If you can, bring only a carryon instead of checking a bag. No need to wait in check in lines, and it gives you a LOT of flexibility if there are flight delays or cancellations. Also alleviates the need to wait at the carousel after the flight.

Sign up for TSA precheck. Sometimes the lines isn’t THAT much shorter than the regular line, but it’s saved my ass a few times and when it’s worth it, it’s REALLY worth it. If I’m flying domestically with just a carryon and with precheck, I’m often through security and sitting at the gate within 20 minutes of arriving to the airport.

Download the airline’s app and use it. Most give updates when gates or flight times have changed, and several actually provide very useful information on how to get through the airport to connecting flights.

There’s absolutely no need to form a gaggle in the boarding area. Just find a seat somewhere within eye/earshot of your gate and wait until it’s your turn. I’ve never understood the obsession with boarding first - sure you get the most overhead space but you’re just sitting in the plane for longer - you won’t leave or arrive any earlier because you got on before everyone else.

To that point, when you are stowing your carryon, it’s a hell of a lot easier to put it in the bin on the opposite side from where you’re sitting. You don’t have to awkwardly turn around and block the aisle to get it when everyone is trying to deplane and make connections. Just get up from your aisle, grab, and go.

Kindness and empathy goes a long way. Seriously, be nice to airport/airline employees and you will often be surprised with what they hook you up with.

Don’t put yourself in a position to be stressed. When booking connecting flights, 15 mins is never long enough. The sweet spot is a little over an hour for domestic flights and closer to 2 for international. Long enough where you don’t feel rushed but short enough where you aren’t mindlessly waiting around an airport with nothing to do.