Do you want to travel internationally? If so, you’ll probably need to take a plane. As English is the international language of aviation, knowing how to talk about flying in English is an essential part of your travel experience. Here are eight English questions you will need to be able to answer if you want your next international trip to go smoothly.
Do you have an e-ticket or a paper ticket?
When you first get to the airport you will need to check in to let the airline know you are going to be boarding the flight. If you have an e-ticket, you only need to show a printed version of your booking confirmation and your identification. Some airlines let you check in online and pick up your boarding pass when you get to the airport. A paper ticket is a physical document. Just like a concert ticket, if you lose it, you have to buy another!
Are you checking in baggage or carrying on?
Your baggage is the things you’ve brought with you – suitcases, backpacks, boxes. If you have large items or lots of baggage, you need to check it in – that is, have it stored in the airplane’s cargo hold. Carry-on is the smaller bags you are allowed to take on the plane with you.
Would you like a window or aisle seat?
Think about which part of the plane is most comfortable to you. If you enjoy looking out the window then say you want a window seat. Or if you’d rather be free to get up and stretch your legs, tell them you’d like an aisle seat. If you would prefer to sit near the front or the back of the plane, let the staff know when you are checking in to see if they can find you your perfect seat.
May I see your boarding pass?
Your boarding pass is the document given to you when you check in at the airport which contains your seat number and departure gate information. You need it in order to pass through security and get on your flight.
Which gate should I board from?
When it’s time to for your flight to depart, you need to know where to go to get on the plane. The gate is the area where you go to board the plane and go through a final security check.
Is my flight delayed or on-time?
If your flight is going to be late departing, you’ll hear that it has been delayed. On-time means your flight will leave as scheduled. If your flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation – the airline might pay the cost of finding a new flight or give you some money to make up for any inconvenience caused.
Do you have anything to declare?
Before you leave the airport when you get to your destination you need to let the customs officials know if you are carrying anything that you might need to pay tax on. Check what you are allowed to bring with you into the country and if a customs official asks whether you have anything to declare you can say “Yes” if you are bringing anything that might be restricted or that you might need to pay tax on. If you don’t have anything to declare say “No” and carry on with your journey or allow the customs official to check your bag.
May I see your passport and travel documents?
When you go through immigration, the immigration officer will ask to see your passport and travel documents. This includes a visa, if you need to get one beforehand to enter the country and any immigration forms you need to complete if you do not need a visa to enter the country.
Now you know what questions to expect when you fly, it’s time to relax and enjoy the flight!
Do you want to learn more vocabulary related to travel? Check out the following articles:
FAQs
Remember to answer these questions honestly and confidently. It's essential to have all necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and any supporting paperwork, readily available for inspection. Being polite and cooperative with immigration officers will contribute to a smooth entry process.
How do I answer immigration questions at the airport? ›
Remember to answer these questions honestly and confidently. It's essential to have all necessary documents, including your passport, visa, and any supporting paperwork, readily available for inspection. Being polite and cooperative with immigration officers will contribute to a smooth entry process.
What questions do they ask you when you check in at the airport? ›
English Airport Check-in Questions:
How many pieces of luggage do you have to be checked-in? Do you have hand luggage? Did you pack your luggage yourself or did somebody help you? Did you, at any point, leave your baggage unattended (by itself)?
What are the basics of an airport? ›
Physical facilities include runways, taxiways, aprons, and strips, which are used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, for the maneuvering and positioning of aircraft on the ground, and for the parking of aircraft in order to load and discharge passengers and cargo.
What are the 5 security questions at the airport? ›
8 Airport questions you need to be able to answer in English
- Do you have an e-ticket or a paper ticket? ...
- Are you checking in baggage or carrying on? ...
- Would you like a window or aisle seat? ...
- May I see your boarding pass? ...
- Which gate should I board from? ...
- Is my flight delayed or on-time? ...
- Do you have anything to declare?
Answer all questions fully, succinctly, and truthfully, but do not volunteer information unless asked. If you're unsure of the answer or do not understand a question, you should always say so rather than guess.
How can I speak live in English? ›
How to speak English better in 10 easy steps
- Imitate away. ...
- Avoid learning word by word. ...
- Use what you've learned immediately. ...
- Be an actor. ...
- Listen to others as much as you speak. ...
- Listen to yourself and get feedback from native speakers. ...
- Become visual. ...
- Narrate your life.
10 Tips on how to speak English fluently
- Practice listening and speaking. ...
- Make a plan and stick to it. ...
- Become pronunciation obsessed. ...
- Learn from native English speakers. ...
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
If you have a criminal history, it's possible you'll be asked to provide details. Example TSA PreCheck interview questions include: Are you a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident? Are you wanted or under indictment for any disqualifying crimes?
What are airport interview questions? ›
10 common airline interview questions
- What can you tell us about yourself? ...
- Why do you want to work for our airline? ...
- Why would you be a good fit for this position? ...
- Tell me about a time when you experienced a challenge at work. ...
- What does excellent customer service mean to you? ...
- What type of work environment do you prefer?
Refusal to answer other questions will likely cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the United States for failure to answer other questions. If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions.
What is an airport answer? ›
An airport is a place where aircraft land and take off, which has buildings and facilities for passengers.
How do I prepare myself for airport? ›
Travel Essentials
- ID Documents: Carry valid identification documents to the airport. ...
- Tickets: Depending upon your airline's policy, bring a hard copy/soft copy of your air ticket.
- Boarding Pass: For seamless boarding, you must have your boarding pass.
: a place from which aircraft operate that usually has paved runways and maintenance facilities and often serves as a terminal.
What not to say in an immigration interview? ›
Even so, it is best to avoid having to say any of the following:
- “I'm not familiar with U.S. immigration laws.”
- “Actually, I have applied for asylum in another country.”
- “I don't have travel insurance.”
- “I don't know where I'll be staying.”
- “I'm not sure about the details of my visa application.”
4. You do not have to answer any questions – including questions about who you are, who else is in the home, or your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent.
How do you answer "Do you have anything to declare?"? ›
If they ask if you have anything to declare you can say: “I declare that I have…” and then tell them anything important that you have with you. Here are a few examples of things you may wish to declare… Anything from the aforementioned list that you think you can bring.
