AT THE AIRPORT

First situation to be considered:

Is this a domestic flight or an international one? What time should I arrive at the airport?

1– At The Check-In Desk

Dan is flying from New York to Los Angeles. When he arrives at the airport, he goes to the check-in desk.
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.

Conversation Vocabulary and Phrases

Instead of “Where are you flying today?” the agent may ask “What’s your final destination?” The
answer will be the same.
You can say “Here you go” anytime you give something to somebody
To check your bags means to put them on the airplane inside the cargo compartment. The small bag you
take with you on the airplane is called a carry-on. You need to put your carry-on bags through the X-ray
machine at security.
The scale is the equipment that tells you the weight of your luggage (45 kilograms, for example)
A stopover or layover is when the airplane stops in a different city before continuing to the final
destination
If the agent says that your luggage will go straight through, it means it will go directly to the final
destination (and you don’t need to pick it up during your stopover)
Boarding passes are the tickets that permit you to enter the airplane
When a plane begins boarding, it means that the passengers start to enter the plane. Usually boarding
time is 30-60 minutes before takeoff (when the plane leaves).
OTHER QUESTIONS & PHRASES FOR THE CHECK-IN
“Excuse me, where is the American Airlines check-in desk?”
“How many bags can I check?”
“Will my luggage go straight through, or do I need to pick it up in [Chicago]?”
“How much is the fee?” If your bag is heavier than the weight limits, or if your bag is larger than the
size limits, you may need to pay extra: an oversized baggage fee or overweight baggage fee (this can be
$75 to $300). Some airlines in the United States also charge a fee for ALL checked bags (usually $15 to
$30).
“Please mark this bag as ‘fragile.’” this if you have fragile or sensitive items in your bag that might
break
“Is the flight on time?” The agent will respond either “Yes” if the flight is on time, or “There’s a 20-
minute delay” (for example) if the flight will leave later than expected.

EXTRA QUESTIONS
Answer YES to these questions:
Did you pack your bags yourself?
Has your luggage been in your possession at all times?
Are you aware of the regulations regarding liquids in your carry-on?
(Liquids must be 100 mL or less, and stored in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag)
Answer NO to these questions:

Are you carrying any firearms or flammable materials?

Have you left your luggage unattended at any time?
Has anyone given you anything to carry on the flight?

2 – Going Through Security

There are two pieces of equipment in security: you put your bags through the X-ray machine, and you walk
through the metal detector. Some airports also use a body scanner for a more careful check.
The X-ray machine has a conveyor belt that moves your bags automatically through the machine. You can put
small items like keys or money into plastic bins.

Agent: Please lay your bags flat on the conveyor belt, and use the bins for small objects.
Dan: Do I need to take my laptop out of the bag?
Agent: Yes, you do. Take off your hat and your shoes, too.
(he walks through the metal detector)
Agent: Please step back. Do you have anything in your pockets – keys, cell phone, loose change?
Dan: I don’t think so. Let me try taking off my belt.
Agent: Okay, come on through.
(he goes through the metal detector again)
Agent: You’re all set! Have a nice flight.
The phrase “you’re all set” is a common expression that means “you’re finished and everything is OK.”

Phrasal Verbs: SET OFF and GO OFF

When the alarm sounds, we say “the alarm went off.” To describe what caused the alarm to sound, we say “set
off” – for example, “My keys set off the alarm” or “My keys set off the metal detector.”

3- Announcements At The Gate

Airports are divided into terminals (the major sections of the airport) and each terminal has many gates. The
gate is the door you go through to enter the airplane. Here are a few announcements you might hear while you
are at the gate, waiting for the plane to board.

“There has been a gate change.” (this means the flight will leave from a different gate)
“United Airlines flight 880 to Miami is now boarding.” (this means it’s time for passengers to enter
the plane)
“Please have your boarding pass and identification ready for boarding.”
“We would like to invite our first- and business-class passengers to board.”
“We are now inviting passengers with small children and any passengers requiring special
assistance to begin boarding.”
“We would now like to invite all passengers to board.” (this means everyone can enter the plane)
“We would like passengers from row 12 to row 20 to board.”
“This is the final boarding call for United Airlines flight 880 to Miami.”
(this means it is the FINAL OPPORTUNITY to enter the plane before they close the doors)
“Passenger John Smith, please proceed to the United Airlines desk at gate 12.”
You can hear that the flight has been rescheduled, postponed (put off) or cancelled (called off) for some
specific reason such as weather conditions or technical problems.

