airport travelling vocabulary

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27 Useful English Vocabulary Words for the Airport

Having to speak another language while traveling can be very stressful.

Especially at an airport!

Whether you’re an ESL student or someone who uses English professionally, I hope this blog post can help you improve your English so that you can start your vacation on a high note!

2. Arrivals

4. boarding pass, 5. boarding time, 6. book (a ticket), 7. business class, 8. carry on (luggage), 9. check in, 10. conveyor belt / carousel / baggage claim, 11. customs, 12. delayed, 13. departures, 14. economy class, 15. first class, 16. fragile, 18. identification (id), 19. liquids, 20. long-haul flight, 21. luggage, 22. on time, 23. one-way (ticket) / return ticket / round-trip ticket, 24. oversized baggage / overweight baggage, 25. stopover / layover, 26. travel agent, and one more thing....

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Part of Speech: Noun

The airline or carrier you fly with is the name of the company that owns the airplane. For example, Singapore Airlines, British Airways.

I need to book a flight to Berlin next week.  Which airline do you suggest I fly with?

The cheapest airline that flies to Germany is Lufthansa. It’s a German carrier.

When your plane arrives at the airport, your family and friends will meet you at arrivals.

Jane, I’ll meet you in the arrivals lounge. I’ll be holding a sign to tell you I’m looking for you.

Part of Speech: Verb

To board (a plane) means to go onto it.

All passengers on Belle Air flight 2216 must go to the gate. The plane will begin boarding in 10 minutes.

After you have notified the airline you are at the airport and you’ve checked your luggage, you will be given a boarding pass that shows you where the plane will be boarding and it will also show your seat number.

Sir, this is your boarding pass. You will be boarding at gate 22 at 6:35.

Your boarding time is the time that people will be allowed to start entering the plane.

Boarding time was changed due to a technical problem. We would like to apologize for the delay.

When you book a ticket, it means that you have reserved your place and paid for it.

Hi, how can I help you?

I’d like to book a return ticket to Paris, please.

Business class is the area where people who are traveling for business purposes sit. It’s towards the front of the plane and the tickets are more expensive than normal tickets.

We’d like to invite all our passengers flying in business class to start boarding.

Your carry on luggage is the small piece of hand luggage that you are allowed to take with you onto the plane. These bags usually have to be a certain size and weigh less than 8kg.

I’m sorry, but your carry on is too heavy. You will have to check it.

Part of Speech: Verb/Noun

When you check in, you notify the airline you have arrived at the airport. They will take your suitcase and give you a boarding pass. The area where you do this action is also called check-in.

How many passengers are checking in with you?

It’s a large school group. We have 45 people in our party (group).

When your plane arrives, your bags and suitcases come out on the moving conveyor belt. Another word that you might hear for this is a carousel or baggage claim .

All passengers arriving from New York can pick up their luggage from carousel 4.

Before you’re allowed to enter the country, you must go through customs where you will be met by a customs officer.

Here they will check if you’re bringing anything illegal into the country such as firearms (guns), drugs or too much money. And they will ask you if you “ have anything to declare?”

If you’re not carrying anything forbidden, you should answer “ no.”

Part of Speech: Adjective

If your flight has been delayed, it means that it’s late. Maybe it has been delayed because of bad weather, too much air traffic, or technical problems.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is an announcement that flight NZ245 has been delayed. Your new departure time is 2.25.

When you are leaving to go on a trip, you will need to go to the departures lounge where you will wait to board your flight.

All passengers flying to Istanbul are kindly requested to go to the departures lounge.

Most people who travel by plane travel in economy class because the price is much cheaper.

I’d like to book an economy class ticket to Rome next Friday.

Would you like to make it return or one-way?

A return ticket. I’d like to come back the following Friday.

Okay then, for one week?

First class is the most expensive area of the plane. There is a lot of space to move. The seats are bigger and the service is better.

Next time I want to fly first class.

Why? It’s so expensive!

I’m just too tall. I have no leg room in economy.

Sometimes we carry things that are delicate or easily broken when we travel. A way of letting the people handling our suitcases know is to mark it with a sticker saying fragile. This will show them that they need to be a little more careful with your stuff.

In the departures lounge there are a number of different gates (doors) that lead to different flights.

Can you tell me where flight AZ672 to New York departs from, please?

Yes, it leaves from gate A27.

Your identification (also known as “ID”) is your official document that you need to ensure you are who you say you are. When flying, the ID you’re required to carry is your passport.

I’d like to book a flight to New Jersey for tomorrow.

Certainly, can I see your ID please?

Liquids are anything that is not solid or gas, such as a bottle of water or perfume. All airports do not allow passengers to travel with more than 100ml of liquids. All liquids you do carry on the plane must be put in a plastic bag.

Are you traveling with any liquids?

