At the Airport – Checking In for a Flight
Welcome to Hello English! If you’re flying from a US airport, knowing how to check in for your flight in English will make your travel experience smoother and less stressful. This lesson gives you a realistic conversation and essential vocabulary for one of the first—and most important—steps of air travel.
Watch this short, realistic conversation between a passenger and an airline agent. Perfect for listening practice!
Airport Conversation
Characters:
• Tom – the passenger
• Sarah – the airline agent
Tom: Hi!
Sarah: Hello! Can I see your ID and ticket?
Tom: Sure, here you go.
Sarah: Thanks. Are you checking any bags?
Tom: Yes, just one suitcase.
Sarah: Please place it on the scale.
Tom: Like this?
Sarah: Perfect. It’s under 50 pounds—no extra fee.
Tom: Great!
Sarah: Would you like a window or aisle seat?
Tom: Window, please.
Sarah: Done. Here’s your boarding pass.
Tom: Thank you!
Sarah: You’re welcome! Gate B12. Boarding at 2:30 PM.
Tom: Got it. Have a nice day!
💡 This dialogue is perfect for audio or video practice! It’s set at a busy US airport check-in counter and uses short, clear sentences with essential travel terms like “boarding pass,” “check bags,” and “window seat.” The pacing is calm and realistic—ideal for beginners to follow and repeat.
Essential Airport Vocabulary
Learn these key terms to check in confidently:
- Check in – to register for your flight and get your boarding pass
- Boarding pass – your ticket to get on the plane
- Check bags – to give your luggage to the airline
- Carry-on – small bag you take on the plane
- Window / Aisle seat – seat by the window or walkway
- Under 50 pounds – standard US weight limit for checked bags
- Gate – where you board the plane (e.g., Gate B12)
Other Useful Phrases
- “Is my flight on time?”
- “Can I get an exit row seat?”
- “Do I have to pay for checked bags?”
- “Where’s the security checkpoint?”
Practice Tip
Practice saying “Can I see your ID and ticket?” and “Are you checking any bags?”—these are the two most common questions at US airport check-in counters!
Why This Matters
Whether you’re:
• Flying for vacation or business in the US
• Traveling internationally with a layover in an American airport
• Preparing for your first solo flight
…this conversation helps you start your journey with confidence.
Now you’re ready to check in for your flight in English—smoothly and politely! Bookmark this guide, or try our interactive quiz to test your airport vocabulary.
Safe travels and happy learning! ✈️
