Popov: Good afternoon! I would like to check in for the flight to St. Petersburg. Can I do it here?
Clerk: Yes, sir. It is a check-in desk for this flight. May I have your passport and ticket, please?
Popov: Certainly. Here you are.
Clerk: Would you put your luggage on the scales? Oh, the luggage is too heavy. In such a situation you have to pay an extra charge, I`m afraid.
Popov: I will take out this trade literature then.
Clerk: Could you put your luggage on the scales again, please? Everything is all right now. You may take your passport and ticket. Here is your boarding pass.
Popov: Thank you very much.
Translation
Popov: Good afternoon! I would like to check in for a flight to St. Petersburg. Can I do this here?
Clerk: Yes, sir. This is the check-in counter for this flight. Please give me your passport and ticket.
Popov: Here you go.
Employee: Please place your luggage on the scales. Oh, the luggage is too heavy. I'm afraid you will have to make an additional payment.
Popov: Then I’ll take out these prospectuses.
Clerk: Sir, please put the luggage on the scale again. Now everything is all right. You can take your passport and ticket. Here's yours boarding pass.
Popov: Thank you very much.
At the information desk - At the information desk
Popov: Is the plane for St. Petersburg leaving on time?
Clerk: Unfortunately, there will be a delay, but it probably won`t be over thirty minutes. We have a comfortable departure lounge here. Will you go there and wait for the announcement?
Popov: Thank you very much.
Clerk: You are welcome.
Translation
Popov: Does the flight to St. Petersburg leave on time?
Clerk: Unfortunately, there will be a delay, but it will probably not exceed thirty minutes. We have a comfortable departure lounge here. Please go there and wait for the flight announcement.
Popov: Thank you very much.
Employee: No thanks.
Most trips start from train stations and airports. Airports in different cities and countries differ from each other as much as these countries themselves. But the procedure from check-in to boarding the plane, and then after landing to leaving the city is the same.
If you inexperienced tourist If you find yourself in an airport abroad, knowing a few useful English phrases at every stage of your airport stay can come in handy. In any country in the world, airport staff speak not only their native language, but also English. Therefore, English at the airport is needed more than anywhere else, and the topic of the airport in English is one of the most popular.
We suggest you go all the way through the airport, simultaneously remembering the necessary words and phrases for dialogue at the airport in English.
So, English at the airport.
- First, you need to find the check-in counter- of your airline to check in for your flight - check in for the flight and check in your luggage - baggage/luggage.
At the counter you present your passport and ticket - ticket, if you have issued e-ticket- e-ticket, then only a passport. At the counter you may be asked a question - Would you like a window(window seat) or an aisle seat(aisle seat)? Next, you place your luggage on the scales and present your hand luggage ( a carry-on/hand luggage). After this you will be given a boarding pass - boarding pass with luggage tag - baggage tag, which you will need to keep until you collect your luggage at your destination.
- After registration you need to go through passport - passport control and customs control - customs control. There you will be asked to place your phone, watch and keys in a special tray - tray and go through the metal detector.
- All formalities are completed, you can calmly wait for boarding in the waiting room - departure lounge. It is advisable to choose a place closer to the gate - gates, from which the landing will take place. You can track the status of your flight on the board:
- check-in- registration in progress
- boarding - landing in progress
- delayed- Is the flight delayed.
Please follow the announcements carefully - departure gates may change. In this case, you will hear an announcement with something like this: “The departure gate for flight No. No. has been changed to No. No.”
- After landing at the arrival airport - arrival, you will also have to go through passport control. Here you may be asked a question about the purpose of arriving in the country - "What "s the purpose of your visit?", which can be answered in monosyllables - business/tourism. Sometimes they may ask where you plan to stay. “Where are you staying here?” Usually, in this case, it is better to have a printout of your hotel or apartment reservation with you, since rarely does anyone manage to remember the address of their stay.
- Having received a stamp in our passport confirming our arrival, we go to collect our luggage. First you need to find a room with baggage conveyor belts - carousel. You can ask the airport workers - “How do I get to luggage claim?/Where do I collect my baggage?”. We approach the desired belt, wait for our suitcase and head to the exit to the city - exit to the city.
We have listed words and phrases in English at the airport at the points every traveler passes through. As you can see, if you make do with a minimal vocabulary, you won’t get that many of them.
