English for Travelers

At the Airport.

At the Check-In Desk

Agent: Good afternoon! Where are you flying to today?

Roberto: Los Angeles.
Agent: May I have your passport, please?
Roberto: Here you go.
Agent: Are you checking any bags?
Roberto: Just this one.
Agent: OK, please place your bag on the scale.
Roberto: 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.
Roberto: Thanks.

 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?

 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?

Going through Security

Agent: Please lay your bags flat on the conveyor belt, and use the bins for small objects.
Roberto: 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?
Roberto: I don’t think so. Let me try taking off my belt.
Agent: Okay, come on through.
 English for Travelers
(He goes through the metal detector again)
Agent: You’re all set! Have a nice flight.

Announcements at the Gate

 “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.”
 English for Travelers

RENTING A CAR

A: Welcome to “ABC RENTCAR”! What can I help you?

B: I need to rent a car.
A: Let me check what cars we have available. What size would you prefer, a small car
or a big one?
B: I think a small car will be fine.
A: ok, perfect. How long will you need the car for?
B: for 7 days.
A: Very well. We have 2 plans to offer you depending on how much driving you plan to
do. If you are planning to drive a lot, I’d suggest you to choose our unlimited mileage
plan for $100 for 7 days. If not, I’d recommend you to choose the regular plan that
costs $15 per day.
B: Ok, I’ll choose the unlimited mileage plan. How can I pay? Do you take credit cards?
A: Yes, we do. You can pay by credit card. The total amount will be $100. Would you
like to buy an insurance plan for an extra $25?
B: No, it’s ok. The car insurance I have on my personal vehicle covers any accident I
might have.
A: Ok, no problem. Can I have your credit card and driver’s license, please?
B: Yes, here you are!
A: Sign here please! … Well I think we’re finished here!
B: Where do I pick up the car?
A: Take the ticket to the parking lot and the attendant will bring the car and give the
keys.
B: Thank you very much!
A: Have a nice drive!