conversation air travel

Real English Conversation

English Conversation: Airport Travel

Listen to this interesting English conversation about travelling though airports that don’t speak your native language. This article includes:

• Listen to a natural conversation and learn some vocabulary
• A conversation at the airport between an airline agent and a passenger who is checking in for his flight.

Listen to Part 1 of this English Conversation

SEND ME THIS Lesson!

Interesting Vocabulary from this Airport Conversation

newbie   – Someone who is new and inexperienced at an activity or a job.

• We have a newbie working with us today. It should be interesting to see what mistakes they make.
• I feel like a complete newbie at this sport. I hope I learn quickly.

layover  – The time in between flight connections.

• There is a very short layover in Calgary. Hopefully there will be no flight delays otherwise we are going to miss the connection.
• A 2 hour layover is perfect. You have enough time to go through customs and security plus grab a bite to eat if you’re hungry.

gut instinct  – An gut feeling or gut instinct can be used equally. It is an instinct or intuition that helps you to decide what you should do in a certain situation.

• I have a gut feeling that I’m going to get offered the job.
• My gut instinct says we should turn left on this road.

Get the FULL Conversation Lesson for Airport Travel

✔ 15-Minute Audio Lesson full of interesting airport stories ✔ Read & Listen with the PDF text transcription ✔ Practice Exercises to test your listening comprehension ✔ Learn Vocabulary with examples and explanations

Conversations At The Airport You Might Have

English is the international language of travelling and airports. Employees who work with passengers are even required to speak a minimum level of English in certain airports.

Let’s look at a few of the English conversations you are likely to have when travelling internationally.

• Checking-in to your flight and getting your boarding pass
• Security check and baggage screening
• Asking about airport gates and terminal locations
• Ordering food at restaurants in the airport or purchasing small items
• Airport announcements and flight boarding calls
• Speaking with the flight attendants during the flight

And if your luggage goes missing…

• Describing the disappearance
• Providing address details so the airport can deliver it later

Or if you miss a flight connection…

• Finding alternative flight options
• Discussing hotel options if you have to stay overnight

Airport Check-in Conversation Dialogue

In this article, we have created a dialogue for you to study and learn from that can help you while you are communicating in English with the airline agents.

Sample Dialogue:

The flight agent will probably start with a greeting such as hello, good evening, good morning or good afternoon.

Agent: Do you have your passport and boarding pass?

Passenger: Yes, here they are.

Agent:  How many bags will you be checking in today?

Passenger: Just this one.

Agent: Okay great. Do you mind putting it on the scare here?

If you do not have any checked luggage, you might say “I don’t have any checked luggage. Just my carry-on bag here”. If your bag looks bigger than the allowed size, they might have to measure it.

Agent: Oh, it looks like your bag is overweight by 1 kilogram. Would you like to take something out to put in your carry-on bag so that we do not have to charge the overweight bag fee?

Passenger: Yes, please. One minute. Let me take out my sweater.

Unzips the suitcase and takes out the sweater. The puts it back on the scale.

Passenger: Okay, is that below weight?

Agent: Yes, the bag is fine now. Let me print off your bag tags.

Agent: Okay, here are your boarding passes and the luggage tracking numbers in case something happens to your luggage. Your flight is departing from Terminal A Gate 37. The flight leaves in 2 hours and the gates can change so I recommend checking the gate number one hour before the boarding time just in case it changes. That’s all for now. Have a good flight!

Passenger: I will, thanks. Have a nice day.

Learn from English Conversations like This!

This Real English Conversation lesson is one of the 41 conversation lessons we have available to members of our courses. Each conversation lesson includes a full PDF transcription, MP3 download , speaking and listening exercises. Additionally, our online courses include access to speaking fluency lessons, real conversations with real people and training to help you understand more of what you hear.

Be sure to check out the Real English Conversations Lessons   to get access to 20+ hours of naturally spoken conversations. 

ESL discussion questions about air travel.

Other topics you may be interested in...

General topics.

Air Travel , Animals , Appearance , Art , Childhood , Cinema , Crime , Eating Out , Education , Environment , Ethics , Fame , Family , Fashion , Food , Football (Soccer) , Friendship , The Future , Globalisation , Health , History , Holidays (Vacations) , House and Home , The Internet , Language , Language Learning , Life , Literature , Marriage , The Media , Money , Music , Personality , Politics , Religion , Romance , Science , Shopping , Smartphones , Sport , Technology , Time , Town and City , Transport , Travel , University , Video Games , War , Weather , Work .

Business Topics

Advertising , Brands , Building Relationships , Change , Communication , Competition , Consultants , Crisis Management , Cultures , Customer Service , Employment Trends , Ethics , First Impressions , Human Resources , International Marketing , International Markets , Job Satisfaction , Leadership , Management Styles , Marketing , Mergers and Acquisitions , Money , New Business , Online Business , Organisation , Project Management , Raising Finance , Risk , Strategy , Success , Team Building , Training , Travel .

Grammar Topics

Present Simple , Present Continuous , Present Perfect , Present Perfect Continuous , Past Simple , Past Continuous , Used to , Have to , Going to / Pres. Continuous , Going to / Will , Comparatives , Superlatives , First Conditional , Second Conditional , Third Conditional , Mixed Conditionals , Should , Should have , Can , Could , Can / Could / Be able to , Is done / Was done , Being done / Been done .

How to use the air travel ESL discussion questions

It is recommended that you download the air travel ESL discussion questions in PDF format using one of the links above. The best way to encourage classroom interaction is to download and print the air travel discussion questions in the 'pairs' or 'threes' PDF format and then divide the questions by cutting along the dotted lines. This allows students to take turns asking and answering the air travel discussion questions in groups of two or three. Alternatively, you could use the 'cards' format to distribute the questions to any number of students to ask and share.

It is advisable to prepare students for using these discussion questions by first introducing them to the topic of air travel in an interesting and engaging way. An anecdote, quiz question or a related image or video could all be used to achieve this. Depending on the level, it may also be necessary to pre-teach any challenging vocabulary related to air travel contained in the discussion questions.

For more ESL discussion questions, see this site's main page. There are discussion questions on a range of topics including general, grammar and business English topics.

For further information about the site and its author, see the about page.

At the Airport: A Dialogue and Quiz for Beginner English Learners

• Basic Conversations for English Language Learners
• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Writing Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Business English
• Resources for Teachers
• TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
• M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
• B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music

If you are traveling and need to visit an airport, you can expect polite questions when checking in, going through customs, and boarding a plane. You should always remember to be polite, especially when speaking to customs officials and security officers. Knowing the socially appropriate things to say will help you speed through the check-in and boarding process.

To prepare for your trip to the airport, study vocabulary related to travel and practice these basic English dialogues with a partner. Afterward, take a quiz to test your verbal skills related to airport travel.

Important Questions at Check-In

Expect these questions when checking in at an airport. Before practicing the dialogue below, familiarize yourself with the terminology and phrasing of these questions.

• Can I have your ticket, please?
• May I see your passport, please?
• Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
• Do you have any baggage?
• What is your final destination?
• Would you like to upgrade to business or first class?
• Do you need any help getting to the gate?

Check-In Practice Dialogue

The following dialogue between a passenger service agent and a passenger is fairly typical of a discussion you might encounter at an airport. Take one of the roles, find a friend of fellow student to take the other role, practice the dialogue, and switch roles.

