An «airport chair» or «airport seating» is a public seating area at an airport. It is normally accompanied by nearby lounges and restaurants.
Robert Sommer studied the design of airport seating and concluded that the arrangement of chairs in rigid lines bolted to the floor was deliberately sociofugal — discouraging any form of social interaction between individuals and encourages them to go to commercial locations such as shops and cafes.[1] The provision of arms on the chairs increased the usage of the chairs, as compared with bench seats without armrests. Strangers are more comfortable sitting adjacent each other, if there is an armrest, to mark their personal space. The parallel orientation of the modular seat units also minimizes face-to-face contact, making it seem less threatening for strangers.[2]
HistoryEdit
While designing chairs of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport in 1962, Charles and Ray Eames sought to design a chair that would not only be stylish, but also functional for the people occupying each seat.[3] This seat was later deemed the Eames Tandem Sling Seat. Brian Alexander later updated the Eames seat by adding an occasional table in between seats and power outlets for convenient charging of mobile devices.[4]
Airport terminals designed by major architects such as Renzo Piano (Kansai International Airport) or Richard Rogers (London Heathrow Terminal 5) require high-quality seating to match the general quality of their interiors.[5]
Variance in airport loungesEdit
Seating in airports plays a significant role in the satisfaction of travelling passengers as well as their overall experience in airports. Seating is an important aspect of airports due because it provides both an improved airport experience and visual appeal.[6]
Purpose of seating stylesEdit
The design of the standard airport seating has not seen a significant change in over 50 years, and is known for its simplicity.[6] The primary focus of today’s airport seating is the size and comfort of seating to fit the environment that the airport and airline desire to create.[7]
Since fire safety is a significant consideration at airports, regulations now govern the contents of airport terminals and this affects the choice of materials used for the seating.[5]
Airport lounges provide greater comfort and services to travelers with a membership in a location separate from the standard airport environment. While standard domestic and international airport lounges include basic seating and access to charging stations, these membership-based lounges provide more comfortable and spacious seating.[8]
Primary features of airport lounges include refreshments and bars, entertainment, relaxation, and unique seating styles.[8]
Types of seatingEdit
Dubai International Airport (DXB) provides airline travelers with a premium range of seating material in various colors such as blue, red, black and grey.[7] DXB is an example of an airport that is focused on setting apart standards of original airport seating and experimenting with various colors to enhance appearance and comfort.
Priority Pass is a membership-based lounge access service that caters to airports around the world including Africa, Asia, Continental Europe, Latin America and The Caribbean, Middle East, North America, and the UK. With 25 years of service, Priority Pass provides passengers with elegant seating styles.[9]
The first sleeping pod was introduced in 2013 at Helsinki Airport in Finland. The sleeping pod allowed airline travelers to relax in their own peaceful space. The pod features adjustment to be turned from a seat to a bed, storage area for carry-on luggage, as well as charging connectivity.[6]
Dubai International Airport (DXB) also features sleeping pods that fulfill a similar purpose at their Sleep‘n Fly Lounge.[10]
Comfortability trendsEdit
The environment of airport waiting areas is continuously updated, and revamped to enhance the experience of the traveler. Due to the reinforcement of airport security, the wait time of a passenger has significantly increased. To accommodate customer experience, airports have applied major efforts in increasing comfort in the lobbies/seating areas.[11] The space surrounding the seating area within an airport is designed to encourage comfort, happiness, and connectedness among travelers. The level of comfort travelers experience is dependent on a variety of factors.
The six airport servicescape factors[11] are:
- Design
- Scent
- Functional organization
- Air/lighting conditions
- Seating
- Cleanliness
In a study[11] regarding the importance of these factors, it was found that there is a positive correlation between the comfort of the traveler and the scent of the waiting area. A higher level of comfort has encouraged the desire to fly through a specific airline more than once.
