Basic Airport Vocabulary

Traveling by air can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with

its own set of unique words and expressions. Whether it's your first flight,
you're a seasoned traveler, or you simply want to expand your vocabulary,
understanding basic airport terminology is crucial. In this section, you will
explore the essential vocabulary from check-in to boarding, helping you
navigate the airport with confidence.
Check-in and Security
Navigating the airport starts with understanding the check-in and security
processes. Familiarize yourself with these terms, and you'll begin your
journey with ease.
 Check-in Counter: the place where you show your ticket and ID; you
receive your boarding pass here.
 Boarding Pass: a document that gives you access to the plane; it includes
your seat number.
 Security Check: a screening process for passengers; ensures safety by
checking for prohibited items.
 Gate: the area where you wait for your flight; each flight has a specific gate
number.
 Baggage Claim: where you collect your bags after landing.
 Customs: where officials check what you're bringing into the country; may
ask you questions.
 Immigration: where you show your passport and visa; controls entry to the
country.
 Luggage Trolley: a cart for your bags; usually found in baggage claim.
 Departure Lounge: an area to relax before your flight; it has seats, shops,
and restaurants.
 Carry-On: bags that you bring onto the plane with you; have size and
weight restrictions.
 Priority Boarding: allows you to board the plane early; often costs extra or
is included with premium tickets.
 E-Ticket: an electronic version of your ticket; can often be displayed on
your mobile device.
 Terminal: a large building at an airport; contains gates, shops, and other
services.
With these terms, you've unlocked the initial steps of air travel.
In-Flight Terms
Once you're on the plane, a new set of vocabulary comes into play. These
in-flight terms will help you understand the announcements and services on
board.
 Cabin Crew: the staff on the airplane; they assist with your needs.
 Turbulence: sudden, unexpected movement of the aircraft; it's a normal
part of flying.
 Overhead Bin: a storage area above the seats; for carry-on bags.
 In-Flight Service: meals, drinks, and entertainment offered; varies by
airline and ticket class.
 Emergency Exit: doors used in an emergency; passengers near these
may be asked to assist.
 Seat Belt: a safety device you must wear during take-off, landing, and
turbulence; follow crew instructions.
 Landing Gear: the wheels of the plane; used during take-off and landing.
 Aisle Seat: a seat next to the walkway in the plane; allows easy movement
but can be bumped by passing carts.
 Window Seat: a seat next to the window; offers a view outside but less
mobility.
 Cockpit: where the pilots control the plane; off-limits to passengers.
 Legroom: the space for your legs under the seat in front; varies by airline
and seat class.
 In-Flight Magazine: a magazine provided by the airline; contains travel
articles and information.
Knowing these in-flight terms ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable
flight experience.
Special Needs and Requests
Traveling with special needs or specific requests requires knowing a few
more terms. These words will guide you in making your journey more
personalized and accommodating:
 Wheelchair Access: facilities for passengers with mobility challenges;
make a request when booking.
 Duty-Free Shop: stores in international terminals; they sell products
without local taxes.
 Connecting Flight: a subsequent flight on your journey; ensure enough
time for the transition.
 Unaccompanied Minor Service: assistance for children flying alone; must
be arranged in advance.
 Vegetarian Meal: a meat-free food option; request when booking if
required.
 Medical Assistance: help with health issues during a flight; inform crew if
needed.
 Lounge Access: entry to exclusive waiting areas; often available to
business and first-class passengers.
 Pre-Boarding: allows families or passengers with special needs to board
first; ask if required.
 Red-Eye Flight: a flight that travels overnight; often cheaper but can
disrupt sleep.
 Transit Visa: a temporary visa during a layover; required in some
countries.
Understanding these airport words allows you to tailor your travel
experience to your needs and preferences. It's the key to a more
comfortable and satisfying journey.

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Advanced Airport Vocabulary

 As you become more familiar with air travel, you may encounter terms that
are specific to certain situations. These advanced airport vocabulary words
offer a deeper insight into the world of aviation and can enhance your travel
experience.
Airline Types and Classes
Different airlines and classes offer varied experiences. These airport words
will help you choose what suits your budget and comfort needs.
 Budget Airline: a low-cost carrier; offers fewer amenities but often cheaper
fares.
 First Class: the highest level of service on a flight; includes extra comfort
and amenities.
 Layover: a temporary stop in your journey at an airport; it may require
changing planes.
 Economy Class: the standard level of service on a flight; usually the
cheapest option.
 Business Class: a premium service level; offers more comfort and
amenities than the economy.
 Non-Stop Flight: a flight without layovers; travels directly to the
destination.
 Frequent Flyer Program: rewards program for regular travelers; can earn
miles for discounts.
 Standby: a ticket purchased without a confirmed seat; waits for available
seats on a flight.
 Code Share: when two or more airlines share a flight; your ticket might
show a different airline name.
 Air Marshal: a security officer on a flight; travels incognito for passenger
safety.
 Cancellation Policy: the rules for canceling a ticket; fees and restrictions
may apply.
 By learning this airport vocabulary, you have the tools to make informed
choices about airlines and classes.
Common Phrases
Common phrases are your guiding stars in the hustle and bustle of airports.
These expressions will make your navigation through airports smoother.
 Final Call: the last announcement before the plane's doors close; hurry to
the gate if you hear this.
 On-Time Departure: a flight leaving at the scheduled time; important for
maintaining your itinerary.
 Lost and Found: a place to recover lost items in the airport; report missing
items here.
 Baggage Allowance: the weight or number of bags you're allowed to
check; varies by airline and class.
 Please Have Your Passport Ready: an announcement often made before
immigration; prepare your travel documents.
 Flight Attendant Call Button: a button above your seat to request
assistance; only press when necessary.
 Fasten Your Seat Belts: a command from the cabin crew; ensure your
seat belt is securely fastened.
 Gate Change: a change to the departure gate for your flight; pay attention
to announcements and signs.
 No Smoking in the Cabin: a rule on all commercial flights; smoking is not
allowed in the plane.
With these phrases in your vocabulary toolkit, you'll feel more connected
and in control at the airport.

