airport vocabulary english for travel

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27 Useful English Vocabulary Words for the Airport

Having to speak another language while traveling can be very stressful.

Especially at an airport!

Whether you’re an ESL student or someone who uses English professionally, I hope this blog post can help you improve your English so that you can start your vacation on a high note!

2. Arrivals

4. boarding pass, 5. boarding time, 6. book (a ticket), 7. business class, 8. carry on (luggage), 9. check in, 10. conveyor belt / carousel / baggage claim, 11. customs, 12. delayed, 13. departures, 14. economy class, 15. first class, 16. fragile, 18. identification (id), 19. liquids, 20. long-haul flight, 21. luggage, 22. on time, 23. one-way (ticket) / return ticket / round-trip ticket, 24. oversized baggage / overweight baggage, 25. stopover / layover, 26. travel agent, and one more thing....

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Part of Speech: Noun

The airline or carrier you fly with is the name of the company that owns the airplane. For example, Singapore Airlines, British Airways.

I need to book a flight to Berlin next week.  Which airline do you suggest I fly with?

The cheapest airline that flies to Germany is Lufthansa. It’s a German carrier.

When your plane arrives at the airport, your family and friends will meet you at arrivals.

Jane, I’ll meet you in the arrivals lounge. I’ll be holding a sign to tell you I’m looking for you.

Part of Speech: Verb

To board (a plane) means to go onto it.

All passengers on Belle Air flight 2216 must go to the gate. The plane will begin boarding in 10 minutes.

After you have notified the airline you are at the airport and you’ve checked your luggage, you will be given a boarding pass that shows you where the plane will be boarding and it will also show your seat number.

Sir, this is your boarding pass. You will be boarding at gate 22 at 6:35.

Your boarding time is the time that people will be allowed to start entering the plane.

Boarding time was changed due to a technical problem. We would like to apologize for the delay.

When you book a ticket, it means that you have reserved your place and paid for it.

Hi, how can I help you?

I’d like to book a return ticket to Paris, please.

Business class is the area where people who are traveling for business purposes sit. It’s towards the front of the plane and the tickets are more expensive than normal tickets.

We’d like to invite all our passengers flying in business class to start boarding.

Your carry on luggage is the small piece of hand luggage that you are allowed to take with you onto the plane. These bags usually have to be a certain size and weigh less than 8kg.

I’m sorry, but your carry on is too heavy. You will have to check it.

Part of Speech: Verb/Noun

When you check in, you notify the airline you have arrived at the airport. They will take your suitcase and give you a boarding pass. The area where you do this action is also called check-in.

How many passengers are checking in with you?

It’s a large school group. We have 45 people in our party (group).

When your plane arrives, your bags and suitcases come out on the moving conveyor belt. Another word that you might hear for this is a carousel or baggage claim .

All passengers arriving from New York can pick up their luggage from carousel 4.

Before you’re allowed to enter the country, you must go through customs where you will be met by a customs officer.

Here they will check if you’re bringing anything illegal into the country such as firearms (guns), drugs or too much money. And they will ask you if you “ have anything to declare?”

If you’re not carrying anything forbidden, you should answer “ no.”

Part of Speech: Adjective

If your flight has been delayed, it means that it’s late. Maybe it has been delayed because of bad weather, too much air traffic, or technical problems.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is an announcement that flight NZ245 has been delayed. Your new departure time is 2.25.

When you are leaving to go on a trip, you will need to go to the departures lounge where you will wait to board your flight.

All passengers flying to Istanbul are kindly requested to go to the departures lounge.

Most people who travel by plane travel in economy class because the price is much cheaper.

I’d like to book an economy class ticket to Rome next Friday.

Would you like to make it return or one-way?

A return ticket. I’d like to come back the following Friday.

Okay then, for one week?

First class is the most expensive area of the plane. There is a lot of space to move. The seats are bigger and the service is better.

Next time I want to fly first class.

Why? It’s so expensive!

I’m just too tall. I have no leg room in economy.

Sometimes we carry things that are delicate or easily broken when we travel. A way of letting the people handling our suitcases know is to mark it with a sticker saying fragile. This will show them that they need to be a little more careful with your stuff.

In the departures lounge there are a number of different gates (doors) that lead to different flights.

Can you tell me where flight AZ672 to New York departs from, please?

Yes, it leaves from gate A27.

Your identification (also known as “ID”) is your official document that you need to ensure you are who you say you are. When flying, the ID you’re required to carry is your passport.

I’d like to book a flight to New Jersey for tomorrow.

Certainly, can I see your ID please?

Liquids are anything that is not solid or gas, such as a bottle of water or perfume. All airports do not allow passengers to travel with more than 100ml of liquids. All liquids you do carry on the plane must be put in a plastic bag.

Are you traveling with any liquids?

Yes, I have this deodorant.

I’m sorry, but that is too big. Each container must not exceed (go over) 100ml.

A flight that travels a long distance in one go is a long-haul flight. For example, a long-haul flight would be flying from New York to Sydney.

I really don’t like long-haul flights and wished we had a stopover somewhere, but we really need to get back on that day and we don’t have time.

A common mistake among non-English speakers is the difference between luggage and bag.

The word bag is countable, which means we can say many bags or 3 bags.

Luggage is uncountable and it can mean one bag or many.

If you want to make the word luggage plural, you would add the phrase ‘pieces of…’ in front of it.

How many pieces of luggage do you want to check in today sir?

When you are traveling and you want to check the status of your flight you can look at the departures board. Here you will see all your flight information and if it says that your flight number is on time then the plane will depart at the right time.

If you ask for a one-way ticket, it means that you do not want to return to your destination.

The opposite of a one-way ticket is a return ticket .  If you want to purchase both, that’s called a  round-trip ticket .

Hi, I’d like to book a one-way ticket to Hong Kong.

What’s your purpose (reason) for traveling?

We’re emigrating (moving for a new life) there.

Each passenger is only allowed to have one suitcase that weighs 20kg or less. If you have a big piece that you want to send or something that is too heavy, the people at check-in will charge you more money.

I’m sorry madam, but your bag is overweight.

By how many kilos?

One minute, let me just take a few things out.

If you are traveling on a long-haul flight, you usually have to have a short stop in another country first. This stop is called a stopover or a layover.

If you’re traveling from Europe to Australia, it’s recommended that you have a stopover either in Los Angeles or Dubai because the flight is very long.

