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Travel English Expert Course Module 1: Airport

Theme: Airport

Topic: Check-in

Airport Personnel: Hello! How can I help you today?

Allison: Hi! Let me catch my breath, I was running to get here on time! Thank goodness I

made it! There was so much traffic in Boston today!

Airport Personnel: Are you checking in for your flight?

Allison: Yes.

Airport Personnel: Do you have your I.D. and confirmation number?

Allison: Just a sec (she hands her the I.D. and confirmation number). Here you go!

Airport Personnel: Thank You (she takes the I.D. and confirmation number and types on her

computer). What's your final destination?

Allison: Portland, Oregon. But I have a layover in Minneapolis.

Airport Personnel: It looks like you’ll have about 2 hours to hang out in the Minneapolis

airport. There are lots of great shops and restaurants there.

Allison: Sounds good!

Airport Personnel: Are you traveling with anyone?

Allison: Nope. It’s just me today! I'm going to visit my family in Portland.

Airport Personnel: Do you have any bags to check today?

Allison: Yes, I have one (she puts her bag up on the scale to weigh it).

Airport Personnel: Did you pack this bag yourself?

Allison: Yep! I packed it this morning.

Airport Personnel: It looks like your bag is 48 lbs; just under the maximum 50 lbs! Sometimes

passengers have to take things out to get rid of unwanted weight, but you don't have to!
Allison: Oh good, I was worried about that!

Airport Personnel: You are allowed to have one carry-on item that fits in the overhead bins,

and one small personal item that can fit below the seat in front of you.

Allison: Okay!

Airport Personnel: Here is your boarding pass. Make sure to keep an eye on it, because you’ll

need it to get through security and onto the plane!

Allison: I won't let it out of my sight!

Airport Personnel: So, it looks like your plane is departing from Gate 27 in Terminal A, but that

is subject to change. Make sure to check the monitors once you get through security!

Allison: Thank you so much!

Airport Personnel: Your plane will board at 2:30 pm, so you have 30 minutes to get through

security and get to your gate!

Allison: I hope I don't miss my flight, it looks like there are a lot of people traveling today!

Airport Personnel: Good luck! I hope you have a safe flight!

Conversation Key:

i. Catch my breath: (idiom) to be able to breath normally after breathing fast

ii. Layover: (noun) the time between two flights

iii. Just a sec: (idiom) another way to say “please wait”, or “please be patient”

iv. Get rid of: (idiom) to remove something, to take away something unwanted

v. Keep an eye on: (idiom) to pay attention to something

vi. Subject to change: (adj) it is possible that the gate will change
Theme: Airport

Topic: Security

Josh: Ugh, this line is going on forever!

Emma: I can't stand waiting in long lines!

Josh: At least it will be worth it when we get to Florida! I'm really looking forward to relaxing on

the beach!

Emma: Me too! Work has been so stressful lately! We both deserve a break!

Josh: Yeah, plus the weather in Boston has been really awful!

Emma: Tell me about it, my back is killing me from all the snow shoveling I've had to do in the

driveway!

Josh: What's the weather forecast in Florida this week?

Emma: Sunshine and blue skies and about 80 degrees every day!

Josh: No snow for a whole week! Can't wait!

Emma: I still really want to try to go to Universal Studios at least one day.

Josh: I would really rather just lay on the beach and swim in the hotel pool. Plus, I really hate all

of the crowds at those theme parks! And didn't you just say you hated waiting in long lines?

Some of the rides can have hour-long or more waiting times!

Emma: You're right, I guess. But Harry Potter Rides are worth the wait!

Josh: Talking about long lines, this one is almost over!

Emma: Oh good, we're next!

TSA Airport Personnel: I.D. and boarding passes please. (Takes boarding passes, signs

them, then gives them back to Josh and Emma) Go through the doors on the right to the

Security Checkpoint.

Emma: Thank You!

Security Airport Personnel: Please take out all of your liquids. Liquids over 3.4 ounces are

prohibited in this airport! Also don't forget to take off your shoes and jackets!
(Josh and Emma walk to the Security Checkpoint)

Emma: Do you have any liquids in your bags, Josh?

Josh: I do, can you grab a bin for me so I can put them in there?

Emma: Yeah, sure.

Josh: Emma, don't forget to take off your jewelry before we walk through the scanner! The

metal in your necklace will set off the alarm!

Emma: What about your laptop?

Josh: Oh yeah, I almost forgot to take it out!

(They set their bags down onto the conveyor belt and walk through the Security Screening

Checkpoint)

Josh: Can you give me a hand picking up our bags, Emma?

Emma: Sure! But let's hurry up, so we can head to our gate!

Josh: Okay, but I definitely need some coffee before the flight, so let's go to a cafe.

Conversation Key:

i. Can’t stand: (idiom) to really dislike or hate something

ii. It’s worth it: (idiom) when the effort to do something benefits you

iii. Grab a bin: (verb) to reach and take a container

iv. Give a hand: (idiom) to help someone do something

v. Head to: (idiom) to go somewhere

Topic: Finding your gate

Elaine: Okay, so now that we made it through security let’s find our gate!