Idiomatic Expressions Related to

Airport
 Idiomatic expressions enrich your language and provide insights into
cultural nuances. These phrases related to airports add color to your
English expression.
 “Miss the Plane”: though originally related to boats, this idiom can be
applied to flights as well. It means to miss an opportunity or to be too slow
to take advantage of something, like missing a flight because you arrived
late.
 "On Autopilot": derived from a system that automatically controls the
trajectory of an aircraft. This expression means to do something without
thinking, out of habit or routine. For example, if someone takes the same
route to the airport every day, they may be said to drive "on autopilot."
 "Up in the Air": this expression refers to something that is uncertain or
unresolved, much like a plane in flight. If your travel plans are still
undecided, you might say they are "up in the air."
 "Smooth Flying”: though originally a boating term, this idiom can be used
in the context of air travel. It means that something is going easily and
without obstacles, much like a flight without turbulence.
 "Land on Your Feet": means to recover gracefully from a difficult situation.
It can be used in the context of travel when, for example, someone
manages to make a tight connection despite a delayed flight. They "landed
on their feet" by managing to reach their destination on time.
These idiomatic expressions are colorful ways to describe situations and be
applied broadly in everyday English conversation.

1. What is the place where you show your ticket and ID to

receive your boarding pass?
Gate
Baggage Claim
Check-in Counter
Departure Lounge
2. What is the document that gives you access to the plane and
includes your seat number?
E-Ticket
Passport
Boarding Pass
Visa

3. Where do you wait for your flight, and each flight has a
specific number for this area?
Terminal
Check-in Counter
Gate
Security Check

4. What is the area where you collect your bags after landing?
Departure Lounge
Baggage Claim
Check-in Counter
Gate

5. Which term refers to the staff on the airplane who assist

with your needs?
Pilot
Security Officer
Air Marshal
Cabin Crew

6. What is the sudden, unexpected movement of the aircraft

that is a normal part of flying?
Landing
Turbulence
Take-off
In-Flight Service

7. What is the storage area above the seats for carry-on bags?
Overhead Bin
Luggage Trolley
Baggage Claim
Departure Lounge

8. Which term refers to the facilities for passengers with

mobility challenges?
Lounge Access
Wheelchair Access
Priority Boarding
Duty-Free Shop
9. What is a flight that travels overnight?
Connecting Flight
Non-Stop Flight
Red-Eye Flight
Standby

10. Which term refers to a low-cost carrier that offers fewer

amenities but often cheaper fares?
Business Class
First Class
Economy Class
Budget Airline
Vocabulary in context
Below, you see the words used in example sentences
 aeroplane: The aeroplane can carry up to 700
passengers.
 airplane: The airplane can carry up to 700 passengers.
 aileron: There is an aileron on the surface of each
wing.
 cabin: The passengers were sitting inside the cabin.
 cockpit: The pilot controls the plane from the cockpit.
 elevator: The elevator helps lift the plane into the air.
 fin: The fin is the highest part of the plane.
 flap: The flaps help the plane to stay in the air.
 flight deck: The pilot controls the plane from the flight
deck.
 fuselage: The fuselage is the largest part of the plane.
 hold: The luggage is stored inside the hold.
 jet engine: The airplane is powered by the jet engine.
 landing gear: The landing gear supports the plane while
it’s on the ground.
 nose: The nose is the very front of the plane.
 rudder: The pilot uses the rudder to turn the plane.
 slat: There are several slats on top of the wings.
 tail: The tail helps to stabilise the airplane while it’s in
the air.
 tailplane: The tailplane is situated at the back of the
plane.
 undercarriage: The undercarriage supports the plane
while it’s on the ground.
 wing: From my seat in the cabin, I could see the left
wing.
Illustrated Airport Vocabulary
Twenty common words used to describe items at the airport.
You can download this image as an A4/A3 wall poster from
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Vocabulary in context
Below, you see the words used in example sentences

 airplane, aeroplane, plane: We boarded the plane and

waited for it to take off.
 air bridge: We walked through the air bridge and onto
the plane.
 control tower: The staff inside the control tower can
see all the planes taking off and landing.
 landing lights: The runway was illuminated by the
landing lights.
 hangar: The enormous hangar was full of half-finished
planes.
 check-in counter: I walked up to the check-in counter
and presented my passport and ticket.
 luggage carousel: We waited at the luggage carousel
until our luggage finally arrived.
 passenger lounge: Before boarding my flight, I spent a
few hours relaxing in the passenger lounge.
 passenger: Attention all passengers flying on flight
KM106 to Rome. Please proceed to gate 11.
 air hostess: The patient air hostess looked after us
throughout the flight.
 pilot: Thanks to the skilled pilot, we had a very smooth
landing.
 gate: By the time we got to our gate, most of the
passengers had already boarded the plane.
 passport: My passport is full of stamps from all the
countries I’ve visited.
 flight ticket: When I checked in at the airport, I had to
present my passport and my flight ticket.
 luggage: After getting off the plane, we went to collect
our luggage.
 backpack: I carry everything I need inside my
backpack.
 trolley: We pushed our luggage through the airport on a
metal trolley.
 baggage scanners: Before entering the departure
lounge, we had to put our luggage on the baggage
scanners.
 pay phones: I needed to make a phone call, so I headed
towards the pay phones.
 windsock: The pilots rely on the windsock to tell them
which way the wind is blowing.