Service agent: Good morning. Can I have your ticket, please? Passenger: Here you are. Service agent: Would you like a window or an aisle seat? Passenger: An aisle seat, please. Service agent: Do you have any baggage? Passenger: Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on bag. Service agent: Here's your boarding pass. Have a nice flight. Passenger: Thank you.

Going through Security

After you've checked in, you'll need to go through airport security. It's important to follow instructions carefully and understand these requests:

• Please step through the scanner - Asked when you are passing through metal detectors at the airport.
• Please step to the side - Asked if a security officer needs to question you further.
• Please raise your arms to the side - Asked when you are inside a scanner.
• Empty your pockets, please.
• Please take off your shoes and belt.
• Please take any electronic devices out of your bag.

Security Practice Dialogue

Things move quickly at an airport once you reach the security checkpoint. Use this dialogue practice to help you speed through the process.

Security officer: Next! Passenger: Here's my ticket. Security officer: Please step through the scanner. Passenger: (beep, beep, beep) What's wrong? Security officer: Please step to the side. Passenger: Certainly. Security officer: Do you have any coins in your pocket? Passenger: No, but I have some keys. Security officer: Ah, that's the problem. Put your keys in this bin and walk through the scanner again. Passenger: OK. Security officer: Excellent. No problem. Remember to unload your pockets before you go through security next time. Passenger: I'll do that. Thank you. Security officer: Have a nice day.

Passport Control and Customs

If you take an international flight, you'll have to pass through passport control and customs. Here are some of the most common questions you can expect:

• Can I see your passport?
• Are you a tourist or here on business? - Asked at customs to determine the purpose of your visit.
• Do you have anything to declare? - Sometimes people need to declare things they have bought in other countries.
• Have you brought any food into the country? - Some countries do not allow certain foods to be brought into the country.

Passport Control and Customs Dialogues

You may have different experiences at the passport-control and customs sections depending on the laws of the country you are visiting as well as the type of items you are bringing in.

Passport official: Good morning. Can I see your passport? Passenger: Here you are. Passport official: Thank you very much. Are you a tourist or here on business? Passenger: I'm a tourist. Passport official: That's fine. Have a pleasant stay. Passenger: Thank you.

Customs official: Good morning. Do you have anything to declare? Passenger: I'm not sure. I have two bottles of whiskey. Do I need to declare that? Customs official: No, you can have up to 2 quarts. Passenger: Great. Customs official: Have you brought any food into the country? Passenger: Just some cheese I bought in France. Customs official: I'm afraid I'll have to take that. Passenger: Why? It's just some cheese. Customs official: Unfortunately, you are not allowed to bring cheese into the country. I'm sorry. Passenger: OK. Here you are. Customs official: Thank you. Anything else? Passenger: I bought a T-shirt for my daughter. Customs official: That's fine. Have a nice day. Passenger: You, too.

• boarding pass
• board ticket
• bin... scanner
• hole... scanner
• holder... hall
• bin... security
• All of the answers are correct
• suitcase... tourist
• ticket... passenger
• passport... airline worker
• passport... tourist
• window... aisle
• aisle... window
• aisle... window one
• Learn English With These Basic Conversation Exercises
• Top Vocabulary Building Books
• How to Tell Time in English: Vocabulary and Dialogues
• English Idioms and Expressions
• Beginner English Language Practice: In a Motel / Hotel
• Food Lesson for an ESL Learner
• Joint Pain Terminology and English for Medical Purposes
• Conversations in Restaurants for ESL Beginners
• Check Your Knowledge: Travel Vocabulary
• ESL Vocabulary Lesson Plan - Opposites for Beginning Level Learners
• Top Ten Uses of Get
• How to Ask and Answer Basic English Questions
• A Drink at the Bar: Dialogue and Vocabulary for ESL Learners
• Idioms in Context: Expressions and Their Meanings
• English for Medical Purposes - Making a Doctor's Appointment
• ESL: Improve Your English Telephone Skills

English conversations at the airport

Most commonly used phrases at the airport.

I want to fly non-stop to … When is there a non-stop flight to … ? I would like to reserve a seat to … When should I check-in for the flight? You need to check in an hour before the flight. Can you look through the reservations? Where can I put my luggage? What is the luggage allowance? I have only carry-on luggage. Leave your luggage for a customs examination, please! Have your passports and tickets ready for the check, please. You must be at the airport at .. hours at the latest. When does the plane for .. take off? The plane is taking off at … o’clock. I’d like a window seat, please. Which is the gate for the flight to …? Where is the gate number …? When shall we land in … ? You can’t take on board a flight .. . Please, fasten yo safety belts!

Check-in your luggage

A: Did you pack your bags yourself? B: Yes, I did. A: Are you checking in any bags? B: I have a suitcase to check and one carry-on. A: I’m afraid this bag exceeds the size restrictions. Put it on the carry-on sizer, please. B: Okay. A:I have a stopover in Amsterdam. Would I have to collect my luggage there? B: No, your luggage will go straight through to Chicago.

A: Can I see your tickets, please? B: Sure, here you are. A: Would you like a window or an aisle seat? B: Window seat, please.

A: Our flight departs at 10.35. B: Are you sure about that?

A: Can I take this bottle of water on board? B: I’m sorry but you can’t. A: Do you have any keys in your pockets? B: No, I don’t have. A: Do I need to take my laptop out of bag? B: Yes, please. Put it into the bin.

Immigration

A: Why are you visiting the country? B: We’re on holiday. A: How long do you intend to stay? B: One week. A: Where will you be staying during your visit? B: At Four Seasons hotel.

Transport from/to the airport

A: We took a taxi to the airport. It cost £40. B: £40! Normally it costs about £20.

A: How long to get from here to the airport? B: Usually about 45 minutes. It depends on the traffic.

A: I’ll phone you from the airport when I arrive. B: Don’t come to the airport. I’ll take the bus.

More sample sentences

They canceled all flights because of fog. My flight departs at 10.15, but it didn’t leave until 11.30. Our flight was delayed. We had to wait for two hours. There were problems at the airport and some of the flights were canceled. Flight AB123 to Rome is now boarding at gate 4. It was my first flight. I was nervous as the plane took off. Andy is a flight attendant. He works for Emirates airlines. It’s only a two hours flight from London to Madrid. We will be boarding the aircraft in about ten minutes. My flight arrives at 5 o’clock in the morning. Our flight was delayed. We had to wait at the airport for three hours.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll shortly be landing at Dublin Airport. Please fasten your seatbelts. I hope your flight is on-time tomorrow. Safe trip/travel! See you at the airport.

You’ll need plenty of time at the airport. By the time you check-in and go through security, it will be time for your flight.

After getting off the plane, we had to queue for an hour to get through immigration.

The outward flight was very bumpy. I hope the return flight is smoother.

It’s a very busy airport. There are planes landing and taking off all the time.

airport crew pilot captain steward, stewardess

take-off landing runaway plane gate

Related Posts:

Flight Discussions Questions – ESL Free Speaking Lesson

Welcome to our ESL discussion session on the importance of English language skills !

Let’s dive into engaging conversations and improve our understanding together. Share your experiences, tips, and preferences related to flights .

What insights and shared moments will emerge as we explore this topic?

Let’s start our discussion!