Ryan: But I’m so hungry! Can’t we stop real quick and grab some breakfast?

Elaine: Hold on! How about we find our gate first and then we’ll go look for restaurants in that

same terminal?

Ryan: Okey dokey!

Elaine: I need to find the monitor so we can verify that our gate hasn’t changed. (Elaine and

Ryan walk over to the nearest monitor screen).

Ryan: Oh there it is!

Elaine: Can you search for Seattle?

Ryan: Yep, I see it!

Elaine: Point it out to me. I can’t see it!

Ryan: It’s right there! It’s almost at the end of the list. It says we’re at Gate 34 in Terminal B.

Elaine: Oh good! And it looks like our departure is on-time at 10:20am. So that means we

board at about 9:40am.

Ryan: Let’s get going! My stomach is growling.

Elaine: Okay, get your backpack on.

Ryan: Got it! Let’s take the moving walkway. It’s much faster.

Elaine: Look above you for the sign that has the arrow towards Terminal B.

Ryan: I see it! It looks like we have to take the tram.

(Elaine and Ryan take the tram and walk to their gate).

Elaine: So what do you want for breakfast?

Ryan: I’d love some pancakes and eggs!

Elaine: And I’m craving some strong black coffee.

Ryan: Here’s a restaurant with lots of open seats.

(A waitress comes to the table).

Waitress: Good morning! My name is Sophie. I’ll be your server today. What can I get you?

Ryan: I’d like some pancakes with eggs.

Waitress: Anything to drink?

Ryan: Yes, an orange juice please!

Waitress: And what about for you ma’am?

Elaine: I’d like a cup of coffee and a croissant.

Waitress: Any cream or sugar with your coffee?

Elaine: Nope.

Ryan: Can I get some bacon too?

Waitress: Sure!

Elaine: Thank you!

(Elaine and Ryan eat their breakfast).

Ryan: What time is it?

Elaine: It’s 9:05. Let’s get a move on it!

Ryan: OK let me just stop in the men’s room.

Elaine: Okay, no worries! There’s also a bathroom right next to our gate.

Ryan: Oh good!

(Elaine and Ryan are at their gate after going to the bathroom).

Elaine: So what’s the first thing you want to do when we get to Seattle?

Ryan: Go to the Space Needle!

Elaine: Well that sounds fun! I can’t wait to hang out with my old friend Sara!

Conversation Key:

i. Hold on: (phrasal verb) to wait

ii. Okey dokey: a funny way to say “okay”

iv. Point it out: (phrasal verb) to show someone something very clearly

v. Stomach is growling: (verb) when you feel really hungry and your stomach makes a

sound

vi. Craving: (verb) when you really want something, usually food
Theme: Airport

Topic: Announcements - Flight Delay

(At the gate waiting to board the flight).

John: I hate Boston weather! Winters here are so horrendous!

Katie: I hope the snow doesn't stop our plane from taking-off!

John: Me, too! But it looks like the snow storm's getting worse by the minute!

Katie: At least we’ll be out of the New England winter weather soon! It’s going to be so

awesome to be sitting on the beach.

Airport Loudspeaker: Passengers of Delta Flight 368 to Costa Rica, there will be a delay due

to the inclement weather outside. Our crew is currently de-icing the plane's wings for departure.

Sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. We will update you as soon as

we know more about the exact departure time.

John: Darn it! I hate flight delays!

Katie: Ugh me too!

John: I wonder what the new departure time will be. It’s already 9:00 am.

Katie: I hope we find out soon. I really want to board that plane!

John: So, let’s talk about our plans for when we get there. What should we do first?

Katie: I’m so excited to just chill at the beach and feel the warmth of the sun on my body!

John: Me too! But I also want to go hiking and see all the amazing natural beauty.

Katie: That sounds like a lot of exercise. I’d rather just try out surfing and stick around the

beach.

Airport Loudspeaker: Passengers of Delta Flight 368 to Costa Rica - there has been a delay

due to the inclement weather. The new departure time for this flight is now 11:30 am. We will

be boarding shortly.

John: Oh thank God!

John: I love all the food in those fancy hotel restaurants. I’m looking forward to the fresh

tropical fruit. Nummy!

Airport Loudspeaker: Passengers of Delta Flight 368 to Costa Rica - this flight is overbooked

and we are now offering a free flight voucher for $500 if you are willing to give up your seat and

take the next available flight. We will also give you a free hotel stay and food.

John: Wow! That’s generous!

Katie: Yeah, but they’re only offering a seat for one person.

John: Plus we just want to get to the beach ASAP!

Katie: Amen to that!

John: Costa Rica, here we come!

Airport Loudspeaker: We will begin our regular boarding on Delta Flight 368 to Costa Rica in

5 minutes. Any passengers who may need extra time are welcome to board first. Anyone with

a wheelchair or those traveling with small children may come up to the boarding zone now.

