BEFORE YOU GO

Building a list before leaving for a trip is very useful.
SIgn up for flights alerts with the airline you are using so that info on flight delays, gate changes, etc. can be sent as a text to your phone or as an email to your smart phone.
Carry a small cloth bag with you when you fly. While I’m in the waiting area before boarding, I put my headphones, book, snacks, etc. in the bag. I find my seat, put the cloth bag on the seat, put my carryon bag in the overhead and thus get out of the aisle quickly.