1st time flying with the kids

I have an 8 month old and a 4 year old. My hubby and I are flying with them for the 1st time over the Christmas vacation. We did not get a seat for the baby so she will be on my lap for the 5 hour flight. Hope she nurses alot and sleeps for me!
Do I need to put the car seat and Snap n Go in a bag or case when I gate check it? Nervous about the way it will be handled. Also, any advice for keeping my 4 year old entertained besides the ipad? We're not flying JetBlue do there is no TV in front of her seat.
I haven't flown in years. What can I bring on the plane as far as food for my DD? Thanks & Happy Holidays everyone :)

1st time flying with the kids

Download videos from Netflix or amazon onto your iPad or phone.

Im no help with the car seat issue. We are also flying for the first time with our 3 year old.

Re: 1st time flying with the kids

You will be fine. It’s such an experience for kids. She will love staring out the window.

Activities:
Paper and crayons
Stickers
Color forms
Markers
Acquadoodle travel
Those magic pens (clear but colors appear on paper)
Water wow
Flash cards
Memory match game (I put 12 pieces or so in a sandwich bag)
Write on wipe off book
Books to read
Kids magazine like highlights
Apps on your phone

Snacks:
Peanut butter ritz sandwiches
Cereal bar
Graham crackers
Halo clementine
Carrot sticks and cut up veggies
Goldfish
Pj and j sandwich (I often bring this for myself when I travel)
Apple or other fruit
Ritz crackers (my kids are addicts)
Pretzels
Fruit snacks
Lollipops for take off and landing
Mini muffins

Bring a zippy cup and you can buy/get water to fill it
Bring extra snacks in your bag for the flight home

I bought a bag for my stroller and then forgot it in the car. Everything turned out ok