CHECK-IN COUNTER VOCABULARY

Word / Phrase Meaning

An official document issued by a country that proves a person’s identity and
Passport
nationality.
Boarding pass A document (paper or digital) that allows a passenger to board the aircraft.
Itinerary A planned travel schedule showing flight details, dates, and times.
Ticket Proof of a paid flight, either paper or electronic.
Luggage / baggage Bags and suitcases a person takes when traveling.
Tag (baggage tag) A label placed on luggage to identify the owner and destination.
Counter The desk where check-in and customer service happens.
Seat assignment The specific seat number a passenger will sit in during the flight.
ID (Identification) A document that proves a person’s identity, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Confirmation number A unique code showing that a ticket or reservation is confirmed.
E-ticket An electronic ticket used for air travel.
Visa An official document that allows a person to enter or stay in a country.
Check in The process of registering for a flight before departure.
Tag your bag To attach a label to luggage to identify it.
Weigh your luggage To measure the weight of your bags.

BAGGAGE & LOST AND FOUND

Word / Phrase Meaning
Carousel / belt A rotating belt where passengers pick up their checked luggage.
Claim ticket A small slip showing the baggage tag number; used to claim luggage.
Oversized baggage Bags that are larger than the standard size allowed.
Fragile sticker A label used to show that an item is breakable and needs careful handling.
Baggage allowance The amount of luggage a passenger can bring without extra charges.
Hand luggage / carry-on A small bag allowed inside the cabin.
Suitcase A type of luggage used for travel.
Lost property A place at the airport where lost items are kept.
Report form A document used to report a missing or lost item.
Overweight Heavier than the allowed baggage weight limit.

SECURITY CHECKPOINT
Word / Phrase Meaning
X-ray machine A scanner that uses X-rays to check inside bags.
Conveyor belt A moving belt that carries bags through a scanner.
Metal detector A device that detects metal objects on a person.
Security tray/bin A plastic container used to hold items during security screening.
Scanner A machine that checks passengers or luggage.
Alarm A loud sound that alerts when something unusual is found.
Liquids Any fluid items; must be under 100 ml in carry-on bags.
 Word / Phrase Meaning
Sharp objects Items like scissors, knives, or tools that are not allowed onboard.
Step through To walk through a security checkpoint.

GATE & BOARDING AREA

Word / Phrase Meaning
Gate number The specific location where passengers board the plane.
Departure board A screen showing flight times, delays, and gate numbers.
Announcement A public message shared through airport speakers.
Flight status Current information about a flight: on time, delayed, boarding, etc.
Standby list A list of passengers waiting for a seat if space becomes available.
Priority boarding Boarding early, usually for first class, business class, or special needs.
Final call The last chance to board a flight before the gate closes.
Delay / cancellation When a flight is late or not happening at all.
Flight crew The people working on the plane: pilots and flight attendants.

TOURIST HELP / INFORMATION DESK

Word / Phrase Meaning
Brochure A small booklet with information for tourists.
Tourist map A map showing local attractions and services.
Currency exchange A place where travelers can change money from one currency to another.
Shuttle service A small bus that transports passengers between locations (e.g., hotel, airport).
City center The main part of the city, usually where attractions are located.
Public transport Buses, trains, or metro services used by the public.
Hotel reservation A confirmed booking for a place to stay.
Taxi stand A location where taxis wait for passengers.
SIM card A small card for mobile phones used for internet and calling.

PROBLEM SOLVING & EMERGENCIES

Word / Phrase Meaning
Delay When a flight leaves later than scheduled.
Rebooking Changing to a different flight after a delay or cancellation.
Alternative flight Another flight available if the original one is missed or canceled.
Compensation Payment or service offered due to inconvenience or problems.
Weather issue Problems caused by storms, snow, etc. affecting flights.
Technical problem A mechanical or electronic issue with the plane.
Medical emergency A health-related problem requiring immediate help.
Gate agent An airport worker who assists passengers at the gate.
Supervisor A person in charge who manages staff and handles serious issues.
POLITE SERVICE PHRASES
Phrase Meaning / When to Use
“How can I help you today?” A polite way to start assisting someone.
“Can I see your passport, please?” Requesting a document politely.
“One moment, please.” Asking the customer to wait briefly.
“Thank you for your patience.” Showing appreciation for waiting or understanding.
“Have a pleasant flight.” A kind farewell to a passenger.
“Welcome to [city/country].” Greeting someone who has just arrived.
“Enjoy your stay.” A polite way to wish someone a good experience in the area.

Vocabulary Categories to Focus On

1. Customer Service Language

o polite expressions: “May I help you?”, “Could you please…?”, “I’m sorry for the
inconvenience.”
o directions & assistance: “This way, please.”, “Follow the signs.”, “Let me guide you.”
2. Airport-Specific Terms
o places: terminal, gate, check-in counter, baggage claim, customs, immigration
o processes: boarding, security check, layover, transfer, delay, cancellation
3. Travel-Related Vocabulary
o documents: passport, visa, boarding pass, ID
o luggage: carry-on, suitcase, lost luggage, overweight baggage
o flights: direct flight, connecting flight, round trip, departure, arrival
4. Problem-Solving Phrases
o “Let me check that for you.”
o “I’ll call someone to assist you.”
o “There seems to be an issue with your booking.”
5. Common Tourist Questions & How to Answer Them
o “Where is the nearest bathroom?”
o “How do I get to the city center?”
o “Is there a place to eat here?”

