Your character is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. The story takes place during a long-haul flight, with an open return-date. What happens?

Posted in Adventure on Nov 4, 2022

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✍️ 10 stories

“Going Forth” by Francois Kosie

Submitted to Contest #171

I was trying to push back my seat, but it wasn’t moving. Either it was stuck, or the person behind me was blocking it. I gave up and decided to speak to Andy right away. It couldn't wait any longer."Andy, I’m sorry, but I’m having doubts."Andy paused his in-flight movie, took out his earbuds, and slowly turned his unshaven face toward me in disbelief. "Didn't we go over this so many times before?" he said, a bit too loudly, an edge of annoyance entering his voice.I kept my voice to a whisper to avoid disturbing the other passengers. "Yes, I ...

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“Come Fly With Me” by Mark Nero

Submitted to Contest #171

Wow… ‘I can’t believe I’m finally doing this’, I said to myself, while I sat in the cramped window seat of a plane heading to Sydney, Australia! I thought I’d be clever and learn how to say ‘G’day, mate!’ with an Australian accent but the more I tried the worse I sounded. Charleston airport was quieter than I thought it would be, considering all the shenanigans on the news, so it didn’t take long to check my bags, clear customs, and find my seat on the jet. When I told my friends what I was about to do, they thought I was crazy. Especial...

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“Santa's Senior Moments.” by Julie Grenness

Submitted to Contest #171

It was that most magical time of the year, Christmas again. Santa was preparing for his long-haul flight. But this year, there was no turning back. Maybe he was never coming home. His sleigh was ready, with an open return-date. In spite of the usual traditions, the world had changed forever. Due to the ever expanding global warming and climate change, the North Pole had turned into a surf beach. It was now labelled, "New North!" Mrs. Merry Santa heaved a sigh, her grey hair and doughty bosoms prevented her wearing a bikini. She could hear o...

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“Finding Happiness” by Ruby Fink

Submitted to Contest #171

Dear Mom, I got your message. I tried calling, but your voicemail said you would be hard to reach for a few months and to email you. What were you thinking? What possessed you to take a missionary trip to the Dominican Republic of all places? And without telling me? Or anyone else? You mentioned that with me in college you had a little more time on your hands, but how does that translate to a spur-of-the-moment trip? What about your business? Who is managing your work, who is managing your house? I’m glad you’re getting a little vacation for...

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“Terminal Living: A War Story” by George Georgerfrost@gmail.com

Submitted to Contest #171

Like an Orwellian novel, I had been sent to Korea in 1984 to help defend democracy, crossing the International Date Line on Valentine’s Day where the clocks were all striking thirteen o’clock. After six months in Korea, I had decided to catch a flight home to get married in Marquette, Michigan. One of the perks about being in the service is that you can fly free, but as you may have guessed there is a catch. And the catch is what this near nonfiction tale is about. Catching a free flight from Osan Air Base t...

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“The Most Important Meal of the Day” by Jack Adam

Submitted to Contest #171

“Do you maybe want to call your brother and see if he wants to grab coffee before you go off to college?” I didn’t respond. “I think you should give it some thought, Thomas. You don’t know the next time you’ll see him, or if you ever will. You know how he lives…” My mother became choked up as she spoke; my older brother Blake was a drug addict and a possible sociopath, but she missed him dearly. I did too, although it was easier for me to cut him off - I could count on my fingers the amount of times I’ve seen him in person. She still r...

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“Bound for Oz” by Philippa Hearn

Submitted to Contest #171

TW: domestic abuseThe first thing she noticed was the distinct smell. You know that smell when you’re on an airplane, it’s unique but unplaceable and unbudging. She crinkles her nose with disapproval. This smell would be assaulting her nostrils for nearly 18 hours. Pushing this notion aside, she maneuvers her way through the narrow aisle, avoiding elbows and carry-on bags half peaking out into her path. Clutching her bag close to her chest to avoid hitting anyone already sitting, it would be awkward to injure someone than have them within 25...

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“Open Ended Plane Ticket” by Judith Robinson

Submitted to Contest #171

William was a geologist and had seen most of the great sites in Arizona. He booked a flight in first class, with an open return date. William picked Scotland for its natural beauty, excellent climate, and geological phenomena. He was looking forward to the long, relaxing plane ride. As more people arrived, he watched with interest as people of all nationalities came aboard. As he watched, he noticed a tall willowy blonde heading toward...

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“Open-End Date” by Luke Barnett

Submitted to Contest #171

Day 1. I stand on the threshold of the colony ship, waiting for my turn. Each person in line receives the same treatment. Identity verification, check for disease and general health, decontamination. These do not apply to me. Some of these humans are excited, others nervous. Many are overwhelmed. One in line breaks down, collapsing into panic, repeating over and over that she cannot do this. Most everyone stares as security drags her away. I continue to face forward. These are human weaknesses. I share none of them. My sisters and I ar...

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“Don't Worry About It” by Ivan Jefferson

Submitted to Contest #171

(*This short story will have light references to abortion*) I forgot what it was like to finally breathe again. I hadn’t felt like this in a long time. The December deceptive wind was taking its toll on the Irish weather and the Irish people were feeling the cold towards that time of the year. I was standing in a queue at Dublin airport. The year was 1996 and it honestly felt like it was any other year. ‘Must be about 9 or 10 degrees’ I heard somebody mutter. Ah, the typical Dublin charm. Be grand like. We use Celsius in Europe, ...

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Your character is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. The story takes place during a long-haul flight, with an open return-date. What happens?

Submissions are closed

✍️ 10 stories

“Going Forth” by Francois Kosie

“Come Fly With Me” by Mark Nero

“Santa's Senior Moments.” by Julie Grenness

“Finding Happiness” by Ruby Fink

“Terminal Living: A War Story” by George Georgerfrost@gmail.com

“The Most Important Meal of the Day” by Jack Adam

“Bound for Oz” by Philippa Hearn

“Open Ended Plane Ticket” by Judith Robinson

“Open-End Date” by Luke Barnett

“Don't Worry About It” by Ivan Jefferson

🌟 Similar prompts

Start your story with someone looking at a breathtaking view and getting emotional.

Write about two solo travelers who keep bumping into each other in the most unexpected of places.

Write about a character who is trying to leave something or someone behind — only to realize they carry it with them.

Write a story where someone decides to take the long way home.

Contest #171

Enter our weekly contest!

$250

Prize money

204

Contest entries

79

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

Explore more writing prompt ideas: