Do you have straps for the Radian? We just got back from a trip where we took the RadianXT for my daughter for the sole purpose of using on the plane. With the backpack straps, it doesn't get any easier than traveling with a Radian, unless you skip the carseat altogether. It's not the world's most comfortable thing to wear on your back, as it is made of hard plastic and doesn't conform to the shape of your back like a real backpack would, but it's certainly better than the alternative of hand carrying a seat.
I just got back from a trip and was going to post a new thread about my experiences flying with the Radian. I will say that DD rear faced in a regular, non-bulkhead coach seat in the Radian on two flights, so it does fit.
:thumbsup: I agree. We've flown w/ the Marathon and the Radian both. I can't say anything about installing as DH did that every time (He'd get on w/ the "preboard" and install the seat, while I kept DS running around the airport til near the end of boarding). W/ the Marathon, we put it upside down in the stroller (basic, cheapy babytrend) and one carryon on top, the other in the basket, and I wore DS.
W/ the radian, either DH wore the backpack or we put it in the stroller, but couldn't put bags on top. I'm not sure if the backpack was worth it, it broke on our first trip with it....(we'd had it more than a year & a half though, but in the box in the closet the whole time). It IS pretty heavy and not at all comfortable to carry. (If we'd had to carry the Marathon, I'm sure that would've been pretty awkward too though)
We were able to rear-face the Radian in three out of four flights, just try to request a seat near the front of the plane if at all possible. The one we couldn't fit it RF was when we were sitting towards the back.... I think those first few rows are slightly larger on many planes?
You'll get a much better angle RF'ing w/ the Marathon though, plus have the advantage of being able to recline it if it does need to FF. Much easier for sleeping!
The other thing, w/ the Radian FF, the plane buckle ends up right in the center of the LO's back. With or without the extender. The seat kinda has a "path" for it but DS did complain about his back hurting, and I can see where it'd be pretty uncomfortable. I put my sweatshirt behind the cover but I don't know if that helped any.....
No problems.