50 Conversation Questions About Flight

50 Conversation Questions About Flight:

• Have you ever missed a flight? What happened?
• What’s your favorite airline to travel with and why?
• Do you prefer window or aisle seats on a plane?
• How do you pass the time during a long flight?
• Have you ever experienced turbulence on a flight? How did you feel?
• What’s the most exotic destination you’ve traveled to by plane?
• Do you prefer to check in online or at the airport counter?
• Have you ever had a delayed flight? How did you handle it?
• What’s the best meal you’ve had on a plane?
• Have you ever lost your luggage while traveling by air?
• Do you enjoy looking out the window during takeoff and landing?
• What’s your opinion on in-flight entertainment options?
• Have you ever flown first class? How was the experience different?
• Do you get jet lag when traveling across different time zones?
• What’s the longest flight you’ve ever been on?
• How do you feel about airplane food?
• Have you ever had a memorable interaction with a flight attendant?
• Do you prefer to travel with carry-on luggage only or check a bag?
• What’s your biggest fear when flying?
• Have you ever had a connecting flight? How was the experience?
• What do you think about airport security measures?
• Have you ever had to run to catch a flight?
• How do you stay comfortable during a flight?
• What’s your opinion on reclining seats on a plane?
• Have you ever experienced a medical emergency on a flight?
• What’s the best souvenir you’ve brought back from a trip by plane?
• Do you usually book flights well in advance or last minute?
• Have you ever experienced a diversion during a flight?
• What’s your go-to travel snack for flights?
• How do you feel about the boarding process on planes?
• Have you ever had a memorable conversation with a seatmate on a flight?
• What’s the most beautiful view you’ve seen from a plane window?
• Do you prefer to fly during the day or at night?
• Have you ever had to deal with lost or stolen documents while traveling by air?
• How do you feel about the size of airplane seats?
• What’s your opinion on electronic devices usage during flights?
• Have you ever had a flight canceled due to weather conditions?
• Do you enjoy flying over oceans or land more?
• What’s the most interesting book you’ve read on a plane?
• How do you handle motion sickness during a flight?
• Have you ever witnessed a proposal or special celebration on a flight?
• What’s your must-have item in your carry-on bag?
• Do you prefer to board early or wait until the last minute?
• Have you ever had a memorable experience with airport staff?
• What’s your favorite part of the flight experience?
• How do you feel about airplane lavatories?
• Have you ever experienced a rough landing?
• What’s the most unique souvenir you’ve bought at an airport?
• Do you enjoy looking at the flight map on the screen in front of you?
• Have you ever had a memorable experience with customs or immigration officers at the airport?

Conversation Dialogue:

Sarah: Hi John, have you ever missed a flight before?

John: Yes, I missed a flight last year due to heavy traffic on the way to the airport. It was a stressful experience.

Sarah: That sounds challenging. How did you manage the situation?

John: I had to rebook my flight for the next available one and ended up spending extra hours at the airport. It taught me to always leave early for flights.

Sarah: That’s a good lesson. Do you prefer window or aisle seats when flying?

John: I usually prefer aisle seats for easy access to the restroom. What about you?

Sarah: I love window seats to enjoy the view during the flight. It’s always fascinating to see the world from above.

Words related to the topic:

• Departure – the action of leaving, typically to start a journey.
• Boarding pass – a document provided by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to board the airplane for a particular flight.
• Layover – a period of rest or waiting before a further stage in a journey.
• Baggage claim – the area at an airport where arriving passengers collect their checked luggage.
• Turbulence – sudden, violent movements of air that can cause irregular changes in altitude during a flight.

So, next time you find yourself at the airport or on a plane, remember these conversation questions to engage with others about flights.

Whether you’re sharing travel stories, discussing preferences, or exchanging tips, these discussions won’t only improve your English skills but also make your air travel experiences more enjoyable and insightful.

Happy flying!

Related Posts:

• Conversation Questions About Travel
• Migration Conversation Questions – ESL Free Speaking Lesson
• Your Girlfriend – ESL Conversation Questions and…
• Life Experiences Conversation Questions – ESL Free…
• Favorite Movie Conversation Questions – ESL Free…
• Free Speaking Lesson: Critical Thinking – ESL…
• Upper Intermediate – ESL Conversation Questions and…
• Trends – ESL Conversation Questions and Speaking Lesson
• Visiting Places – ESL Conversation Questions and…

25 airport conversation questions

A free discussion worksheet about airports with 3 pictures to describe. This is a handy resource for lessons related to travel and flying . Difficult words on this printable include – over-priced, strangers, pass time, first-class, tense (adj), scanner, carry-on, baggage, terminal, confident, and experience.

The airport conversation questions are –

How many times have you been to an airport? Do you like them?

How far is the closest airport to you? What is it called?

Do you think airports are over-priced? How much do you usually pay for a meal?

Have you ever missed a flight at an airport? What happened, and what did you do?

How early do you usually arrive at an airport before a flight?

What things do you dislike most about airports?

Do you like to talk to strangers at airports? How do you start a conversation?

What things are cheap to buy inside airports?

What is the best way to pass the time while waiting at airports?

Have you ever been in a first-class lounge? What was it like inside?

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at an airport?

Do you feel relaxed or tense when you are at airports to catch flights?

What things do people need to remove or take off at x-ray scanners?

Would you like to work at an airport? What job would you like to do?

What things do you need to provide at airline check-in desks?

What do you usually take in your carry-on baggage?

Have you ever had to remove something from your bags at an airport? Why?

What is the longest amount of time you have ever spent at an airport terminal?

Some people have lived in airports for months? Do you think you could do this?

What are the best and worst airports you have been to?

Are there any airport rules that you don’t agree with? What are they?

Do you feel confident speaking English at airports?

What kinds of problems can people experience inside airports?

Have you ever had an interesting experience related to an airport? What was it?

Related activities

For some good warm-up or cooler activities to go with the airport conversation questions, check out the airport vocabulary worksheets .

You might also like these

11 printable funny picture writing prompts

25 delicious fruit conversation questions

25 Useful gadgets conversation questions

Free ESL  and English teaching resources, no sign up required. Just find what you like, download it and head to class!

Privacy Policy

Share ESL Vault with your friends!

• Writing Worksheets
• Vocabulary Worksheets
• Pronunciation
• Kids worksheets
• Idioms and Expressions
• ESL Puzzles
• ESL Pair Work Activities
• ESL Conversation Questions
• Coloring Pages
• Articles, Lists and Ideas
• Art and Craft Activities

• English Conversation Lessons
• English Essay Topics
• English Autobiography Examples
• Report Writing
• Letter Writing
• Expansion of Ideas(English Proverbs)
• English Grammar
• English Debate Topics
• English Stories
• English Speech Topics
• English Poems
• Riddles with Answers
• English Idioms
• Simple English Conversations
• Greetings & Wishes
• Thank you Messages
• Premium Plans
• Student’s Log In
• 1 item ₹150.00

. » Travel » At the Airport Conversation

• At the Airport Conversation

How can we forget to learn conversational English used at the airport when we’re learning about so many circumstances and other English conversations? Because we all enjoy travelling and seeing new areas, we frequently visit airports, and this is an attempt to show you the sort of talk that occurs at airports. However, learn various words, phrases, and classified language that you may use the next time you visit the airport and engage in an insightful talk.

Dialogues used in the video At the Airport Conversation

Justin: Jason, come on hurry up. Enough of playing mobile games now. Jason: Give me two minutes. Please…. Justin: No way kiddo, you can continue once we board. But for now, let’s check-in. Jason: As you say big brother. I wish dad and mom would have been here, they would have allowed me to do whatever I want. Justin: Don’t be such a jerk. They have business to do and we have holidays to spend. That is the reason we are going to Canada to be with uncle Ethan for a month. I’m so excited. Jason: Hmm… that’s so true.

