Hi ~ As far as I can see the it should be no problem. The only restriction is that the CARES device cannot be used in a restricted row (emergency exit rows). You will probably get questioned from the crew just because of the unfamiliarity of the device. The change was only made in May and since we train once a year some people won't review it during annual training until next Spring! Of course we're supposed to read new info as we insert it into our books BUT......
A quick summary about what our manuals say.....
The parent/guardian must be familiar with:
~The manufacturer’s installation
~The method of securing and releasing the infant/child from
the device
~The method of quickly releasing the infant/child from the
restraint in the event of an evacuation.
Crew should instruct the parent/guardian to:
~Sit in seat adjacent to the infant/child
~Keep infant/child in the device in the event of an
emergency landing
~Remove child from device in the event of an evacuation
Crew must ensure that the CARES device is not......
~Located in a restricted row
~Installed on a seat fitted with a inflatable seatbelt (some Business Class seats have this)
Even if you didn't pre book seats you can check in online as early as 24 hours in advance and select your seats online
You can view the seat map and move your seats around even if it 'assigns' you seats online.
Good Luck!