Airplane social story for kids

An airplane social story is a short picture book that walks a child through a flight: packing, the airport, security, takeoff, the flight itself and landing. Seeing each step in order can make a busy, loud day easier to picture. Ready Story puts your child's name and look on every page.

Last updated: October 2026

Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.

What happens on an airplane trip

Packing and getting to the airportThe suitcase gets packed with clothes and favorite things, and the teddy comes along. A grown-up drives to the airport.
Checking the bagThe airport is big and busy. The big suitcase goes to a worker and rides away on a belt.
SecurityThe teddy rides through a machine. Your child walks through a doorway that might beep.
The gate and the jet bridgeEveryone waits at the gate, then walks down a long hallway to the airplane door.
TakeoffThe airplane goes fast, then up. It is loud, and ears might feel full. A sip of water, a snack or a yawn can help.
During the flightMusic, a book, headphones or a teddy can help. The airplane may bump, and the seat belt stays on.
LandingThe landing may bump and be loud. Everyone stays seated, then gets off and picks up the suitcase.

Before, during and after

Before

Read the story at home for a week before the trip, and visit the airport website to look at photos.
Pack headphones, snacks, a favorite toy and a small activity for the gate.
Ask the airline or airport about accommodations, such as early boarding or a quiet area.
Practice wearing a seat belt and walking through a doorway slowly.

During

Tell your child what happens next before each step.
Offer water, a snack or a yawn during takeoff and landing.
Keep the teddy and headphones within reach.

After

Point to the last page and say "We did it."
Talk about what was loud or bumpy and what helped.
Save the book for the trip home.

A look inside the book

Three real pages from the airplane book. In your copy, your child's name and look replace the bracketed words and the child in the picture.

Page 1 of 15: Saying hello
My name is [your child's name]. Soon I will fly on an airplane.
Page 6 of 15: Security
At security, my teddy rides through a machine and comes out safe. I walk through a doorway. It might beep. A worker in gloves may check me and tell me first.
Page 10 of 15: Takeoff
The airplane goes very fast, then up into the sky. It is loud, and my ears might feel full or pop. I can cover my ears. That is OK.

Make this story with your child's name and look$3.99 per book. Preview every page first. No account.

Questions parents ask

What does an airplane social story cover?

It follows a whole trip in order: packing, the car, the airport, checking the bag, security, the gate, the seat, takeoff, the flight and landing.

Can we read it on the plane?

Yes. Many families read it before the trip and again during the wait at the gate. Check with your airline about screens or printed pages.

Does it mention loud noises and ears popping?

Yes, in a calm way. It names the loud sounds and suggests sipping water, a snack, a yawn or covering the ears.

How much does it cost?

$3.99 per book. You preview every page first, and you do not need an account.

Is this travel or medical advice?

No. It prepares a child at home. For specific needs, talk to your child's care team and your airline.