(At the check-in counter)

Check-in Attendant:  Good afternoon sir, may I have your tickets please? Justin: Oh, sure. Here you go! Check-in Attendant: Ah, I see. Justin and Jason, correct? Justin: Yup, it’s just us. Me and my little brother. Check-in Attendant: That’s fine. Do you have any luggage to be checked-in? Jason: Yes, we have two travelling bags. Check-in Attendant: Okay, please keep your luggage on the weighing machine. Justin: Sure ma’am. Check-in Attendant: Umm… I’m afraid but you have luggage over the allowed weight. Justin: Oh really? Now what?  Won’t we be able to take all our baggage with us? Check-in Attendant: Don’t worry. No need to panic. It’s just that you need pay one extra dollar per kilo/ per pound in order to get your luggage checked in. Jason: But what if we don’t wish to pay? Check-in Attendant: In that case you need to discard extra baggage here and get your bags checked in. Justin: No issues, I will pay for it. Do you accept cards? Check-in Attendant: Yes, we do. Justin:  Take this card. Check-in Attendant: Okay, hold on for a sec. Jason: Hmm…, I wasn’t aware that dad handed you his debit card. I’m very upset. Justin: Don’t get mad about it. You are still small to be given such a responsibility. Moreover, this decision did help us, right? Jason: Oh yes. Indeed. Check-in Attendant: Okay, here’s the receipt for your extra luggage. Please move to counter number10 for the security scan. Justin: Great, are we done here? Check-in Attendant: Yes. Justin: Thanks.

(At the security counter)

Security Guard: Please pass through the scanner Sir. Justin: Sure. Security Guard: Huh, all good. Now it’s your turn kiddo, come here. Jason: Okay. Security Guard: (security alarm rings) Wait a min, there’s something inside that shouldn’t be. Hey kid please open your backpack. Jason: Okay, please have a look. Security Guard: (checking the backpack) Oh, I’m afraid kid, you can’t take this. Jason: But this is just a fidget spinner and it’s my favorite one. Security Guard: I’m sorry you cannot take this along; I need to confiscate this. The blades are sharp like knife, such objects are prohibited on board. Jason: Hmm… I understand. My bad, I shouldn’t have brought this with me. Security Guard: Now you can move towards gate number 11.

(At the gate number 11)

Flight Attendant: Please can I have your boarding passes? We are all set for boarding now. Justin: Sure, take this. Flight Attendant: Great, please proceed to the aircraft. Jason: Thanks. Flight Attendant: Please take your seats in the third row. Have a wonderful journey.

At the Airport Conversation Related Vocabulary

Word: Mobile games Meaning: Games for handheld devices like mobile phones Usage 1: I love playing mobile games on my phone. Usage 2: My nephew is addicted to mobile games .

Word: Check-in Meaning: Passenger registration and luggage drop-off for a flight Usage 1: We had a smooth check-in process. Usage 2: The airline had a strict check-in policy.

Ooops!…. Need more Audio Vocabulary to Practice?

50+ audio vocabulary examples on this video to practice with our premium plan below, plus get free access to below content.

100+ Video and Audio based English Speaking Course Conversations 12000+ Text & Audio based Frequently used Vocabulary & Dialogues with correct pronunciations Full Grammar & 15000+ Solved Composition topics on Essay Writing, Autobiography, Report Writing, Debate Writing, Story Writing, Speech Writing, Letter Writing, Expansion of Ideas(Proverbs), Expansion of Idioms, Riddles with Answers, Poem Writing and many more topics Plus Access to the Daily Added Content

Already a Customer? Sign In to Unlock

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Or buy one of the following plans

