Having appropriate luggage can make a world of difference. Watch for luggage with the following features:
Retractable rollers: rollers will make it easier to pull your luggage through the airport. Retractable rollers prevent the rollers from catching and being pulled off.
Removable straps: Straps make luggage easier to carry, but they can get caught on conveyor belts and either break or damage your luggage. Be sure they can be removed.
A proper-sized carry-on will help you avoid exceeding the recent more restrictive carry-on size limits.