have a purse that you cannot set down.
have enough book to read
get an ipod and in the ear phones
put a nice big ribbon of unique and bright color on your carry on.
wear easy off shoes
get an aisle seat(for rest room)
try to avoid the back of the plane. even if you are assigned a back of plane seat, try again at the airport.
check every now and then to make certain they have not moved your gate and plane.

when at airport, ask. get there early enough, and ask where whatever is.

i pack a lunch. most airport food is really bad, and expensive, since they really get gouged on the rent. i like wraps, with plastic wrap around the bottom to keep them out of my lap. if you plan to eat in houston, buy a soda at the newspaper place. if you plan to eat in Detroit, eat befor you go through tsa, and buy your drink out there.

if your plane gets canceled, and you must rebook. do not go to the designated kiosk. run out front beyond the gates and book at the initial check-in site.

for seat selection, do not sit on the sun side of the plane.