English Courses

• Mom & Son Breakfast Talk
• Dad & Son Breakfast Talk
• Going Out for Breakfast
• Healthy Breakfast Ideas
• Breakfast Table Conversation
• Talking about Household Chores
• Power Outage Conversation
• Speaking About Vegetables
• Talk About Television
• Telephone Conversation in English
• Renting an Apartment Vocabulary
• Talking about Pets
• Self Introduction Conversation
• Introduce Yourself in English
• Morning Walk Conversation
• Make New Friends Conversation
• English Speaking with Friends
• Conversation Between Siblings
• Talking about Smartphones
• Talking About City Life
• English Conversation on the Bus
• Talking about Dust Allergy
• Talking about Food Allergies
• Brushing Teeth Conversation
• Replacing Worn out Toothbrush
• Brushing Teeth with Braces
• Switching to Herbal Toothpaste
• Benefits of using Tongue Cleaner
• Talking about Illness
• Talking about Fitness and Health
• Talking About Fitness for Kids
• Visiting a Doctor Conversation
• Speaking about Lifestyle
• Conversation about Air Pollution
• Using an ATM Conversation
• Opening a Bank Account
• Car Accident Conversation
• Talking about Accident
• Exam Conversation with Kids
• At the Library Conversation
• Talking about Studies
• Offline vs Online School
• Internet Vocabulary and Dialogues
• Advantages of Homeschooling
• Inviting for Birthday Party
• Phone Conversation
• Asking for Directions
• Conversation on the Plane
• Lost and Found Conversation
• Museum Vocabulary
• Conversation about Traffic
• Order Food Over the Phone
• At the Restaurant Conversation
• Talking about Music
• English Music Vocabulary
• Talk on Music Band
• Shopping for Clothes
• Buying a Smartphone
• Ordering Flowers Conversation
• English Conversation in Vegetable Market
• At the Supermarket
• At the Pharmacy
• Friends Talking about Chess
• Importance of Outdoor Activities
• Talking About Football
• Weekend Plans Conversation
• At the Beach Conversation
• New Job Conversation
• Business English Conversation
• Expressing Boredom in English
• English Conversation at the Salon
• English Speaking at the Bakery
• Talking About Studies
• Siblings Studying Together
• Speaking about Outdoor Activities
• Talk About Photography
• Essay on My School
• Essay on Summer Vacation
• Essay on Time Management
• Essay on Hard Work
• Essay on Health is Wealth
• Essay on Time is Money
• Republic Day Essay
• Essay on My Hobby
• Essay on Myself
• Essay on My Teacher
• Essay on My Best Friend
• Essay on My Family
• Essay on My Mother
• Essay on My Father
• Essay on Friendship
• Essay on Global Warming
• Essay on Child Labor
• Essay on Mahatma Gandhi
• Essay on Holi
• Essay on Pollution
• Essay on Education
• Essay on Air Pollution
• Essay on Communication
• Essay on Doctor
• Essay on Environment
• Essay on Gender Inequality
• Essay on Happiness
• Essay on Healthy Food
• Essay on My Favorite Festival Diwali
• Essay on My Favorite Sport
• Essay on My Parents
• Essay on Overpopulation
• Essay on Poverty
• Essay on Travelling
• Essay on Unemployment
• Essay on Unity in Diversity
• Essay on Water Pollution
• Essay on Water
• Essay on Women Empowerment
• Essay on Yoga
• Essay on Christmas
• Autobiography of a Book
• Autobiography of a Brook
• Autobiography of a Camera
• Autobiography of a Cat
• Autobiography of a Classroom
• Autobiography of a Coin
• Autobiography of a Dog
• Autobiography of a Doll
• Autobiography of a Farmer
• Autobiography of a Flower
• Autobiography of a Football
• Autobiography of a Haunted House
• Autobiography of a House
• Autobiography of a Kite
• Autobiography of a Library
• Autobiography of a Mobile Phone
• Autobiography of a Mosquito
• Autobiography of a Newspaper
• Autobiography of a Pen
• Autobiography of a Pencil
• Autobiography of a River
• Autobiography of a Table
• Autobiography of a Tiger
• Autobiography of a Tree
• Autobiography of an Umbrella
• Autobiography of Bicycle
• Autobiography of Bird
• Autobiography of Chair
• Autobiography of Clock
• Autobiography of Computer
• Autobiography of Earth
• Autobiography of Lion
• Autobiography of Peacock
• Autobiography of Rain
• Autobiography of a Soldier
• Autobiography of Sun
• Autobiography of Water Bottle
• Autobiography of Water Droplet
• Adopting a Village
• Teaching Children in an Adopted Village
• Programs Organized in an Adopted Village
• Volunteering in an Adopted Village
• Activities in an Adopted Village
• School Annual Day Celebration
• Republic Day Celebration
• Teachers Day Celebration
• World Environment Day Celebration
• Children’s Day Celebration
• Visiting the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre
• The Animal Sanctuary Visit
• Animal Shelter Visit
• Animal Rescue Center Visit
• Adult Literacy Camp
• Burglary of Jewelry
• India Wins Test Match
• School Children Affected by Food Poisoning
• Heavy Rains in Mumbai
• School Children Injured in Bus Accident
• Complaint Letter to the Chairman of Housing Society
• Request Letter to the Municipal Corporation
• Complaint Letter to the State Electricity Board
• Suggestion Letter to the Chief Minister
• Request Letter to the District Collector
• Request Letter to the Commissioner of Police
• Application Letter for an Internship
• Application Letter for a Job
• Request Letter for a Character Certificate
• Request Letter for a Better Lab and Library
• Global Warming Debate
• Animal Rights Debate
• Climate Change Debate
• Gun Control Debate
• Role of Religion in Society Debate
• Republic Day Speech
• Poems about Life
• Poems about Nature
• Poems for Boys
• Poems for Girls
• Poems for Mothers
• Poems for Friends
• Poems for Kids
• Poems about Trees
• Poems about Peace
• Funny Poems
• Poems About Climate Change
• Poems about Dreams
• Poems about Education
• Poems about Environment
• Poems about Eyes
• Poems about Family
• Poems about Fear
• Poems about Feminism
• Poems about Flowers
• Poems about Freedom
• Poems about Friendship
• Poems about Happiness
• Poems about History
• Poems about Hope
• Poems about India
• Poems about Joy
• Poems about Loneliness
• Poems about Love
• Poems about Night
• Poems about Power
• Poems about Water
• Poems about Women Empowerment
• Poems about Women’s Rights
• Poems on Earth
• Poems on Home
• Poems on Honesty
• Poems on Humanity
• Poems on Jungle
• Poems on Kindness
• Poems on Mental Health
• Poems on Moon
• Poems on Music
• Poems on Patriotism
• A Bad Workman Always Blames His Tools
• A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush
• A Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted
• A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
• A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
• A Watched Pot Never Boils
• Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder
• Actions Speak Louder than Words
• All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
• All Good Things Must Come To an End
• All Is Fair in Love and War
• All That Glitters is Not Gold
• All’s Well That Ends Well
• An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
• An Empty Vessel Makes Much Noise
• An Idle Mind is Devil’s Workshop
• As You Sow, So Shall You Reap
• Barking Dogs Seldom Bite
• Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
• Beggars can’t be Choosers
• Better Late than Never
• Better the Devil You Know than the Devil You Don’t
• Birds of a Feather Flock Together
• Blood is Thicker than Water
• Boys will be Boys
• Charity Begins at Home
• Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
• Curiosity Killed the Cat
• Don’t Bite Off More than You Chew
• Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You
• Don’t Blow Your Own Trumpet
• Don’t Count your Chickens Before They Hatch
• Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk
• Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
• Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
• Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse
• Don’t Throw The Baby Out With the Bathwater
• Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
• Easy Come, Easy Go
• Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
• Every Dog Has His Day
• Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread
• Fortune Favors the Bold
• Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day; Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime
• Give Credit Where Credit is Due
• God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
• Half a Loaf is Better Than None
• Haste Makes Waste
• Health is Wealth
• Honesty is the Best Policy
• If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again
• If It ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
• If the Shoe Fits, Wear It
• If you can’t Beat them, Join them
• If you Want Something Done Right, Do It Yourself
• Ignorance is Bliss
• It ain’t Over Till the Fat Lady Sings
• It Takes Two to Tango
• It’s a Small World
• It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn
• It’s Better to Ask Forgiveness than Permission
• Its Better to Be Safe than Sorry
• It’s Better to Give than to Receive
• It’s Never Too Late to Mend
• It’s not What you Know, it’s Who you Know
• Jack of All Trades, Master of None
• Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer
• Keep Your Mouth Shut and Your Eyes Open
• Kill Two Birds with One Stone
• Knowledge is Power
• Laughter is the Best Medicine
• Leave No Stone Unturned
• Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
• Life is a Journey, Not a Destination
• Life is Like a Box of Chocolates; You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get
• Like Father, Like Son
• Look Before You Leap
• Love Conquers All
• Make Hay While The Sun Shines
• Money Can’t Buy Happiness
• Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
• Money Talks
• Necessity is the Mother of Invention
• No Man is an Island
• No Pain, No Gain
• Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
• One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure
• Out of Sight, Out of Mind
• Patience is a Virtue
• Practice Makes Perfect
• Prevention is Better than Cure
• Rome Wasn’t Built in A Day
• Slow and Steady Wins the Race
• The Early Bird Catches the Worm
• The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side
• The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword
• The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating
• There is No Place Like Home
• There’s No Time Like the Present
• Time Heals All Wounds
• Time is Money
• Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
• Two Heads are Better than One
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do
• Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
• You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can’t Make it Drink
• You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
• You Can’t Make an Omelet Without Breaking Eggs
• You Scratch My Back, And I’ll Scratch Yours
• You’re Never Too Old to Learn
• You’re Only As Strong As Your Weakest Link
• Parts of Speech
• Lola’s Dream
• Snowy Learns to Brave the Rain
• The Ant Explorer
• The Blind Archer
• The Brave Ant
• The Disguised King
• The Enchanted Blade
• The Enchanted Garden of Melodies
• The Endless Bag
• The Faithful Companion
• The Farmer’s Treasure
• The Frog and the Mischievous Fishes
• The Fruit Seller’s Fortune
• The Generous Monkey of the Forest
• The Gentle Giant
• A Blessing in Disguise
• A Dime a Dozen
• A Piece of Cake
• Apple of My Eye
• As Easy as Pie
• Back to the Drawing Board
• Beat Around the Bush
• Bite the Bullet
• Break a Leg
• Butterflies in My Stomach
• By the Skin of Your Teeth
• Caught Red-Handed
• Come Rain or Shine
• Cool as a Cucumber
• Cry over Spilled Milk
• Cut the Mustard
• Devil’s Advocate
• Down to the Wire
• Drink Like a Fish
• Eating Habits
• Supermarket
• Vegetable Market
• College Canteen
• Household Topics
• Diwali Festival
• Republic Day Wishes
• Birthday wishes for kids
• Birthday Wishes for Sister
• Birthday Wishes for Brother
• Birthday Wishes for Friend
• Birthday Wishes for Daughter
• Birthday Wishes for Son
• Women’s Day Wishes
• Thanks for Birthday Wishes
• Thank You Messages for Friends
• Thanks for Anniversary Wishes

Justin Morgan

Latest articles.