4- On The Plane
The people who work inside the airplane serving food and drinks are called flight attendants. Both men and
women who have this job are called flight attendants.

Flight attendant: Chicken or pasta?

Dan: Sorry?
Flight attendant: Would you like chicken or pasta?
Dan: I’ll have the chicken.
Flight attendant: Anything to drink?
Dan: What kind of soda do you have?
Flight attendant: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange, and Dr. Pepper.
Dan: A Diet Coke, no ice, please.
Flight attendant: Here you go.
Dan: Thanks.

Conversation Tips:
If you didn’t understand what the flight attendant said, you can say Sorry? or Pardon? to ask him or her to repeat
it.
If you want to ask for something, you can use the phrase “Can I have…?” or “Could I have…?” Practice your
pronunciation with these common requests:

“Can I have a pillow?”

“Can I have a blanket?”
“Can I have a pair of headphones/earbuds?”
“Could I have some water/coffee/tea?”
“Could I have some extra napkins?”

Finally, if you need to stand up, but there is a person sitting between you and the aisle, you can say Excuse me
and make a motion to start standing up. The person sitting next to you will understand and stand up to let you get
out of your seat.
5 – GOING THROUGH COSTUMS
What’s your final destination? What’s the purpose of your visit?
I’m here on vacations.
I’m here to visit my family.
I’m here for work.
I’m on a business trip.
Where are you staying?
I’ll stay at (place).
How long will you be staying in the US?
15 days.
How much currency are you carrying with you?
Do you have something to declare?
Who packed your bags?

LISTENING ACTIVITIES
CHECK IN VIDEO
1. WHERE IS HE FLYING TO?
2. IS THERE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE FLIGHT? WHICH ONE?
3. WHAT TIME IS THE FLIGHT SCHEDULED TO DEPART?
4. DOES HE HAVE ANY LUGGAGE TO CHECK IN?
5. WHAT SEAT DOES HE PREFER?
6. WHAT GATE WILL THE FLIGHT DEPART FROM?
7. WHAT IS THE FLIGHT BOARDING TIME?

GATE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEOS

1. How long until the passengers start boarding?
2. Which class boards first?
3. Which rows board last?

1. How many people are being mentioned in the announcement?

2. What is the flight number?
3. Where is the flight going?
4. What gate number is mentioned?
5. How long until the flight is closed?

ON THE PLANE - FRIENDS VIDEO

1. Why does Phoebe want Rachel to get off the plane?
2. Where is Rachel going?
3. Is Phoebe absolutely certain that there is something wrong with the plane?
4. Who is more superstitious?
5.) What does Rachel ask for?
6.) Is there anything wrong with the plane?

MULTIPLE CHOICE ACTIVITIES

AT THE CHECK-IN DESK
Choose the correct words/phrases to complete the following conversation at the airport:
YOU: Hi, where's the check-in ________________ for American Airlines?
a) counter b) control c) zone
AIRPORT WORKER: That's in terminal 2. This is terminal 1.
YOU: Is there a ________________ that goes between terminals?
a) Transportation b) shuttle bus c) vehicle
AIRPORT WORKER: Yes, there's one right in front here.
YOU: ________________to the taxi stand?
a) Together b) With c) Next
AIRPORT WORKER: Yes, that's right.
YOU:. Thanks. How much time ________________ to check in? ( = How much time before my flight should I
check in?)
a) will I let b) should I allow c) can I take
AIRPORT WORKER: If you're on an international flight I believe you have to check-in 3 hours before your
flight.
YOU:. And for ________________ flights?
a) Local b) country c) near
AIRPORT WORKER: On those flights you have to check in 1 and a half hours before.
At the check-in desk 2
Choose the correct words/phrases to complete the following conversation at the airport:

CHECK-IN WORKER: Hello. Where are you flying today?

