Tips installing two Cosco Scenera Next on an aircraft

SSAguirre · Oct 15, 2015

Hello!

I am flying Southwest on Tuesday, alone, with my 2.5 year old and 7 month old.

Give me some tips for speedy, efficient, correct install of 2 Cosco Scenera Next seats on an aircraft...extra points for Southwest specific details, especially since we will be flying SW again in Nov.
I'd like to install both seats RF, just to minimize the toddler kicking seats, but I don't mind FF her on a plane if that somehow makes for an easier install.
I also assume I'll need two seat belt extenders.

The kids and I are pretty experienced with air travel and we always use CRS when flying, but I've never flown with these specific seats before. I am very comfortable installing them in cars using the belt install. I just want to be well educated and prepared when I walk on the plane.

Thanks!

wendytthomas · Oct 15, 2015

Hi!

Neither child needs the recline line parallel to the ground. So that'll help with fit right off the bat.

You won't need an extender. Pull back the covers a bit, run through the seatbelt, add weight and pull tight. Super easy.

For any plane installation I like to keep in the back of my mind that if i recline the plane's seat as I install and then push the seat toward the tail of the plane, that will help with front to back fit. Though the Scenera won't have that issue.

It's very possible your 2.5 year old has outgrown the Scenera Next forward facing. If you do that make sure you move the straps to be above her shoulders.

Wendy

SSAguirre · Oct 15, 2015

Thanks!

Good to know the Scenera is, in fact, as simple to install as rumored.

I was worried about the 40 lb/43" limits on the seat, but my toddler is very petite (just now 31" tall and under 30 lbs), so hopefully we get some mileage out of these yet. She seemed to fit pretty comfortably and, for the price, even a year of regular travel use will be worth it.
Honestly, I'd love to just take her Diono Ranier when we travel, but getting the 25lb Diono + another convertible (infant has outgrown his baby seat) + 2 kids (only one of whom walks) on to the plane and installed by myself is not do-able.