seat, its comfortable, safe, amazing quality. Although I can't really give a great experience traveling with this seat, I do have to say it is and was a lot easier than when I used to have to travel with a regular carseat. It is also alot easier if you are traveling with an adult companion (I've always traveled alone with toddler with this seat), and can find a way to add a little extra padding to the strap, then you will be golden! Hope this helps!
770590
Hi, we haven't flown with it yet (but we will in April, when we go on a trip to California). Best is to check with the airline. We flown to Europe in October and called the airline to find out their policy on carrying baby stuff and they were extremely helpful, so that's our recommendation. And once you know the policy, would you mind sharing it with us? Thank you and sorry we couldn't be of any assistance :)
109702
You'll need Infant Bootie for that. We used it from 4 months. Very easy and light. Ideal for traveling.
1036065
Agreed with previous comment that the seat needs to be at the most reclined position for such a young baby. I myself did not use it when my daughter was that young. She was/is small for her age and felt her infant car seat gave her a much "cozier" feeling. We just bought an adaptor to use with the UppaBaby frame.
429200
I think it would be a great chair for short trips in and out of the car as it is very light, but the arms are short and give little to no side support and it does not tilt back at all. It's great for a small house/small doorways as it is not very wide. Overall my mother finds it uncomfortable, but tolerates it when we go on short trips, but she is much bigger than your daughter.
1131788
Hi there. I have used it for my 2yr old since he was around 25 pounds and it worked fine. The seat comes with an extra lining/padding for the seat, intended for keeping the child firmly in place which I used for like 2 weeks and never needed it again.Alternatively look at the britax marathon or whatever the newer version is called. It will not last that long buy then again whenever you need a booster, these are pretty inexpensive. Hope this helps. Best
259268
I'm glad you called Britax and they gave you a good answer. A 15 month old is way to young for this seat, even if he does meet the minimum weight limit. Age is more important than weight. I have on for my 5.5 year old (he has been using it since he was 3.5) and its a great seat for him.