A travel agent is a person who will help you organize your travel plans and book your flights.

I tried looking for a flight online, but I couldn’t book it with my credit card.

You should visit the travel agent in the mall, she is very good and they have great offers.

A visa is a special document that gives you permission to enter a country. Some countries have strict laws and depending where you’re from, you may need to obtain (get) a visa.

Could you tell me if a person from Albania needs a visa to travel to Italy?

How long are you going for?

No, you don’t need a visa. Albanian citizens can travel up to 3 months without a visa to any EU country.

Learn some of these essential English words to help make your travel experience an enjoyable one.

To better understand this and the other words in this list, I highly recommend that you watch and listen to authentic English content.

For example, there’s a whole movie set in an airport called “The Terminal,” which is a good way to hear airport vocabulary being used naturally.

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And when you arrive in your new country, make sure you speak as much English as possible to practice.

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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Airport Vocabulary Guide

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Air travel is an exciting experience, but it can be overwhelming if you don't understand the language used at airports. This guide will introduce you to key airport vocabulary in English. This is designed to help English language learners like you feel more confident when navigating airports.

Basic Airport Vocabulary

Traveling by air can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with its own set of unique words and expressions. Whether it's your first flight, you're a seasoned traveler, or you simply want to expand your vocabulary , understanding basic airport terminology is crucial. In this section, you will explore the essential vocabulary from check-in to boarding, helping you navigate the airport with confidence.

Check-in and Security

Navigating the airport starts with understanding the check-in and security processes. Familiarize yourself with these terms, and you'll begin your journey with ease.

• Check-in Counter: the place where you show your ticket and ID; you receive your boarding pass here.
• Boarding Pass: a document that gives you access to the plane; it includes your seat number.
• Security Check: a screening process for passengers; ensures safety by checking for prohibited items.
• Gate: the area where you wait for your flight; each flight has a specific gate number.
• Baggage Claim: where you collect your bags after landing.
• Customs: where officials check what you're bringing into the country; may ask you questions.
• Immigration: where you show your passport and visa; controls entry to the country.
• Luggage Trolley: a cart for your bags; usually found in baggage claim.
• Departure Lounge: an area to relax before your flight; it has seats, shops, and restaurants.
• Carry-On: bags that you bring onto the plane with you; have size and weight restrictions.
• Priority Boarding: allows you to board the plane early; often costs extra or is included with premium tickets.
• E-Ticket: an electronic version of your ticket; can often be displayed on your mobile device.
• Terminal: a large building at an airport; contains gates, shops, and other services.

With these terms, you've unlocked the initial steps of air travel.

In-Flight Terms

Once you're on the plane, a new set of vocabulary comes into play. These in-flight terms will help you understand the announcements and services on board.

• Cabin Crew: the staff on the airplane; they assist with your needs.
• Turbulence: sudden, unexpected movement of the aircraft; it's a normal part of flying.
• Overhead Bin: a storage area above the seats; for carry-on bags.
• In-Flight Service: meals, drinks, and entertainment offered; varies by airline and ticket class.
• Emergency Exit: doors used in an emergency; passengers near these may be asked to assist.
• Seat Belt: a safety device you must wear during take-off, landing, and turbulence; follow crew instructions.
• Landing Gear: the wheels of the plane; used during take-off and landing.
• Aisle Seat: a seat next to the walkway in the plane; allows easy movement but can be bumped by passing carts.
• Window Seat: a seat next to the window; offers a view outside but less mobility.
• Cockpit: where the pilots control the plane; off-limits to passengers.
• Legroom: the space for your legs under the seat in front; varies by airline and seat class.
• In-Flight Magazine: a magazine provided by the airline; contains travel articles and information.

Knowing these in-flight terms ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.

Special Needs and Requests

Traveling with special needs or specific requests requires knowing a few more terms. These words will guide you in making your journey more personalized and accommodating:

• Wheelchair Access: facilities for passengers with mobility challenges; make a request when booking.
• Duty-Free Shop: stores in international terminals; they sell products without local taxes.
• Connecting Flight: a subsequent flight on your journey; ensure enough time for the transition.
• Unaccompanied Minor Service: assistance for children flying alone; must be arranged in advance.
• Vegetarian Meal: a meat-free food option; request when booking if required.
• Medical Assistance: help with health issues during a flight; inform crew if needed.
• Lounge Access: entry to exclusive waiting areas; often available to business and first-class passengers.
• Pre-Boarding: allows families or passengers with special needs to board first; ask if required.
• Red-Eye Flight: a flight that travels overnight; often cheaper but can disrupt sleep.
• Transit Visa: a temporary visa during a layover; required in some countries.

Understanding these airport words allows you to tailor your travel experience to your needs and preferences. It's the key to a more comfortable and satisfying journey.

Advanced Airport Vocabulary

As you become more familiar with air travel, you may encounter terms that are specific to certain situations. These advanced airport vocabulary words offer a deeper insight into the world of aviation and can enhance your travel experience.

Airline Types and Classes

Different airlines and classes offer varied experiences. These airport words will help you choose what suits your budget and comfort needs.

• Budget Airline: a low-cost carrier; offers fewer amenities but often cheaper fares.
• First Class: the highest level of service on a flight; includes extra comfort and amenities.
• Layover: a temporary stop in your journey at an airport; it may require changing planes.
• Economy Class: the standard level of service on a flight; usually the cheapest option.
• Business Class: a premium service level; offers more comfort and amenities than the economy.
• Non-Stop Flight: a flight without layovers; travels directly to the destination.
• Frequent Flyer Program: rewards program for regular travelers; can earn miles for discounts.
• Standby: a ticket purchased without a confirmed seat; waits for available seats on a flight.
• Code Share: when two or more airlines share a flight; your ticket might show a different airline name.
• Air Marshal: a security officer on a flight; travels incognito for passenger safety.
• Cancellation Policy: the rules for canceling a ticket; fees and restrictions may apply.

By learning this airport vocabulary, you have the tools to make informed choices about airlines and classes.

Common Phrases

Common phrases are your guiding stars in the hustle and bustle of airports. These expressions will make your navigation through airports smoother.

