Check-In Counter Vocabulary
Going to anairport can be scary if you are learning English. Even if you know alot of English, it can sometimes be difficult to understand all thequestionsand conversationsin an airport. In this lesson, we will list and explain commonquestions and problems at the airportcheck-in counter.
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Going to an airport can be both fun and frightening when you arelearning spokenEnglish.You can practice your English at an airport, but it can also bestressful. It is important to use the right words, so you can get onyour flight and arrive at your destination safely.
In this lesson, we will cover these topics:
- questionsyou may need to ask at an airport
- questionsyou may be asked at the check-in counter
- problemsat an airport check-in counter
Questionsyou may need to ask at an airport
There are many questionsyou may need to ask at an airport.
- Where is the check-in counter for _______ Airlines?
- Is my flight on time?
- How long is my flight delayed?
(delayed = late; In other words, your flight is not going to arrive ontime.)
- Where is the bathroom?
- Where is the Internet lounge?
- Where is the smoker's lounger?
- Can I get a window seat?
- Can I get an aisle seat?
- Where can I find a taxi?
- Where can I find a bus?
- Where is the baggage claim?
(Where can I collect my luggage/baggage?)
- When should I be at the departure gate?
- Where is the departure gate?
- Is my connecting flight on time?
(Aconnecting flight is when you take at least two different airplanes toget to your destination. You are asking if the second flight is goingto be on-time. If it is late, you might have a long wait at the secondairport. If it is early, you might miss the flight because you didn'tget to the second airport on time.)
Questionsyou may hear at an airport check-in counter
These are some common questionsyou may hear at the check-in counter.
- May I see your ticket?
(The worker may also say, "Ticket, please.")
- What's your purpose for traveling?
(What is your reason for traveling? The worker wants to know if you aretraveling for business or pleasure.)
- Do you have a photo-ID?
(driver's license, passport)
- Are you checking any bags?
(These are larger bags that the airline will store under the plane foryou.)
- How many bags are you checking?
- Do you have a carry-on bag?
(This is a small bag you take with you on the plane such as a purse,small suitcase, or laptop bag.)
- Do you require any special assistance?
(Do you require a wheelchair, help carrying your bags, or other help?)
- Did you pack these bags yourself?
- Did you, at any time, leave your bag unattended?
(Didyou leave your bag by itself. This is a security risk because someonecould put something in your bag. So, the airline wants to be sure youknow what is in your bag.)
- Are you traveling with any liquids?
(Do you have any liquids in your bags such as shampoo, deodorant, ordrinks?)
- Is there anything fragile in your bags?
(fragile = breakable)
- What is your final destination?
- Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat?
- Do you have any special eating requirements?
Problemsat the check-in counter
Sometimes,there are problems at the check-in counter.Here are someproblemsyou might hear at the airport check-in counter.
- Your luggage/baggage is too heavy.
(You have to remove some items to make it lighter.)
- Your bag is too large.
- Your carry-on bag is too large.
- Your flight is delayed.
(It is late.)
- Your connecting flight is delayed.
- Your passport has expired.
(expired = The date has passed. You need a new passport.)
- Your ID (identification) has expired.
- Your flight has been canceled.
(If your flight is canceled, you have to book a new flight.)
- Your connecting flight is canceled.
- Your ticket has expired.
Read the other articles in this series:
- Answersto Common Questions in English
- Answersto Common Restaurant Questions in English
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FAQs
8 Airport questions you need to be able to answer in English
- Do you have an e-ticket or a paper ticket? ...
- Are you checking in baggage or carrying on? ...
- Would you like a window or aisle seat? ...
- May I see your boarding pass? ...
- Which gate should I board from? ...
- Is my flight delayed or on-time? ...
- Do you have anything to declare?
What is your country of residence? How many pieces of luggage do you have to be checked-in? Do you have hand luggage? Did you pack your luggage yourself or did somebody help you?
What are some questions about flight? ›
Top kid's questions about flying
- How fast do planes go?
- How big is the biggest plane?
- How small is the smallest plane?
- What's the fastest plane ever?
- How far can planes go?
- How many engines does a plane have?
- What is turbulence?
- How do planes take off?
Airports usually consist of a landing area, which comprises an aerially accessible open space including at least one operationally active surface such as a runway for a plane to take off and to land or a helipad, and often includes adjacent utility buildings such as control towers, hangars and terminals, to maintain ...
What do I need to know before going to the airport? ›
Best advice for first-time flyers
- Check the airline's luggage requirements.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on.
- Arrive at the airport two hours early.
- Keep your ID handy.
- Wear easy-to-remove shoes.
- WANT TSA PRECHECK FOR FREE?
- Respect other passengers' space.
- Have a backup plan ready.
What Questions Will I Be Asked When Applying for TSA PreCheck?
- Full and legal current name.
- Any previous names or aliases including a maiden name.
- Gender (male, female, or “another gender”)
- Date of birth.
- Preferred language.
- Email or phone (at least one is required) and preferred method of contact.
In Standard Screening Lane
Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin. Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on). Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
Do you have to answer questions at the airport? ›
Refusal to answer other questions will likely cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the United States for failure to answer other questions. If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions.
What are the 4 things a plane needs to fly? ›
Four forces affect an airplane while it is flying: weight, thrust, drag and lift. See how they work when you do these activities as demonstrations.
What are the three basics of flight? ›
Any aircraft design has to solve three critical problems: lift - generating an upward force greater than the weight of the plane; thrust - propelling the plane forward; and control - stabilizing and directing the plane's flight.
Next time you board a plane, think about these six interesting aircraft facts you may not have known.
- Lightning Won't Affect the Plane. ...
- Most Crashes Occur At Takeoff or Landing. ...
- The Wings Don't Make the Plane Fly. ...
- They Aren't Only Made of Aluminum. ...
- Planes Can Last Around 30-35 Years. ...
- You're Safest in the Back.
It will usually be tagged "Late Check-in" at 45 minutes and will not be guaranteed to make it aboard your flight. You need to have your bag checked in 60 minutes before your scheduled departure on an international flight. If you don't meet this check-in time, you probably won't be allowed to board.
What is the 3-letter code for airports? ›
An IATA airport code, also known as an IATA location identifier, IATA station code, or simply a location identifier, is a three-letter geocode designating many airports and metropolitan areas around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
What is airplane talk called? ›
In the world of aviation, pilots and air traffic controllers use special jargon to communicate with one another. This special jargon, called the Aviation Alphabet, uses the same 26 letters many of us learned in kindergarten.
What questions do they ask at TSA appointment? ›
What Questions Will I Be Asked When Applying for TSA PreCheck?
- Full and legal current name.
- Any previous names or aliases including a maiden name.
- Gender (male, female, or “another gender”)
- Date of birth.
- Preferred language.
- Email or phone (at least one is required) and preferred method of contact.
Airline staff will need to check your passport either at the time of check-in or at your gate. To check in at a kiosk you will need one of the following: Confirmation number (usually sent via email if ticket is purchased online or through a travel agency) Credit card used for payment of the ticket.
What does immigration ask you at the airport? ›
Most forms ask the point of exit and entry of your flight, your flight number, what goods you may be bringing into the country (forms might list prohibited items for the respective country). Complete the Customs Declaration form while on the flight. Ask your flight attendant or traveling companions questions as needed.
How do I pass an airport security check? ›
Top tips for a stress-free airport security experience
- Keep Your Eyes and Ears Peeled.
- Remove Liquids and Gels Prior to Queuing.
- Be Prepared to Remove Those Shoes and Belts.
- Separate Any Large Electrical Items.
- Check (and Check Again) You Have Collected All of Your Belongings.