• Practical English Usage
• Overview of Babson University
• Babson University’s Entrepreneurship Program
• The Founding of Babson University
• Babson University’s Impact on the Global Economy
• Babson University’s Post-Pandemic Student Preparation
• Babson University’s Notable Alumni
• Babson University’s Business Research
• Campus Life at Babson University
• Babson University’s Leading Scholars and Experts
• Babson University’s Social Impact Program
• The Future of Babson University
• Top Programs at Cardiff University
• COVID-19 Research at Cardiff University
• Culture and Values of Cardiff University

Conversation Questions Airplanes

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Travel English Phrases

English is essential for communication in most countries.

Wherever you are going, you need to have a good grasp of the basics of the language to get around and communicate at the airport, hotel and everywhere in between.

This post has dozens of travel English phrases to help you navigate any foreign country. Learn what they mean and how you can use them! 

At the Airport

On the airplane, arriving at your destination, riding public transportation, at the hotel, at a restaurant, sightseeing, emergencies, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Excuse me, how do I… ?

If you are flying for the first time, you will need information on how to:

• Check in. When you check in , you are letting the airline know you have arrived. If the person you are talking to tells you to go to the check-in counter, you can follow up this question with “how do I get to the check-in counter?” to get directions. At the check-in counter, you present your ticket , a document that allows you to get your  boarding pass. The boarding pass, in turn, will allow you to board (ride) your airplane.
• Board the airplane. If you are not sure about what you should do before you get on a plane and during your flight, you can ask the airline staff about this. 

Where is the… ?

You will likely ask for general directions to one or more of the following:

• Information desk. As you can guess from the name, the information desk is where you can learn everything you need to know about getting around the airport. You can even ask for a map (a picture guide of the area) from them.
• Gate. A gate is where you will enter to get to the airplane. It is also the place where you wait before boarding your flight. The gate is usually written on your boarding pass. 
• Restroom. A restroom is a place where you take care of personal business like combing your hair, washing your face or using the toilet. Depending on the country you are visiting, this room may also be called a bathroom , washroom, comfort room, loo or toilet .
• Charging station. If your phone has low or no battery, these places can get your device’s battery up to 100 percent again. 
• Restaurant. If you feel hungry while waiting for your flight, you can visit a restaurant where you can eat in the meantime. 

How do I get to… ?

Although they both seem to ask for directions, there is a slight difference between “where is the… ?” and “how do I get to… ?”

“Where is the… ?” will get you a general answer like “(The place you want to go to) is at Building A.”

Meanwhile, “how do I get to… ?” asks for specific directions, so the person you are talking to will reply with “From here, you turn left, and when you see this sign, turn right…” and so on. 

What time is my flight?

Often, it may not be clear what time your specific flight is—in which case, this question will be useful.

What items am I allowed to bring on board?

Airlines usually have rules on what you can and cannot take into the airplane. 

How much luggage am I allowed to carry on?

Your  luggage includes all the bags you are bringing with you for the flight. Airlines often have limits on how much and how heavy your luggage should be.

Are meals included?

A  meal is a collection of food served at one time. Not all airlines provide meals, so it may be good to ask if you will get these before you board.

Excuse me, can you please help me put my luggage away?

Airplanes have baggage  compartments or closed spaces above each of the seats. You can ask the  flight attendant, an airplane employee in uniform who is usually female, to help you put your luggage in its compartment. 

Can I please change my seat?

Once you get on the plane, you may want to change your seat because other seats are more comfortable, have a better view, etc.

How much does… cost?

You can ask about the cost of anything you want to buy like the following:

• water bottle
• snack (a small meal)

I would like… , please.

This phrase is the standard and polite way to ask for something that is usually free or something you do not have to pay for. For example, if you are thirsty, you might say “I would like a glass of water, please.”

Does my seat have… ?

For example, if you want a device to return your phone’s battery charge at or above acceptable levels, you can say “does my seat have a charging port ?” And if you want to move the seat back so you can lie down, say “does my seat have a  recline button ?”

Excuse me, I need to…

There are a few things you can ask permission for on a plane. You can say “Excuse me, I need to…”

• Get out of my seat
• Use the restroom
• Move my luggage

What time is it?

This is a standard question for figuring out what time of the day it is. It is useful when you are flying over different time zones and when the plane finally lands.

For more vocabulary and phrases related to air travel, take a look at this post—it’s aimed at flight attendants, but you’ll learn a thing or two as well! 

Knowing English for flight attendants is essential in today’s interconnected world. These 60+ English words and phrases will prepare you for the job before, during and…

Once you are at your destination (the place you are visiting), some of the useful phrases you can use are the following. 

Just like at the airport when you first arrived, “Where is the… ?” and “How do I get to… ?” are useful phrases when you are at your destination.

Some of the places where you might need directions are:

• Baggage claim area. Remember when you checked in your luggage? This is the place where you claim or get it.
• Currency exchange. A currency exchange is a place where you take the money you use in your own country and get it changed to the money used at your destination.
• Bus stop. Finding a bus stop will be especially helpful if you want to find a cheap way to get around. Asking “where is this bus going?” can also help you know if you are riding the right bus.
• Taxi / Taxi stand. No bus? Take a taxi instead, which is also called a cab in some places. You can usually find a group of taxis at  taxi stands.
• Hotel. Of course, you should provide the name of your specific hotel. 
• Immigration or customs. Immigration or customs is the place where you have to explain why you came to a country and tell officers what your intentions are. 

Sorry, I do not understand what you are saying.

This phrase will help native English speakers know English is not your first language. You can also say “I do not speak English very well” and ask them to “please speak slowly” if you are still having trouble.

I recommend that you prep before you go by studying authentic English media like movies and TV shows. These can help you prepare for real interactions in English.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

I have items to declare. 

Aside from explaining why you are in a certain country, you also have to  declare (make a formal or official statement on) the items that you may need to pay duties  (taxes on items from another country) for.

If you do not have such items, you can simply say “I have nothing to declare.”

I have a connecting flight.

This is how you say you will board another plane to go somewhere else.

I am traveling for…

Depending on why you came to the country, you can say you are traveling for:

• Leisure. Say this if you are traveling because you are on vacation.
• Work. Say this if you are traveling because your company asked you to .
• Family. If you are traveling because you are visiting relatives, let the customs officer know.

I will be here for… days.

You will need to provide the number of days you will be staying in the country, like “I will be here for 90 days.”

If you have it, you can also show your visa , a document that proves you are allowed to enter the country for a certain purpose within a certain period. 

I am staying at…

The customs officer may ask you where you will be sleeping. You can say “I am staying at (the name of your hotel)” or “I am staying at (the address of your family or friend in the country).”

Check out more airport vocabulary here .

Now that you have arrived, you need to know how to get around. Here are some useful phrases you can use whether you are riding a bus, train or any other form of public transportation.

Does this go to… ?

Before you get on a bus or train, ask whether it is going to the place you want to go. If the driver says no, you can ask “how do I get to… ?” and take note of the directions they give you.

How long does it take to get to… ?

Here, you are asking how many minutes, hours, etc. it will take for the vehicle to get to your destination. 

How much is the fare?

The  fare is the price of riding your public transport.

“Do you accept… ?”

End this question with a mode of payment , which includes cash and cards . 