Modern technologiesEdit
New styles of seating where developed to accommodate new technologies. The Ampere modular tandem seating system[12] is designed to allow travelers to use multiple electrical devices while remaining seated in their chair.
Since business travellers commonly wish to use laptop computers while waiting, seating for them may incorporate a charging point and some form of desk.[13]
GoSleep sleeping pods[14] at the Abu Dhabi International Airport allow travelers to sleep during long layovers. The pods include a cover for security and privacy and power outlets for charging electronic devices.
There is a technology like this everywhere as the world’s airports incorporate different technology.
ReferencesEdit
- ^ Donelson R. Forsyth (2009), Group Dynamics, pp. 459–460, ISBN 978-0-495-59952-4
- ^ Donna P. Duerk (1993), Architectural Programming, John Wiley and Sons, p. 137, ISBN 978-0-471-28468-0
- ^ «Maximising airport seating capacity while ensuring customer satisfaction | Interview with Johan Berhin — International Airport Review». www.internationalairportreview.com. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- ^ «Eames Tandem Sling Seating Design Story». www.hermanmiller.com. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- ^ a b Steve Thomas-Emberson (2007), Airport interiors: design for business, Wiley-Academy, p. 78, ISBN 978-0-470-03475-0
- ^ a b c «Airport Seating: Where Modern Ideas and Classic Design Converge | Airline Passenger Experience». apex.aero. Retrieved 2021-01-01.
- ^ a b Williams, Paul. «In the hot seat — Airport World Magazine». Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- ^ a b «Airport lounges 101: Why to use them and how to get in». USA TODAY. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- ^ «Airport Lounge Access Worldwide | Priority Pass». www.prioritypass.com. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- ^ «You can access over 1,000 Priority Pass airport lounges for free with certain credit cards — here are 9 of the best ones». Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
- ^ a b c Bogicevic, Vanja; Yang, Wan; Cobanoglu, Cihan; Bilgihan, Anil; Bujisic, Milos (2016-10-01). «Traveler anxiety and enjoyment: The effect of airport environment on traveler’s emotions». Journal of Air Transport Management. 57: 122–129. doi:10.1016/j.jairtraman.2016.07.019. ISSN 0969-6997.
- ^ Ampere modular tandem seating system, 2008-06-27, retrieved 2018-05-21
- ^ Jeremy Myerson, Philip Ross (2003), The 21st century office, p. 4:4, ISBN 978-1-85669-394-3
- ^ Spyrou, Anna. “Middle Eastern Airports: What To Expect.” Travel Trade Mena, June 2017, www.traveltrademena.travel/pdf/Travel-Trade-Mena-June-2017-issue-92.pdf.
Getting a nice seat on a plane is basically the start of your trip. This is why everyone would like to know airplane seats types, since each aircraft has its own type of seats. Frequent travellers already know that each airline offers certain airplane seats types. If you know this nuance your flight will be much more enjoyable.
The size of the airline seat is important to know, since this is your comfort, regardless whether you are travelling on holidays or on a business trip. If you are aware of the seat types on a plane, you can request a particular seat on the plane while booking a flight or during registration for the flight.
Types of seats in flight and prices for seats are different. Every seat on a plane corresponds to a certain type of passenger and level of comfort. For example, the first class airplane seats are wider and bigger compared to regular seats on planes. First class airplane seats are more expensive as to the price for standard flight seats since travelers pay for more services when buying this type of seats in flight.
Basically, when you are selecting plane seat types, you are choosing the class of services on a plane and this is what you are paying for.
A lot of airline companies established two-seat combinations, some airlines have three-seat combinations. Some of the airlines have different airline types of seats – 2 seats on one side of the plane and 3 seats on another side of the plane.
As a rule, more comfortable and larger in size seats belong to a higher class of airplane seats type and are more expensive.
Economy Class Airplane Seats
Economy Class Seats are also known as standard airplane seats or coach seats. These are the main airplane seats types most commonly booked by travellers.
