Useful vocabulary and phrases
Where?
| International Departures | Domestic Arrivals |
| International Arrivals | Terminal 2 |
| Domestic Departures |
| Which terminal for (Cathay Pacific)? | How do I get to (Terminal 2)? |
| Which building is (Terminal 2)? | Where is (International Departures)? |
Checking in
| check-in desk (noun) | check in (verb) |
| check-in (noun) |
| ticket | boarding pass |
| e-ticket | boarding card |
| passport |
| Is this the check-in for (Amsterdam)? | Is this the line for (British Airways)? |
Check-in questions
| Where are you flying to today? | Do you have any bags to check in? |
| What is your final destination? | Did you pack the bag yourself? |
| How many people are flying today? | You / Your bags have been checked through to… (*if have a connecting flight) |
| Can I see your (passport / boarding pass) please? | The flight boards at (time) from gate number … |
| Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat? |
Immigration requests
| Can I see your passport please? | Please look into the camera |
| Do you have your departure card? | Please put your thumb on the sensor |
Security requests
| Please empty out your pockets | Please raise your arms |
| Please take off your (jacket/belt/shoes) | Please turn around |
| Please put (your laptop / keys / any electronics) in the tray | Please open your bag |
| Are you carrying any liquids? | Step this way |
Flight side
| duty-free (shop) | club members lounge |
| departure lounge | concourse A |
| business class lounge | gate |
Changes to the flight
| delayed | gate change |
| cancelled |
On the loud speaker
| Would passenger (name) flying to … on flight number … please report to the nearest information desk, thank you. | We are sorry to announce that flight number … to… has been cancelled due to (reason). Passengers should contact a flight representative for more details. |
| Flight number … to … is now boarding through gate number … | Would passenger (name), flying to…, please report to gate number…as you are delaying the plane. |
| We are sorry to announce that flight number … to … has been delayed due to (reason). We thank you for your patience. | Boarding will close in 5 minutes, at which point we will begin unloading your baggage. |
In a hurry
| express check-in | express lane (*at immigration and security) |
| Excuse me, do you mind if I go first? My plane is boarding in …minutes. | Excuse me, can you take me to gate 5? My plane is boarding. |
| Excuse me, can I get ahead of you? I’m in a hurry. | Hold the gate! I’m coming! |
Lucky
| upgrade | bump up (*casual English) |
| Mr Smith, we have a few no-shows so have upgraded your ticket to first class. |