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

This phrase is useful if you see someone with an empty seat beside or near them, but you want to be 100% sure they do not have a companion. 

I missed my stop. Can you please let me know when we are at the next one?

In an ideal world, traveling would go smoothly. But sometimes, things like not being able to get off at your stop happen! Luckily, you can use this phrase to  get you out of a pickle (get you out of trouble). 

Of course, if you are staying with friends and family, you can skip this section. But if you will stay at a hotel, keep the following phrases in mind.

Greetings! I have a reservation under the name of…

End the phrase with your full name or the name you used to make your reservation. 

When you get to your hotel, go to the front desk.  It is easy to find because that is usually where you will first meet the hotel’s employees. Also, that is where the other guests will probably be!

You want to confirm that you have a  reservation first—that is, proof that you have a room at the hotel where you are staying. Otherwise, you have to look for somewhere else to stay.

What is included in my reservation?

This question asks what services you have already paid for. Of course, there is your room, but you may also want to check for other things like breakfast, pool, spa, etc.

What time is check-in / check-out?

Since you will not be staying at the hotel all the time, you will want to know what time you can  check in and  check out.  

Check in means the time you will be allowed to enter your room, while  check out means the time you should leave your room. 

Does the room have a… ?

You may also want to know about your room’s  amenities (things to help make your stay more convenient and comfortable). For example:

• Bathroom / restroom. Again, the correct term for this place depends on where you are.
• Refrigerator / fridge. A refrigerator or “fridge” is a place to keep your food and drinks cold. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for any food or drinks you take out of hotel refrigerators.
• Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is simply a wireless internet connection. You should probably also ask for the Wi-Fi password. ( “What is the Wi-Fi password?” )
• Air conditioner. An air conditioner is a piece of equipment that cools a room.

How many beds are in the room?

This question will help you know if there is enough space to sleep for the number of people in your hotel room.

What floor am I on?

A  floor in this situation refers to the level of the hotel.

If you are on a high floor (like the 30th, for example), you may want to use the elevator , the device that lifts and lowers you between floors of the hotel, to help you get to your room.

My room needs…

Most of the time, housekeeping (the people who clean the room) will make sure you have everything you need. Should they forget, you can say “My room needs…” and finish with:

• Towels. Towels are soft, thick materials you use to dry yourself after taking a bath.
• Toilet paper. Toilet paper are thin white sheets rolled up on tubes. They help you wipe yourself in the bathroom. 
• Bedsheets. “Bedsheets” is a term that includes pillowcases, blankets and all the other pieces of cloth that cover your bed.

Could I please have room service ?

As a guest, you can request services by saying “Could I please have… ?” For example, you can request room service , where someone will come up to your room to deliver food, drinks and other things you may need.

Where is the best… around here and how do I get there?

Since the hotel employees are locals, they will probably know the area more than you do.

Before you check out of your hotel, you can use this phrase and replace “…” with:

• Grocery store. Grocery stores are places where you can buy most types of items.
• Hospital. If you or someone you are traveling with gets sick or injured, you need to know where to go.
• Bank. If you run out of money, you may need to go by a bank to get more.
• Restaurant. Make sure you ask for a restaurant that offers local cuisine or food. 

A table for two, please.

The number indicates how many people will be eating with you at the restaurant. It does not have to be just two: it can be any number of people with and including you. 

I would like to drink…

Finish this phrase with the name of the drink you want. Popular drinks are:

• soda pop (carbonated sweet drinks) 

May I see a menu? 

A  menu will help you decide what you want to eat. 

I would like to order, please.

Once you have decided what to eat and drink, raise your hand and wait for a waiter to come to your table. Then, say this phrase to indicate that you are ready to order or ask questions about the food. 

Could you recommend any popular dishes?

This is a good question to ask if you are not sure what to order.

May I ask if you have dishes that are… ?

You may prefer certain foods to others for personal reasons. For example, you can finish the question with any of the following:

• Vegetarian / Vegan When you say that dishes are vegetarian , that means they are mostly made of plant-based ingredients. When you say they are vegan , it means they do not have any animal ingredients (even eggs or milk!) at all.
• Halal. If you are a Muslim, you want to make sure that what you eat does not go against the laws of your religion. You may need to explain what ingredients make a food halal  or  haram , though.

Can you tell me about any potential allergens in this dish?

Allergens are ingredients in your food that can cause you to have a negative reaction. It may be a good idea to ask about these before you order a dish. The last thing you want is to not enjoy your meal because you got sick!

Can I please have… ?

Fill in the blank with an item off of the menu or one of these items:

• Appetizer. An appetizer is a small dish you eat before the main course (meal).
• Soup. Soup is a common way to start meals. 
• Salad. If it is too warm for soup, try a salad!
• Dessert. A dessert is a sweet dish you eat after the main course.
• A glass of water. If you are not interested in any particular drinks, a glass of water is always a good option. 
• Extra sauce / salt / spice. If you think your dish could use a little more sauce, salt or spice, you can ask if you can have more. 

Can I ask for a refill?

The word  refill comes from the prefix  re- (which usually means “to repeat”) and  fill . If your glass of water is empty and you want more, you can ask for a  refill so your empty glass will have water again. 

May I have the bill? 

The  bill  indicates how much you have to pay after you eat the meal. Make sure to ask for this. In some restaurants, the waiters will not bring it to your table unless you ask.

If you want more useful English phrases to use in restaurants, check out this post on ordering food in English .

Of course, your trip would not be complete without souvenirs or items you buy to remember the place you visited! To make the most of your visits to shops, here are a few phrases to keep on hand.

Excuse me, where can I find… ?

Finish the question with what you are looking for.

Excuse me, how much is this?

This is a standard phrase for asking the price or cost of items.

Do you offer discounts?

When you ask for  discounts , you are asking if the item comes at a lower price. Usually, the discount is shown in percentages (%). For example, if an item is $10 and there is a 50% discount on it, the final price would be $5. 

Do you have a sale?

Another way to save money is to watch out for sales or events when you can buy items for much lower than their original cost.

Does this come in a bigger / smaller size?

If you are buying clothes, you may not be able to find something that fits you. In that case, use this phrase to check if they have your size. You can also ask “can I try this on?” to make sure the piece of clothing really fits!

What is your return and exchange policy?

Sometimes, you end up buying an item that you do not like or has defects (something wrong with it). A  return and exchange policy allows you to either return (give back) the item to the store or  exchange (switch or change) it with a similar one. 

What forms of payment do you accept?

Here, you are asking if they accept cash, cards or any other form of payment you have on hand.

Can you recommend something similar to this?

If you find something you like  but not quite or you want more varieties (colors, sizes, etc.) of the same item, this is a good question to ask. 

For more shopping vocabulary you should know, go here .

Aside from the stores, you also want to check the sights and sounds of your destination! For those, here are the phrases you can use.

Where is the visitor information center?

The  visitor information center is where you can get everything you need to know about an area—maps, landmarks, restaurants, shops, etc. 

Excuse me, can you tell me what attractions I should check out around here?

There may be so many attractions in the area, you will not know where to start. This question can help you make your itinerary or travel plans for the day.

Are there any guided tours for this area?

Then again, you may not need to explore the area on your own. With a  tour guide , you can plan where you want to go, get information on each attraction and even some interesting tidbits (facts) about them!

Are there any rules and restrictions I should know?

As a visitor, the last thing you want is to get into trouble. You want to know what you should do (the rules) and what you should not do (the restrictions). 