Yes, I have this deodorant.

I’m sorry, but that is too big. Each container must not exceed (go over) 100ml.

A flight that travels a long distance in one go is a long-haul flight. For example, a long-haul flight would be flying from New York to Sydney.

I really don’t like long-haul flights and wished we had a stopover somewhere, but we really need to get back on that day and we don’t have time.

A common mistake among non-English speakers is the difference between luggage and bag.

The word bag is countable, which means we can say many bags or 3 bags.

Luggage is uncountable and it can mean one bag or many.

If you want to make the word luggage plural, you would add the phrase ‘pieces of…’ in front of it.

How many pieces of luggage do you want to check in today sir?

When you are traveling and you want to check the status of your flight you can look at the departures board. Here you will see all your flight information and if it says that your flight number is on time then the plane will depart at the right time.

If you ask for a one-way ticket, it means that you do not want to return to your destination.

The opposite of a one-way ticket is a return ticket .  If you want to purchase both, that’s called a  round-trip ticket .

Hi, I’d like to book a one-way ticket to Hong Kong.

What’s your purpose (reason) for traveling?

We’re emigrating (moving for a new life) there.

Each passenger is only allowed to have one suitcase that weighs 20kg or less. If you have a big piece that you want to send or something that is too heavy, the people at check-in will charge you more money.

I’m sorry madam, but your bag is overweight.

By how many kilos?

One minute, let me just take a few things out.

If you are traveling on a long-haul flight, you usually have to have a short stop in another country first. This stop is called a stopover or a layover.

If you’re traveling from Europe to Australia, it’s recommended that you have a stopover either in Los Angeles or Dubai because the flight is very long.

A travel agent is a person who will help you organize your travel plans and book your flights.

I tried looking for a flight online, but I couldn’t book it with my credit card.

You should visit the travel agent in the mall, she is very good and they have great offers.

A visa is a special document that gives you permission to enter a country. Some countries have strict laws and depending where you’re from, you may need to obtain (get) a visa.

Could you tell me if a person from Albania needs a visa to travel to Italy?

How long are you going for?

No, you don’t need a visa. Albanian citizens can travel up to 3 months without a visa to any EU country.

Learn some of these essential English words to help make your travel experience an enjoyable one.

To better understand this and the other words in this list, I highly recommend that you watch and listen to authentic English content.

For example, there’s a whole movie set in an airport called “The Terminal,” which is a good way to hear airport vocabulary being used naturally.

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And when you arrive in your new country, make sure you speak as much English as possible to practice.

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The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

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English Vocabulary at the Airport

Going to an airport can be both fun and frightening when you are learning spoken English . That is why we put together this list of English airport vocabulary words! These vocabulary words will help you at the airport and on the airplane.

Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses

At the airport

• airfare ( noun ) the cost of the plane ticket
• airline ( noun ) the company that owns the plane
• arrival / arrivals ( noun ) the time planes arrive at the airport
• baggage / luggage  ( noun ) bags or suitcases
• baggage claim  ( noun ) the place where passengers pick up their bags after the plane lands
• board ( verb ) when the passengers get on the plane
• boarding pass ( noun ) a ticket that gives you permission to board the plane; some airlines allow you to use a boarding pass on your cell phone A boarding pass usually has your name, flight number, and departure date and time. 
• boarding time ( noun ) the time that passengers are allowed to get on the plane
• carry-on / hand luggage / cabin baggage ( noun ) bags that passengers bring on the plane (called "carry-on" in North America)
• customs ( noun ) the place in the airport where bags are checked before you are allowed to enter a country
• departure time / departures ( noun ) the time planes leave the airport
• e-ticket  ( noun ) airfare purchased on the Internet
• fragile ( adjective ) something that is easily broken (sometimes passengers pack fragile items in their bags)
• delay ( noun ) the amount of time the plane is late for landing or takeoff (a two-hour delay means the plane will arrive two hours later than planned)
• domestic ( adjective ) within the same country (a domestic flight)
• gate ( noun ) the place where passengers wait to board the plane
• identification ( noun ) documents that prove a person's name and personal information (address, birth date, phone number, social security number, etc.)
• international ( adjective ) worldwide (an international flight)
• layover / stopover ( noun ) a period of waiting between flights
• overbooked ( adjective ) the airline sold too many tickets; there are more passengers than seats
• passport ( noun ) an official document that proves a person's citizenship
• runway ( noun ) a strip of smooth ground where an airplane takes off and lands