• Final Call: the last announcement before the plane's doors close; hurry to the gate if you hear this.
• On-Time Departure: a flight leaving at the scheduled time; important for maintaining your itinerary.
• Lost and Found: a place to recover lost items in the airport; report missing items here.
• Baggage Allowance: the weight or number of bags you're allowed to check; varies by airline and class.
• Please Have Your Passport Ready: an announcement often made before immigration; prepare your travel documents.
• Flight Attendant Call Button: a button above your seat to request assistance; only press when necessary.
• Fasten Your Seat Belts: a command from the cabin crew; ensure your seat belt is securely fastened.
• Gate Change: a change to the departure gate for your flight; pay attention to announcements and signs.
• No Smoking in the Cabin: a rule on all commercial flights; smoking is not allowed in the plane.

With these phrases in your vocabulary toolkit, you'll feel more connected and in control at the airport.

Idiomatic Expressions Related to Airport

Idiomatic expressions enrich your language and provide insights into cultural nuances. These phrases related to airports add color to your English expression.

• “Miss the Plane”: though originally related to boats, this idiom can be applied to flights as well. It means to miss an opportunity or to be too slow to take advantage of something, like missing a flight because you arrived late.
• "On Autopilot": derived from a system that automatically controls the trajectory of an aircraft. This expression means to do something without thinking, out of habit or routine. For example, if someone takes the same route to the airport every day, they may be said to drive "on autopilot."
• "Up in the Air": this expression refers to something that is uncertain or unresolved, much like a plane in flight. If your travel plans are still undecided, you might say they are "up in the air."
• "Smooth Flying”: though originally a boating term, this idiom can be used in the context of air travel. It means that something is going easily and without obstacles, much like a flight without turbulence.
• "Land on Your Feet": means to recover gracefully from a difficult situation. It can be used in the context of travel when, for example, someone manages to make a tight connection despite a delayed flight. They "landed on their feet" by managing to reach their destination on time.

These idiomatic expressions are colorful ways to describe situations and be applied broadly in everyday English conversation.

With this guide, you have learned essential airport terminology that will help you during your travels. Remember these terms, and you'll feel more confident the next time you fly. 

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Airport English: Conversation Lesson

Need to speak English at the airport? This travel English lesson will teach you phrases from English conversations! Study each dialogue at the airport and then read my explanation of the phrases in each English conversation.

This is a sample lesson from the Everyday English Speaking Course. You can register to get all 45 lessons in the course!

Airport English Conversation #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. Listen to the conversation he has with the agent:

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.

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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 Airport

• “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.’” Say 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 in the U.S.

On flights going to or inside the U.S., you might be asked some extra security questions before or during check-in. Here are some sample 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) More information: TSA.gov

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?

Airport English Conversation #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.

In the picture below, the woman is walking through the metal detector. Her suitcase is on the conveyor belt after going through the X-ray machine.

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)

[BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP]

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.”

Airport English: 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)
• “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.”

500+ Real English Phrases

Airport English Conversation #3: 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. Listen to this conversation that Dan has with the flight attendant when dinner is served on the flight.

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.

English 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.

You’ve finished Lesson 16! I hope you’ve enjoyed these English conversations at the airport. Now take the quiz to test how well you remember the airport English phrases.

In tomorrow’s lesson, you’ll learn from more English conversations at the airport – phrases for arriving at the destination airport, going through immigration, and dealing with common travel problems.

Quiz: Travel English at the Airport

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Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%

This is a free sample lesson from the Everyday English Speaking Course Level 1

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About the author.

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

English Vocabulary at the Airport

Going to an airport can be both fun and frightening when you are learning spoken English . That is why we put together this list of English airport vocabulary words! These vocabulary words will help you at the airport and on the airplane.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

At the airport

• airfare ( noun ) the cost of the plane ticket
• airline ( noun ) the company that owns the plane
• arrival / arrivals ( noun ) the time planes arrive at the airport
• baggage / luggage  ( noun ) bags or suitcases
• baggage claim  ( noun ) the place where passengers pick up their bags after the plane lands
• board ( verb ) when the passengers get on the plane
• boarding pass ( noun ) a ticket that gives you permission to board the plane; some airlines allow you to use a boarding pass on your cell phone A boarding pass usually has your name, flight number, and departure date and time. 
• boarding time ( noun ) the time that passengers are allowed to get on the plane
• carry-on / hand luggage / cabin baggage ( noun ) bags that passengers bring on the plane (called "carry-on" in North America)
• customs ( noun ) the place in the airport where bags are checked before you are allowed to enter a country
• departure time / departures ( noun ) the time planes leave the airport
• e-ticket  ( noun ) airfare purchased on the Internet
• fragile ( adjective ) something that is easily broken (sometimes passengers pack fragile items in their bags)
• delay ( noun ) the amount of time the plane is late for landing or takeoff (a two-hour delay means the plane will arrive two hours later than planned)
• domestic ( adjective ) within the same country (a domestic flight)
• gate ( noun ) the place where passengers wait to board the plane
• identification ( noun ) documents that prove a person's name and personal information (address, birth date, phone number, social security number, etc.)
• international ( adjective ) worldwide (an international flight)
• layover / stopover ( noun ) a period of waiting between flights
• overbooked ( adjective ) the airline sold too many tickets; there are more passengers than seats
• passport ( noun ) an official document that proves a person's citizenship
• runway ( noun ) a strip of smooth ground where an airplane takes off and lands

On the plane

• aisle  ( noun ) the empty walkway between rows of seats on the plane
• aisle seat  ( noun ) a seat by the aisle
• business class ( noun / adjective ) the area where people who are traveling for business sit; it is sometimes the same as first-class
• cabin ( noun ) interior (inside) of the airplane
• captain ( noun ) the person who flies the plane and is in charge of the plane
• cockpit ( noun ) the part of the plane where the captain and co-pilot sit to fly the plane
• complimentary ( adjective ) free; it does not cost any money
• co-pilot ( noun ) the pilot who helps the captain fly the plane
• economy class / coach class ( noun / adjective ) the lowest class of traveling; economy tickets are the cheapest tickets
• emergency exits ( noun ) the part of the plane that opens and passengers can exit during an accident
• first-class ( noun / adjective ) more expensive tickets with better seating and more services; first-class has bigger seats than economy or coach class
• life vest ( noun ) a safety device used during an emergency landing in water
• overhead bin / overhead compartment ( noun ) a place to store carry-on bags above the passenger seats
• oxygen mask ( noun ) a safety device that gives passengers oxygen during an accident
• pilot ( noun ) the person who flies the plane
• row ( noun ) a line of seats on the plane from the aisle to the window
• seatbelt ( noun ) a safety device that holds passengers in their seats
• steward / flight attendant ( noun ) a man who takes care of passengers on the plane
• stewardess / flight attendant ( noun ) a woman who takes care of passengers on the plane
• takeoff ( noun / verb ) when the plane leaves the ground
• touchdown ( noun / verb ) when the plane lands on the ground
• turbulence ( noun ) movement in the air that causes a rough flight
• window seat  ( noun ) a seat by the window

Read the other articles in this series:

• Answers to Common Questions in English
• Answers to Common Restaurant Questions in English
• Airport Questions and Answers in English

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English vocabulary

Airport vocabulary with pictures + video.

