English Words for Flying

Do you want to improve your experience as a tourist or business traveller? Knowing the basic English to travel by plane is the best way to do so. Knowing that we can communicate in the event of any eventuality helps us to be much calmer and to doubly enjoy our experiences, including travelling by plane.

For many of us, airplanes are a means of transport that we use frequently. When going to different countries and continents, it is necessary to know English to be able to better communicate while there. No matter where you are going, the aircraft crew will always know how to speak English in addition to the local language. Therefore, it is essential that you be able to communicate in the lingua franca par excellence.

Phrases for the Airport in English

We have already told you why it is important to know how to speak English on the plane. But before boarding the plane, we must first pass through the airport, right? Well, this is a good chance for us to see how you can handle yourself at this stage of the trip. Then we will continue with the English words to travel by plane.

First, let’s look at some things you could hear at the check-in counter.

May I see your ticket, please?

Your ID or passport, please.

How many bags will you be checking?

Would you like a window or an aisle seat?

Your flight is delayed / has been cancelled.

Useful Airport Phrases in English

We have already seen some of the questions that can be asked at the counter, but what about the things you may need to ask? We have got a little help for this as well.

Is the flight on time?

Will I have to pick my luggage in Cuba? (In case you have a connecting flight.)

I’d like to book a ticket to Barcelona, please.

Excuse me, what is the boarding gate for flight AU654?

I need special assistance / a wheelchair, please.

Travelling in English

You are on board. Success! Now we suggest you take a look at some of the phrases you might hear or need to say once your trip begins. You can find them below.

Please remain seated and fasten your seatbelts.

All mobile devices can be used on airplane mode.

Please put your seats and trays in the upright position for take-off and landing.

Stow all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments.

I need some help with my luggage, please.

May I have headphones / a blanket / a glass of water, please?

I’m not feeling well. May I have a paper bag, please?

Do you also want to prepare yourself for the vacations that await you after landing? In that case, it will also be very useful to know a little more English because, wherever you go in the world, English will probably be used there.

English Airport Vocabulary

Now you have seen some of the phrases that you may use most frequently during your travels and have expanded your knowledge of basic English for travelling by plane. We are going to leave you some vocabulary in English for planes and airports. This vocabulary section will be of great help when it comes to understanding the indications that airport personnel, crew, or signs may give you.

Arrivals
Departures
Duty-free
Takeoff
Landing
Flight attendant
Aircraft
Seatbelt
Fasten / unfasten seatbelt
Overhead compartment
Tray / tray table
Hand luggage / carry-on baggage
Baggage Claim
Trolley
Customs
To declare
Passengers in transit

With this basic English to help you travel by plane, your experience as a traveller will definitely improve a lot. But if you want to take the next step and be sure that you can prove yourself a citizen of the world at any airport, ABA English’s online classes are what you need. Our team has the best teachers and a unique learning system based on 144 free video classes and the same number of short films to immerse you in all kinds of everyday situations in English. The best thing about this is that you can learn from your smartphone or any mobile device while waiting at the airport or can even enjoy a video while up in the clouds.