The 3 seat configuration of Economy Class Airplane Seats is the most common on the International flights. Economy Class Seats are the cheapest seats for the flights.
On Boeing 747-400 airplanes the configuration of the economy class seats is 3-4-3 layout: 3 seats near the windows on each side of the plane and 4 seats in the middle section of the airplane. Economy class seats are 17-18 inches wide and 31-32 inches legroom.
Airplanes, like Airbus 380, also have 3-4-3 airplane seats configuration. These aircrafts can accommodate more passengers on board traveling internationally. This type of the aircrafts also has an upstairs section and downstairs section for more comfortable flight.
Smaller aircrafts have 2-3-2 seats layout, but as a rule these airplanes perform only domestic flights and no international flights.
Airplanes like Boeing 777 offer 2-5-2 airplane seats layout. Such airplane configuration allows it to take more passengers for the flight.
You can easily book Economy Class Seats for the flight if you know the type of airplane. Be aware that different types of airplane seats for the economy class are now offered for travelers.
Economy Plus Seat Type
Plenty of airlines offer “economy plus” airplane seat types. These seats are called Economy XL or Economy Comfort. Economy Plus seat types include the same range as economy class, the only difference is more legroom, the Economy XL seats are more comfortable and a bit more expensive.
Economy Class Seats Codes/Letter Designations
When flying by the economy class you may have paid attention to the letters in your flight ticket. Here is the list of Economy class letter designations with explanations:
B – Economy/Coach, upgradable to Code M or another type
E – Economy/Coach Discounted
G – Economy/Coach Discounted
H – Economy/Coach Discounted, can be upgraded to Business Class
K – Economy/Coach Discounted
L – Economy/Coach Discounted
M – Economy/Coach Discounted, can be upgraded to Business Class
N – Economy/Coach Discounted
O – Economy/Coach Discounted
Q – Economy/Coach Discounted
S – Economy/Coach Discounted, on some airlines stands for “super comfort” and refers to Business Class
T – Economy/Coach Discounted
U – Shuttle Service, no seat guaranteed nor reservation needed
V – Economy/Coach Discounted
W – Economy/Coach Discounted (or Premium, or Award)
X – Economy/Coach Discounted Award
Y – Economy/Coach
Please double check with your airline in any case, since these codes may differ depending on the airline.
Premium Economy Class Airplane Seats Types
Premium Economy Class offers more services and is a bit more expensive compared to the Economy Class Airplane Seats.
The advantages of Premium Economy Class Airplane Seats Types include access to the lounge area in the airport, wider seats and bigger TV screens. Premium Economy Class Airplane Seats are more convenient, and have up to 6 inches more legroom. Also the food offered for passengers of the Premium Economy Class will include complimentary drinks and a more diverse menu.
For the first time Premium Economy Class Seats were introduced by EVA Air in 1991. On the whole Premium Economy Seats are something between economy class seats and business class airplane seats.
If you are booking Premium Economy Seats for the plane better to double check directly with the air company to make sure this is what you want. The air companies may call this premium type seats differently.
What is included in Premium Economy Plane Seats?
When you book a Premium Economy Plane seat you can get sleep masks, toothbrushes and earplugs. The list of these items is different for every airline. Booking a Premium Economy airplane seat you may also take advantage of hot towel services on board, accruing frequent flyer points, sometimes even at-seat phones.
Business Class Flight Seats
Business class seats are, of course, more comfortable, and are bigger in size. In most cases business class flight seats are 21 inches wide and 57 inches legroom. In some aircrafts business class seats are even bigger.
Business class airplane seats were created for the business passengers, who spend a lot of time on trips and need to stay in touch and work while travelling. This is why extra space and additional services are included in business class plane seats and are more expensive.
Business class travelers will get their drinks in real glasses and dishes will be served with real forks and knives. Free drinks and food are included into the business class seats price.
Given these advantages of business class flight seats you may stop on booking such a seat for a long flight since it is much more convenient.