Understanding airport vocabulary is like having a secret code that helps you navigate the exciting world of air travel! It’s like learning the language of airplanes and airports. Imagine going on a magical adventure but not knowing how to ask for a ticket or find your gate – that wouldn’t be much fun, right? Knowing words related to airport helps you talk to the friendly people who work there, like pilots, flight attendants, and check-in staff, so they can help you have the best journey ever. Plus, it makes you feel confident and in control, turning you into a travel expert! So, whether it’s ‘boarding pass’ or ‘baggage claim,’ learning these airport vocabulary is your passport to a world full of amazing adventures.

One of the most effective ways for learning English, for some reason, is to practice it in specific situations, such as a hotel, library, or restaurant. Firstly, we will definitely experience such situations in the future when we immigrate or to a country where people speak English for work. Secondly, when we learn English in this way we immediately put the new words and grammar into practice which is similar to reality. In this article, we are going to learn some practical English Vocabulary at the airport . We also have another great article about traveling phrasal verbs in English that covers the most common phrasal verbs related to traveling. We recommend that you read that article and learn about these phrasal verbs to communicate better with others.

Before traveling by airplane you should buy a ticket online or by calling a travel agent. You can do it in your own language. But once you arrive at your English-speaking location, you might need to change your flight and talk to English-speaking people.

Words related to airport

Departure date:.

When you buy a ticket you select your departure date : it is the day you expect to get on the airplane.

You might book a ticket for different kinds of flights:

Domestic flight (of airport vocabulary):

Flights within a specific country’s boundaries.

International/transatlantic flight:

Flights between two countries or continent.

Connecting/transit flight:

A kind of flight in which you reach the final destination through two or more flights ( A stopover or layover is when the airplane stops in a different city before continuing to the final destination)

First-class/Business class flight:

Luxurious but very expensive ticket. When you buy this ticket you sit in a VIP place on the airplane.

Economic flight (Of airport English vocabulary ):

You are sitting in the main cabin, not first or business class.

Some airlines ask you to call a couple of days earlier to confirm your departure date . Here are some sentences you will be asked and what you will need to say:

Airport vocabulary in English (dialogue 1)

You : “I would like to confirm my flight.”

Them : “Can I get your ticket number?”

You : “The number is 45-6-43.”

Them : “You are planned to depart on June 15th at 1:00 pm. Is this correct?”

You : “Yes it is.”

Them : “Is anybody else traveling with you?”

You: “Yes, my wife.”

Them : “Can I have the other ticket number?”

You : “It is 45-6-44.”

Them: “Your tickets have been confirmed. Please arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight departs. Thank you for calling.”

Learn more: What are the personality adjectives in English?

There are different places you need to go we you arrive at the airport:

Check-in desk (Of words related to airport):

Where you show your ticket so that you can be told where you will be sitting.

Boarding (Of English vocabulary at the airport):

  When a plane begins boarding, it means that the passengers start to enter the plane.

Boarding pass (Of airport vocabulary):

A ticket that permits you to enter the airplane.

Now let’s pay attention to a conversation at the check-in desk:

Airport vocabulary in English (dialogue 2: At the airport)

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.

Learn more: Read the article about formal and informal words in English

Security check (English vocabulary at the airport):

The place where some people check your stuff by X-ray.

It’s time to learn what might happen at the security check:

Airport vocabulary in English (dialogue 3: the security check )

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.

Customs (Of words related to airport):

A place that international passengers must go through when they try to cross international borders and bring goods into the country that may be illegal.

Baggage check-in (Of airport vocabulary):

To leave a bag or case with an official when you arrive at an airport so that you do not have to carry it onto the plane.

Airport vocabulary in English (dialogue 4: On the airplane)

Flight attendant: The people who work inside the airplane serving food and drinks 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.

Learn more: What are the most common English restaurant vocabulary ?

You arrive at your destination.

After landing go to baggage claim and go through passport control.

Baggage claim (Of words related to airport):

The area in an airport where arriving passengers collect luggage that has been transported in the hold of the aircraft.

Learn more: Read the article about business English vocabulary

Learning English vocabulary is like unlocking a magical world of communication and understanding. Imagine having the power to express yourself with precision, to tell stories, share ideas, and connect with people from all around the globe! Knowing a rich array of words allows you to paint vivid pictures with your words and be a confident, effective communicator.

It’s like having a superpower that opens doors to endless adventures in books, friendships, and learning. So, every time you learn a new word, you’re adding a powerful tool to your toolkit that will serve you throughout your entire life. The POC English online English learning course covers the most common vocabulary that every English language learner should know about. Take this course and enjoy learning English!

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Free English Lessons

Airport english – video.

Download PDF

This lesson will give you useful airport English words and phrases you can use at the airport.

When’s the last time you flew somewhere did it go smoothly, or was it stressful, for your next flight, let’s make sure you can communicate at every stage of your journey. this lesson will show you the airport english vocabulary you need to do that., quiz: airport english.

Test how well you have learned the vocabulary from this lesson. This quiz has 20 questions. You can get help with some of them if you press ‘Hint’.

After the last question, press ‘Finish Quiz’ to see your score. You can then choose ‘Restart Quiz’ to try again or ‘View Questions’ to review all the answers.

Quiz Summary

0 of 20 Questions completed

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You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

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You must first complete the following:

0 of 20 Questions answered correctly

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Earned Point(s): 0 of 0 , ( 0 ) 0 Essay(s) Pending (Possible Point(s): 0 )

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Great! You understand this topic really well!

A perfect score—congratulations!

1 . Question

Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence.

“I currently have a window seat, but could I change that to a(n) ________ seat instead?”

2 . Question

“If your flight is delayed, the airline may give you ________ for food and/or a hotel.”

• certificates

3 . Question

“If your bag is overweight, you’ll have to pay extra for ________ baggage.”

