✈️ Study Companion: English for Travel – Airport English and Travel Phrases
✈️ VOCABULARY LIST – Listen out for these words and phrases:
- Check-in – The process of confirming your flight and handing in your luggage at the airport.
Example: “I checked in online to save time at the airport.” - Boarding pass – A ticket that shows your seat number and gate.
Example: “Don’t forget your boarding pass when you go through security.” - Departure gate – The place where passengers wait to board the plane.
Example: “We’re waiting at Gate 12 for our flight to Paris.” - Layover / Stopover – A short stay between flights.
Example: “We have a two-hour layover in Amsterdam.” - Delayed / Cancelled – When a flight is late or does not happen.
Example: “Our flight was delayed due to bad weather.” - Customs – The area where your luggage is checked after an international flight.
Example: “We had to declare some items at customs.”
✨ Useful Phrases to Practise
At the airport:
- “Where is the check-in counter for British Airways?”
- “Can I have a window seat, please?”
- “My luggage hasn’t arrived. Who should I speak to?”
- “Excuse me, where is Gate A21?”
- “Do I need to remove my shoes for security?”
When something goes wrong:
- “My flight was cancelled. Can I rebook it?”
- “I missed my connection. What are my options?”
- “I’d like to make a complaint, please.”
- “Can I speak to a supervisor?”
- “Thank you for your help—I appreciate it.”
📝 Practice Section
Fill in the blanks:
- I collected my suitcase at the __________.
- We were delayed for three hours due to __________.
- I prefer the __________ seat because I like the view.
- I went through __________ before I found my gate.
- The flight was __________ so we had to wait for the next one.
Bonus Question:
What would you say to a member of staff if your flight was cancelled and you needed help?