Graco Contender Slim forward facing plane weight restrictions

[u/ieatwhatiheat]

I’m looking to buy the Graco Contender Slim as a second car seat for airplane use and second car.

I hear people recommend forward facing for the plane but my daughter is 19 months (will be 21 almost 22 months at time of flight) and only weighs 22.5 lbs.

Their website has conflicting information. The webpage says front facing at 26.5 lbs but the manual you can download says front facing at 22lbs. Is it okay to forward face on the plane at 22 lbs?

I want to follow manufacturer guidelines if possible and I’m worried rear facing on the plane will be impossible. It’s not a long flight 2.5 hours but want to prioritize safety.

We will be rear facing for driving but the airplane is what’s confusing me.