On the plane

• aisle  ( noun ) the empty walkway between rows of seats on the plane
• aisle seat  ( noun ) a seat by the aisle
• business class ( noun / adjective ) the area where people who are traveling for business sit; it is sometimes the same as first-class
• cabin ( noun ) interior (inside) of the airplane
• captain ( noun ) the person who flies the plane and is in charge of the plane
• cockpit ( noun ) the part of the plane where the captain and co-pilot sit to fly the plane
• complimentary ( adjective ) free; it does not cost any money
• co-pilot ( noun ) the pilot who helps the captain fly the plane
• economy class / coach class ( noun / adjective ) the lowest class of traveling; economy tickets are the cheapest tickets
• emergency exits ( noun ) the part of the plane that opens and passengers can exit during an accident
• first-class ( noun / adjective ) more expensive tickets with better seating and more services; first-class has bigger seats than economy or coach class
• life vest ( noun ) a safety device used during an emergency landing in water
• overhead bin / overhead compartment ( noun ) a place to store carry-on bags above the passenger seats
• oxygen mask ( noun ) a safety device that gives passengers oxygen during an accident
• pilot ( noun ) the person who flies the plane
• row ( noun ) a line of seats on the plane from the aisle to the window
• seatbelt ( noun ) a safety device that holds passengers in their seats
• steward / flight attendant ( noun ) a man who takes care of passengers on the plane
• stewardess / flight attendant ( noun ) a woman who takes care of passengers on the plane
• takeoff ( noun / verb ) when the plane leaves the ground
• touchdown ( noun / verb ) when the plane lands on the ground
• turbulence ( noun ) movement in the air that causes a rough flight
• window seat  ( noun ) a seat by the window

Read the other articles in this series:

• Answers to Common Questions in English
• Answers to Common Restaurant Questions in English
• Airport Questions and Answers in English

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Airport English: Conversation Lesson

Need to speak English at the airport? This travel English lesson will teach you phrases from English conversations! Study each dialogue at the airport and then read my explanation of the phrases in each English conversation.

This is a sample lesson from the Everyday English Speaking Course. You can register to get all 45 lessons in the course!

Airport English Conversation #1 – At the Check-In Desk

Dan is flying from New York to Los Angeles. When he arrives at the airport, he goes to the check-in desk. Listen to the conversation he has with the agent:

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

Dan:  Los Angeles.

Agent:  May I have your passport, please?

Dan:  Here you go.

Agent:  Are you checking any bags?

Dan:  Just this one.

Agent:  OK, please place your bag on the scale.

Dan:  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.

Dan:  Thanks.

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Conversation Vocabulary and Phrases

• Instead of  “Where are you flying today?” the agent may ask “What’s your final destination?”  The answer will be the same!
• You can say  “Here you go” anytime you give something to somebody
• To  check your bags  means to put them on the airplane inside the cargo compartment. The small bag you take with you on the airplane is called a  carry-on . You need to put your carry-on bags through the X-ray machine at security.
• The  scale is the equipment that tells you the weight of your luggage (45 kilograms, for example)
• A  stopover  or  layover  is when the airplane stops in a different city before continuing to the final destination
• If the agent says that your luggage will  go straight through , it means it will go directly to the final destination (and you don’t need to pick it up during your stopover)
• Boarding passes  are the tickets that permit you to enter the airplane
• When a plane begins  boarding , it means that the passengers start to enter the plane. Usually boarding time is 30-60 minutes before takeoff (when the plane leaves)

Other Questions & Phrases for the Airport

• “Excuse me, where is the American Airlines check-in desk?”
• “How many bags can I check?”
• “Will my luggage go straight through, or do I need to pick it up in [Chicago]?”
• “How much is the fee?” If your bag is heavier than the weight limits, or if your bag is larger than the size limits, you may need to pay extra: an  oversized baggage fee  or overweight baggage fee  (this can be $75 to $300) .  Some airlines in the United States also charge a fee for ALL checked bags (usually $15 to $30).
• “Please mark this bag as ‘fragile.’” Say this if you have fragile or sensitive items in your bag that might break
• “Is the flight on time?” The agent will respond either “Yes” if the flight is on time, or “There’s a 20-minute delay” (for example) if the flight will leave later than expected.

Extra questions in the U.S.

On flights going to or inside the U.S., you might be asked some extra security questions before or during check-in. Here are some sample questions:

Answer YES to these questions:

• 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? (Liquids must be 100 mL or less, and stored in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag) More information: TSA.gov

Answer NO to these questions:

• 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?

Airport English Conversation #2 – Going through Security

There are two pieces of equipment in security: you put your bags through the  X-ray machine,  and you walk through the  metal detector. Some airports also use a body scanner for a more careful check.  

The  X-ray machine  has a  conveyor belt  that moves your bags automatically through the machine. You can put small items like keys or money into plastic  bins.

In the picture below, the woman is walking through the metal detector. Her suitcase is on the conveyor belt after going through the X-ray machine.

Agent:  Please lay your bags flat on the conveyor belt, and use the bins for small objects.

Dan:  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?

Dan:  I don’t think so. Let me try taking off my belt.

