Advice on installing Radian (2) on Westjet airplane

[BCsymmes]

we will be taking both of our Radian to the airport, and HOPEFULLY there will be a spare seat for the baby (there is as of this morning when i spoke to them) so that we can bring her seat on the plane as well. Currently she is RFing, but i think there might enough space to install it that way on the plane. If anyone has installed Radians on a Westjet plane, i would really appreciate any advice / suggestions.

[unityco]

I'm not sure you'll have room for it RF, but we've done FF Radian on WestJet more times than I can count!

The little tricks that I've found that help are:


Use the recline base (NOT the RF removable piece.)
If you're having issues getting a tight install, recline the plane's seat, tighten the belt more, then pull the plane seat back up.
The buckle WILL end up behind your child's back. There's nothing really to be done about that. (My son doesn't notice it.)
Put up the armrest while you're installing (but it can go back down when you're done.)
You will be asked to use it in the window seat.
Be aware that for non-tethered use, the Safe Stop should be removed (but since your child is RF, sounds like it's out already.) The Canadian manual doesn't mention that because all FF installs are assumed to be tethered since it's the law here.
You can't use Web Check-in with an unticketed baby, but it sounds like you know about Infant Standby. Just in case... WJ won't just let you use the seat if there's an empty space, you must ask for Infant Standby at the check-in counter. If there's still room, they will issue your child a boarding pass. They only do that for non-stop, direct flights. You need the boarding pass to use the Radian.


Have a great flight! :)

D'oh... forgot you were bring two seats. Obviously they can't both be in the window!

[unityco]

Thought of a few other airport tips! We use a cheapie luggage cart to haul our Radian around (DS can ride in it too when it's on the cart.) Also, we find it best to sit near the rear of the plane. When it comes time to get off, the back of the plane will clear quickly, and you'll be able to get yourself organized sooner than if you sit near the front and need to wait for EVERYONE to get off first.

[bubbaray]

All WestJet's planes are 737s, though they do have various versions of the 737 in their fleet. You can check out Seatguru.com for the seat widths and pitch, but you'll likely have no trouble FFg, RFg could be iffy. I've heard nothing but STELLAR comments about WestJet's customer service for families! :thumbsup:

Have a great trip!

[Alison's Mom]

I realize this is an old thread, but. . . . just read it and had some questions. . .

I will probably be taking our two radians onboard westjet when we fly in March. Either that, or checking them really well padded/packed, and using CARES harnesses onboard. I'm leaning heavily toward bringing the seats on the plane, but last time we spoke about this, DH was pretty opposed to lugging the carseats through the airport. To make it easier, I may get those 'travelling toddler' straps to attach them to our rolling suitcases, or get shoulder straps to carry them like backpacks.

Anyway, I was a little confused at the below statement because I didn't think this seat had a base? Or is it just that mine is always on, and I just don't know it can be removed?

Also, is there an issue with Radians with having to get a seat belt extender so that you can remove the seat later, or is this just an issue with marathons? I also read something about twisting the airplane seat belt so it can be undone later?

Thanks.

Use the recline base.

[ketchupqueen]

She probably meant use the recline on the base. The base meaning the bottom of the seat. :)

Either that, or she meant the rear-facing base/boot.

[unityco]

She probably meant use the recline on the base. The base meaning the bottom of the seat. :)

:yeahthat: Sorry I was unclear. :o You don't need a belt extender either. The Radian has an open belt path so you can easily access the seatbelt and undo it. The Marathon does not, and can be quite tricky to access behind the shell, that's why an extender is recommended for it.

Have a good flight! :)

[Alison's Mom]

Thanks for clarifying! Makes sense now.

Now, if I could only get DH to agree to take the seats onboard, but that's a whole other issue. . . .

[BCsymmes]

She probably meant use the recline on the base. The base meaning the bottom of the seat. :)


I really wish i had know this ahead of time, DO NOT try to use it with the RFing reclining base, it WILL NOT work!!! I too did not realize there was a small built in recline base to the seat until recently, and tried to install the seat with the base attached. it was one stressful headache. I would think it would work fine with just the built in recline on the base.

[unityco]

I really wish i had know this ahead of time... [I] tried to install the seat with the base attached. it was one stressful headache.

Oh no! I'm so sorry I made you think that would work! Sorry, sorry sorry. :( I edited my original post so hopefully others aren't similarly confused.