At the Airport Check-in - Travel English

Are you ready to take a trip? 

Airports are stressful even in your own native country. This article will help you to feel confident during airport check-in. Practise these English phrases before you travel to English speaking destinations.

Phrases and Expressions

Check-in Assistant

• Can I see your ticket, please?
• Do you have your passport with you?
• I'm afraid your passport has expired.
• Do you have a second piece of identification?
• I'll need to see your child's birth certificate.
• How many bags are you checking?
• Will you be bringing a carry-on bag?
• I'm afraid that bag exceeds the size restrictions.
• Did you pack your bags yourself?
• Would you like an aisle or a window seat?
• Would you like a wheelchair?
• You'll board at Gate 7.
• Please be at the gate thirty minutes before your scheduled flight.
• Did you need any tags for your luggage?
• Your flight is expected to take off on time.
• Your flight has been delayed by one hour.
• Flight 87B to Toronto has been canceled.
• I'm afraid you're too late to check-in.
• Your flight is overbooked. Would you be interested in giving up your seat?
• Enjoy your flight.

Passenger

• I'm not sure which of these papers is my ticket.
• Is it possible to get an aisle seat?
• I requested a vegetarian meal. Can you check to confirm?
• Can I take my child through security?
• Is the flight on time?
• Will they be serving a meal today?
• Will they be showing an inflight movie?
• Where can I get a luggage cart?
• Can I use my laptop on board?

Sample Conversation

Check-in Assistant: Are you travelling to Dubai?

Passenger: Yes, I am.

Check-in Assistant: Can I see your ticket and passport, please?

Passenger: Here you are.

Check-in Assistant: Thank you. How many bags are you checking in?

Passenger: Two.

Check-in Assistant: Did you pack the bags yourself?

Passenger: Yes, I did.

Check-in Assistant: Has anyone given you anything to carry?

Passenger: No, they haven’t.

Check-in Assistant: Can I see your hand luggage, please?

Passenger: Yes, here it is.

Check-in Assistant: Thank you. That’s fine. Now would you like a window seat or an aisle seat?

Passenger: An aisle seat, please.

Check-in Assistant: Here’s your boarding card. Boarding is at 8:15 from gate number 12. Have a nice flight.

Passenger: Thank you. Goodbye.

Check-in Assistant: Goodbye.

Vocabulary:

travelling (v)

the act of going from one place to another

ticket (n)

A paper slip or card indicating that its holder has paid for a specified service, such as travelling on a bus, train, airplane or entering a place.

passport (n)

An official document issued by a government identifying a citizen, certifying his or her nationality

check in (v)

to register

hand luggage (n)

luggage that is light enough to be carried by hand

window seat (n)

A seat next to a window, on a bus or airplane

aisle seat (n)

the seat in the middle of the airplane

boarding card (n)

a pass that allows you to board a ship or plane

boarding (n)

the act of passengers getting aboard a ship or aircraft