Agent:  Okay, come on through.

(he goes through the metal detector again)

Agent:  You’re all set! Have a nice flight.

The phrase “you’re all set” is a common expression that means “you’re finished and everything is OK.”

Phrasal Verbs: SET OFF and GO OFF

When the alarm sounds, we say “the alarm went off.” To describe what  caused  the alarm to sound, we say “set off” – for example, “My keys set off the alarm” or “My keys set off the metal detector.”

Airport English: Announcements at the Gate

Airports are divided into  terminals  (the major sections of the airport) and each terminal has many  gates.  The  gate  is the door you go through to enter the airplane. Here are a few announcements you might hear while you are at the gate, waiting for the plane to board.

• “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.”

500+ Real English Phrases

Airport English Conversation #3: On the plane

The people who work inside the airplane serving food and drinks are called flight attendants.  Both men and women who have this job are called flight attendants. Listen to this conversation that Dan has with the flight attendant when dinner is served on the flight.

Dan:  Sorry?

Flight attendant:  Would you like chicken or pasta?

Dan:  I’ll have the chicken.

Flight attendant:  Anything to drink?

Dan:  What kind of soda do you have?

Flight attendant:  Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange, and Dr. Pepper.

Dan:  A Diet Coke, no ice, please.

Flight attendant:  Here you go.

English Conversation Tips:

If you didn’t understand what the flight attendant said, you can say Sorry?  or  Pardon?  to ask him or her to repeat it.

If you want to ask for something, you can use the phrase  “Can I have…?”  or “Could I have…?” Practice your pronunciation with these common requests:

• “Can I have a pillow?”
• “Can I have a blanket?”
• “Can I have a pair of headphones/earbuds?”
• “Could I have some water/coffee/tea?”
• “Could I have some extra napkins?”

Finally, if you need to stand up, but there is a person sitting between you and the aisle, you can say  Excuse me  and make a motion to start standing up. The person sitting next to you will understand and stand up to let you get out of your seat.

You’ve finished Lesson 16! I hope you’ve enjoyed these English conversations at the airport. Now take the quiz to test how well you remember the airport English phrases.

In tomorrow’s lesson, you’ll learn from more English conversations at the airport – phrases for arriving at the destination airport, going through immigration, and dealing with common travel problems.

Quiz: Travel English at the Airport

Congratulations - you have completed Quiz: Travel English at the Airport .

You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.

Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%

This is a free sample lesson from the Everyday English Speaking Course Level 1

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Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.

Airport Vocabulary Guide

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Air travel is an exciting experience, but it can be overwhelming if you don't understand the language used at airports. This guide will introduce you to key airport vocabulary in English. This is designed to help English language learners like you feel more confident when navigating airports.

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.

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.

With this guide, you have learned essential airport terminology that will help you during your travels. Remember these terms, and you'll feel more confident the next time you fly. 

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English Travel Vocabulary – At the Airport

English Airport Vocabulary

Learn 50+ words and expressions with listening practice.

Are you headed to the airport soon? We learn a lot of English Airport vocabulary from books and illustrations, but do you feel comfortable using your airport vocabulary in conversation? We’ll take you through a few important places in the airport, explaining the English vocabulary along the way, in naturally spoken English from American and British accents.

Enjoy the Travel Vocabulary: at the Airport English listening practice below:

[wonderplugin_audio id=”43″] Welcome to our Daily English Listening Practice on Travel Vocabulary

Please listen to the audio files for explanations. Below are 50+ English words and expressions.

Looking for Transcripts? We’ve got 5 Worksheets + MP3 Downloads + Exercises  to go with our 50 English words and expressions about Travel Vocabulary – at the Airport

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Check out the extra notes for over 50 English words and expressions for talking about your time at the Airport.

Notes from the English Listening Practice:

Getting There

• Catch a flight: Take a scheduled flight
• Public transport: UK public buses, trains, the underground
• Underground lines: the specific path a train takes
• Someone gives me a lift: UK lets me ride in their car
• Bus line: the specific path a bus takes
• Off-site: outside of the airport
• On-site: at the airport
• Get a ride from my friends: USA Asking your friend to drive you to the airport
• Rental agency: Usually a car rental agency
• Uber app: Uber taxi application/service

How to use it: “Sorry, can’t make it out tonight, I’ve got an early flight in the morning…. Yeah don’t worry I’m getting a lift from my sister…. Yeah, the bus line takes forever because it stops at every terminal, and I’m at the last one.” “I’m flying out of Heathrow, which is on the other side of London. Fortunately my sister said she’d give me a lift.”