Business Class Seats Codes
Business Class Seats have one of 5 letters in the code:
C – Full Fare Business Class
D – Business Class Discounted
I – Business Class Discounted
J – Full Fare Business Class
Z – Business Class Discounted
If you have a small “n” letter in the coe it means nighttime flight.
First Class Airplane Seats
First Class Airplane Seats are located in the very front of the aircraft, are 1-2 inches wider compared to business class flight seats, and have from 10 to 30 inches bigger legroom for the seat. You see these seats when you enter the plane.
The advantages of First Class Airplane Seats are: bigger space for the seat, great cuisine, real dishes and glasses, slippers, cocktails. Some airlines offer a personal attendant for the passengers of First class seats.
Several air carriers offer their first class passenger seats which look like suites, where you can sleep. These have 1 or more separate lavatory.
The competition between the airlines grows and nowadays even chairs and beds are offered for the travelers who purchase first class airplane seats. All of these additional amenities offered on the board of a plane result in much higher prices for flight tickets.
First Class Seats Codes
The First Class Airplane Seats codes are:
A – First Class Discounted
F – Full Fare First Class
P – First Class
R – First Class Suites
“F” refers to a seat on a 2 cabin airplane for the flight performed within the US.
“P” refers to Premium, for the flight seats on a 3 cabin plane and presumes services of a higher class.
Before you confirm your flight reservation we advise you to check with the airlines directly all issues related to seat class if you are not certain of which seat class to purchase online.
Вы собрались путешествовать? Тогда подборка слов по теме “Аэропорт” вам очень пригодится. Здесь собрана вся лексика по теме Airport на английском языке с переводом. Вы познакомитесь со словами и выражениями, используемыми в международных аэропортах.
Let’s go!
Слова на английском с переводом
Слово на английском | Перевод |
Flight | Рейс |
Domestic flight | Внутренний рейс |
International flight | Международный рейс |
Arrivals | Прибытие |
Departures | Вылет |
Gate | Выход на посадку |
Check-in | Регистрация |
Terminal | Терминал |
Destination | Направление, пункт назначения |
Luggage / Baggage | Багаж |
Baggage claim | Выдача багажа |
Baggage weight | Вес багажа |
Baggage drop-off | Сдача багажа |
Carry-on luggage | Ручная кладь |
Hand luggage | Ручная кладь |
Security control | Контроль безопасности |
Passport control | Паспортный контроль |
Customs | Таможня |
Connecting flight | Стыковочный рейс |
Transit | Транзит |
Transfer | Трансфер |
Boarding pass | Посадочный талон |
Window seat | Место у окна |
Aisle seat | Место у прохода |
Flight status | Статус рейса |
Delayed | Задерживается |
Closed | Выход закрыт |
Cancelled | Отменен |
Now boarding | Идет посадка |
Фразы
Когда вы регистрируетесь на рейс, сотрудник аэропорта может спросить у вас:
Фраза на английском | Перевод |
May I see your passport, please? | Ваш паспорт, пожалуйста. |
Do you have any luggage? | У вас есть багаж? |
How many bags are you checking? | Сколько сумок вы регистрируете? |
Place your bag on the scale. | Поставьте свою сумку на весы. |
Do you have any carry-on luggage? | У вас есть ручная кладь? |
Did you pack these bags yourself? | Вы сами собирали эти сумки? |
You have to check-in your luggage. | Вы должны зарегистрировать свой багаж. |
Open your case for examination, please. | Пожалуйста, откройте свой чемодан для досмотра. |
Посадочный талон
После регистрации вам выдадут посадочный талон, где указан номер рейса, время посадки, номер выхода на посадку и ваше место в самолете, а также время вылета:
Требования к багажу
Обратите внимание на требование к весу и размерам багажа. Если вес превышает допустимый (excess luggage), вам нужно будет либо что-то вынуть, либо доплатить за перевес.