4 . Question

Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence which you could hear at an airport.

“Please take any items out of your pockets and place them in a _________.”

5 . Question

Which of these things would you normally find on a plane? Choose as many as you think are correct.

• overhead locker
• locker room

You need to choose three answers.

6 . Question

Which of these things would you normally do at an airport before taking a flight? Choose as many answers as you think are right.

• go through security
• redeem hotel vouchers
• go to the customer service desk
• sit in a window seat
• go to baggage reclaim

Choose two answers.

7 . Question

Which of the following do you have to do during take-off and landing? Choose as many answers as you think are correct.

• Fasten your seat belt
• Stow your tray table
• Raise your window blind
• Take your bags out of the overhead locker
• Sit in an exit row seat

Choose three answers.

8 . Question

Which of these questions might you be asked when arriving in an airport in another country? Choose as many answers as you think are correct.

• What is the purpose of your visit?
• How long are you staying?
• How many bags are you checking in?
• Do you have any liquids in your baggage?
• Do you need a paper copy of your boarding pass?

9 . Question

Write one hyphenated word in the space to complete the sentence.

I don’t have anything to check in. I just have this bag.

The word you need has two parts, connected with a hyphen (-). The two parts have 5 and 2 letters.

10 . Question

Write one word in the space to complete the sentence.

I’m sorry, but your bag is 4 kilos overweight. You’ll either need to take some things out, or pay baggage charges.

The word you need begins with E.

11 . Question

Please take keys, wallets, mobile phones and other small items out of your and place them in the trays provided.

The missing word is a plural noun with 7 letters.

12 . Question

Before landing, please stow your tray tables and place your seat backs in the position.

The word you need has a similar meaning to ‘vertical’. It has 7 letters.

13 . Question

Match the questions to the person who would be likely to ask them.

Sort elements

• Check-in agent
• Security staff
• Flight attendant
• Border control officer

14 . Question

Match the sentences to where/when you would be likely to hear them.

• Going through border control
• On the plane
• Going through security
• Checking in

Think about why you do these things. For example:

You place your hand on a scanner to give fingerprints. You raise your hands over your head so that someone can check whether anything is under your clothes.

15 . Question

Match the beginnings and endings to make phrases and collocations.

• meal vouchers
• your flight
• your seat belt
• your suitcase

16 . Question

Match the beginnings and endings to make sentences.

• delayed due to bad weather.
• given to another passenger.
• searched when going through security.
• charged because my baggage was overweight.

17 . Question

Put the words in order to make a complete sentence.

• airport to buy food and drink.
• can spend anywhere in the 
• meal vouchers from our customer 
• service desk, which you 
• Because your flight has been delayed 
• by more than six hours, you can claim 

View Answers:

18 . Question

• carry-on bag so long 
• as the amount does
• You can take 
• liquids in your 
• not exceed 100ml in 
• any one container.

19 . Question

• lockers during 
• place all personal
• take-off and landing.
• Passengers seated in emergency 
• items in the overhead 
• exit rows must  

20 . Question

• for example a vegetarian 
• day of your flight.
• order a specific type of meal, 
• dietary requirements, you can 
• meal, online before the 
• If you have any special 

1. Checking In

Justin: Hello.

Stephanie: Hello there! Where are you flying to today?

J: I’m going to London.

S: Okay, and have you checked in online already?

J: Yes, I have, but I was wondering: could I change my seat? I have an aisle seat, but I’d really like a window seat if that’s possible.

S: Let’s have a look. Can I have your passport please?

J: Yes of course.

S: Thank you. One minute, let me check whether there’s another seat available… Yes, we can do that, sir.

J: Excellent.

S: Do you need a paper copy of your boarding pass?

J: No thanks; I have it on my phone.

S: And do you have any bags to check in?

J: No, I only have a carry-on bag.

S: That’s fine. You just need to put this tag on it.

J: Like this?

S: That’s perfect! Well, you’re ready to go. Enjoy your trip!

J: Thank you very much.

Can you remember what questions the employee asked the passenger? She asked:

• Where are you flying to today?
• Have you checked in online already?
• Can I have your passport please?
• Do you have any bags to check in?

These are common questions. You might hear the same ideas with slightly different words; for example:

• Do you have your passport?
• Do you need to check in any bags?

However, even if the words are different, the idea stays the same! Most of these questions are simple; you can just give a yes/no answer. However, you might have some questions of your own. Can you remember what the passenger asked for? He asked:

• Could I change my seat?

Can you think of any other requests you might have as a passenger? You might ask:

• Can you confirm that I have a vegetarian meal?
• Do you have any seats in the exit row?

Exit row seats have more legroom, so they’re often more comfortable!

Get more practice with this Oxford Online English listening lesson on Checking in At The Airport .

This time, check-in went smoothly, but what if everything doesn’t go so well?

2. Dealing With Problems at Check-In

Justin: I’m sorry ma’am, but this bag is overweight. The limit is 23 kilos. You either need to take some things out, or pay for the excess.

Stephanie: How much is the excess?

J: It’s fifty euros for a bag up to 32 kilos.

S: That’s expensive! I’ll try to take some things out. […]

S: I’m sorry, but the flight is delayed by at least two hours.

J: So, when do you expect the plane to leave?

S: Right now, we expect it to depart at 10.30pm. I do apologize for the inconvenience.

J: Well, I guess there’s nothing we can do.

S: Thank you for your patience. You can check the departure boards for updated boarding times and flight information. […]

J: I’m sorry, but your flight has been cancelled due to bad weather.

S: But, I really need to be in London tomorrow afternoon. When’s the next available flight?

J: Let me see what we can do… We do have a flight leaving tomorrow morning that I can switch you to.

S: What time in the morning?

J: It leaves here at 7am, and arrives at 10.

S: Okay, that will be fine.

J: Right, here’s a printed confirmation, and again I am very sorry for the trouble.

S: That’s okay; it’s not your fault. Are there any hotels near the airport?

J: Yes, of course. If you go to the customer service desk, just over there, you can claim a voucher for a hotel and meals.

S: Excellent, thank you.

J: You’re welcome.

In this section, you saw three different problems. What were they? Your baggage might be overweight. Your flight might be delayed… or even cancelled. If your bag is overweight, you either have to repack it, or pay excess baggage charges. With delays and cancellations, you might have no choice but to wait. However, the airline generally needs to give you hotel vouchers or meal vouchers if you have to wait a long time for your flight. Have you ever had problems like this? What happened? Hopefully, your next flight will go smoothly. Let’s move on to using airport English during the next step in your journey.

