Flying

Erika • Mom of 2
Does anyone have any tips for flying with a 12 week old? I'm flying to visit my parents with my little guy next week. My husband can't go, so I'll be all by myself. I thought about checking the car seat at the ticket counter so I don't have to lug it throug the airport (he's flying in my lap), but I'm afraid it will get damaged. I've read it's safer to gate check it, but my cousin has flown a lot with her LO and she said she always checks the car seat and the stroller at the counter so she doesn't have to take them through security. What does everyone think? Any general advice about flying with an infant?