Check In/ Checking your bags/ Your Carry-ons

• Get dropped off: Arrive at your destination
• Self-service kiosk: Small touch-screen computer which prints your boarding pass
• Booking number / reference number: A 6-digit number you enter into the kiosk
• Scan my passport: Let the computer read your passport
• Checked baggage: Heavy or large luggage, e.g. a suitcase or big shopping items
• Carry-on bags: Light or small luggage, e.g. a backpack, briefcase, purse
• Budget airlines: cheaper airlines that often charge extra for food/luggage or other extras
• Check their specs: read their specifications or information on how big your items can be
• A stroller: USA a pushchair for your baby or child
• Luggage / a suitcase: some luggage (uncountable) / 2,3 suitcases (countable)
• Check-in Attendant: the person who helps you check-in
• Interaction: time you spent face-to-face with someone

How to use it: “I’m a pretty light traveler, my carry-on is the perfect size for everything I need and I only check a bag for trips longer than 3 weeks.” “I had to move some clothes into my carry-on bag because my checked luggage was over 20 kilos.”

• Head to security: go towards security
• Liquids – 3.4 oz – 100 ml
• TSA agent: American security agents
• Take your shoes off / take off your shoes
• Loose change: coins in your pockets
• Metal detector: a machine that notices if you have metal on your person
• Full-body scanner: a machine that scans your entire body
• Pat down: Searched with hands by security officials
• Taken aside: Stopped and asked some questions
• Random: Without an pattern or routine
• Lax: Relaxed, not very strict  

How to use it: “Hey, can I call you back after I’m through security? Yeah, TSA won’t let me use my phone.” “It always takes forever to get through security, and make sure you don’t have any liquids in your bag.”

Getting through customs

• Gotten through security: completed the security process
• Sit around: usually while waiting for something while bored
• Boarding process: the structured method for getting people on a plane
• Security spiel: scripted speech about security
• Take off: airplane is leaving the ground
• Land: airplane arrives at the next airport
• Customs: immigration in a new country
• Arrival card: card used to gather information about the person traveling
• Have that ready: prepare something
• Visa requirements: specific information needed in order to get a visa
• Consulate: the place you go to apply for and receive a visa
• Stamp your visa: usually done by immigration officer

How to use it: “Well, I’ve gotta go through customs, so, if I time it just right and nothing goes wrong with my new visa, I should get in by 10:30.” “I’m waiting in line at customs now. There’s tonnes of people and only three customs officials working, so I might be a while.”

Getting out of the airport

• Get through immigration: completed the customs/border patrol process
• All cleared: no problems with security
• Nothing to declare: you have no items to tell security about
• Conveyor belt : a moving band that moves your luggage around
• Carousel: the area where the conveyor belt moves around
• Figure it out: solve a problem
• Arrange a pickup: Reserve or schedule a taxi, car, bus, etc.
• Come get me: Come and pick me up
• Meeting point: A designated area to meet friends, hosts, colleagues or drivers
• Called an Uber: Call and reserve a taxi using Uber
• Data plan: Mobile data
• Tourist sim: A mobile sim card designed for short visits

How to use it: “Are you coming to get me? Great! About 40 more minutes …. Okay all cleared through customs. I’m just gonna grab my luggage. Meet me at carousel 4?….. Okay if you can’t park, I’ll just go to meeting point A outside of Terminal 2” “I’ve arranged a pick up from the airport that should take me directly to the hotel.”

Remember we have 5 X 10-minute Airport Vocabulary worksheets for you to study on your own or teach in your English classroom:

Airports can be a little hectic, but the excitement of travel is the best! Once you make it through security and customs, you’ll be in the clear to have a great time. Any other problems? Let us know in the comments!

Kat and Mark

Thanks https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Politikaner for the use of this airline security photo

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Let’s review some Airport Vocabulary in English

The biggest vocabulary mistake I hear my students making:

I bought a flight ticket.

You can say:

I bought a ticket. I bought a plane ticket. I bought an airline ticket.

…and the most common:

I bought a flight.

However, you can never say that you have a flight ticket . So, next time you go to an airport make sure you don’t say this combination of words.

Common Phrasal verbs related to Airport

You check-in when you arrive at the Airport. A check-in is what you do at a counter to show that you are there, then you leave your luggage and print your boarding pass.

If someone drops you off, they leave you at an airport so you can get your plane. This person can either park or just leave you at the curbside , which means the street or on the curb ( *sidewalk* ).

When someone gets you at the airport after your flight, to bring you home, they are picking you up.

More Important Airport Vocabulary

• Baggage allowance

The amount of luggage (or suitcases) and the weight of the baggage pieces you are allowed to bring on your journey.

A carry-on is the smaller baggage you bring with you on the plane. During the flight, it can stay over your head in the overhead bin or under your seat.

• Overweight fee

Sometimes a bag weights too much and the weight is over the limit, and the airline can charge you with an overweight fee.

• Domestic flight

A domestic flight is a flight within your country.

• Boarding pass

A piece of paper that shows you which terminal and gate you should go to board your plane.

