Let's also look at it this way:
Flying by myself (and my daughter), I could only DREAM of taking her NextFit (really I love this seat)...but just not doable with managing her and the diaperbag and that heavy seat.
Had hubby been flying with me each and every time that me and my daughter have flown, I would have CONSIDERED it then. Even hubby thinks it's too heavy to fly with, BUT it would have been much more doable with both of us. He could have managed the seat while I carry our daughter and the diaper bag.
I guess it is about circumstances, but I also considered this...since I had to gate check my seat a few times, if it were to get damaged, would I like them to damage a $300 seat or a $40-80 seat? They don't take responsibility for it...at least not Southwest...they have a disclaimer right on their site.
I might take it after she's 2, which means we'll also have to buy her a seat, which guarantees us to not have to gate check it...but then again...only if hubby is along.
It's all about what's important to you, but the general consensus is that it's not the best seat to travel with. I swear the aisle down the middle just gets narrower and narrower, and I'm sure if I tried taking the NextFit, I'd be one of those people that almost knock people out with it trying to get down the aisle and into a seat.