Air Travel with a six month old? Any suggestions.

I know this a travel question but I want to talk to parents in the know. Unfortunately I can't afford to get my son his own seat and he'll be six months when we go to visit his grands in Arizona. From what I've read the FAA has banned all harness that attach to the seat belt for lap carried infants, period. I figure something is better than nothing, but what can I do? Any suggestions? I'll be travelling on Southwest. And how do you recommend keeping him entertained? It's a three hour flight with an 1 1/2 wait at the airport and the same amount of time to the airport.

He'll just stay on your lap. When you take off and land, they will have you put him facing you with his legs on either side. You just hold him close.

Have a bottle or pacifier for the take off and landing, so that his ears can depressurize. Hopefully he'll sleep for a bit and the person sitting next to you will help to entertain him.

Keep a bottle and dumby close to you at all times. A few of his fav. toys too. He will sit on your lap, you don't need the harness for when you are actually in flight, but I believe you can keep it with you for when you are leaving and getting off and def. in the airport.
I know people that use baby sleep aids like benadryl, I personally won't use them with my son and I don't care if he cries the intire flight. But to each their own.
And don't worry, you will be fine, just make sure you have all need plus one more - you never really do know ;)

naenae00 has the answer.

The pacifier is really important. Babies little ear tubes are often blocked anyway. It can be excruciating being cooped up in an airplane with one whose mom didn't prepare.

I just flew today with my 6 mo. Son. We flew southwest. Ours was only an hour flight LA to phoenix. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We nursed during take off which helped him sleep a bit, he woke up for landing. Everybody was really helpful and nice. The couple next to me helped entertain, the flight attendants were kind, it was nice. Helpful hints have your DH if he's not going with, go to the gate with you to help. Just ask at the ticketing counter and get an isle seat so you can get up and down easy. Good luck.