Big airports usually have more than one terminal, so you might need to transfer to another terminal with a shuttle .

At the airport, this word is often used as a noun and means “bus”. So, you can get a shuttle to go to other terminals, or outside the airport to the city center, for example.

A terminal is the place where the airplanes arrive or depart. Sometimes an airport can have more than one terminal, so make sure you always check your boarding pass to see your terminal.

This is a place where you go to board the plane.

• Boarding time 

The verb to board means to get on the plane, so the boarding time is the time that you are supposed to board.

• Flight attendants 

Flight attendants are the people that assist you on the plane during your flight.

• Departures and arrivals

Finally, the departures area is where people who are going to get into a flight must go, while the arrivals area is where you can wait for your friends or family when they are arriving from a flight.

Practice makes perfect

You can use the comments area below to write some sentences using all this vocabulary we just reviewed or you can comment on the Youtube video . You can also practice with a friend! Make sure you know all these words for your next flight.

Here are some questions to practice:

• Are you going to buy any flight soon?
• Do you often drop people off at the airport?
• Do you travel with a lot of baggage?
• Is the airport in your city big? Does it have many terminals?
• Have you ever missed your boarding time?
• How often have you had to pay overweight fees?

Happy Studying! ♥

If you need to learn more vocabulary, english expressions, phrasal verbs and improve your confidence – the conversation club is the place to do it learn more and sign up here:.

The Conversation Club will provide you with 6 group conversation calls to practice with a real teacher and a group message community to connect with other members.

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Great post!

I really like the fact that you’ve included “pick up” and “drop off.” So many people forget those little guys.

Thanks! Yes – they’re key! 🙂

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If you’re flying to an English-speaking country soon, it’s good to be prepared!

Learn ten essential English words you need at the airport and test yourself in the interactive exercises.

At the Airport

• (aero)plane
• flight attendant
• baggage conveyor belt
• baggage trolley
• boarding card
• customs (plural only)

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• At the Airport (Topic: Airport)
• Airport: fly, flight, high flyer, take off, clouds, nosedive

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40 Basic Vocabulary Words and Common Phrases for Travel in English

Embarking on a journey to a foreign country can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when language barriers come into play. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! This page is dedicated to all the globetrotters out there who are keen on enhancing their English language skills specifically for travel.

We’ve curated a list of 40 essential English words and phrases that will prove to be your best companions on your travels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first overseas trip, mastering these words and phrases will not only boost your confidence but also enrich your travel experiences. So, let’s dive in and start preparing for your next adventure with our comprehensive travel vocabulary guide. Happy learning and safe travels!

40 essential English words and phrases for travel

• Passport – “Don’t forget to bring your passport to the airport.”
• Luggage – “Please make sure your luggage is not left unattended.”
• Reservation – “I have a reservation under the name Smith.”
• Itinerary – “Our itinerary includes stops in Rome, Paris, and London.”
• Destination – “Our final destination is Sydney.”
• Accommodation – “I’ve booked accommodation for three nights in the city center.”
• Sightseeing – “We’re going sightseeing in the old town tomorrow.”
• Currency – “What’s the local currency in Japan?”
• Boarding Pass – “Please have your boarding pass and identification ready.”
• Departure – “Our departure time is 6:00 PM.”
• Arrival – “Our estimated arrival time is 8:00 PM.”
• Customs – “You’ll need to declare any items at customs.”
• Visa – “Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?”
• Tourist – “As a tourist, I love exploring new places.”
• Landmark – “The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.”
• Guidebook – “I bought a guidebook to learn more about the city’s history.”
• Souvenir – “I bought a souvenir from each city we visited.”
• Jet Lag – “I’m feeling a bit of jet lag after the long flight.”
• Travel Agency – “The travel agency arranged all of our accommodations.”
• Backpack – “I prefer to travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase.”
• Could you help me, please? – When you need assistance.
• How much does this cost? – When you want to know the price of something.
• Where is the nearest…? – When you’re looking for something specific, like a bathroom or a subway station.
• I would like to book… – When you want to make a reservation.
• Do you speak English? – When you need to find someone who speaks English.
• I’m lost. Can you help me? – When you need directions.
• Can I have the menu, please? – When you’re at a restaurant and want to see the menu.
• I’m allergic to… – When you need to inform someone of your allergies.
• Can I have the bill, please? – When you’re ready to pay at a restaurant.
• What time does it open/close? – When you want to know the operating hours of a place.
• Can I have a ticket to…, please? – When you’re buying a ticket.
• Where can I catch the bus/train? – When you need to find the bus or train station.
• Is it far from here? – When you want to know the distance to a place.
• Can you recommend a good…? – When you’re looking for recommendations.
• Do you accept credit cards? – When you want to know if you can pay with a credit card.
• What’s the Wi-Fi password? – When you need to connect to the internet.
• I’d like to go to… – When you’re telling a taxi driver your destination.
• Is there a pharmacy nearby? – When you need to find a pharmacy.
• Can I try this on? – When you’re shopping for clothes and want to try something on.
• Could you take a picture of us, please? – When you want someone to take a photo of you and your group.