В таком случае вам могут сказать:
Фраза на английском | Перевод |
Your baggage is overweight. | Вес багажа превышает допустимый. |
Carry-on can’t weigh more than 10 kilos. | Вес ручной клади не должен превышать 10 кг. |
I’m afraid, you’ll have to pay for excess luggage. | Я боюсь, вам нужно будет доплатить за перевес. |
Your carry-on luggage is too large. | Ваша ручная кладь слишком большая. |
На борту самолета
Фразы пассажиров:
Фраза на английском | Перевод |
Where is the seat 85A? | Где находится место 85А? |
Could you please direct me to my seat? | Не могли бы вы провести меня на мое место? |
Could I change seats with you? | Могу я поменяться местами с вами ? |
I would like to change my seat. | Я бы хотел поменять место. |
Could you help me with my carry-on luggage? | Не могли бы вы помочь мне с ручной кладью? |
Could I have a blanket, please? | Можно мне одеяло, пожалуйста? |
I would like something to drink. | Я бы хотел что-нибудь выпить. |
Can I have another drink? | Можно мне еще один напиток? |
May I recline my seat? | Можно мне откинуть спинку сидения? |
Sorry, can I get past? | Извините, можно пройти? |
I don’t feel very well. | Я плохо себя чувствую. |
I want an airsickness bag. | Мне нужен гигиенический пакет. |
Фразы экипажа:
Фраза на английском | Перевод |
Welcome on board. | Добро пожаловать на борт. |
Please, fasten your seat-belts and turn off all electronic devices. | Пожалуйста, пристегните ремни и отключите все электронные приборы. |
Our plane is ready to take off. | Наш самолет готов к взлету. |
The emergency exits are located here, here and here. | Аварийные выходы находятся здесь, здесь и здесь. |
Please, remain seated. | Пожалуйста, оставайтесь на своих местах |
Please stow your hand luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. | Пожалуйста, разместите вашу ручную кладь на полку над собой или под сиденье перед собой. |
Your lifejacket is under your seat. | Ваш спасательный жилет находится под сидением. |
Please, put your chairs into an upright position. | Пожалуйста, приведите спинки кресел в вертикальное положение. |
На таможне. Паспортный контроль
Здесь приведены фразы, которые у вас могу спросить на таможне. Не в каждой стране на паспортном контроле вам будут задавать вопросы, но все же в некоторых странах вас могут спросить:
Фраза на английском | Перевод |
What is the purpose of your visit? | Какова цель вашего визита? |
|
|
|
|
How long are you planning to stay? | Как долго вы планируете оставаться? |
|
|
Where will you be staying? | Где вы остановитесь? |
|
|
Have you ever been to the USA before? | Вы раньше бывали в США? |
|
|
Have you filled out your customs declaration? | Вы заполнили бланк таможенной декларации? |
|
|
How much foreign money/currency have you got? | Сколько иностранной валюты у вас с собой? |
Any foreign money? | У вас есть иностранная валюта? |
Проблемы
Если у вас проблемы в аэропорту, вам понадобятся следующие фразы:
Фраза на английском | Перевод |
I have lost my boarding pass. | Я потерял свой посадочный талон. |
My baggage is broken, and some things are missing. | Мой багаж поврежден, и некоторых вещей не хватает. |
My luggage has been lost. | Мой багаж потерялся. |
Диалог
Фраза на английском | Перевод | |
Immigration officer: | Welcome to Edinburgh. May I see your passport please? | Добро пожаловать в Эдинбург. Можно ваш паспорт, пожалуйста? |
You: | Sure. Here it is. | Конечно. Вот. |
Immigration officer: | Where are you coming from? | Откуда вы летите? |
You: | I’m coming from Moscow, Russia. | Я лечу из Москвы, Россия. |
Immigration officer: | What is the purpose of your visit? | Какова цель вашей поездки? |
You: | I’m here on holiday. | Отдых. |
Immigration officer: | How long are you planning to stay? | Как долго вы планируете оставаться? |
You: | I’ll be staying for 3 weeks. | Я буду здесь 3 недели. |
Immigration officer: | Where will you be staying? | Где вы остановитесь? |
You: | I’ll be staying at a hotel. | В отеле. |
Immigration officer: | What is the name of the hotel? | Как называется отель? |
You: | Mariott Hotel. | Отель Мариотт. |
Immigration officer: | Have you ever been to Edinburgh before? | Вы раньше бывали в Эдинбурге? |
You: | No, this is my first time. | Нет, это первый раз. |
Immigration officer: | Do you have anything to declare? | У вас есть что-нибудь, подлежащее декларированию? |
You: | No. | Нет. |
Immigration officer: | Enjoy your stay. | Приятного отдыха. |
You: | Thank you. | Спасибо. |
Проверьте свои знания с карточками Quizlet:
Вам может быть интересно:
- Слова и выражения на тему “В отеле”
- Слова и выражения на тему “В ресторане”
plane, aircraft
[ pleɪn ] [ ˈeəkrɑːft ]
By
Last updated:
April 24, 2022
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!