It’s good if everything goes according to plan and no unforeseen situations arise. But, unfortunately, sometimes troubles happen. For example,
- you missed your flight. In this case, you contact the airport employee: "I"ve missed my flight. - I was late for the flight. What should I do?- what should I do?" In this case, you will most likely be answered - “We"ll get you on one of the next flights“We will send you on one of the next flights.” However, in this situation you will have to pay an additional service fee - service fee.
- you did not find your luggage upon arrival, or it arrived damaged. Phrases for this case:
- my luggage is missing - my luggage is missing/ my suitcase hasn’t arrived.
- my luggage is damaged - my luggage is broken
In this case, you will be asked to fill out - fill in form and leave your contact details.
You are now armed with the minimum set of English words needed to communicate at the airport. Of course, this list can be continued, learn entire phrases in order to conduct a dialogue at the airport in English and feel more confident. You can find such mini-stories and dialogues, divided by topic, on the training service English language Lim-English. There is a whole course devoted to the topic “Tourism”. On Lim-English you can not only learn the necessary vocabulary in the most convenient form, find and remember any dialogue at the airport in English with translation, but also listen to phrases in the original sound. The topic of tourism and travel on the site is not limited to the airport, but Lim-English there is everything you might need while traveling - phrases for the plane, hotel, city, restaurants, shops and other places where English is likely to be needed.
The airport is, of course, a great source of joy, but there is an even greater joy: the joy that takes over you on the plane. It reaches its climax when you are sitting by the window and the plane takes off from the ground - Amelie Nothomb.
Airports are a parallel reality. Different energy. Behind the apparent chaos there is a proven scheme. In this reality, hopes soar and land every minute. Airports are noisy anthills of human destinies - Elchin Safarli.
The airport topic has always been difficult for me. In general, at airports I always suffer from spatial idiocy and rush like a rabbit from one check-in counter to another and frantically think: Where to go next? Oh God, passport control, oh God customs.
The airport is for me large city who opens the doors for me new world. I always worry when I go to the airport. I'm excited when I take off. I also admire the “flying swallows” who work on board and with whom I had the honor of working to improve my English.
So, let's look at a typical airport dialogue.
Agent: What is your final destination?
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.
final destination- final destination.
checking- here it means register, put under control.
on the scale- on the scales
stopover- stop, transfer before the final destination.
go straight through- when you are told that luggage “go straight through” it means that it will go to its final destination.
boarding passes- tickets
begin boarding- begin landing
seat number- seat number on the plane
gate - boarding gate.
Conversational phrases.
- “Where are you flying today?” Where are you flying today?
- “What's your final destination? What is your final destination?
- C heck your bags - means to check in luggage.
- Carry-on bags are hand luggage that we take with us and are checked through the rays.
- “Excuse me, where is the American Airlines check-in desk?“Excuse me, where is the American Airlines check-in counter?
- “Where is terminal 4? “Where is terminal 4?
- “Where is gate 36?” Where is passage 36?
- “How many bags can I check?” How much baggage can I check in?
- “Will my luggage go straight through, or do I need to pick it up in?” Will my luggage go all the way or will I have to intercept it in Chicago?
- “How much is the fee?” If your luggage exceeds the limit, you will have to pay a fee depending on the excess weight.
“ Please mark this bags “fragile”. Please mark your luggage as "fragile". Marked when fragile items are carried in luggage.
“Is the flight on time?” Departure on time?
“ There’s a 20-minute delay". Delay 20 minutes.
- Has your luggage been in your possession at all times? Was your luggage with you the whole time? Possession (possession).
- Are you aware of the regulations regarding liquids in your carry-on? You are aware of the rules for transporting liquids and hand luggage?
- Are you carrying any firearms or flammable materials? Are you transporting weapons or explosive materials?
- Have you left your luggage unattended at any time? Have you left your luggage unattended?
- Has anyone given you anything to carry on the flight? Has anyone given you anything to take on the plane?
Let's passthroughservicesecurity.
X-ray machine- X-ray machine that checks luggage.
metal detector- metal detector
conveyorbelt - baggage belt .
bins- boxes for transporting things
Conversation at customs.
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.
take off - take off.
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.
come on through - come through
Agent: You're all set! Have a nice flight.
“ you’ reallset “-everything is fine, come in.
Announcements at the gate.
- “T here has been a gate change.”
Boarding gate number has been changed. - « Flight 880 to Miami is now boarding" Flight number 880 to Miami is open for boarding.
- “Please have your boarding pass for boarding“Please have your boarding ticket.