Wrapping Up Our English Travel Vocabulary Journey

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through 40 essential English words and phrases that will help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, language is a powerful tool that can open doors to understanding new cultures, making new friends, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Don’t worry if you can’t memorize all the words and phrases at once. The beauty of language learning is that it’s a continuous process. Keep practicing, and soon these words will become second nature to you.

But why stop at 40? If you’re eager to expand your travel vocabulary even further, we have an exciting offer for you. Follow us on Instagram and send us a direct message to get your hands on our comprehensive eBook (write “Travel eBook”), which features 200 essential English words and phrases for travel, plus 2 special bonuses!

We hope this guide will be a valuable resource for your travel adventures. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or exotic beaches, these phrases will help you navigate your way with confidence.

Thank you for joining us on this linguistic journey. We wish you all the best in your English learning and your future travels. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, a single word. Happy travels and happy learning!

>> Learn more English vocabulary

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Travel Vocabulary for English-Language Learners

With a follow-up quiz for extra practice

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The travel-related words below are the most important terms to know when talking about travel or taking vacations . Words are categorized into different sections depending on the type of travel. You'll find example sentences for each word to help provide context for learning, as well as a short quiz at the end to test your knowledge.

Air Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Airport : I went to the airport to catch a flight to San Francisco. Check in : Make sure to get to the airport two hours early to check in. Fly : I like to fly on the same airline to get mileage points. Land : The airplane will land in two hours. Landing : The landing took place during a storm. It was very scary! Plane : The plane is packed with 300 passengers. Take off : The airplane is scheduled to take off at 3:30 p.m.

Vacation Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Camp : Do you like to camp in the woods? Destination : What is your final destination? Excursion : I'd like to take an excursion to the wine country while we're in Tuscany. Go camping : Let's go to the beach and go camping next weekend. Go sightseeing : Did you go sightseeing while you were in France? Hostel : Staying in a youth hostel is a great way to save money on vacation. Hotel : I'll book a hotel for two nights. Journey : The journey will take four weeks and we'll visit four countries. Luggage : Can you carry the luggage upstairs? Motel : We stayed in a convenient motel on our way to Chicago. Package holiday : I prefer to buy package holidays , so I don't have to worry about anything. Passenger : The passenger felt ill during the voyage. Route : Our route will take us through Germany and on to Poland. Sightseeing : The sightseeing in this town is rather boring. Let's go shopping . Suitcase : Let me unpack my suitcase and then we can go swimming. Tour : Peter went on a tour of the vineyard. Tourism : Tourism is becoming an important industry in almost every country. Tourist : Every May, many tourists from around the world come to see the flower festival. Travel : Travel is one of his favorite free time activities. Travel agent : The travel agent found us a great deal. Trip : The trip to New York was lovely and interesting. Vacation : I'd love to take a nice long vacation on the beach.

Overland Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Bicycle : One of the best ways to see the countryside is to ride a bicycle. Bike : We rode a bike from shop to shop. Bus : You can catch a bus for Seattle at the bus station. Bus station : The bus station is three blocks from here. Car : You might want to rent a car when you go on vacation. Lane : Make sure to get into the left lane when you want to pass. Motorcycle : Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting, but it's also dangerous. Freeway : We'll have to take the freeway to Los Angeles. Highway : The highway between the two cities is quite lovely. Rail : Have you ever traveled by rail? Go by rail : Going by rail offers the opportunity to get up and walk around as you travel. Railway : The railway station is down this street. Road: There are three roads to Denver. Main road : Take the main road into town and turn left at 5th Street. Taxi : I got in a taxi and went to the train station. Traffic : There's a lot of traffic today on the road! Train : I like riding on trains. It's a very relaxing way to travel. Tube : You can take the tube in London. Underground : You can take the underground in many cities throughout Europe. Subway : You can take the subway in New York.

Sea / Ocean Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Boat: Have you ever piloted a boat? Cruise: We will stop at three destinations during our cruise through the Mediterranean. Cruise ship: It's the most elegant cruise ship in the world! Ferry: Ferries allow passengers to take their cars with them to their destination. Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean takes four days to cross. Port: There are all kinds of commercial ships in the port. Sailboat: The sailboat requires nothing but the wind. Sea: The sea is very calm today. Set sail: We set sail for the exotic island. Ship: Have you ever been a passenger on a ship? Voyage: The voyage to the Bahamas took three days.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Zhukovsky International Airport

Zhukovsky International Airport, formerly known as Ramenskoye Airfield or Zhukovsky Airport is an international airport, located in Moscow Oblast, Russia, 36 km southeast of central Moscow, in the city of Zhukovsky, a few kilometers south-east of the closed Bykovo Airport.

