Hi there! Please forgive me if I am asking the same questions as many others!! I have done several searches through the forum, and have found lots of helpful information, but I really want to be sure about my specific situation. If there are links to other discussions that you think would be helpful, I am happy to read through them.
We are traveling in July from Canada (actually, we will likely fly out of Buffalo) to California. We have a daughter who will be 7 in April. She is on the small side - currently 46", and 43lbs. We have a Radian (I'll have to double check the model). She was RFing until last fall, and is now FFing.
I would like to know if we are going to regret hauling the Radian on the flights... (there will be two connecting flights each way)??? I would intend to install on the plane - especially as she will have a seat.
We will be renting a car when we arrive. I am not interested in trusting a car rental seat, and am not comfortable moving to a backless booster. I understand that a highback booster isn't allowed on the plane as it is intended to be used with a shoulder and lap belt combo (correct me if I'm wrong on that). I'm not one to jump ahead quickly with CR steps - I am planning to use our Radian as long as possible, so a booster isn't what I'd be headed for anytime soon anyway. So, I think using our Radian on the plane and then in the rental car is our plan. I know it is heavy, and I know it will be a pain in the butt when boarding, but I'm stubborn... ;-)
Would there be any advantage to getting a carseat bag to use in the airport?? I'm pretty sure we have the strap that came with our seat, but the bag might be nice with the backpack option.
Also, the rental car info mentions there is a shuttle from the airport to their office. What are the options/suggestions for that?? Is it likely to be a regular car? Meaning, I'll have to install the Radian in a random car before we can get to the office? Or, could it be a "bus" of some sort??? I have no idea and don't want to be surprised with a stressful situation!!! (Ok, ok, I know I need to do some deep breathing!!)
Any thoughts about this specific seat? Or, what you would do in our situation??
Thanks in advance!
Cathie
We are traveling in July from Canada (actually, we will likely fly out of Buffalo) to California. We have a daughter who will be 7 in April. She is on the small side - currently 46", and 43lbs. We have a Radian (I'll have to double check the model). She was RFing until last fall, and is now FFing.
I would like to know if we are going to regret hauling the Radian on the flights... (there will be two connecting flights each way)??? I would intend to install on the plane - especially as she will have a seat.
We will be renting a car when we arrive. I am not interested in trusting a car rental seat, and am not comfortable moving to a backless booster. I understand that a highback booster isn't allowed on the plane as it is intended to be used with a shoulder and lap belt combo (correct me if I'm wrong on that). I'm not one to jump ahead quickly with CR steps - I am planning to use our Radian as long as possible, so a booster isn't what I'd be headed for anytime soon anyway. So, I think using our Radian on the plane and then in the rental car is our plan. I know it is heavy, and I know it will be a pain in the butt when boarding, but I'm stubborn... ;-)
Would there be any advantage to getting a carseat bag to use in the airport?? I'm pretty sure we have the strap that came with our seat, but the bag might be nice with the backpack option.
Also, the rental car info mentions there is a shuttle from the airport to their office. What are the options/suggestions for that?? Is it likely to be a regular car? Meaning, I'll have to install the Radian in a random car before we can get to the office? Or, could it be a "bus" of some sort??? I have no idea and don't want to be surprised with a stressful situation!!! (Ok, ok, I know I need to do some deep breathing!!)
Any thoughts about this specific seat? Or, what you would do in our situation??
Thanks in advance!
Cathie