Getting ready to fly.

Crowds, lines, loud engines, ears that feel funny. Flying is a lot of new at once. Here's a calm way to walk through it before the airport does.

Social story

Airplane Trip

Soon we are going on an airplane.

The airport is big and busy. I stay close to my grown-up.

We wait in some lines. Waiting is part of flying.

On the plane, I buckle my seatbelt. The engines hum, and that sound is normal.

If it feels like too much, I can wear my headphones.

The plane takes us somewhere new, and my grown-up is with me the whole way.

Make it yours

More ways to prepare to fly

What to expect

Airports are mostly waiting with short bursts of hurry. The loud parts (security, boarding, takeoff) are predictable, which means you can rehearse them. Engine noise and ear pressure are the two surprises worth naming ahead of time. You know which steps your kid will snag on. Change anything.

One tip from a dad who's been there

Call the airline and ask about a practice run; many US airports run them for autistic kids if you ask (TSA Cares is the magic phrase). And pack the headphones in the seat pocket bag, not the overhead bag.

Common questions

What if my child melts down on the plane?

Board with a plan, not hope: headphones on before the engines start, the quiet bag in the seat pocket, the schedule showing the flight has an end. Tell the crew you have an autistic kid; most are glad to know and quietly helpful.

Can I make this in Spanish?

Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no signup and nothing you type is stored. Make it, print it, done.