We used to live remote WA too & flew with DS about 10 times before the poor child was 2!!! The younger they are the easier it is. Some bubs have trouble with ears, some don't it's just one of those things. Best thing to try is the feed on take off & landing or a dummy if you use one....but if they don't want either you just have to deal with it IYKWIM. We flew back with DS when he was 6wks as we went back to SA to have him....he slept the entire trip...didn't hear a peep. Most bubs will sleep whilst travelling.

Using a sling is great at that age for keeping your hands free. At this age you don't need the extras like toys etc but try & get a clean nappy on before leaving....my DS did a no2 just after take off at 6wks & those change tables in the toilets are so very awkward - think it took me half hour LOL.

As for baggage, I don't know if they have changed rules recently or gotten a lot harder but we've never once paid excess for DS...EVER. One trip back to SA (2 Qantas flights) we took his stroller, car seat & porter cot. As for care they take, that's just luck of the draw. Put a bag around it & hope they treat it nice.