Keyfit 30 on airplane

Baby #1 is due April 3rd. The first weekend in June we're flying to Colorado for a friend's wedding. We're planning to buy a seat, use the KF on board, and check the keyfit caddy at the gate. We'll also have the base as carry on. We'll probably be flying United.

I came across a thread about successful installs that I think made mention about some infant seat that was able to be installed with the base. I do know how to install the seat baseless, but am more comfortable installing with it. Do you think the seat can be installed on either of these airlines with the base? Looking at flights so far it looks like the jets we'll most likely be on either an Airbus 320 (3 seats either side of center aisle) or the Canadair 700 (2 seats either side of center aisle). Also...where would you try to sit on either of these jets? I'm thinking more towards the rear (nearer the restroom)...

Any other tips? So far the flights I've found are non-stop from San Antonio to Denver (we'll drive a rental car from Denver to the Springs), but some of the flights also stopped in Salt Lake City. I plan to have the moby wrap for in the airport, but know I can't use it on the flight. Plan to feed and change as close to boarding as possible to keep the kid buckled in the seat as much as possible through the flight.

This trip is a good learning experience for us. We'll also be flying to IL the first weekend in July and plan to use any tips picked up from the first trip.

Because the base would have the buckle from the airplane belt right in the middle of where the seat needs to click in, it won't really work. Airplane installs without the base are REALLY easy, though. Easier than in the car by far.

If you want the base when you get there, take it in your carryon so it stays with you and doesn't get damaged or lost.

Honestly I would not take the base with me. Practice installing it without the base. You can used a rolled up baby blanket (which you'll probably be packing a few of anyway) if you need to adjust the angle of the car seat.

When we took our daughter on vacation we left the base at home. It's just one more unnecessary piece of equipment to haul, and although it's convenient to have it around it's not (in my opinion) convenient enough to be worth the hassle of dragging it along on a plane trip.

We flew with our key fit 30 and took the base. The base is not approved for use on the plane, so it was a baseless install. The base fit under the airplane seat. It was, however, cumbersome to carry - the base adds a lot of weight to the seat. We baby wore through the airport and carried the empty seat/base. I personally like having the base with me for car installations, but it is just one more thing to carry. We have the caddy, too (didn't take it). I don't think the base fits in the basket, though.

ETA: we were on an airbus a319 and a320.