B1English

On the Plane

Use these phrases when you are on a plane and need to find your seat, talk to the crew, or deal with a problem.

Key Phrases

Voice
Claiming your seat · 2 ways to say it

Excuse me, I think this is my seat.

neutral

Sorry, could you check your boarding pass? I've got 14C.

polite

Softer than pointing directly — useful when the other person looks confused or annoyed.

Using the overhead bin · 2 ways to say it

Do you mind if I put my bag up here?

neutral

Could I squeeze my bag in there?

casual

Natural with fellow passengers; slightly too informal for crew.

Asking crew for something · 2 ways to say it

Could I get a glass of water, please?

neutral

Would it be possible to get a blanket?

polite

Use this phrasing when you feel you are making an extra request and want to sound considerate.

Asking about the seatbelt · 2 ways to say it

How do I fasten this seatbelt?

neutral

Could you show me how to buckle this?

casual

Fine with a fellow passenger; with crew, the neutral version sounds slightly more natural.

Asking to swap seats · 2 ways to say it

Would you be willing to swap seats with me?

polite

Always explain your reason — e.g. 'I'd like to sit with my daughter' — to make the request easier to accept.

Any chance you could switch seats with me?

casual

Only with fellow passengers, not crew.

Telling crew you feel unwell · 2 ways to say it

I'm feeling a bit unwell. Could I have a sick bag?

neutral

Excuse me, I feel really sick. Is there anything you can give me?

casual

Direct and clear — useful when you need help quickly and there is no time to be formal.

Requesting emergency help

Is there a doctor on board? I'm not feeling well at all.

neutral

For a more serious situation — say this loudly enough for crew to hear.

Navigating the cabin

Sorry, which row is this?

casual
Checking if a seat is free

Excuse me, is the aisle seat taken?

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Passenger
Excuse me, I think this is my seat — 22B?
Fellow Passenger
Oh, really? Let me check. Oh, sorry — I'm 22C. My bad.
Passenger
No worries. Do you mind if I put my bag up here?
Fellow Passenger
Sure, go ahead. There's a bit of space on the left.
Passenger
Thanks. Hey, any chance you'd swap seats with me? I'd like to sit next to my husband.
Fellow Passenger
Oh, sure, no problem. I'll move.
Passenger
That's really kind of you, thank you.
Flight Attendant
Can I get you anything?
Passenger
Actually, yeah — could I get a glass of water? And a blanket if you have one?
Flight Attendant
Of course. Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale.
Passenger
I'm feeling a bit unwell, to be honest. Could I have a sick bag just in case?
Flight Attendant
Right away. I'll bring that with the water.

More Travel & Transport (B1)

← All English survival phrases