3. Security

Stephanie: Is this your bag, sir?

Justin: Yes, it is.

S: We need to search it. Do you have any liquids?

J: No problem. No, I don’t think so.

S: I’m afraid we need to take this bottle.  You’re allowed containers up to 100ml maximum.

J: Okay, sorry, I completely forgot.

S: And this Swiss knife has to go, too.

J: But, it’s important to me!

S: I can take it, or you’ll have to go back and check this bag.

J: Well I don’t have time for that; I guess you’ll have to take it.

S: Very well, sir. Here’s your bag.

J : Thanks.

S: Excuse me, I’m really late for my flight, can I go to the front of the line?

J: Okay, come forward quickly. Make sure everything is out of your pockets, and please place laptops in a separate tray.  Please step over this way, ma’am.

S: I’m really late for my flight, could I just…

J: Ma’am, please step over here. Stand on the marks on the floor and raise your arms above you. Do you have anything in your pockets?

S: Yes, sorry. I still have some money and my keys.

J: Please put them into a tray and come through again.

S: And where’s my bag? J: It looks like your bag needs to be searched.

S: This is ridiculous; I’m going to miss my flight.

J : Do you have anything sharp in here?

S: No, nothing.

J: You can’t take the jars on the airplane.

S: Why not?

J: It’s a liquid, ma’am. No liquids over 100ml.

S: This is crazy! It’s only honey!

J: I’m afraid those are the rules.

S: Fine, keep them.

Whew, a stressful experience! Let’s take a look at some of the useful language from these dialogues. At the beginning, the security officer asked:

• Is this your bag, sir?

Can you think of five more questions or requests that you might hear when going through security? If you want more time to think, pause the video and write down your ideas. You might be asked:

• Is this your bag?
• Do you have any liquids?
• Do you have anything in your pockets?

You might also hear airport English requests, such as:

• Please place laptops in a separate tray.
• Stand on the marks on the floor and raise your arms.

As you saw, there’s no point arguing when you’re going through security! Now, you made it through, and you caught your plane—finally! Time to sit back and relax.

4. On the Plane

S: Excuse me, sir? Would it be alright if we put your bag in the overhead locker?

J: Erm… Well.. I’d prefer to keep it with me.

S: It’s just that you’re sitting in an emergency exit row. We can’t have anything on the floor.

J: Okay, do what you must.

S: I also need to ask you to raise your window blind and make sure your seat back is in the upright position for take-off.

J: Why do I have to do all this?

S: It’s standard procedure for take-off, sir. You can recline your seat and take your bag down once we’re airborne.

During take-off and landing, there are certain things you have to do. Do you know what they are? You need to:

• Fasten your seat belt.
• Stow your tray table. –> Stow means put away.
• Raise your window blind. –> The window blind is the screen that you can use to cover the window.
• Move your seat back to the upright position. –> During your flight, you can recline your seat, and lean back. But, for take-off and landing, you need to put it back to the straight position.
• Stow your luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. –> Of course, in our dialogue, the passenger was sitting in an exit row seat, so he had to use the overhead locker.

The flight attendants might ask you to do one or two other things, like take out your headphones. On the last flight you took, did they serve food? It’s getting less common to have food included with a flight, but let’s imagine your flight includes a meal.

J: Hello, can I help you?

S: Yes, I ordered a special meal online, but it hasn’t arrived yet.

J: Okay, I can go and check; which meal did you order?

S: The gluten free option.

J: Oh, I’m sorry, I think there has been a mistake. We just gave out the last gluten free meal.

S: But I ordered it online!

J: I’m so sorry, there must have been some confusion. You can have anything else from our menu.

S: I can only eat gluten-free dishes, so that’s no use. Also, my screen’s not working!

J: I’m very sorry about that, ma’am.

S: It’s a twelve-hour flight! What am I supposed to do? No food, and no TV.

J: Ma’am, we can offer you an upgrade to business class, so that you have a working TV screen.

S: Business class? Let’s go!

J: Follow me, please, ma’am.

Here, we had some problems during the flight. What other problems could you have on the plane? You might find that you don’t have something you need, like a blanket or a pillow. You could get the wrong meal. You might need to change seats, because the person next to you is snoring loudly! Hopefully, none of these things will happen to you. And if they do, you might get lucky and get upgraded to business class, like I did! Now, your plane is coming in to land. You’ve made it! There’s just one more thing you have to do.

S: Hello. What is the purpose of your visit?

J: I have a business meeting .

S: Where is the meeting?

J: It’s at a law firm in London.

S: And how long are you staying?

J: Until Tuesday.

S: Okay, please put your right hand on the scanner. Thank you. Now look into the camera here… 1, 2, 3… That’s great. Thank you and enjoy your stay.

J: Thank you.

This process is different around the world. Sometimes they won’t even speak to you; they just scan your passport. But what did the border control officer ask here? Her first question was,

How could you answer this? You could say:

• I’m here on business.
• I’m just on holiday.
• I’m visiting some relatives.

It is possible that they might ask you for some extra information about why you are here and your plans; for example:

• Where are you staying?
• What company are you visiting?

Now you should have all of the English you need for the next time you fly. We hope that this will make those stressful airport experiences a little easier! Thanks for watching!

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If you’re flying to an English-speaking country soon, it’s good to be prepared!

Learn ten essential English words you need at the airport and test yourself in the interactive exercises.

At the Airport

• (aero)plane
• flight attendant
• baggage conveyor belt
• baggage trolley
• boarding card
• customs (plural only)

More Exercises on this Topic

Reading text.

• At the Airport (Topic: Airport)
• Airport: fly, flight, high flyer, take off, clouds, nosedive

How good is your English?

Find out with Lingolia’s free grammar test

Take the test!

Maybe later

English Travel Vocabulary – At the Airport

English Airport Vocabulary

Learn 50+ words and expressions with listening practice.

Are you headed to the airport soon? We learn a lot of English Airport vocabulary from books and illustrations, but do you feel comfortable using your airport vocabulary in conversation? We’ll take you through a few important places in the airport, explaining the English vocabulary along the way, in naturally spoken English from American and British accents.

Enjoy the Travel Vocabulary: at the Airport English listening practice below:

[wonderplugin_audio id=”43″] Welcome to our Daily English Listening Practice on Travel Vocabulary

Please listen to the audio files for explanations. Below are 50+ English words and expressions.

