Sonus 65

We just bought the Evenflo Sonus as it has a higher forward facing height and weight limit! It does seem bigger than the Cosco Scenera but it’s also light.

I have an Evenflo Sonus (this is similar to the titan) for travel and a Graco Triogrow for our car. The Triogrow is by far an easier install. The clicktight mechanism is very easy to use and I always feel confident about the install. It works front facing with my car, which doesn’t have removable head rests so if you are using it with a variety of cars it would likely be compatible (some forward facing car seats can only work with removable head rests). Downsides are that it’s very heavy and that it’s not particularly compact front to back (especially for a baby or younger toddler where you would want it more inclined). The Sonus is super light and easy to transport, but a pain to install. It takes me so long to install it and I don’t always feel particularly confident about my install, even when it took so long. If you don’t mind carrying a heavy AF car seat after ubering, I would get the Triogrow.

Totally! We had a few misses too before we decided it wasn't worth it to take the gamble. We bought a cheap/lightweight car seat to have on hand for travel and a carrying bag. I liked to install it in the plane seat to keep my kids contained on the flight anyway so that eliminated the baggage handling issue. We had a Cosco Scenera and Evenflo Sonus but this was a couple of years ago so I bet there are newer cooler options now.

I second the SEATS for Kids group on fb. Things to consider that weren't on your list that were important to me are being machine washable and having a non-rethread harness. And your specific car, and the heights of driver and passenger. We've had a lot of seats, with 2 kids in Carseats and seats in my, my husband's, and 2 grandparent cars. The Britax Clicktight installation is by far the easiest install, especially for non-expert installers. Britax does not allow for headrest interference, so some cars with non-removable head rests aren't compatible. Comments on specific seats: Britax Poplar S Clicktight: my favourite seat. Easy install, machine washable, no rethread harness, steel frame. Heavy (~40 lbs). We have 3 of these across 4 cars Britax Advocate Clicktight: an older seat, like the boulevard. A great seat, no longer made. The anti rebound bar on the poplar is better. Clek Foonf: premium seat. Easy install. Heavy with a steel frame. Harness must be manually rethreaded. Pain in the bum to clean, even with the Ziip cover. Canadian. Britax emblem: solid seat, but no longer made. Cosco scenara next: excellent travel seat for kids <2yo. Only ways 7blbs, machine washable cover. We use this for travel and in my husband's sedan. Inexpensive. Evenflo Sonus: lightweight seat, used for travel for our eldest (4yo). A bit more annoying to install, and the straps twist more than the Britax or clek.

We flew a different long haul flight (two 8 hour flights) with our carseat. The only thing I'd be mindful of is the size of your seat. My son was 20 mths so we bought the Evenflo Sonus because it's light weight and easy to carry through the airport. If my son was younger I would have brought the cosco scenera for the same reason. Bringing the seat was the best. He sat comfortable and watched TV and would take his nap. It also meant we could eat our food without a struggling baby in our arms.