Special needs students get sneak peek into air travel

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's a big day for Bailey Coward. She is preparing to board an airplane.

Today was a unique opportunity for this autistic fourth grader and other students with special needs who struggle with the airport and airplane experience.

But thanks to a partnership between Houston Airport System, United Airlines and the Arc of Texas, these students are getting a practice run for travel in the future.

The kids were carefully guided through every step of the sometimes scary process, even meeting the pilot who says he too has a child on the autism spectrum.

For parents and kids, every step is progress.

For Bailey Coward, it was a success as she made it onto the plane and safely buckled herself into her seat.

Mock flight held for kids with special needs at Bush IAH

There was test run on a flight for families trying to take the 'stress' out of traveling with children with special needs

Galena Park students learn the art of flying at United Airlines facility

Students at Galena Park ISD's Cimarron Elementary School recently toured the United Airlines facility in Houston

PHOTOS: Cimarron students learn the art of flying at United

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