Radian safe stop on plane?

[squishles10]

I cannot figure out when to use this thing. I've got FF over 20 less than 40. Always with LATCH and lap belt (yes?), what about with belt with shoulder strap? I kind of didn't bother looking into it since we're ERF but we're flying tomorrow and I'm FF on the plane (no car when we get there so I'm okay with this). I guess my real question should be do I need it on the plane? I don't care much about the other options since we won't be using it, but in case of an emergency I think I should know anyway. Thanks!

 

[jjordan]

IIRC the safestop is used only when the top tether is in use (and the seat is FF and child is <40#). On a plane, there is no top tether, so you don't use the SS. If you're installing with a lap/shoulder belt, then it depends on whether or not you're using the top tether. (And really it is a good idea to put a priority on top tethering forward facing harnessed seats if at all possible, in which case the SS would be used if the child is <40#.)

 

[squishles10]

So I'm not crazy when I read the manual as the top tether is better but not required? I thought they were always required for FF so I'll just pretend that's still true. (Is that just a Diono thing or is it *generally* not required but recommended?)

Thanks for the TT clarification- that's what I needed to hear.

 

[jjordan]

If you're in Canada, then the top tether is required (for forward facing harnessed seats). If you're in the US, then it is highly recommended. This is generally true of FF harnessed seats in the US, though some will have top tether requirements or restrictions for certain sized children. If you're in a vehicle that is too old to have factory-installed top tether anchors, then you can usually get some installed. If that is the case, post back with your vehicle make/model/year, and someone will help you out.