I flew home from the Gold Coast on Monday with Tiger and had no issues.

Booking closed an hour beforehand and we were there about an hour and 45 minutes before the flight left.

The booking staff were very helpful and held the extra seat in our row of 3 so that we would have more room. You can't keep your stroller till check in time, it has to go when you check in your other luggage - the staff should help you when you check in your case - but generally you ahve to take strollers to the oversized section, no real hassle though.

The flight was fine, service was comparable to jetstar (who we flew on the way up) and I would use them again.

In regards to keeping your little one entertained, there's plenty of quite spots in the airport where you could set him up with some toys on the (most likely) grubby floor. I would also recommend taking a sling, wrap or carrier for before boarding and for disembarking/collecting your luggage as that way you can keep him strapped in till you get your stroller.

Good luck!