Conversation Key:

i. Horrendous: (adj.) really bad

ii. Inclement weather: (adj.) unpleasantly cold or wet

iii. Inconvenience: (noun) a difficult state with regard to one’s personal requirements or

comfort

iv. Overbooked: (adj.) when an airline accepts more reservations for a flight than there is

room for.

v. Chill at the beach: (idiom) to relax

vi. Stick around: (idiom) to stay in one place

vii. ASAP: (acronym) this represents “As Soon As Possible”

Topic: Gate Changes

(John and Gary are shopping in an airport bookstore waiting for their flight).

John: Hey Gabby, have you read that new novel by Richard Fifield called Flood Girls?

Gabby: No I haven't, is it good?

John: Yes, I really enjoyed it. You should buy it so you have something to read on our flight.

Gabby: What's it about?

John: It's about a boy who grew up in small-town in Montana. It has a lot of really interesting

characters and themes.

Gabby: Huh, maybe I'll get it. But I need to decide between getting a book to read or new

headphones to listen to music.

John: You should try out my new headphones and see if you like them!

Gabby: Okay sounds good, let's go find our gate!

(Gabby and John walk to their gate)

Airport Announcement: Attention passengers taking United Flight 35 to Dallas, your departure

gate has been changed from Gate 21A to Gate 34B.

John: Did you just hear that? I think they were talking about our flight.

Gabby:: I didn't hear it. Let's go ask the AIrport Personnel at that United desk.

John: Excuse me, we didn't catch what the announcement was about.

Airport Personnel: It said that the United Flight 35 to Dallas departure gate has been changed

from Gate 21A to Gate 34B.

Gabby: Good thing we checked! Thats our flight!

John: Thank you!

Airport Personnel: Luckily it's only one terminal over so you won't be late. Have a safe trip!

Gabby: We should start to head down to the gate now.

(at the new gate)

Gabby: I'm going to miss my puppy so much while I’m gone!

John: Who did you hire to look after him?

Gabby: My neighbor. She has another dog and our dogs get along really well.

John: I can't wait to get away from this place for awhile. I've been really stressed out at work

lately!

Gabby: Yeah me too, this vacation is going to really help me unwind!

John: I love just being able to do a whole lot of nothing. During the week while I’m home, I feel

like I’m constantly going, going, going!

Gabby: I know what you mean! My life is like nonstop activity. It will be so nice to take some

time to read, swim, eat and drink and that’s about it!

John: Sounds exactly like what the doctor ordered!

Conversation Key:

i. Thoroughly: (adv) very much, extremely, fully

ii. Try out: (phrasal verb) to test, to see if it works well

iii. Catch the announcement: (verb) to understand clearly, comprehend

iv. Look after: (phrasal verb) to take care of someone

v. Get along: (phrasal verb) to have a good relationship with someone

vi. Unwind: (idiom) to relax

The meanings of these words may be specific to this conversation. Some words’ meanings may

change depending on the context.

i. In the “Check-in” conversation, why did Allison need to catch her breath?

1. She has a cold.

2. She ran fast.

3. She has asthma.

4. She has a lot of time.

ii. In the “Check-in” conversation, what happens if you have more than 50 lbs. in

your bag?

1. You have to go home.

2. You have to call someone to help you.

3. You have to read the sign clearly.

4. You have to take some items out.

iii. In the “Security” conversation, what does “can’t stand” mean?

1. To not be able to stand in line

2. To not agree with someone

3. To not like something

4. To not think about something clearly

iv. In the “Security” conversation, what does Emma think is worth the wait?

1. To wait in line for the Harry Potter rides

2. To wait in line to go to the beach

4. To be stressed out at work

v. In the “Finding your gate” conversation, why does Elaine say “hold on”?

1. She wants to get to her gate quickly

2. She is worried about getting to the restaurant on time

3. She wants her son to be patient

4. She wants her son to hold her purse

vi. In the “Finding your gate” conversation, what is Elaine craving?

1. She wants strawberries

2. She wants coffee with cream and sugar

3. She wants orange juice

4. She wants coffee without anything in it

vii. In the “Announcement - Flight delay” conversation, why does inclement weather

make their flight delayed?

1. The airport workers must take the ice off the wings

2. The airport workers have to wait until the rain stops

3. The airport workers are worried about the storm

4. The airport workers are too cold to work

viii. In the “Announcement - Flight delay” conversation, why does Katie want to stick

around the beach?

1. She’s too old

2. The sand makes her feet sticky

3. She wants to stay close to the water to surf

ix. In the “Gate Changes” conversation, what should you do if you can’t catch the

announcement on the loudspeaker?

1. Walk back to the security

2. Find someone to ask who works for the airline

3. Run to the nearest gate

4. Ask the waitress

x. In the “Gate Changes” conversation, what does it mean to unwind?

1. To feel stress free

2. To eat in windy conditions

3. To sit on the beach

4. To walk on the sand

Quiz Answers:

i. B

ii. D

iii. C

iv. A

v. C

vi. D

vii. A

viii. C

ix. B

x. A