Practical English phrases for navigating travel and everyday situations abroad.

Starting the Conversation

  • Hi, I’d like to check in for my flight.
    • Sure. May I see your passport and ticket, please?
  • I’m flying to New York today.
    • Do you have any bags to check in?

Providing Documents

  • Here’s my passport and e-ticket.
    • Thank you. Let me pull up your reservation.
  • Do you need my visa?
    • Yes, please. Just a moment while I verify it.

Confirming Flight Details

  • What time does the flight board?
    • Boarding starts at 7:30 PM at Gate 12.
  • Can you confirm my seat number?
    • You’re in 21A, a window seat.

Special Requests

  • Can I have an aisle seat, please?
    • Let me check… Yes, 14C is available.
  • Is there any chance for an upgrade?
    • Upgrades are full today, but you’re on the waitlist.

Luggage Check-In

  • I have one suitcase to check.
    • Please place it on the scale.
  • Is my carry-on okay?
    • It looks fine. Just make sure it fits in the overhead bin.

Buying Extra Baggage Allowance

  • I’d like to pay for extra baggage.
    • Sure, how many additional bags?
  • This one is a bit over the limit—can I still check it in?
    • Yes, but there’s an overweight fee of $50.

Baggage Issues

  • Can I move some items to my carry-on to avoid the fee?
    • Yes, go ahead and repack. Let me know when you’re ready.
  • Do I need to collect my luggage during transit?
    • If it’s checked through, you’ll pick it up at your final destination.

Lost or Missing Items

  • I left my phone at the counter—has anyone turned it in?
    • Let me check with lost and found.
  • I can’t find my passport.
    • Do you remember where you last used it?

Prohibited Items or Security Concerns

  • Why was my bag flagged?
    • There’s a power bank inside that exceeds the allowed capacity.
  • Can I take this in my checked baggage?
    • Yes, but it’s not allowed in your carry-on.

Items Not Allowed Onboard

  • I didn’t know I couldn’t bring this bottle of wine.
    • You can check it in or discard it here.
  • Can I store this item at the airport?
    • There’s a storage service in Terminal B.

Additional Questions

  • Is the flight on time?
    • Yes, it’s on schedule.
  • Will I need to go through security again at the transfer airport?
    • It depends on the airport. Let me check your itinerary.

Self Check-In (Kiosk & Mobile App)

Using the Kiosk

  • I’d like to use the self check-in machine.
    • Great. Please scan your passport or enter your booking reference.
  • It’s not accepting my passport.
    • Let me assist you. Sometimes the scanner needs a second try.
  • How do I add a checked bag here?
    • Select “Add Baggage” on the screen, then choose how many bags.
  • The machine says it can’t find my booking.
    • I’ll check at the counter. Could you tell me your full name?
  • Where do I print my boarding pass and bag tag?
    • After check-in, the machine will print them automatically.

Using a Mobile App

  • Can I check in on my phone?
    • Yes, just open the airline’s app and enter your booking info.
  • How do I add baggage through the app?
    • Tap on “Manage Booking” and select “Add Baggage.”
  • My boarding pass is on my phone—is that okay?
    • Yes, just make sure your screen is bright and ready at security.
  • Can I choose my seat on the app?
    • Yes, there’s a “Seat Selection” option after check-in.

Common Self Check-In Issues

  • My mobile check-in didn’t go through.
    • You might need to verify your passport at the counter.
  • I can’t download the boarding pass.
    • Try using the airline’s mobile website instead of the app.
  • It says I need to check in at the desk.
    • That usually means your documents need to be verified manually.

Security Check & Immigration

Security Checkpoint

  • Do I need to take my laptop out?
    • Yes, please place it in a separate tray.
  • Should I remove my shoes and belt?
    • Yes, for screening purposes.
  • Is this liquid allowed?
    • It must be under 100ml and placed in a clear plastic bag.
  • I have a medical device.
    • Please inform the officer before going through the scanner.

Immigration & Border Control

  • What’s the purpose of your visit?
    • I’m here for tourism / business / study.
  • How long will you stay?
    • I’ll be here for two weeks.
  • Where will you be staying?
    • At the Hilton Hotel near downtown.
  • Do you have a return ticket?
    • Yes, my return flight is on [date].

Transit & Transfers

Airport Transfer Questions

  • Do I need to go through security again for my connecting flight?
    • Yes, this airport requires all transit passengers to be screened again.
  • Where is the transfer counter?
    • Follow the signs for “Connecting Flights” or ask airport staff.
  • Do I need a visa for my layover?
    • That depends on the airport and your nationality.
  • Will my baggage be checked through to my final destination?
    • Let me confirm. Yes, you don’t need to pick it up here.

Flight Cancellations & Delays

Delayed Flight

  • My flight is delayed. What should I do?
    • Please wait at the gate for updates or check the app for notifications.
  • Will I miss my connection?
    • Let me check your itinerary. We may need to rebook you.
  • Do I get a meal voucher for the delay?
    • Yes, you can collect one at the service desk.

Cancelled Flight

  • My flight was canceled. Can you rebook me?
    • I’ll find the next available flight for you.
  • Will the airline provide accommodation?
    • If the delay is overnight, we’ll arrange a hotel for you.
  • Can I get a refund instead?
    • Yes, you can request a refund or travel credit.