Looking for Transcripts? We’ve got 5 Worksheets + MP3 Downloads + Exercises  to go with our 50 English words and expressions about Travel Vocabulary – at the Airport

[selz link=”http://selz.co/41$WBDYpf” show_logos=”false” background_color=”#6d48cc” text_color=”#ffffff” link_color=”#6d48cc” chbg_color=”#6d48cc” chtx_color=”#ffffff” type=”widget” interact=”modal”]

Check out the extra notes for over 50 English words and expressions for talking about your time at the Airport.

Notes from the English Listening Practice:

Getting There

• Catch a flight: Take a scheduled flight
• Public transport: UK public buses, trains, the underground
• Underground lines: the specific path a train takes
• Someone gives me a lift: UK lets me ride in their car
• Bus line: the specific path a bus takes
• Off-site: outside of the airport
• On-site: at the airport
• Get a ride from my friends: USA Asking your friend to drive you to the airport
• Rental agency: Usually a car rental agency
• Uber app: Uber taxi application/service

How to use it: “Sorry, can’t make it out tonight, I’ve got an early flight in the morning…. Yeah don’t worry I’m getting a lift from my sister…. Yeah, the bus line takes forever because it stops at every terminal, and I’m at the last one.” “I’m flying out of Heathrow, which is on the other side of London. Fortunately my sister said she’d give me a lift.”

Check In/ Checking your bags/ Your Carry-ons

• Get dropped off: Arrive at your destination
• Self-service kiosk: Small touch-screen computer which prints your boarding pass
• Booking number / reference number: A 6-digit number you enter into the kiosk
• Scan my passport: Let the computer read your passport
• Checked baggage: Heavy or large luggage, e.g. a suitcase or big shopping items
• Carry-on bags: Light or small luggage, e.g. a backpack, briefcase, purse
• Budget airlines: cheaper airlines that often charge extra for food/luggage or other extras
• Check their specs: read their specifications or information on how big your items can be
• A stroller: USA a pushchair for your baby or child
• Luggage / a suitcase: some luggage (uncountable) / 2,3 suitcases (countable)
• Check-in Attendant: the person who helps you check-in
• Interaction: time you spent face-to-face with someone

How to use it: “I’m a pretty light traveler, my carry-on is the perfect size for everything I need and I only check a bag for trips longer than 3 weeks.” “I had to move some clothes into my carry-on bag because my checked luggage was over 20 kilos.”

• Head to security: go towards security
• Liquids – 3.4 oz – 100 ml
• TSA agent: American security agents
• Take your shoes off / take off your shoes
• Loose change: coins in your pockets
• Metal detector: a machine that notices if you have metal on your person
• Full-body scanner: a machine that scans your entire body
• Pat down: Searched with hands by security officials
• Taken aside: Stopped and asked some questions
• Random: Without an pattern or routine
• Lax: Relaxed, not very strict  

How to use it: “Hey, can I call you back after I’m through security? Yeah, TSA won’t let me use my phone.” “It always takes forever to get through security, and make sure you don’t have any liquids in your bag.”

Getting through customs

• Gotten through security: completed the security process
• Sit around: usually while waiting for something while bored
• Boarding process: the structured method for getting people on a plane
• Security spiel: scripted speech about security
• Take off: airplane is leaving the ground
• Land: airplane arrives at the next airport
• Customs: immigration in a new country
• Arrival card: card used to gather information about the person traveling
• Have that ready: prepare something
• Visa requirements: specific information needed in order to get a visa
• Consulate: the place you go to apply for and receive a visa
• Stamp your visa: usually done by immigration officer

How to use it: “Well, I’ve gotta go through customs, so, if I time it just right and nothing goes wrong with my new visa, I should get in by 10:30.” “I’m waiting in line at customs now. There’s tonnes of people and only three customs officials working, so I might be a while.”

Getting out of the airport

• Get through immigration: completed the customs/border patrol process
• All cleared: no problems with security
• Nothing to declare: you have no items to tell security about
• Conveyor belt : a moving band that moves your luggage around
• Carousel: the area where the conveyor belt moves around
• Figure it out: solve a problem
• Arrange a pickup: Reserve or schedule a taxi, car, bus, etc.
• Come get me: Come and pick me up
• Meeting point: A designated area to meet friends, hosts, colleagues or drivers
• Called an Uber: Call and reserve a taxi using Uber
• Data plan: Mobile data
• Tourist sim: A mobile sim card designed for short visits

How to use it: “Are you coming to get me? Great! About 40 more minutes …. Okay all cleared through customs. I’m just gonna grab my luggage. Meet me at carousel 4?….. Okay if you can’t park, I’ll just go to meeting point A outside of Terminal 2” “I’ve arranged a pick up from the airport that should take me directly to the hotel.”

Remember we have 5 X 10-minute Airport Vocabulary worksheets for you to study on your own or teach in your English classroom:

Airports can be a little hectic, but the excitement of travel is the best! Once you make it through security and customs, you’ll be in the clear to have a great time. Any other problems? Let us know in the comments!

Kat and Mark

Thanks https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Politikaner for the use of this airline security photo

You May Also Like

Travel Vocabulary Part 5

Travel Vocabulary Part 2

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Airport English

Tip: Print these and keep them as a “cheat sheet” in your carry-on luggage.

Questions you will hear at the check-in counter: Ticket please. May I see your ticket? Do you have an e-ticket ? Do you have some photo ID? How many bags are you checking? Did you pack these bags yourself? Do you have a carry-on bag ? (a bag or purse to take on the airplane) Do you require special assistance? (example a “wheelchair”) Have you paid your airport improvement fee/tax? Would you like a window or an aisle seat? (aisle is pronounced “eye + l”)

Problems you may hear: Your baggage is overweight. (Remove some contents or pay a fine.) Your carry-on luggage is too large. Your flight is delayed. (It’s late.) Your flight has been cancelled. (You must rebook a new flight) Your connecting flight/connection has been cancelled/is delayed. Your ticket is expired. Your passport is expired.

Questions YOU may need to ask: Is my flight on time? When should I be at the gate? Where is the boarding gate? Where is the washroom? Can I get a window seat? Is there somewhere to eat? Can I get a coffee at the gate? Is my connection on time? Where do I collect my baggage? Where can I find a taxi? Where is the departure gate? Where is the arrival gate? Where is the check-in desk for ….airlines? Where is the domestics level? Where is the international level?