- “We would like to invite our first and business class passengers to board" We would like to invite 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 are now inviting passengers with small children and passengers who require special assistance to board.
- “We would now like to invite all passengers to board.“We invite all passengers to board.
- “This is the final boarding call for the flight 880 to Miami.”
Last boarding call for flight 880 to Miami. - “Passenger John Smith, please proceed to the gate 12.”
- Passenger John Smith please take Gate 12
In airplane.
flight attendants.- stewards, 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.
- “Can I have a pillow?”May I have a pillow?
- “Can I have a blanket?” May I have a blanket?
- “Can I have a pair of headphones?”/ “Could I have a headset?”Can I have a pair of headphones?
- “Could I have some water/coffee/tea?” Can I have water, coffee, tea?
- “Could I have some extra napkins?” Can I have some more napkins?
My favorite idioms.
Just in case – Just in case. “I don’t know if it will rain today, but I will bring an umbrella just in case.” I don't know if it will rain, but I'll take an umbrella.
Everyday phrases in English for tourists- this is the necessary knowledge if you are going abroad. You will feel quite comfortable abroad if you have and can understand your interlocutor. But what about those who speak English from scratch?
I love commuting between languages just like I love commuting between cultures and cities.
I love switching between languages just as much as I love traveling between cultures and cities.
In this article, we have collected the most necessary and basic phrases and expressions in English with translation into Russian, which you must know abroad.
100 useful conversational phrases in English will be able to help you explain your wishes and needs, and also help you formulate a question.
Basic Everyday Expressions in English
Being friendly and polite is one of the basic rules of a tourist.
Are you a tourist who loves to travel? Are you going on a short vacation of a few days? Or are you planning to travel various countries within a month?
If you want to ask or inquire about something, it is advisable to start your dialogue with a greeting, use polite words and do not forget to say goodbye.
Important!
Right now you can sign up for the first course at our online school to improve your English in two weeks.
Ways of greeting, farewell and politeness in English
Always be polite when communicating on English language. Certain phrases will help you start a conversation, say hello, express refusal or agreement.
How to better understand your interlocutor and be understood yourself in English
It would also be a good idea to try your luck and ask whether your interlocutor speaks the required languages and explain what problem worries you. It is important in this situation to be understood and to understand your interlocutor yourself.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Do you speak English (Russian)? | Do you speak English (Russian) |
| I don't understand | I don't understand |
| What is your name? | What is your name? |
| My name is... | My name is... |
| I am from Russia | I am from Russia (name any country) |
| Can you help me, please? | Can you help me? |
| Can you speak slowly? | Can you speak more slowly? |
| Can you repeat it, please? | Can you repeat it please? |
| How do you call this? | How does is called? |
| Write it down, please | Please write it down |
| What time is it? | What time is it now? |
| Who (What) is it? | Who (What) is this? |
| I'm hungry (thirsty, cold, hot) | I'm hungry (drinking, I'm cold, hot) |
| I feel bad | I feel bad |
| Let’s go to… (café, theater, museum) | Let's go to... (cafe, theater, museum) |
| Now | Now |
| Later | Later |
Phrases for communicating in English at the airport
All signs, announcements and schedules in international airports presented in English
We all know that upon arrival in any other country you may often be faced with the need to ask a question, since neither the terrain, nor the situation, nor other details may be unknown to you.
Important!
English language- a recognized international language spoken by 1,100,000,000 inhabitants of our planet, for 400 million of them it is their native language.
Having a certain vocabulary and being even in the USA, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, Great Britain, Japan or China, you have a much greater opportunity to enjoy the trip, explain yourself or ask for help from strangers.
Phrases in English at the airport
Naturally, before you get to the resort, you will need to go through the airport and customs. In this section, pay attention to everything the most important phrases at the airport and suggestions that you will need when flying or leaving a foreign country!
Below is a table of phrases with translation to help you!
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I want to book/cancel a ticket | I want to book/return a ticket |
| My flight itinerary | My flight route |
| When is the next flight to… (London, Berlin)? | When is the next plane to... ...(London, Berlin)? |
| When does the plane arrive in…(London, Berlin)? | When is arrival to...(London, Berlin)? |
| Will food be served? | Will there be food on the plane? |
| Is the flight direct/ nonstop? | Is this a direct/non-stop flight? |
| May I carry this on board? | Can I take this on board? |
| Luggage / baggage reclaim | Receipt of baggage |
| Hand luggage | Hand luggage |
| Check-in counter/desk | Reseption |
| Delay | Delay |
| Custom | Customs |
| Immigration control | Immigration control |
| Departures | Departure |
| Aisle/Window seat | Aisle/window seat (on airplane) |
| Departure lounge | Waiting room (before departure) |
| Which gate does my flight leave from? | Which gate do I board my flight from? |
| Here is my boarding pass | Here's my boarding pass |
Frequently asked questions at airport customs in English.
Upon arrival, you will also need a specific list of questions and phrases. No matter what situation you find yourself in, the data phrases at the airport will help you feel more confident and at ease.
And remember, if you don’t know a particular word, it’s okay! Explain yourself as best you can, use synonyms and gestures.
English in a hotel or inn
In any hotel abroad you will be asked to fill out a hotel check-in form in English
One of the highlights of the trip is the place where you will relax after the eventful and amazing events of the past day. You always want to find something decent and affordable during your travels.
Phrases in English at the hotel
In this section you will get to know English phrases In a hotel. They relate to hotel check-in, room reservation, stay and departure.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I need a suite/another room (a soap, towels, a pillow, a blanket) |
I need a suite / another room (soap, towels, pillow, blanket) |
| I have a reservation for a single/ double room | I booked a single/double room |
| I'd like to check in/ out | I would like to check in |
| Is there a restaurant in the hotel? | Does the hotel have a restaurant? |
| When is breakfast served? | When is breakfast served? |
| Is there an air conditioning in the room? (heating, bathroom, shower, TV, hot water, Wi-Fi) |
Is there air conditioning in the room? (heating, bathroom, shower, hot water, internet) |
| I like it / I don’t like it | I like / I don't like |
| Where is the reception? (bar, restaurant, elevator, beauty parlor, pool) |
Where is the registration? (bar, restaurant, elevator, beauty salon, swimming pool) |
| How can I get there? | How do I get there? |
| All inclusive | All inclusive |
| Please wake me up at 8 o’clock | Please wake me up at 8 |
| Don't disturb | Do not disturb |
Useful phrases in English for tourists in the city
Sometimes a map is not enough and you need to ask the locals for directions in English.
Agree, sometimes navigating even small towns it can be difficult. Movement on public transport It is almost inevitable and very important to choose the right direction of movement so as not to go in the wrong direction. Sometimes it’s even important not only to ask for directions, but even to give directions (if you know your way around the area well).
Remember that you can order a transfer around the city without leaving your home, and you will know in advance the prices for the carrier’s services, which will be just another bonus for you.
Phrases on how to find out directions in English
The following questions and phrases will help you start a dialogue in the city and get to the right place.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| How do I get to the..? (shop, bus stop, museum, embassy, hotel, square…) |
How do I get to…? (store, bus stop, museum, embassy, square) |
| Where can I find a… ? (cafe, souvenir shop,) |
Where can I find … ? (cafe, souvenir shop) |
| How long will it take to get there? | How long does it take to get there? |
| Where does this bus / train go? | Where is this bus going? |
| How far is the…? (airport, train station, bus station, subway) |
How far …? (airport, railway station, bus station, metro) |
| Turn right/left | Turn right/left |
| Go straight ahead/ pass/ across/ into/ out of … | Go straight/past/through/in/out... |
| This / that way | Along this/that road |
| What street is it? | What street is this? |
Basic signs and signs in English
It is also important to follow the signs. The table shows the most basic signs and signs abroad.
Phrases in English for communication in a store or cafe.
You can haggle and bring down the price if you know phrases in English in the store.
We are all alive and love something tasty or beautiful. The need to buy something never goes away. These could be souvenirs or, finally, ordinary products, so it will not be superfluous to know how to ask about the cost of a particular product and how you can pay for it.
Important!
As a rule, it is advisable not to carry cash in large amounts with you, and the problem of withdrawing cash may arise by itself if you do not remember how to say “ATM” in English.
In contact with
As Anthony Price aptly put it, the devil redesigned hell by learning from the experience of airport planning. Indeed, travelers sometimes have to wander around the airport for a long time, hoping to find the right boarding gate or exit in general. It is especially difficult for those who are abroad: without knowing English, it can be very, very difficult to navigate the area. But what to do if the flight is very soon, and you have forgotten English? For you, we have developed a complete and understandable phrasebook on the topic “English at the airport”, as well as detailed instructions about how to navigate an airport abroad. At the end of the article there is free material with all the phrases, as well as a dictionary with useful vocabulary on the topic “English at the airport”.
So, you have decided to travel abroad by plane. A trip to another country promises to be exciting, and you are already happily packing your bags. However, once again putting the cat out of the bag, you suddenly remember that on the way back you will have to book a ticket, communicate with airport and customs officials - and all this will have to be done in English. It’s good that we have foreseen this situation and prepared for you simple instructions with useful phrases in English for communicating at the airport. Learn and use!
Order tickets
You can order a ticket (to book a ticket) online, by phone or at a special point of sale. Let's imagine that you are buying a ticket at the box office. Don’t forget to check the details about the flight: are there stopovers, can you get a window seat, are there any discounts on your ticket. Use our selection of phrases to order tickets in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Starting a conversation | |
| I'd like to make an airline reservation. | I would like to book a plane ticket. |
| I’d like to book a seat to Moscow. | I would like to book a ticket to Moscow. |
| One business class / economy class ticket to Moscow, please. | One ticket to Moscow in business/economy class, please. |
| I’d like to make a reservation on the Moscow flight. | I would like to book a ticket for a Moscow flight. |
| I’d like to make a reservation on the 7.45 evening flight from London to Boston. | I would like to book an evening flight from London to Boston at 19:45. |
| Questions about ticket prices | |
| How much is an air ticket to Moscow? | How much does a plane ticket to Moscow cost? |
| How much is a child’s ticket? | How much does a child ticket cost? |
| Is there any discount? | Are there any discounts? |
| Flight questions | |
| What flights are to Moscow Domodedovo? | What flights are there to Domodedovo Airport in Moscow? |
| Is it a connecting flight? | Is this a connecting flight? |
| Does the flight land somewhere before the final destination? | Does this flight have stopovers? |
| Is that a direct flight? | Is that a direct flight? |
| Where do we land before the final destination? | Where will we have a stopover? |
| How long does the flight take? | How long does the flight last? |
| Do they serve food? | Will there be food during the flight? |
| What can I take to the cabin? | What can I take with me to the salon? |
| Wishes for the place | |
| I’d like a window seat, please. | I'd prefer a window seat please. |
| I’d like an aisle seat, please. | I'd prefer a seat next to the aisle, please. |
| Clarifying questions | |
| Is there a bus to the airport? | Is there a bus to the airport? |
| What time do I have to check in? | What time should I check in for my flight? |
| Where do I check in? | Where do I check in? |
| When is boarding time? | When is the landing? |
| When does boarding begin? | When does boarding begin for the flight? |
The operator will explain all the details to you and ask clarifying questions in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Where will you be flying? | Where are you flying to? |
| What is your final destination? | What is your destination? |
| Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? | Do you prefer a seat by the window or next to the aisle? |
| Flight number 777 will take off from LaGuardia Airport at 7.45 PM. | Flight 777 will depart LaGuardia Airport at 7:45 p.m. |
| The plane starts boarding at 7 p.m. | Boarding for the flight will begin at 19:00. |
| Boarding will start 45 minutes before the departure time. | Boarding will begin 45 minutes before departure. |
You can call back a few days after placing your ticket order and confirm the reservation, replace the ticket or inform about the cancellation of the reservation. Do this using the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I’m calling to confirm my reservation for tomorrow. It's on British Airlines flight 777. | I'm calling to confirm my reservation for tomorrow. This is British Airlines flight 777. |
| I'd like to change my reservation. | I would like to change my booking. |
| I'd like to cancel my reservation. | I would like to cancel my reservation. |
Now imagine another situation: you were planning to stay abroad for a couple of weeks, but a few days after arriving, your boss calls you and says that you urgently need to return to work. In this case, you urgently stuff all your things into your suitcase and go to the airport to buy a ticket for the first flight. You can use the same phrases as when making a reservation at the box office. Here are a couple more suggestions that you might find useful:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| When is the next flight to London? | When is the next/nearest flight to London? |
| Will this flight leave on time? | Will this flight depart on schedule/on time? |
| Can I get my refund for another ticket? | Can I get a refund for another ticket? |
If you are booking a ticket online, it is important for you to remember a few words and phrases. Let's look at the purchase form using the AZair service as an example.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| return | A round-trip ticket |
| one-way | A one-way ticket |
| take me anywhere | take me anywhere (search for suitable destinations based on your parameters) |
| search might take a little longer | search may take a little longer |
| cheapest flight between dates | the cheapest flight within the specified time period |
| when to fly | when is the flight |
| depart soonest on | departure no earlier |
| return latest on | return no later than |
| fly on fixed dates | fly on certain dates |
| I want to stay... days | I want to stay for... days |
| advanced search parameters | advanced search settings |
| return to same depart airport | return to the same airport from which you departed |
| return from same arrival airport | return from the same airport you arrived at |
| stop-over time | transplant duration |
| outbound time | flight time to destination |
| inbound time | return flight time |
| transfer only inside Schengen area | transfer only in the Schengen area |
| allow ground transfer between airports | allow ground transport between airports |
| travelers | number of passengers |
| adult | adult |
| child | child |
| infant | baby |
| only direct flights | direct flights only (no transfers) |
| I don’t mind waiting at the airport overnight. | I don't mind spending the night at the airport. |
| next flight can be next day | next flight may be the next day |
| show prices in... | show prices in... |
Arrival and registration
We think there is no need to remind you once again that you need to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure, then you can calmly resolve all issues and be on time for your flight.
