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How to speak English in the air

Want to travel internationally? You can do it with English! English is the international language of the aviation industry. Just learn this key airport vocabulary and fly anywhere in the world with confidence.

Do you have an e-ticket or a paper ticket? - An e-ticket is an electronic ticket, meaning your purchase record is stored in the airline’s computer system. All you need to check in is your identification. A paper ticket is a physical document. Just like a concert ticket, if you lose it, you have to buy another!

Are you checking baggage or carrying on? - Baggage is the general term for everything you’ve packed - suitcases, backpacks, boxes. If you have large items or more than one bag, you need to check your baggage - that is, have it stored in the airplane’s cargo hold. A carry-on is a noun referring to the small baggage you take on the plane with you.

Would you like a window or aisle seat? - Never get stuck in a middle seat again! If you enjoy looking out the window then say you want a window seat. Or if you’d rather be free to get up and stretch your legs, tell them you’d like an aisle seat.

Here’s your boarding pass. - Your boarding pass is the document issued at the airport with your seat number and departure gate information. You need it in order to pass through security and get on your flight.

Is this flight non-stop or does it have a layover? - A layover is a stop at an intermediate point in your journey. Non-stop means you fly directly to your destination with no stops in between.

After the security check, board your flight at gate 3. - The security check is where you and your carry-on bags are checked for dangerous items. Gate refers to the area where you wait for and then board - get on - your plane.

Is my flight delayed or on-time? - When your flight is going to be late departing, you’ll hear that it has been delayed. On-time means your flight will leave as scheduled.

Pick up your bags at baggage claim. - Baggage claim is the area where you retrieve your checked baggage - the bags you didn’t carry onto the airplane with you.