English at the Airport
Travel English for the airport: check in, security and boarding. The phrases you need before your next flight.
The lesson
At check-in
At the check-in desk you can say: I'd like to check in for my flight to London. Here is my passport. The agent may ask: How many bags are you checking? Do you have any carry-on? Window or aisle seat?
Security and documents
At security, staff will ask for your boarding pass and passport. Useful sentences: Here you are. Do I need to take off my shoes? Is this liquid okay? Keep your documents easy to reach.
Finding your gate
To find your way: Where is gate 12? Is the flight on time? You might hear announcements: The flight is delayed. or Now boarding at gate 12. Listen for your gate number and your boarding group.
Tip: key airport words
Know the difference between a few words. Departure is leaving, arrival is coming in. A carry-on stays with you on the plane, checked baggage goes in the hold. A delay means the flight is late. These words appear on every screen and announcement.
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Key vocabulary
check-in
/ˈtʃɛk ɪn/registering for your flight and leaving bags
“Check-in opens two hours before the flight.”
Traduction
l'enregistrement
boarding pass
/ˈbɔːrdɪŋ pæs/the ticket that lets you get on the plane
“Show your boarding pass at the gate.”
Traduction
la carte d'embarquement
gate
/ɡeɪt/the door where you board the plane
“The flight leaves from gate 12.”
Traduction
la porte (d'embarquement)
carry-on
/ˈkæri ɒn/a small bag you keep with you on the plane
“I only have a carry-on.”
Traduction
le bagage à main
luggage / baggage
/ˈlʌɡɪdʒ/the bags you travel with
“Where do I collect my luggage?”
Traduction
les bagages
delay
/dɪˈleɪ/when something happens later than planned
“There is a short delay.”
Traduction
un retard
departure
/dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/the act of leaving, when a flight goes
“Check the departure board.”
Traduction
le départ
Test yourself
1. What lets you get on the plane?
2. A 'carry-on' is:
3. "The flight is delayed" means it is:
4. Where do you board the plane?
5. Polite way to check in: