Flying w/a 2 year old - what to use for the airport?

Next week DS and I will be flying alone, and I am unsure how to navigate the airport with him. He is 2 and very very active.

We are flying out very late (9:30 p.m.) and flying back even later (1 a.m.) so hopefully he will be tired enough to not be running around like he was when we flew a few weeks ago! (with DH!)

I am going back and forth between using a stroller and using one of those things that you use to roll the car seat so that DS can sit in the car seat. I have a backpack for the car seat so I can carry it that way if I use the stroller. I am planning on having a backpack and a bigger (but still carry on size) bag. Luckily, we are going to my parents so we are sending stuff and buying diapers, snacks, etc there so I don't need too much luggage. They also have borrowed a stroller that we can use.

Anyway, I am worried if I bring the stroller it will be too much stuff and having to fold it up and put it in the bag (and carry the bag) to gate check. But if LO is sleeping, or even awake, it would be better on the whole, I think.

Apparently with the car seat roller things you don't have to take it off to use the seat as a seat which would be great. If he is sleeping it would be ok but I worry if he is awake that he'd be dragging his feet, etc. I have also seen a strap that you can use to attach the car seat to a rolling suitcase.

I also worry about going through security, if he is asleep so I need to carry him. Or awake so all he want to do is run around. And I have no clue how going to the bathroom is gonna work out lol!!

Long story short lol What do you guys do when you are flying alone w/a 2 year old? What is the better option?

Re: Flying w/a 2 year old - what to use for the airport?

I've used both.
Take the stroller. The car seat roller is not super strong or maneuverable. It's best for carrying the seat itself (heavy and bulky).
Yes, all security lines will ask you to remove him from the seat.

Flying w/a 2 year old - what to use for the airport?

If u use a stroller you can use it up until u step onto the plane. You fold it & leave right @ plane entrance & crew member takes it & its stowed away till u land & they take out before you leave the plane.

Flying w/a 2 year old - what to use for the airport?

But if I take the stroller all the way down, then fold it up, put it in the bag, etc., won't I be blocking everyone coming down the jetway, esp. with my bags and car seat? I know it is really tight around there.

He's have to get out of the car seat anyway b/c it doesn't fit through the scanner. I can carry him though, right? Through the security thing.