Can you take a photo of me in front of… ?

A trip is not complete without pictures you can post on social media! There are times when you may want to take pictures of yourself in front of a site and that is where this phrase comes in. 

Are there any events or festivals around here?

If you want to enjoy the place the way the locals do, this is a question you should ask. 

Even with careful planning, you may encounter some problems with your travels. Here are some phrases to help you out if something bad happens.

I have lost my…

End this phrase with any  valuables (important items) you lose, such as:

• Passport. If you lost your passport, you need to find an embassy or state organization that represents your home country in the place you are visiting. To ask for directions to the embassy, say “where is the embassy for… ?” and end the question with your country’s name in English.
• Wallet. If someone stole your wallet or something else from you, you need to contact the local police , the organization responsible for dealing with crimes. In the United States, for example, you can call 911 on a phone.
• Way. When you say you have lost your way , you mean you are not sure where you are and where you should go. If you have a destination in mind, you can say “how do I get to… ?” and end the question with where you want to go.

If something bad is happening to you, calling out this word will get people’s attention and—hopefully—get you the help you need.

I feel…

Sometimes, the people who come to help you may need more information about what you need help with. For example, you could say “I feel…”

• Dizzy / Faint. Dizzy or faint means your head feels light, as though it is being turned around and around.
• Sick. If you do not feel well in any way, you should say “I feel sick.”

If your body hurts, you can also say “I am in pain.”

With these travel English phrases, you should be able to get around most countries without much trouble.

Enjoy your trip!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

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.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Related posts:

Enter your e-mail address to get your free pdf.

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

Search form

• A2 listening

Travelling abroad

Listen to the five airport announcements and do the exercises to practise and improve your listening skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise before you listen. Then do the other exercises to check your understanding.

Preparation

Do this exercise before you listen.

Good morning. This is an announcement for all passengers travelling on the 9:25 flight TOM1223 to Rome. This flight is delayed by two hours because of bad weather.

Would all passengers travelling to Tokyo on flight FR3421 please have your boarding passes and passports ready for boarding. Flight FR3421 now boarding at gate 21.

This is the final boarding call for passengers Gemma and Ryan Grey flying to Athens on flight EZ9753. Your flight is ready to leave. Please go to gate 14 immediately. The doors of the plane will close in five minutes. Final boarding call for passengers Gemma and Ryan Grey.

This is an announcement for passengers travelling to Amsterdam on flight KL1050. Will all passengers with express boarding tickets and passengers travelling with young children please go to gate 6 for boarding. That's all passengers with express boarding tickets and passengers travelling with young children go to gate 6 for boarding. Thank you.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We have landed at JFK airport in New York where the local time is 18:30 and the temperature is 76º. We hope you have enjoyed your flight with American Airlines this evening and wish you a very safe journey to your final destination.

Check your understanding: matching

Check your understanding: typing, worksheets and downloads.

Tell us about the last time you took a flight somewhere!

Sign up to our newsletter for LearnEnglish Teens

We will process your data to send you our newsletter and updates based on your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of every email. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Improve your English. Speak with confidence!

• Free Mini Course

• Posted in in ESL Conversation Questions

70 travel conversation questions to practice your English

• Posted by by Cameron Smith
• 2 years ago
• Updated 1 year ago

Use this list of travel conversation questions to help your students practice their English speaking skills.

Almost everyone has a strong opinion or two on travel. Whether they love to travel by plane, train, or automobile or prefer to avoid travel altogether, these fun travel questions should spark some lively conversations in your classroom!

Travel conversation questions

• Where is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
• What activities do you like to do when you travel?
• Do you prefer to travel alone or with others?
• Have you ever traveled abroad?
• In your opinion, what is the ideal length of a vacation or trip abroad? 
• What has been your most memorable travel experience?
• What are the benefits of traveling?
• What is the best way to save money while traveling?
• What type of transportation do you use when traveling?
• How often do you go on holiday trips?
• Do you ever travel for business? Would you like to?
• Have you ever gone on a long distance trip?
• How has travelling changed your life?
• What is the most exotic place you have ever visited?
• What do you think are the essential items to bring when traveling?
• What do you like most about traveling?
• What do you like  least  about traveling?
• When you travel, do you prefer to relax or seek out new adventures?
• Do you prefer traveling to cities or the countryside?
• Would you prefer to travel to a beach or the mountains?
• Do you prefer to plan your trips ahead of time or be spontaneous?
• Are you planning any trips right now? If so, where will you be going?
• What is one destination that everyone should see in their lifetime?
• What’s the best place for people to visit in your home country?
• What tips would you give someone who is traveling for the first time?
• How has technology changed the way we travel today?
• What challenges have you faced while traveling abroad?
• How has traveling abroad changed you?
• Are there any places that are still on your travel bucket list?
• What are the top 3 destinations on your travel bucket list?
• How do you like to prepare for your vacations?
• What is the most important thing you have learned while travelling?
• How do you make sure to stay safe while traveling?
• Are there any destinations that are too dangerous to visit? Why?
• Are there any places that should be off-limits to tourists?
• Have you ever encountered language barriers while travelling?
• How do you usually find accommodations when travelling?
• What kind of food have you tried while travelling abroad?
• Do you prefer to travel domestically or internationally?
• What is the most important thing to consider when planning a trip?
• What are your best tips for packing for a trip?
• Are you an “overpacker” or an “underpacker”?
• What tips can you give for packing light when travelling?
• What destination do you think is underrated and why?
• How has travelling helped you develop new skills?
• Have you ever gone on an adventure trip or safari?
• What tips do you have for staying healthy while traveling?
• Have you ever experienced culture shock?
• Are there any particular customs that surprised you while traveling abroad?
• How have your travels impacted your career choices and goals?
• What kind of souvenirs do you like to bring back from your trips?
• Are there any particular souvenirs that remind you of your travels?
• What are some of the biggest challenges of traveling solo?
• What are some of the advantages of traveling solo?
• Do you enjoy traveling with your family?
• Do you enjoy traveling with a big group of friends?
• Do you enjoy traveling with small children?
• When you travel, do you prefer to stay in hotels or Airbnbs?
• What unique activities have you done on vacation?
• Are there any places that have particularly stood out during your travels?
• Do you prefer guided tours or independent exploration when traveling to a new place?
• What tips can you give for budgeting while traveling overseas?
• How did the pandemic impact your future travel plans and goals?
• Have any of your travels inspired you in some way? How?
• Are there any places that have made a lasting impression on you during your travels?
• How do you make sure to respect local cultures and traditions when traveling abroad?
• Do you like to connect and chat with locals when you travel? If yes, how do you make it happen?
• What have you learned from other cultures during your travels?
• Has travel changed your perspective on different cultures and people? How?
• Has travel changed how people interact with each other across different cultures and countries? If so, how?

Are there any other ESL Discussion Topics and ESL conversation questions that you’d you like us to write about?

Let us know in the comments!

Get free English lessons via email

Subscribe to my newsletter and get English lessons & helpful resources once a week!

Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy .

I agree to receive updates & promotions.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith is an English Communication Coach based in Vancouver, Canada. He's the founder of Learn English Every Day, and he's on a mission to help millions of people speak English with confidence. If you want longer video content, please follow me on YouTube for fun English lessons and helpful learning resources!

Post navigation

30 ESL conversation questions about soccer and football

• January 27, 2023

• Posted in in Grammar

Why does English have so many homophones?

• January 29, 2023