At the airport
1. Terminal: The building at an airport where passengers
board flights, check in, and retrieve their luggage.
2. Gate: A designated area within the terminal where
passengers board and disembark from their flights.
3. Boarding Pass: A document issued to passengers that allows
them to board their flight.
4. Check-in: The process of registering as a passenger for a
flight and obtaining a boarding pass.
5. Security Checkpoint: A location where passengers and their
belongings are screened for prohibited items before entering
the boarding area.
6. Baggage Claim: The area in the terminal where passengers
retrieve their checked luggage after their flight.
7. Departures: The area of the terminal where passengers
check in for their flights and proceed to board.
8. Arrivals: The area of the terminal where arriving passengers
exit the aircraft and proceed through customs and
immigration.
9. Immigration: The process of entering a country, including
passport and visa checks for international travelers.
10. Customs: The process of inspecting baggage and goods to
ensure compliance with import regulations.
11. Airport Lounge: A designated area within the airport
where passengers can relax, work, or access amenities
[something that helps to provide comfort, convenience, or
enjoyment] before their flight.
12. Baggage Cart/Trolley: A wheeled cart used to transport
luggage within the airport.
13. Flight Attendant: A member of the airline crew responsible
for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during a
flight.
14. Boarding Announcement: An announcement made in the
terminal indicating that passengers may begin boarding their
flight.
15. Delayed: When a flight is postponed or rescheduled to
depart later than originally planned.
16. Cancelled: When a flight is officially terminated [bring to
an end] and will not depart as scheduled.
17. Connecting Flight: A flight that requires passengers to
change planes at an intermediate airport before reaching their
final destination.
18. Baggage Tag: A label attached to checked luggage
containing information about the passenger and their
destination.
19. Arrival Time: The scheduled time at which a flight is
expected to arrive at its destination.
20. Departure Time: The scheduled time at which a flight is
scheduled to depart from the airport.
1. Question: Could I see your passport and boarding pass,
please?
Answer: Certainly, here they are/you go.
Vocabulary: Passport, boarding pass, identification, ticket,
travel document.
2. Question: Do you have any liquids, gels, or aerosols in your
carry-on luggage?
Answer: No, I made sure to follow the liquid restrictions and
have packed them all in my checked baggage.
Vocabulary: Liquid restrictions, carry-on luggage, checked
baggage.
3. Question: Have you packed your bags yourself?
Answer: Yes, I packed them myself.
Vocabulary: Packing, baggage, luggage.
4. Question: Are you carrying any sharp objects or firearms?
Answer: No, I don't have any sharp objects or firearms with
me.
Vocabulary: Sharp objects, firearms, prohibited items.
5. Question: Are you traveling for business or leisure?
Answer: I'm traveling for leisure.
Vocabulary: Business travel, leisure travel, vacation.
6. Question: Do you have any electronic devices in your carry-
on baggage?
Answer: Yes, I have my laptop and phone with me.
Vocabulary: Electronic devices, laptop, smartphone.
7. Question: Are you aware of the weight restrictions for your
checked baggage?
Answer: Yes, I made sure my checked baggage is within the
weight limit.
Vocabulary: Weight restrictions, checked baggage, weight
limit.
8. Question: Are you familiar with the boarding procedures?
Answer: Yes, I know that I need to proceed to the gate and
present my boarding pass for scanning before boarding the
plane.
Vocabulary: Boarding procedures, gate, boarding pass,
scanning.
9. Question: Do you require any special assistance during the
flight?
Answer: No, I don't require any special assistance.
Vocabulary: Special assistance, assistance, disabled access.
10. Question: Have you been to this airport before?
Answer: No, this is my first time at this airport.
Vocabulary: Airport, terminal, arrival, departure.
11. Question: Did you remember to remove your shoes, belt,
and jacket before going through security?
Answer: Yes, I removed all my outerwear and placed them
in the security bins.
Vocabulary: Security checkpoint, screening, remove,
outerwear.
12. Question: Do you have any food items in your carry-on
luggage?
Answer: Yes, I have some snacks for the flight.
Vocabulary: Food items, snacks, carry-on luggage.
13. Question: Are you aware of the boarding time for your
flight?
Answer: Yes, my boarding time is at [insert time].
Vocabulary: Boarding time, departure time, gate closing
time.
14. Question: Have you declared any items for customs?
Answer: No, I don't have anything to declare.
Vocabulary: Customs declaration, declare, duty-free items.
15. Question: Are you familiar with the layout of the airport?
Answer: No, I'm not very familiar. Could you please direct
me to the nearest restroom?
Vocabulary: Airport layout, facilities, restrooms, directions.
16. Question: Do you have any connecting flights?
Answer: Yes, I have a connecting flight in [insert city].
Vocabulary: Connecting flight, layover, transit.
17. Question: Are you traveling alone or with a group?
Answer: I'm traveling alone.
Vocabulary: Solo travel, group travel, companions.
18. Question: Have you checked in online or do you need to
do so at the airport?
Answer: I've already checked in online and printed my
boarding pass.
Vocabulary: Online check-in, boarding pass, check-in
counter.
19. Question: Are you carrying any perishable items?
Answer: No, I don't have any perishable items with me.
Vocabulary: Perishable items, food spoilage, refrigeration.
20. Question: Are you aware of the restrictions on carrying
currency across borders?
Answer: Yes, I know there are limits on the amount of
currency I can carry, and I've made sure to comply with them.
Vocabulary: Currency restrictions, currency limits,
declaration.
Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
Questions you will hear at the check-in counter:
Ticket please.
May I see your ticket?
Do you have an e-ticket?
Do you have some photo ID?
How many bags are you checking?
Did you pack these bags yourself?
