B2English

Checking in at the Airport

These phrases will help you navigate the check-in process, drop off your luggage, and confirm your boarding details at the airport.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking for documents

Good morning. Could I please see your passport, as well as your booking reference or ticket?

polite

Standard polite greeting used by airline staff.

Providing documents · 2 ways to say it

Here's my passport. I checked in online, but I still need to drop my bags.

neutral

Useful if you already have a digital boarding pass but have luggage.

Morning, here you go. Everything should already be in the system under my name.

casual

Very informal; typically accompanied by a friendly greeting.

Asking about bags · 2 ways to say it

Are you planning on checking any bags today, or are you just flying with a carry-on?

neutral

US — 'carry-on' refers to the bag you take onto the plane.

Could you tell me if you are checking any bags, or just travelling with hand luggage?

polite

UK — 'hand luggage' refers to the bag you take onto the plane.

Declaring bags

I've just got this one suitcase to check, along with my personal item to take on board.

neutral

A 'personal item' usually means a smaller laptop bag or purse.

Baggage security

Did you pack this luggage yourself, and has it been in your possession at all times?

polite

A standard security question you must answer before checking in.

Seat request · 2 ways to say it

If the flight isn't fully booked, would it be possible to switch to an aisle seat?

polite

A polite way to ask for a seat change using a conditional sentence.

Is there any chance I could grab a window seat somewhere closer to the front?

casual

Uses 'grab' informally instead of 'switch to' or 'reserve'.

Overweight baggage

I'm a bit worried it might be overweight; could you let me know if I need to take anything out?

neutral

A natural, hedged way to handle a potentially heavy bag.

Giving boarding pass · 2 ways to say it

Here's your boarding pass. Your gate hasn't been assigned yet, so please check the departure boards.

neutral

Used when the gate is not yet known.

Here is your boarding pass. You will be boarding from gate 22 at approximately quarter to four.

polite

Standard formal instruction from the check-in agent.

Asking for directions · 2 ways to say it

Thanks for your help. Could you point me in the right direction for the security line?

neutral

US — asking where to go next using 'line'.

Brilliant, thanks. Do you know which way I need to head for the security queue?

casual

UK — asking where to go next using 'queue'.

Practice Dialogue

Staff
Next in line, please. Good morning, where are you flying to today?
Traveler
Morning. I'm heading to Chicago. Here's my passport.
Staff
Thank you. Are you planning on checking any bags, or just taking a carry-on?
Traveler
I've got one suitcase to check. I'm a bit worried it might be overweight, honestly.
Staff
Let's take a look. If you could just place it on the scale... You're actually well under, so no worries there.
Traveler
Oh, great. By the way, is there any chance of switching to an aisle seat?
Staff
Let me check for you. Unfortunately, it looks like it's a completely full flight, so you're stuck with the window seat you selected.
Traveler
No problem, I figured I'd ask anyway. Do you know which gate it's boarding from?
Staff
Yes, you'll be at gate B14. Boarding starts at 10:15. Here's your boarding pass, and the security line is right around the corner.
Traveler
Perfect. Thanks for your help.

More Travel & Transport (B2)

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