How can I survive airplane travel with a baby?

In the coming weeks, I’ll be traveling with my 20-month-old on an airplane.

Yes, you know what that means …

All that stuff you hate — going through security, waiting for the plane to takeoff, being squeezed into a small airline seat, turbulence — will be there. But, it will also be unpleasant, if not annoying, for the little guy.

I’ve looked at a handful of websites for tips on the excursion. I think it’s going to be OK, but I could be wrong.

Here is the short list of “must-do” items I’ve come up with so far.

• Have a pacifier, or 12. His chances of sleeping on the plane will increase with a pacifier. And, he’s going to lose one of them (or I will). That’s pretty much a given.

• Have a bag with two essentials — toys and snacks. He’ll need to be entertained while being sandwiched in small spaces.

• Listen for early boarding “for those with small children.” This is a great opportunity to ease his anxiety by boarding with a smaller number of people.

• Bring a stroller. I know this will be valuable in the airports — and they can easily be checked from one destination to the next.

• Change diapers at home or in airports. That seems like a complicated venture while in flight.

— An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth soccer dad and changes diapers. Luckily, the upcoming flight isn’t overseas. That might be just a little too much.