Do you have a carry-on bag? (a bag or purse to take on the airplane)
Do you require special assistance? (example a “wheelchair”)
Have you paid your airport improvement fee/tax?
Would you like a window or an aisle seat? (aisle is pronounced “eye + l”)
Problems you may hear:
Your baggage is overweight. (Remove some contents or pay a fine.)
Your carry-on luggage is too large.
Your flight is delayed. (It’s late.)
Your flight has been cancelled. (You must rebook a new flight)
Your connecting flight/connection has been cancelled/is delayed.
Your ticket is expired.
Your passport is expired.
Commands and questions at the Security Checkpoint:
Boarding pass, please.
ID please. (show your photo ID)
Spread your arms out please. (Put your arms up and out to the sides of your
body)
Take your shoes off.
Open your bag.
Take off/remove your belt.
Do you have any change in your pockets?
Do you have any metals?
Do you have any food/produce?
Do you have any liquids or medicine?
Walk through.
You must dump all food or beverages. (You can’t bring it through the gates.)
Questions YOU may need to ask:
Is my flight on time?
When should I be at the gate?
Where is the boarding gate?
Where is the washroom?
Can I get a window seat?
Is there somewhere to eat?
Can I get a coffee at the gate?
Is my connection on time?
Where do I collect my baggage?
Where can I find a taxi?
Where is the departure gate?
Where is the arrival gate?
Where is the check-in desk for ….airlines?
Where is the domestics level?
Where is the international level?
Sample Conversation
Check-in Assistant: Hello. Are you flying to St. Martin today?
Passenger: Yes, I have my ticket here.
Check-in: Great. I'll need to see your passport as well.
Passenger: I have an e-ticket. Uh...is this the part you need?
Check-in: Actually I just need your name and I can find you on the computer.
Passenger: Oh okay. It's Bates. Frank Bates.
Check-in: Great. Here we are. Oh, you're travelling with an infant today.
Passenger: Yes, my daughter Mia. She's 14 months.
Check-in: Okay. I'll need to see your daughter's birth certificate to prove that
she is under two years of age.
Passenger: Here you are. Say, would we be able to get an aisle seat? I may
have to walk her around if she gets fussy.
Check-in: Sure. I'll put you near the washroom too.
Passenger: Thanks. Can I take my stroller to the gate?
Check-in: Yes, we'll check it in the oversized luggage after you board. Are
you just checking these two bags today?
Passenger: Yes, I'll take my knapsack as my carry-on.
Check-in: Did you pack these bags yourself?
Passenger: Yes.
Check-in: Okay. Here is your boarding pass. Be at the gate one hour prior to
boarding time. You will be able to preboard because you are traveling with an
infant. Our flight crew will have some special instructions for take-off and
landing.
Wordchecker:
cheat sheet: a small piece of paper with answers or hints that you have with
you
departures: flights that are leaving this airport
arrivals: flights that are landing at this airport
e-ticket: a ticket you purchased online and printed from your computer
aisle seat: a seat next to the long walking path on the plane
boarding pass: the ticket you give at the gates (has your seat number)
belt: clothing item that holds up pants (sets off metal detector)
metals: items such as jewellery, coins, belt buckles, knives, keys
liquids: beverages
expired: no longer useful (the date has passed)
check-in: show your ticket and ID and hand in your baggage
connection: the point where your plane lands and you must catch another
plane
domestic: in the same country as the airport
international: in a different country than the airport
Agent: Good afternoon! Where are you flying to today?
Dan: Los Angeles.
Agent: May I have your passport, please?
Dan: Here you go.
Agent: Are you checking any bags?
Dan: Just this one.
Agent: OK, please place your bag on the scale.
Dan: I have a stopover in Chicago – do I need to pick up my luggage there?
Agent: No, it’ll go straight through to Los Angeles. Here are your boarding passes –
your flight leaves from gate 15A and it’ll begin boarding at 3:20. Your seat number is
26E.
Dan: Thanks.
Vocabulary:
Boarding pass: A document provided by the airline during
check-in, which allows a passenger to board the aircraft.
Carry-on luggage: Luggage that a passenger can carry
onto the plane with them, typically stored in the
overhead bins or under the seat.
Checked baggage: Luggage that is checked in at the
airport and stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
Prohibited items: Items that are not allowed to be carried
onto an aircraft due to safety or security reasons.
Security checkpoint: The area in the airport where
passengers and their belongings are screened before
boarding the aircraft.
Wheelchair service: Assistance provided to passengers
who require mobility assistance at the airport, such as
those with disabilities or the elderly.
How many times have you been to an airport? Do you like
them?
How far is the closest airport to you? What is it called?
Do you think airports are over-priced? How much do you
usually pay for a meal?
Have you ever missed a flight at an airport? What happened,
and what did you do?
How early do you usually arrive at an airport before a flight?
What things do you dislike most about airports?
Do you like to talk to strangers at airports? How do you start a
conversation?
What things are cheap to buy inside airports?
What is the best way to pass the time while waiting at
airports?
Have you ever been in a first-class lounge? What was it like
inside?
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at an airport?
Do you feel relaxed or tense when you are at airports to catch
flights?
What things do people need to remove or take off at x-ray
scanners?
Would you like to work at an airport? What job would you like
to do?
What things do you need to provide at airline check-in desks?
What do you usually take in your carry-on baggage?
Have you ever had to remove something from your bags at an
airport? Why?
What is the longest amount of time you have ever spent at an
airport terminal?
Some people have lived in airports for months? Do you think
you could do this?
What are the best and worst airports you have been to?
Are there any airport rules that you don’t agree with? What
are they?
Do you feel confident speaking English at airports?
What kinds of problems can people experience inside
airports?
Have you ever had an interesting experience related to an
airport? What was it?