YOU: Hi, ________________ to London, England.
a) I fly. b) to fly c) I'm flying
CHECK-IN WORKER: Can I see your ticket and your passport, please?
YOU: Sure. Here's my passport. And here's my ________________.
a) paper b) e-ticket c) online purchase
CHECK-IN WORKER: Thank you. Would you like a window seat?
YOU: No, I'd like an ________________ seat please.
a) aisle b) isolated c) open passage
CHECK-IN WORKER: OK, and is all this luggage yours?
YOU: These ________________ are mine.
a) two luggages b) two bags c) two baggages
CHECK-IN WORKER: All right. One of your bags is overweight... I'm going to have to charge you for the
excess weight.
YOU: I see. How much ________________ do I have to pay? And can I pay by credit card?
b) Cash b) over c) extra
CHECK-IN WORKER: $30 dollars more, sir, and yes, we do accept credit cards.

At the check-in 3
Choose the correct words/phrases to complete the following conversation at the airport:
CHECK-IN WORKER: Hi. Where are you flying today?
YOU: Hi, I'm flying to Miami, but I need a ticket... Can I ________________ here?
b) Buy b) get c) buy one
CHECK-IN WORKER: No, you'll have to go to the ticket counter... That's over in terminal 3.
YOU: How _________________?
c) do I get there b) do I come to it c) can I be there
CHECK-IN WORKER: You can walk there. The terminals are connected. Just turn right and go all the way to
the end of this terminal and you'll be in Terminal 3.
(YOU LEAVE AND GO TO THE TICKET COUNTER)
YOU: Hi there. I ________________ a ticket here?
a) told me that I can b) will buy c) was told I could buy
TICKET COUNTER WORKER: Yes, you can. Where to?
YOU: I need a ticket to Miami, please, for today _______________.
a) Perhaps b) if possible c) can be
TICKET COUNTER WORKER: All right.... Yes, I can get you on the flight at 7:00 PM tonight, which arrives
in Miami at 10:00 PM. This ticket is $650.
YOU: Do you have anything ________________?
a) Less b) cheaper c) so expensive
TICKET COUNTER WORKER: No, not on such short notice, sir. That's the lowest price I can get you for
today or tomorrow.

PROBLEMS AT THE AIRPORT

Telling someone about a problem/about what's wrong)
Write the correct word from the list below to complete each of the following sentences:
gate, bottle, pass, mobile, wallet, delayed, money, flight, bags, page

1) I lost my _____________________ and all my money was inside it.

2) I missed my ______________________.
3) I can't find my husband. Can you ________________ him?
4) I can't find my departure ___________________ .
5) The airline lost one of my ________________
6) I don't have enough _________________ to buy a sandwich.
7) They won't let me take my ____________________ of water on the plane.
8) I lost my boarding _________________.
9) My flight has been ______________________ for three hours.
10) Is there a public phone here? My ____________________ ( = cellphone) isn't working.

Questions and answers

Choose the correct QUESTION for the ANSWER that's given. What did the person ask to get this answer?
1) ANSWER: No, you'll have to transfer either in Chicago or Kansas City.
QUESTION:
 Are there any direct flights to Dallas?
How much is a ticket to Dallas?
How long does the flight to Dallas take?
2) ANSWER: It's right there, next to that restaurant.
QUESTION:
How early should I check in?
How much do I have to pay for the extra bag?
Where's the lost-and-found office?
3) ANSWER: I'm sorry, this bathroom is being cleaned.
QUESTION:
Can I go into the bathroom?
Where can I get a coffee around here?
Where's the ticket office?
4) ANSWER: $75.
QUESTION:
Where's the lost-and-found office?
How much do I have to pay for the extra bag?
How long is the delay?
5) ANSWER: 2 hours.
QUESTION:
How long is the delay?
Has the flight been cancelled?
What time is it?
6) ANSWER: At 2:00 PM.
QUESTION:
How long is the delay?
When does the flight to Bangkok leave?
What time is it?
7) ANSWER: No, this is the arrivals area.
QUESTION:
Is this the departures area?
 Is this the arrivals area?
Is this the lost-and-found office?
8) ANSWER: It's $10 per 24 hours.
QUESTION:
Where are the lockers?
How much does a locker cost?
Where are the luggage carousels?
9) ANSWER: It was. The gate has been changed to 44D.
QUESTION:
Can I buy a ticket here?
How long is the delay?
Is this the gate for flight 234 to Madrid?
10) ANSWER: You can bring one small bag on the plane with you.
QUESTION:
How much carry-on luggage am I allowed?
How many bags can I check?
Where can I pay for the extra bag?

