Radian rxt backpack straps vs...anything else

n0tsomuch

New member
My husband will be flying SW with our 2.5 year old and her stroller, my MIL - who was kind enough to travel with them - and 2 God forsaken cats as 2 carryons in their kennels. Back to carry ons later.

Now, we have 2 radians, so we can have one already folded up and ready to carry. To make things simple, I'd assume that we'd use two straps on the back and have hubs carry it in his back, so he could use his hands to carry the cats. My mil would push Babs in the stroller. We don't like to waste money, and I would assume we'd only fly once a year with the baby, or so, so I wouldn't want to spend money on that car seat carrier. What is your experience carrying the rxt/backpack mode our any other method?

Also, the two cats count as carry ons. So, with the 3, they're allowed one more carry on and their "smaller item" each. Does the car seat count as a carry on? Have you had hassle boarding the plane - wait - imagine the chaos - sitting in your plane seat, settling in when you look up to see this crazy group carrying 2 loathsome cats, the best baby, and a car seat on this poor man's back - okay, so back to question.- what trouble are we getting ourselves into? I know we're doing earlybird check in. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks for reading!
 
Last edited:
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mom2juliarose

New member
We have flown extensively with our Radians in backpack mode. I will say this, it is HEAVY. So if you're also carrying items and pushing/pulling items, it can be a PITA. That being said, depending on your stroller, we've actually put our Radians (open) on a stroller and had kiddo sit in the Radian and we pushed it through the airport.

Car seat doesn't count as a carry on if the child is riding in it.

We've flown SW a lot with our Radian and haven't had an issue. The narrow size makes boarding easier. But there's always the insanity of getting the seat installed while trying not to block the aisle and all that.
 
U

Unregistered

Guest
Haha! Yeah, with our zoo of a group, I feel we'll be totally blocking the aisle. We'll try the stroller thing. Great idea. Is there some sort of tray you use? I've read about that. She's an active 2 year old, and I have no idea how she'll do! Haha! I'm sure we'll figure it out. I'd take any tips though. :)
 

n0tsomuch

New member
We have flown extensively with our Radians in backpack mode. I will say this, it is HEAVY. So if you're also carrying items and pushing/pulling items, it can be a PITA. That being said, depending on your stroller, we've actually put our Radians (open) on a stroller and had kiddo sit in the Radian and we pushed it through the airport.

Car seat doesn't count as a carry on if the child is riding in it.

We've flown SW a lot with our Radian and haven't had an issue. The narrow size makes boarding easier. But there's always the insanity of getting the seat installed while trying not to block the aisle and all that.

The guy I SW guy said it counts as a carry on. I'll call to double check. Also, Did you use some sort of car seat tray so the kids could entertain themselves?
 

sirrahn

Active member
The guy I SW guy said it counts as a carry on. I'll call to double check. Also, Did you use some sort of car seat tray so the kids could entertain themselves?

It's been a long time since I flew with a Radian, but IIRC, it sits low enough that the tray table on the plane works fine. We carried ours from one end of Hartsfield to another (loooong way and crowded) It is heavy, but I found just carrying it easier than dealing with a separate cart. GL!
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
Yep, doesn't count as a carryon if used on the flight and works with the regular tray table. (Assuming it's forward-facing- does not work rear-facing on a plane.)

Definitely board as soon as you can (usually after priority group one on Southwest. If you get on and there are no window seats left, speak to a FA right away- they will move people so you can use the car seat in the seat you're required to but it's best to do it immediately. Since there are no reserved seats.)
 

MUTigers

New member
Do you mind if I piggy back a question here? I’m going to be traveling with a forward facing RXT soon too! I’m planning to back pack carry it as I think that will be easiest with my kiddos.

Anyway, question: are there are special tricks to installing it forward facing on the plane? Will I need a seat belt extender? We’re flying southwest if that matters.

Thanks!
 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob
Staff member
No extender forward facing. I never had a problem, just pull tight through the front, but if you anticipate complaining over the buckle being in the middle of the back bring a small blanket or towel or something to pad it with. My kids never minded though, the cover padding was enough.
 

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