More Airline Vocabulary Practise Checking-in

Wordchecker: cheat sheet: a small piece of paper with answers or hints that you have with you departures: flights that are leaving this airport arrivals: flights that are landing at this airport e-ticket: a ticket you purchased online and printed from your computer aisle seat: a seat next to the long walking path on the plane boarding pass: the ticket you give at the gates (has your seat number) belt: clothing item that holds up pants (sets off metal detector) metals: items such as jewellery, coins, belt buckles, knives, keys liquids: beverages expired: no longer useful (the date has passed) check-in: show your ticket and ID and hand in your baggage connection: the point where your plane lands and you must catch another plane domestic: in the same country as the airport international: in a different country than the airport [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2GckrwbKrA[/youtube]

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HELPFUL….APPRECIATED…

I could understand and I have studied that so I could review.

very useful

Thank you so much.

Bijan from the Persian Gulf,

thanks verrry much

thanks atot.all of the are usful.i have a suggestion could u use of pictures of ur country or others of each words,places and…. it helps to learn and kee in mind easily. thanks alot

thank you, it’s very useful

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• A1-A2 vocabulary

Vocabulary exercises to help learn words to talk about air travel.

Instructions

Start with the image matching exercise. Then choose one or more of the other exercises to try.

Check your vocabulary: multiple choice

Check your vocabulary: gap fill, worksheets and downloads.

Have you ever travelled by air? What is the longest flight you have taken?

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• Teaching adults
• Pre-intermediate A2

Airport check-in

A short series of activities designed to provide students with essential vocabulary and listening practice to help them communicate in English at an airport.

In this lesson, students will listen to someone checking in at an airport. They will predict vocabulary, listen to the conversation and role-play the dialogue to practise their speaking skills. There are also suggestions for developing the theme of travel to practise specific areas of grammar.

• To practise listening skills
• To improve students’ vocabulary and speaking skills specifically related to airports

CEF level A2-B1

30 minutes plus time for developing the theme

The lesson plan, transcript and student worksheets can be downloaded in PDF format below

Related resources you may like

• Travelling abroad: Students listen to the five airport announcements and work through a series exercises to practise and improve their listening skills. 

The mp3 is not working

The mp3 player is not working :( I tried to download and it did not work.

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Hi lourenço,

There seems to be a problem with using the audio player on some web browsers - I've added in the audio file to the downloads, with the lesson plan and worksheets, so you can download it directly now.

Hope that helps,

Thank you Cath for your

Hello team te, mp3 download, mp3 download.

Very good job, thank you very much! But can I download this MP3?

Hi OUHABYOUCEF

If you click on the MP3 file, it should open in a different window. If you are on a computer you can right click (or click on the 3 dots at the side of the player) and choose the option "download" to save it to your device.

TeachingEnglish team

Very useful skills and

Jason's memory about airport check-in.

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Air travel – B1+ English Vocabulary

In this upper-intermediate vocabulary lesson about Air Travel, you will learn a range of key vocabulary related to air travel, from airport procedures to in-flight experiences. Check the explanation to familiarize yourself with the expressions before doing the exercises.

Choose the correct option for each gap.

Page 1 of 2

Page 2 of 2

From boarding a plane to arriving at your destination, this upper-intermediate English vocabulary lesson covers essential terms and phrases related to air travel. Check the pictures below and read the definitions and descriptions.

Common verbs, verb phrases, and phrasal verbs

• She boarded a plane to England.

When you 2 check in at an airport, you arrive and show your ticket before going on a flight. You can also check in online .

• I usually check in at the airport two hours before my flight departs.

When you 3 get on/off a plane, you enter or leave the plane.

• After getting on the plane , I tried to find my seat.

When you 4 pick up someone from the airport, you collect them there.

• Sam’s mother picked him up from the airport.

When you 5 drop off someone at the airport, you take them (usually by car) and leave them there.

• I dropped Tom off at the airport and watched him walk inside.

When a plane 6 takes off , it goes from the ground to the air.

• We were told to stay in our seats while the plane was taking off .

When a plane 7 lands , it goes from the air to the ground.

• Our flight landed at midnight.

If a flight is 8 delayed , it means it departs later than scheduled.

• Our flight was delayed , so we took off two hours late.

When you 9 go through security , you put your belongings through a machine to check for dangerous items.

• I had to empty my pockets when I went through security .

When you 10 book a ticket , you reserve and pay for a ticket. You can also book a ticket online .

• I booked my ticket online two months ago.

If you 11 take a connecting flight or make a connection , you catch another flight after you’ve landed at an airport so that you can reach your final destination.

• Although my flight was delayed, I managed to make my connection .
• There were no direct flights. si we had to take a connecting flight .

When you 12 change flights , you change your ticket to fly at a different time or date.

• I changed flights and arranged to fly one week later than planned.

At the airport

Next, it’s time to go through the 3 security checkpoint . Here, you’ll need to show your ID and boarding pass, and your bags will be scanned to ensure safety. Once you’ve passed through security, you’ll find yourself in the 4 departure lounge , a spacious area filled with shops, restaurants, and comfortable seating. It’s a great place to relax before your flight.

Your flight information will be displayed on the 5 departures and arrivals board . This board lists all departing and arriving flights, along with their gate numbers and departure times. Be sure to check it for any updates.

As your departure time nears, you’ll head to the 6 boarding gate , where airline staff will scan your boarding pass and guide you onto the plane. But before you can board, you may need to go through 7 customs/passport control , especially if you’re traveling internationally.

After your plane takes off from the runway , you’ll be on your way to your destination. When you arrive, it’s time to retrieve your luggage at the 8 baggage claim area. Finally, you’ve completed your journey through the airport – and your adventure can truly begin!

On the plane

When your belongings are safely stowed away and you’re comfortably seated, it’s time to fasten your 5 seatbelt . It’s an important safety measure that must be followed during takeoff, landing, and whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Before takeoff, the 6 cabin crew will go over important safety information, including the location of the 7 emergency exits , how to use the 8 airsickness bag if needed, and where to find the 9 life vests .

The 10 captain , who is in charge of the flight, will keep you updated on the weather and the estimated time of arrival. The 11 flight attendants , often referred to as cabin crew, are there to assist you during the flight. They’ll check your 12 boarding pass and help you if you have any questions.

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