Tours and activities: Zhukovsky International Airport

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Economy | San Jose airport passenger rebound shows signs…

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Economy | father, two children identified as victims in fiery fatal pleasanton car crash, subscriber only, economy | san jose airport passenger rebound shows signs of losing altitude, weaker passenger pattern emerges at san jose aviation hub.

SAN JOSE — Passenger travel at San Jose International Airport is showing a loss of altitude, leaving the Silicon Valley aviation hub well short of its pre-coronavirus heights.

The airport handled 930,522 passengers in March — 13.4% above the passenger totals for February, but 3.6% below the passenger activity reported for March 2023. Over the 12 months that ended in March, the airport reported it handled 12.05 million passengers. That was down 0.4% from the 12.1 million passengers the South Bay travel hub accommodated during 2023.

The airport’s performance over the most recent 12-month period is far below the record heights San Jose achieved in 2019, the final year before the outbreak of the coronavirus and the resulting collapse of the worldwide travel industry due to government-imposed business shutdowns and transportation restrictions. The airport reported 15.65 million passengers in 2019, nearly 23% more.

“Prior to the pandemic, a significant portion of San Jose Airport’s traffic was driven by business travel,” airport officials said in emailed comments. “We suspect that the slow rebound in business travel, which is yet to fully recover globally, is having a significant impact on our recovery.”

The three major regional airports are all facing a feeble post-coronavirus recovery. Over the year-long period that ended in February 2024, Oakland International Airport handled 11.27 million passengers. That was 16% below the 13.38 million passengers Oakland accommodated in 2019.

San Jose airport officials, in the statement, also acknowledge the changes in air travel, saying, “We have welcomed the arrival of low-cost carriers, ZIPAIR and Spirit Airlines, that have entered the market to meet the growing demand for more leisure and family travel,”

ZIPAIR has added a flight between San Jose and Japan, which means six weekly departures from San Jose to Tokyo Narita International Airport.

Spirit Airlines has added nonstop flights between San Jose and the destinations of Los Angeles; Portland, Oregon; and the Baltimore-Washington region.

“Post-pandemic, we are adapting to the market,” the statement said.

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Delta recovers emergency slide that separated from Boeing plane

An emergency slide that fell from a Delta flight just a few minutes after takeoff has been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean in New York City.

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation said that the airline recovered the slide on Sunday in a jetty near Beach 131st Street in Queens, about 10 miles from where the flight took off Friday at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

"As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta flight crews enacted their extensive training and followed procedures to return to JFK," Delta said in a statement about the diverted plane issued Friday.

The company said that the plane landed safely and "it was observed that the emergency slide had separated from the aircraft," after returning to a gate.

The company confirmed the recovery of the slide Monday and referred to its earlier statement.

Flight returned due to alert crew

Flight 520 to Los Angeles returned to JFK after the flight crew saw an indicator light related to the right overwing exit and heard a "non-routine" sound near the right wing.

The crew also reported a vibration , according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The flight was operated by a 33-year-old Boeing 767 , according to data from  Airfleets.net , and passengers were accommodated on a different flight later in the morning. There were 183 people aboard the flight.

The FAA said it is investigating the incident and Delta said it would cooperate with that investigation.

Separated slide latest in Boeing parts problems

The separated slide is the latest in a series of parts failures that led to increased regulatory scrutiny and seeing company culture excoriated by a whistleblower in Senate hearings.

Earlier this month, an engine cowling fell off a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 during takeoff, causing the flight headed for Houston to turn back, according to the FAA in Denver.

In March, an FAA audit  of Boeing and subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems “found multiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.”

In February, the National Transit Safety Board reported that an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft was missing four bolts in a mid-cabin door plug that led to an explosive decompression that sparked the audit.

The same month, a 737-800 flown by United Airlines was diverted from Houston to Atlanta after the crew reported a potential engine issue. The incident occurred days after a different 737-800 was forced to land in Denver due to a cracked windshield.

Contributing: Sara Al-Arshani, Eve Chen, Kathleen Wong

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Dubai plans to move its busy international airport to a $35 billion new facility within 10 years

This artist’s rendering provided by the government of Dubai shows plans for Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Dubai government via AP)

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central on Friday, April 26, 2024. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

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Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom’s 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak , nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai’s ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai’s 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

Meanwhile, the city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE , which disrupted flights and commerce for days.

Dubai plans to move its busy international airport to a $35 billion new facility within 10 years

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom’s 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak , nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai’s ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai’s 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

Meanwhile, the city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE , which disrupted flights and commerce for days.