Flying with chronic illness — tips for surviving airports?

Neck pillow, compression socks, aisle seat so you can get up and move. Bring your own snacks because airport food is a pain to get when mobility is limited. Also give yourself way more time than you think you need — the stress of rushing makes everything worse.

TSA Cares. Look it up and call them 72 hours before your flight. They'll set up a liaison to help you through security without the normal line chaos. Also bring a doctor's letter for any meds or medical devices.

One thing nobody told me — you can ask the gate agent to let you board first even without formal pre-boarding for disability. Just explain quietly at the desk. They almost always say yes.