ON THE PLANE: Speaking with flight attendants/passengers

Choose the correct, most natural-sounding responses according to the context of the conversation:
YOU: Could I get another _____________, please? I'm a little cold.
Coke blanket magazine
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Certainly, sir. Would you like a pillow as well?
YOU: No, thanks. But could you please bring me a ________________?
Coke liquid soft
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Sure, would you like ice in that?
YOU: Yes, please... Oh! Could you also lend me a pen to ________________ this immigration form?
Write fill out make
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: I don't have one on me right now, but I'll get one for you.
(THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT COMES BACK WITH YOUR DRINK AND A PEN) YOU: Thanks. Do you
know when we will we be ________________?
Landing on land grounding
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: In about 2 hours.
YOU: What's the ________________ in Seattle right now?
Degrees hot temperature
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: I'm not sure... I'll check with the pilot.
YOU: Excuse me, would it be possible to ________________ seats with someone? My wife and I would like to
sit together.
Alter interchange switch/change
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Certainly, sir. For now, please take your seat, and once the plane takes off, I'll help
you with that.
YOU: Thank you. Could you help me put this bag in the ________________ compartment?
Up overhead high
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Sure... there you go.

(YOU SEE THAT SOMEONE IS SITTING IN YOUR SEAT)

YOU: I'm sorry, I think you're ________________.
sitting wrong a mistake in my seat
OTHER PASSENGER: Oh, let me check my boarding ________________... Yes, I'm sorry, my mistake.
Pass passport document
YOU: No problem. I'm going to _________________ anyway. My wife and I would like to sit together.
Transfer move trade
OTHER PASSENGER: Oh, well, I can switch places with your wife. That way you two can sit together.
YOU: Really? That would be great! Thanks a lot.

ON THE PLANE: What's wrong? (Talking about problems, etc.)

Write the correct word from the list below to complete each of the following sentences:
pen, water, blanket, stretch, lavatories, light, ice, headphones, fold, nauseous
1) I'm cold. Could I get a ____________________?
2) These __________________ don't work. I can't hear the movie.
3) I'm thirsty. Could I get some __________________________?
4) I feel ______________________. I don't want to eat.
5) Are the ____________________ occupied?
6) My back hurts from sitting. I need to __________________
7) No ________________________ in my drink, please.
8) I want to read, but my ____________________ doesn't work.
9) This seat won't ___________________ back.
10) Could I get a ________________________ to fill out this form?

CUSTOMS/IMMIGRATION 1
Choose the correct, most natural-sounding responses according to the context of the conversation:
BORDER GUARD: Welcome to the United States. Where do you live?
YOU: ______________.
d) Germany b) I'm German c) I was born in Germany
BORDER GUARD: And what's the purpose of your visit to the United States.
YOU: I'm going to _______________ my brother. He lives in Boston.
e) look at b) visit c) view
BORDER GUARD: How long do you plan to stay in Boston?
YOU: _______________ two weeks.
a) Also b) Along c) About
BORDER GUARD: And what do you do back home?
YOU: _______________? I don't understand...
f) Where b) Pardon me c) Too fast
BORDER GUARD: Your job... what do you do?
YOU: Oh, I'm a high-school _______________. I teach Physics and Chemistry.
g) Teacher b)a student c) learner