If you have an electronic ticket, we recommend printing it in advance. In addition, you can go through online check-in for your flight in advance and receive a boarding pass, which will indicate the terminal number where you need to arrive and the seat number on board airplane. We advise you to go to the airport website, look at the map and find out in advance where the terminal you need is located. There you can also find out whether there is a shuttle there and how to get to the terminal faster. These simple steps will allow you to speed up the check-in process and avoid hassle. If you checked in online, you will need to find a drop-off counter at the airport.
Once you arrive at the airport, look for the departures board. On it you can see information about the flight - the inscription on-time (on time), delayed (flight delayed) or cancelled (canceled). In addition, the information board will indicate the check-in counter/desk number for your flight.
At the check-in counter, airport staff will check your documents. If you only have a ticket, you will be given a boarding pass here. Also, upon check-in, you check in all luggage except carry-on luggage. You can find out more about what hand luggage is allowed at this airline on the company’s website.
Are you checking in a vase that you bought as a gift for your beloved grandmother? Then ask for your luggage to be marked “fragile”. Grandma will approve! When checking in your luggage, use the following phrases in English:
Airport staff will communicate with you using the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| May I see your passport, please? | Your passport, please. |
| Do you have any luggage? | Do you have luggage? |
| You have to check-in your luggage. | You must check your luggage. |
| Open your case for examination, please. | Please open your suitcase for inspection. |
| How many pieces of baggage do you have? | How much luggage are you carrying? (number of bags) |
| Place your bag on the scale. | Place your bag on the scale. |
| Do you have any carry-on luggage? | Do you have any carry-on baggage? |
| Carry-on can’t weigh more than 10 kilos. | The weight of hand luggage must not exceed 10 kg. |
| Your luggage is 6 kilos overweight. | The excess weight of your luggage is 6 kg. |
| Your luggage is overweight. | Your luggage weighs more than it should. |
| I’m afraid, you’ll have to pay for excess luggage. | I'm afraid you will need to pay extra for the overweight. |
customs control
You have safely checked in your luggage and are heading through customs control lightly. Here your documents will be checked again. To avoid delaying yourself and other passengers, remove all metal items and electronic devices from your pockets and go through the metal detector frame. At the same time, hand luggage is also scanned for prohibited items. Customs officers may use the following phrases when communicating with you:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Put your tablet out of your bag, please. | Please take your tablet out of your bag. |
| Take out your cell-phone and place it on the tray, please. | Please get yours mobile phone and place it on the tray. |
| Take off any metallic items and put them on this tray, please. | Please remove all metal objects and place them on this tray. |
| You can't take this liquid on the plane. | You cannot take this liquid on a plane. |
| Open the bag, please. | Please open your bag. |
| Do you have anything to declare? | Do you have anything to declare? |
| Do you have anything forbidden in your suitcase: drugs, guns, explosive materials? | Do you have prohibited items in your suitcase: drugs, weapons, explosives? |
| Is there anything sharp or dangerous in your hand luggage? | Do you have sharp or dangerous objects in your carry-on luggage? |
| I must confiscate these goods. | I have to confiscate these things. |
| You may pass on. | You can pass. |
When communicating with airport staff, you may find the following phrases useful:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I have nothing to declare. | I have nothing to declare. |
| I need a customs declaration form. | I need a declaration form. |
| How much liquor can I take? | How much alcohol can I carry? |
| How many cigarette blocks can I take? | How many cartons of cigarettes can I carry? |
| I have only my personal belongings. | I only have personal things. |
Boarding the flight
Did you quickly complete all registration rounds? If you have a lot of time, go to the departure lounge. And if you have not only time, but also some money, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting a duty-free store.
