Question Visiting family - no top tether and other install issues

I recently posted a question about flying to visit family with my DS who is 2, 26+ pounds and 34 inches. At this point, I'm planning to have him FF in a Cosco HBB combination seat (with harness, of course) as this is the car seat we have access to for the flight and at our destination and he is already FF.

I have some concern regarding installing the seat in my parents' car. They drive a 1995 Dodge Intrepid - pre-latch, pre-child restraint locking seat belts (I think, but I'm pretty sure are ELR), and pre-top tethers (I think). Oh, and to top it off, I think they are Generation 3 belts. Oi. I'm pretty sure they at least have shoulder belts in the back. If not, I think I might just turn around and hop the next flight back home! JK

So, I understand the pre-latch part isn't really a problem. For the ELR shoulder belts, if that is indeed what they are, I just need to use the locking clip that comes with the car seat, right?

One of my biggest concerns is the lack of top tethers. Can I safely install the Cosco HBB without the tethers? The manual only says that most vehicles made after 9/1/99 already have the anchor hardware.

My other concern is with the Generation 3 belts. I don't completely understand the concern with these. Is there anything I should know or could do to help alleviate the risks involved with them? Is the main issue that they are easily released because of the placement of the release button?

Thanks!

Any chance of bringing a rear facing seat?

The Gen 3 belts can be unbuckled by a stray elbow or ankle. That's their problem.

You'll need a locking clip.

You can install the seat without a top tether, but especially with such a young and small forward facer, I'd want it. If you can't, though, you can't.

Wendy

Thanks for your help!

We have a Recaro Signo at home, but I'm quite hesitant to manage that beast in the airport and on the plane (especially concerned it won't fit on the seat). I've considered purchasing a Scenera, as I see those come highly recommended on this site for travel, but with our budget these days, am trying to avoid spending the money.

Perhaps I will try him RF again in our car since it's been a while and then possibly buy the Scenera. It may not be a bad idea to have anyway and I know using it RF alleviates the whole issue of the top tether.

If they are, in fact, Gen 3 belts, I suppose I'll just make sure to not have anyone or anything sitting too close to the buckle.

Thankfully, I have a locking clip for the HBB and I imagine the Scenera would come with one.

To clarify:
Locking clips are only used on lap/shoulder belts. They are never used on lap-only belts.

The Signo fits on a plane (you can always FF there). Just lift up the armrest.

Wendy

wendytthomas said:

The Signo fits on a plane (you can always FF there). Just lift up the armrest.

Click to expand...

Thanks! It's great to know the Signo fits. Have you taken one on? You're alleviating my fear of being forced to gate check it and use a lap belt only.

I'm actually not nearly as concerned about getting through the airport as I had been. I tried strapping it to my folding luggage cart and took it for a test drive down the sidewalk with my son. He LOVED it and it was quite easy to handle, felt sturdy on the cart.

As for locking clips, according to the manual, it's locking mechanism is like a clamp that is part of the seat, so I'm guessing that is the "locking clip" for this seat.