How can I make the flight easier on my three month old son?

How exciting for you both, even if it is a bit daunting. First, check with your airline as to what you can and cannot take into the cabin. It is unlikely that you'll be able to take a car seat on, as a 'sky cot' is usually provided for small babies. Re the ears popping. Easy - you feed him his bottle each time you land/take off. When he swallows, he'll 'un-pop' his ears. You'll find the cabin crew more than helpful, I'm sure. Have a safe journey and a wonderful reunion with your husband.

His ears won't pop - that doesn't happen until they're about 12-months old. You won't be able to take a car seat - they're not designed for aircraft and therefore not safe - you'll be given a small cot for your baby.

you sound like you havent flown before, by making stop overs you have only made things harder on yourself to stop his ears popping give him something to suck , im sorry you may have to breast feed in public because security may take the expressed milk off you (stupid terrorists !!!!) they provide you with a blanket , so you can protect your modesty while you feed you might be able to take the car seat on the plane , but he has to be on your lap secured with a special belt they will give you when taking off and landing there are baby changing facilities in the toilets of the plane you will be fine , tell the staff on the plane that this is your first time with a baby and i promise you they will help you as much as possible

Yes you can take the car seat on the plane with you but if you want him to sit in it you have to purchase a seat for him. Otherwise if you don't want to get a ticket for him you can keep him on your lap the whole time and check his carseat. As for changing him the best way to do it would just to be on your lap. With two stopovers hopefully it will work out that he doesn't have to be changed too much in between and you can just get off the plane and use the restroom at the airport where there is more room. Security has to let you take formula or breastmilk for your baby. I know you said that you are uncomfortable about nursing in public but maybe you should rethink it. It will make it a lot easier for you. Less for you to store and how will you keep the milk cool and then warm it for him when he is ready for it? Also flying is going to be new for him and might make him scared it might be comforting for him to nurse. It also helps to keep his ears from popping. So either nurse him or give him a bottle during take off or landing. Or if he takes a pacifier you could give him that. As for what to keep in the bag. I would only pack the essentials. Bring enough diapers to be able to change him every two hours. And a lot of extra wipes becuase you never know what may happen. Also plan to add and extra two hours on becuase there might be delays. Bring a few rattles or other small things to keep him occupied. And an extra change of clothes. I might also invest in those perfumed bags that they make to hold stinky diapers as you won't have a place to dispose of them on the plane. And you may want to get disposable changing pads to put on your lap when changing him and to use in the public restroom because you don't know how dirty it is going to be.

I did that flight with both my boys about that age. I've got to say, like other answers, take a shawl and feed him. No one who is sensible cares and hardly anyone will notice. It is soooo much easier than expressing and bottles and formula. Its safer and cleaner too AND nappies don't smell so much and in an unfamiliar space they are close to you. The best way I know to make the flight more comfortable for him is to make it as relaxing as possible for you. What do you need to be well rested, entertained and happy? Get a bulk head seat - ask for help from staff from the start. Mine were fine in a basinet on the plane - the cot in front of you. I checked in my car seat as I'd been advised it isn't good for them to sleep for long periods sitting up.