You can also walk around the airport grounds. You can find your way around on the map - let's look at the diagram of Heathrow Airport.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| public areas | public places |
| passenger areas | seats for passengers |
| baby care | mother and baby room |
| baggage reclaim | baggage claim area |
| car hire | car rental |
| meeting point | meeting point |
| wireless hotspot | Internet access point |
| immigration enquiries | immigration control |
| self check-in point | self check-in area |
| cash-machines | ATMs |
| post office | Postal office |
| VAT return | VAT refund stand |
| hotel reservation center | hotel room reservation center |
| group arrivals meeting point | meeting place for groups |
| game grid activities | slot machine hall |
| customs red point | red customs corridor (for declaration of goods) |
| airline inquiries | airport information service |
| mezzanine level | lowest floor |
| first floor | first floor |
After walking around the airport, buying perfume, cosmetics and grabbing a couple of bottles of good alcohol for gifts, you hear the boarding announcement for your flight. Clutching your dear purchases and your empty wallet to your chest, go to the desired exit (a departure gate). The gate number is indicated on your boarding pass and also on information screens at the airport. We recommend that you pay attention first of all to the information on electronic displays, since sometimes airports change gate numbers for flights shortly before boarding is announced. Before boarding, you will need to present your boarding pass. Don't lose it: it's usually marked with your luggage check-in number, so you'll need it upon arrival.
While in the lounge, you may hear various airport announcements in English. It will also be useful to understand them:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Tickets and luggage registration for flight number 777 to Moscow proceeds at stand 5. | At counter number 5, check-in of tickets and baggage for flight number 777 to Moscow continues. |
| Flight number 777 of Lufthansa Airlines has been delayed until 7 p.m. | Lufthansa Airlines flight number 777 is delayed until 19:00. |
| Tickets registration for flight number 777 to Moscow is completed. | Ticket registration for flight number 777 to Moscow has been completed. |
| The gate closes 15 minutes before departure. | The gate closes 15 minutes before departure. |
In airplane
Finally you are on board the plane. Congratulate yourself - you have successfully completed the most difficult part of your flight. Now you can relax and get some sleep. Just before that you need to find your place. To do this, take advantage of the following suggestions:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Where is the seat 15A? | Where is location 15A? |
| Could you please direct me to my seat? | Could you show me where my place is? |
| Could I change seats with you? | Can I change places with you? |
| I would like to change my seat. | I'd like to change location. |
| Could you help me with my carry-on luggage? | Could you help me with my hand luggage? |
| Could I have a blanket, please? | Could you bring me a blanket please? |
| I would like something to drink. | I'd like a drink. |
| Can I have another drink? | Can I have another drink? |
| May I recline my seat? | Can I recline my seat? |
| Sorry, can I get past? | Excuse me, can I come in? |
| I don't feel very well. | I feel bad. |
| I want an airsickness bag. | I need a hygiene bag. |
Before or during the flight, the flight attendant makes several important announcements. They usually mention the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Welcome on board. | Welcome aboard. |
| We will be cruising at 10,000 meters. | Our flight will take place at an altitude of 10,000 meters. |
| Please stow your hand luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. | Please place your hand luggage in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. |
| Even if you are a regular traveler, please listen carefully to the following announcement for your own safety. | Even if you travel frequently, please listen carefully to the following safety rules. |
| Please, fasten your seat-belts for maximum security and turn off all electronic devices. Our plane is ready to take off. | Please fasten your seat belts for maximum safety and turn off all electronic devices. Our plane is ready to take off. |
| Make sure your seat belt is fastened. | Make sure your seat belt is fastened. |
| Smoking is prohibited throughout the flight. | Smoking is prohibited during the flight. |
| Your lifejacket is under your seat. | Your life jacket is located under the seat. |
| The emergency exits are located here, here and here. | Emergency exits are here, here and here. |
| Please, put your chairs into an upright position. | Please move the seat backs to an upright position. |
| We are approaching an area of turbulence. | We are approaching a zone of turbulence. |
| Your oxygen mask will drop down from above. | Your oxygen mask falls out from above. |
| Please, remain seated until the plane comes to a complete standstill. | Please remain seated until the aircraft comes to a complete stop. |
At the arrival airport
