I did on virgin, and it's not that bad. Get an isle seat so it's easy to get up. Buy disenfecting wipes and wipe around yourself. Super dirty on airplane. They board mother and children first usually and the flight attendants are usually really nice and helpful.
it was so nice gate checking our stroller...dropped it off while getting on the plane and got it when we got off. and they usually let people with small children on first to have time to get settled...at least with delta
Yes completely free. Just tell them at the gate desk you have stuff to check and they'll put some tags on it for you. And if she sleeps through landing it's okay to not nurse her. Caleigha slept until we landed at the gate.
also have your baby, if awake, drink or have a binky when taking off and landing...it will help the ears...my daughter slept during most the the flights on our trip
bring plenty of snacks and new toys to keep baby busy...my daughter was almost 1year when we flew and she did amazing...also have an umbrella stroller that you can gate check...airports sometimes are long walks.