Social Story Templates

Social Stories About Airplanes and Flying

Flying can feel exciting, magical, and slightly like being inside a noisy metal cloud with a seatbelt. For some children, an airplane is the best part of a trip. For others, it is a lot of new sounds, new rules, waiting, and wondering why everyone is asking them to put their bag somewhere different.

That is where social stories can help. They explain the parts of flying in a clear, reassuring way so the journey feels less mysterious. This page brings together our social stories about airplanes, airports, flying, and the steps that happen before, during, and after a trip.

Airplane social stories illustration

Choose from the topics below -

I'm going to travel on an airplane soon. Sometimes an air journey can be very long

Travelling on an Airplane

airplane airport travel waiting

What happens during a flight so the journey feels calmer and more predictable.

We are going to the airport to catch a plane. We need to arrive a few hours early. 

Going to the Airport

airplane airport travel waiting

What happens at the airport before a flight.

I can feel a little nervous when I’m going through airport security, and that is okay

Going Through Airport Security

airplane airport safety travel

The airport security process in simple language, with calm ways to follow each step.

Sometimes I feel nervous but also excited when it is time to board the plane

Boarding an Airplane

airplane airport travel waiting

What happens during boarding in a simple and reassuring way.

I feel excited and sometimes a little nervous when the plane takes off or lands

I can feel strange vibrations and sounds

Airplane Takeoff and Landing

airplane airport travel

What happens during take-off and landing and simple ways to stay calm.

When I am on the plane, I may need to use the bathroom

It can be small and a bit different

Using Airplane Toilet

airplane safety toilet travel

What to expect when using an airplane toilet and that it is okay to take their time and ask for help.

When I am flying on a plane, I can try to keep myself safe

Staying Safe on an Airplane

airplane safety travel

Simple safety rules on a plane, including seatbelts, listening to cabin crew, and staying calm during the flight.

Let's create a new social story together!

Can't find the perfect story?

Please get in touch and tell us which story we are missing. We will design it for you!

FAQs

Flying stories are most useful when children can read them before the airport day arrives.

  • Read the story in advance - A preview of the journey helps reduce uncertainty.
  • Talk through airport steps - Check-in, security, waiting, boarding, and landing all feel easier when they are explained clearly.
  • Use the story again on travel day - A quick refresh can help when the day feels busy.
  • Keep reassurance simple - Children usually need clarity more than extra detail.

These stories are helpful for autistic and neurodivergent children, and for any child who benefits from knowing what flying and airport routines might look like before they happen.

You can use these stories before a holiday, before a first flight, before airport travel, or before any journey where flying will be part of the plan.

These airplane social stories can help children with:

  • understanding airports
  • boarding and flying
  • coping with noise and waiting
  • following travel routines
  • feeling safer on a plane
  • building confidence before holidays and trips

An airplane social story is a short, simple story that helps children understand what happens when they travel by plane, from the airport to landing.

Yes. They are especially useful for first flights because they make the unknown feel more familiar.

No. They can also support wider travel planning, airport routines, and holiday preparation.

Usually, yes. Repetition helps the process feel more familiar and less overwhelming.