Contents
- Airline (N)
- Arrivals (N)
- Board (V)
- Boarding pass (N)
- Boarding time (N)
- Book (a ticket) (V)
- Business class (N)
- Carry on (luggage) (N)
- Check in (V/N)
- Conveyor belt/carousel/baggage claim (N)
- Customs (N)
- Delayed (Adj)
- Departures (N)
- Economy class (N)
- First class (N)
- Fragile (Adj)
- Gate (N)
- Identification (N)
- Liquids (N)
- Long-haul flight (N)
- On time (Adj)
- One-way (ticket) (N)
- Oversized baggage/Overweight baggage (N)
- Stopover (N)
- Travel agent (N)
- Visa (N)
-
- Helpful Tips Luggage/baggage vs. suitcase/bag
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Airline (N)
The airline or carrier you fly with is the name of the company that owns the airplane e.g. 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.
Arrivals (N)
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.
Board (V)
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.
Boarding pass (N)
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.
Boarding time (N)
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.
Book (a ticket) (V)
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 (N)
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.
Carry on (luggage) (N)
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.
Check in (V/N)
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).
Conveyor belt/carousel/baggage claim (N)
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.
Customs (N)
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 that is forbidden, you should answer “no.”
Delayed (Adj)
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.
Departures (N)
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.
Economy class (N)
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 (N)
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.
Fragile (Adj)
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.
Gate (N)
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.
Identification (N)
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 (N)
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.
Long-haul flight (N)
A flight that travels a long distance in one go 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.
On time (Adj)
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.
One-way (ticket) (N)
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.
Oversized baggage/Overweight baggage (N)
Each passenger is only allowed to have one suitcase that weighs 20kg or less. If they 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?
Two.
One minute, let me just take a few things out.
Stopover (N)
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 otherwise.
Travel agent (N)
A travel agent is a person who will help you to 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.
Visa (N)
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?
3 weeks.
No, you don’t require (need) a visa. Albanian citizens can travel up to 3 months without a visa to any EU country.
Helpful Tips Luggage/baggage vs. suitcase/bag
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 whereas luggage is uncountable and it can mean either 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?
2 pieces. Okay, that’s fine.
If we want to wish someone a good flight or journey in English, we can also use the French phrase “Bon voyage.”
Traveling by plane can be really exciting, especially if you’re heading to a place where you’ve never been before, but at the same time it can get really stressful too, especially if you have problems understanding the English that’s used at the airport.
Do yourself a favor and learn some of these essential English words to help make your travel experience an enjoyable one.
To get a better sense of 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 can be a good way to hear airport vocabulary being used naturally. You can also search for any of these words on FluentU, where you’ll find real English videos like movie clips and news segments, paired with interactive captions and vocabulary quizzes.
And when you arrive in your new country, make sure you speak as much English as possible to practice.
Safe travels. Bon voyage!
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