I flew with J when he was 22 months old. We took the carseat, and purchased a seat. I can't imagine flying without my child in a carseat. The 'what ifs' fly through my mind, not to mention there is some security for the child in his/her own car seat. Plus, when we rented a car, I knew what carseat was protecting my child.

I used a umbrella stroller for transportation, and brought a wheeled cart, the kind that fold up really small (KWIM?) to transport the carseat. I managed to attach the carryon luggage to the carseat and it was pretty cool. Everything was on wheels except me.

We took new toys to hold his interest, and a portable DVD player. That was a relatively 'new' thing for him, and it held his interest a little bit. I also planned the flight for his nap time- hoping it would work. I can't remember if it were the trip out that wasn't so great, or the way back. One was okay, and one he had his feet on the back of the seat ahead of him. But, overall, his behaviour still beat the behaviour of the adults in front of him.

It is one trip, do your best, and smile. Most people have been through it, and will have sympathy. You can only do what you can do, and Hannah can only be her very best self.