Happy landing! We hope the landing was soft. To make our phrasebook as complete as possible, let’s imagine that you are flying to an English-speaking country. In this case, at the airport of arrival you will need to go through customs and passport control again, as well as fill out a declaration if you are importing goods for sale or goods whose total value exceeds the established norm. In addition, customs officers will ask about the purpose of arrival and place of accommodation. You may be asked the following questions in English at your arrival airport:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| What is the purpose of your visit? | What is the purpose of your visit? |
| How long are you planning to stay? | How long do you plan to stay in the country? |
| How long do you intend to stay? | How long do you expect to stay here? |
| Where will you be staying? | Where will you stop? |
| Have you ever been to the USA before? | Have you been to the USA before? |
| Have you filled out your customs declaration? | Have you filled out the customs declaration form? |
| How much foreign money/currency have you got? | How much foreign currency do you have with you? |
| Any foreign money? | Do you have foreign currency? |
To give a confident answer, use the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| It is a business trip. | I'm on a business trip (about the purpose of my visit). |
| It is a pleasure trip. | I came to rest. |
| I am traveling the world. | I travel the world. |
| I'll be staying for one week. | I'm going to stay in the country for one week. |
| I’ll be staying at a hotel / relatives place / friends place. | I will stay at a hotel/with relatives/friends. |
| This is my first visit. | This is my first visit (to the country). |
| May I have another customs form? | Can I have another declaration form? |
The final part of our flight epic is baggage claim. You need to go to the transport tapes and see which one has your flight number on it. Upon receipt, be sure to check the number on your boarding pass and the number on the tag on your bag - they must match.
Unseen circumstances
It’s good if the flight goes off without a hitch. What to do if something does happen to you? Contact airport staff for help using the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I have lost my ticket / boarding pass / passport / carry-on luggage. | I lost my ticket/boarding pass/passport/carry-on luggage. |
| I have lost my child. | I lost my child. |
| I have lost my group. | I fell behind the group (tourist). |
| I didn’t receive the claim tag when I checked in. | I did not receive the claim tag when I checked in. |
| My baggage is broken, and some things are missing. | My luggage is damaged and some things are missing. |
| My luggage hasn’t arrived. | My luggage hasn't arrived. |
| My luggage has been lost. | My bag is lost. |
Prepare everything in advance Required documents and put them in one folder, which will always be in your hands. You can also purchase a convenient aircraft document organizer. We recommend making photocopies of all documents and placing them in your luggage or hand luggage. This way, if you lose the originals, you will at least have copies and it will be easier for the police to help you.
2. Don’t take anything unnecessary on board
Do not take sharp items with you, such as a nail file - this will save you from unnecessary explanations at customs control. Study the airline's requirements for hand luggage in advance: food items are usually allowed to include baby food, fruit and even sandwiches. Pack liquids in small containers with a volume of no more than 100 milliliters each and no more than a liter in total and place them in a transparent cosmetic bag with a zipper. If you need to take a certain medicine for medical reasons, make sure you get a special certificate from your doctor in advance. It is also worth clarifying whether an umbrella, a suit bag and a laptop are included in the established weight of hand luggage or are considered separately.
3. Language will bring you to London
Even if an unfamiliar airport seems like a labyrinth of the Minotaur to you, remember that there is a way out from here too. Ariadne's thread, or rather, help, will be offered by any airport employee, do not hesitate to contact him. The main thing is don't panic. Once you realize that you are lost, find the airport information desk - their desks are located throughout the building.
4. Practice training dialogues
In addition to the above phrases, it will also be useful to listen to examples of dialogues that may take place at the airport. When you listen to such audio recordings, repeat the phrases, this will help you remember them better. You can find dialogues at the airport in English on the websites espressoenglish.net and talkenglish.com. In addition, it is worthwhile to reinforce the learned phrases with practical exercises, for example, on the website agendaweb.org, which contains many tasks for those who are going on a trip.
And if you want to feel comfortable on your trip, we invite you to download it - its main character, Alexey Chaikin, will give you a tour of London and help you communicate with foreigners without any problems.
Complete list of words and phrases for download
At the end, we invite you to download a document that contains all the useful words and phrases from the article.
(*.pdf, 312 Kb)
Now you have all the vocabulary you need to speak English at the airport. Try to remember it and feel free to hit the road. We wish you a pleasant flight!
