I can download the United app on my phone. On the app I can check-in for my flight, and see my boarding pass and flight info. I can also use the app to play games and watch movies on the plane.

I should already have my boarding pass on my phone in the United app. I can also print it at an United Airlines kiosk in the airport lobby.

If I have a checked bag, I can print a bag tag.

Next, I’ll bring my checked bag to the person at the counter. They’ll make sure my bag is put on the plane.

When I get to the front of the line I’ll show the officer my boarding pass and my ID if I have one.

Most of the time I’ll have to put my jacket, bag, and anything in my pockets in a bin. I might have to take my shoes off and put them in the bin too, and that’s okay. My bin will go through a big machine so security can check my things.

Then, I’ll wait my turn to walk through a scanner. Only one person can go at a time. It’s okay if the scanner makes noise. Sometimes security will need to ask me questions or look through my things. I can tell them if I’m nervous or need extra time.

After I go through the scanner, I’ll take my things out of the bin and put my shoes back on.

Now I can go find my plane.

My gate is on my boarding pass. I can also find my gate on the screen on the wall.

At some airports I might get to take a train.

On my way to the gate I’ll pass stores, restaurants and bathrooms. It might be busy or loud walking to my gate. If I feel excited or nervous I can take a break or put my headphones on.

I might have to wait at the gate for my plane. I can eat a snack, go to the bathroom, or play with the things in my carry-on bag while I wait.

When it’s my turn, I’ll get in line to show my boarding pass to the gate agent. They’ll scan my boarding pass. I might be asked to put my carry-on bag in cargo with my checked bag and that’s okay. I can take out the things I want to keep with me first.

Next, I’ll walk down a long hallway, or jet bridge, to the plane. Sometimes there’s a line on the jet bridge, and it can be hot or cold.

When I get on the plane, I’ll look for my seat. My seat is listed on my boarding pass. First I’ll find my row number. Then, I’ll find the seat that matches the letter on my boarding pass. I can ask for help if I need it.

When I find my seat, I can put my carry-on bag under the seat in front of me if it’s small enough or in the bins above my seat.

I’ll sit down and buckle my seatbelt. I might have to get up to let others get to their seats if I board first.

While I wait for the plane to leave, I can look out the window, read a book, listen to music, play a game or talk quietly.

Once everyone is seated, I’ll listen to the plane rules.

Now it’s time for the plane to take off.

It’s okay if I hear the engines while the plane is flying. They can be loud sometimes. I may also feel the plane tilt when it turns or my ears may pop. That’s okay, too.

Another thing I may hear are beeps. This is okay too. The beeps let flight attendants know who needs help.

I can talk on the plane but I need to talk quietly so I don’t disturb other people. I can also read books, play games or watch movies.

While I’m watching a movie the pilot may make an announcement and the movie will stop. I’ll listen quietly until my movie starts again.

The pilots will drive the plane to the gate at a new airport in a new city. I’ll stay in my seat with my seatbelt buckled until the seatbelt sign is turned off.

Then, I can stand up and wait for my turn to leave the plane. I need to make sure I have all my things before I go.

Sometimes I might need to go to another plane. I can check the United app or the screens on the wall to find the gate for my next flight.

If I’m leaving the airport, I need to make sure I have all my bags. If I checked a bag, I need to follow the signs to baggage claim.

When I get to baggage claim I can find the right carousel by checking the United app and following the signs in the baggage claim area. I might have to wait for my checked bag. I can ask for help finding my bag if I need it.

Now it’s time to leave the airport. Thanks to United’s social story I felt more prepared for my trip.