Should I bring the car seat on the plane?

If you paid for a seat for your child, yes. It provides a familiar sleep environment and keeps them contained. If they are a 'lap infant,' check the car seat at the gate.

How do I handle the pressure change for their ears?

Have a bottle, pacifier, or snack ready for takeoff and landing. The act of swallowing helps equalize pressure.

Booking long-haul flights with young children

Book overnight flights to maximize sleep and prioritize direct routes to avoid the stress of layovers. Always pay for bulkhead or bassinet seats in advance, even if they cost extra, to give your child space to move and yourself a break.

Check airline aircraft layouts. Use a site like SeatGuru or Aerolopa to verify exactly where the bassinets are located. A 'bulkhead' seat is the wall seat with extra legroom; ensure your specific flight allows infants in these seats before booking.
Book the bassinet early. Booking the seat is not enough. You must call the airline immediately after purchasing the ticket to request the bassinet. These are strictly limited by weight (usually 20-25 lbs) and height.
Select 'Kid-Friendly' flight times. If your child sleeps well in a car seat, book a departure time that aligns with their usual bedtime. Avoid 'red-eyes' if your child is a light sleeper who will be overstimulated by the cabin lights during meal services.
Request kid meals at booking. Don't rely on snacks provided by the airline. Log into your booking 72 hours before departure to specifically request child-sized meals; they are usually served first, allowing you to feed the kids before your own meal arrives.

Should I bring the car seat on the plane?: If you paid for a seat for your child, yes. It provides a familiar sleep environment and keeps them contained. If they are a 'lap infant,' check the car seat at the gate.
How do I handle the pressure change for their ears?: Have a bottle, pacifier, or snack ready for takeoff and landing. The act of swallowing helps equalize pressure.