🔹 Activities to Practice These

 Role Plays: Simulate interactions with tourists (checking in, giving directions, helping with lost
baggage).
 Dialogue Completion: Fill in missing words in typical airport conversations.
 Vocabulary Bingo or Matching Games: Use airport terms and phrases.
 Mini-Projects: Create signs, info cards, or welcome scripts using target vocabulary.

🔹 Extended Vocabulary Categories for Airport and Tourism Interactions

1. Airport Check-in Procedures
o Phrases for Checking In:
 “Welcome to [Airline]. How may I assist you?”
 “May I have your passport/ID and boarding pass, please?”
 “Do you have any luggage to check in?”
 “Your flight departs from gate [X].”
 “Your baggage allowance is [X] kilos.”
o Useful Words:
 Self-check-in kiosk, early check-in, baggage claim ticket, frequent flyer, travel itinerary,
upgrade, excess baggage fee
2. Security and Safety Procedures
o Phrases for Security:
 “Please remove your shoes and place them on the conveyor belt.”
 “Place your liquids in a clear plastic bag.”
 “Have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection.”
 “You need to go through the metal detector.”
 “Your carry-on must be smaller than [X] dimensions.”
o Useful Words:
 Metal detector, security checkpoint, x-ray machine, prohibited items, carry-on
restrictions, pat-down, screening
3. Gate and Boarding
o Phrases for Boarding:
 “Your flight is now boarding at Gate [X].”
 “Please line up according to your seat row.”
 “Is there anyone here traveling with children or needing assistance?”
 “We are now accepting passengers with priority boarding.”
 “Boarding will begin in [X] minutes.”
o Useful Words:
 Boarding group, priority boarding, standby passengers, gate agent, boarding pass check,
last call
4. Baggage Handling and Lost Luggage
o Phrases for Handling Luggage:
 “Do you have any luggage to check in?”
 “Please make sure your luggage is properly tagged.”
 “Your baggage is now on the carousel.”
 “If your baggage doesn’t arrive, please visit the Lost & Found office.”
 “There was an issue with your baggage. Let’s file a report.”
o Useful Words:
 Baggage claim, lost luggage, delayed luggage, claim form, oversized baggage, baggage
handler

5. Emergency or Delayed Flights

o Phrases for Flight Delays or Changes:
 “We regret to inform you that your flight has been delayed.”
 “Please stay near the gate for updates.”
 “Your flight has been re-routed to [X].”
 “We apologize for the inconvenience. Here are your options for rebooking.”
 “There’s a change in gate; please follow the signs to Gate [X].”
o Useful Words:
  Flight delay, rebooking, cancellation, layover, standby, reschedule, compensation
6. Tourist Information
o Phrases for Providing Information to Tourists:
 “The city center is a 20-minute taxi ride from here.”
 “There is a tourist information desk on the second floor.”
 “You can take the [bus/metro] to [destination].”
 “Are you looking for any specific type of food or attraction?”
 “The currency exchange is located near Gate [X].”
o Useful Words:
 Tourist attraction, public transportation, currency exchange, map, shuttle service,
sightseeing, landmarks, tourist pass
7. Restroom and Facilities
o Phrases for Restroom Directions:
 “The restrooms are located near the food court.”
 “Please follow the signs for the restrooms.”
 “There are family restrooms in the next hall.”
 “Restrooms are on your right, just past the escalator.”
o Useful Words:
 Restrooms, family restroom, changing facilities, vending machines, lounge, Wi-Fi,
seating area, food court
8. Cultural Sensitivity Phrases
o Phrases for Interacting with International Tourists:
 “Welcome to [City/Country]! How can I assist you?”
 “Do you need help finding something specific?”
 “Feel free to ask if you have any questions.”
 “I hope you have a pleasant stay in [City/Country].”
 “I can provide you with some maps if needed.”
o Useful Words:
 Tourist visa, language barrier, international flight, cultural customs, tourist attractions,
welcome kit, local specialties

🔹 Additional Activities to Practice Vocabulary:

1. Scenario Roleplays:
o Check-in counter scenario: Have your student practice greeting passengers, checking their
boarding passes, and answering common questions.
o Lost luggage scenario: Practice responding to a passenger whose luggage has been delayed or
lost.
o Gate communication scenario: Simulate announcing gate changes, delays, and assisting with
boarding.
2. Flashcard Games:
 o Create a set of flashcards with words on one side and definitions on the other.
o Use these to quiz the student on the meanings of airport-related terms, or to match words to their
respective scenarios (e.g., “boarding pass” with “checking in”).
3. Real-life Observation:
o If possible, have the student observe airport staff during their shifts and take notes on phrases,
vocabulary, and expressions they use. This could help them see language in action.
4. Interactive Quizzes:
o Create quizzes where the student listens to airport-related audio (announcements, directions) and
answers questions about it.
o Alternatively, give them a list of vocabulary words and have them choose the correct one to
complete a sentence (e.g., “I need to [_____ ] my boarding pass.” → "scan").

🔹 Practical Language Tips

 Keep it Short and Clear: Especially when interacting with tourists, use simple, clear language. For
example, instead of saying, "Could you kindly direct me to the nearest washroom?", simplify to
"Restrooms are this way."
 Cultural Sensitivity: Learn a few common phrases in other languages, especially in the most common
languages of the tourists they serve (e.g., greetings, “How can I help?”, “Where is the restroom?”).
 Non-verbal Communication: In airport settings, gestures and body language play a key role.
Encourage your student to maintain eye contact, smile, and use simple hand gestures when giving
directions.