CUSTOMS/IMMIGRATION - Questions and answers

Choose the correct QUESTION for the ANSWER that's given. What did the customs officer/immigration
officer ask to get this answer?
1) ANSWER: About two weeks.
QUESTION:
How long do you plan to stay in Australia?
Where will you be staying in Australia?
Have you ever been here before?
2) ANSWER: Yes, I was here for about two weeks last year.
QUESTION:
How long do you plan to stay in Canada?
Where will you be staying in Canada?
Have you ever been here before?
3) ANSWER: I'm here on vacation.
QUESTION:
What's the purpose of your visit?
How long will you be staying in the United States?
Do you plan to work here?
4) ANSWER: Sure.
QUESTION:
How many bags do you have?
Could you open this bag for me?
What's the purpose of your trip?
5) ANSWER: No, I'm travelling with my wife and two daughters.
QUESTION:
Are you travelling alone?
Could you open this suitcase for me??
What's the purpose of your visit?
6) ANSWER: Yes, my brother lives here.
QUESTION:
Are you travelling alone?
Do you have any family here in the United States?
How long does the tour last?
7) ANSWER: No, nothing.
QUESTION:
Do you have anything to declare?
Do you need an interpreter?
Are these your bags?
8) ANSWER: I'm here on business.
QUESTION:
Do you need an interpreter?
What's the purpose of your visit?
Are you importing any fruits or vegetables?
9) ANSWER: No, I'm not.
QUESTION:
Could I see your passport?
Do you have anything to declare?
Are you importing any fruits or vegetables?
10) ANSWER: I'm a web designer.
QUESTION:
What's your line of work?
Did you fill out the customs form?
What's the purpose of your visit?
 GLOSSARY
air hostess azafata
air traffic control control de tránsito aéreo
Aircraft avión, aeronave
Airline aerolínea
airline counter mostrador
Airport aeropuerto
aisle seat asiento del lado del pasillo
animal in hold animal vivo en la bodega
Arrivals llegadas
arrivals are delayed las llegadas están demoradas
arrivals are on schedule las llegadas están en horario
baggage (US) equipaje
luggage (UK)
baggage allowance (US) límite de equipaje
baggage carousel (US) cinta transportadora de equipaje
baggage claim (US) reclamo de equipaje
baggage reclaim (UK)
baggage compartment (US) compartimiento para equipaje
boarding pass tarjeta de embarque
Briefcase maletín, portafolios
bumpy flight vuelo turbulento
Cabin cabina
carry-on luggage equipaje de mano
checked luggage equipaje facturado
check-in desk mostrador de facturación
Cockpit cabina del piloto
Concourse explanada
connecting flight conexión
control tower torre de control
Copilot copiloto
Crew tripulación
Customs aduana
customs official funcionario de aduana
Delayed demorado
departure lounge salón de espera
Departures salidas
departures are delayed las salidas están demoradas
departures are on schedule las salidas están en horario
direct flight / non-stop flight vuelo directo
domestic flight vuelo de cabotaje
duty free libre de impuestos
emergency exit salida de emergencia
emergency landing aterrizaje de emergencia
excess baggage exceso de equipaje
excess baggage charge recargo por exceso de equipaje
final destination destino final
flight attendant azafata, auxiliar de vuelo
flight number número de vuelo
Gate puerta
Immigration inmigración
immigration official funcionario de inmigración
in-flight manual manual de la tripulación
international flight vuelo internacional
jet bridge manga, pasarela
jet lag descompensación por la diferencia horaria
Landing aterrizaje
layover hotel hotel de pernocta
life vest salvavidas
Loudspeakers altoparlantes
luggage (UK) equipaje
baggage (US)
luggage allowance (UK) límite de equipaje
luggage compartment (UK) compartimiento para equipaje
luggage conveyor belt (UK) cinta transportadora
meal tray bandeja de comida
meeting point punto de encuentro
on schedule en horario
one-way trip viaje de ida
Overbooking sobreventa (de asientos)
Overweight sobrepeso
passengers lounge salón de espera
Pilot piloto
Plane avión
registered luggage equipaje certificado, despachado
restroom / lavatory sanitarios
round trip viaje de ida y vuelta
 Runway pista
Scales balanzas
Seat asiento
seat belt cinturón de seguridad
shuttle bus autobús de traslado
Stopover escala
Suitcase maleta
Stewardess azafata (old fashioned)
take-off despegue
Terminal terminal
Timetable listado de horarios
time of arrival hora de llegada
actual time of arrival (ATA) hora de llegada real
time of departure hora de salida
actual time of departure (ATD) hora de salida real
Tourist turista
travel agency agencia de viajes
Trolley carrito
Turbulence turbulencia
Visa visado, visa
window seat asiento del lado de la ventanilla
wind directional indicator manga indicadora de dirección del viento
Windsock manga (para la dirección del viento)
to frisk cachear
to board abordar
to check in facturar el equipaje
to fasten the seatbelt abrocharse el cinturón de seguridad
to land aterrizar
to put out the cigarettes apagar los cigarrillos (old fashioned)
to take off despegar