Travelling through airports can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming, especially if it's your first time or if English isn't your first language. To make your airport experience smoother and less stressful, it's helpful to familiarise yourself with some common airport terms and phrases. Whether you're booking a flight, checking in your luggage, or finding your gate, knowing these phrases can make a big difference.
Booking Your Flight
When you're ready to book your flight, you'll need to know which airline to choose. An airline is the company that owns the plane you'll be flying on. For example, British Airways and Emirates are both airlines. When booking your ticket, you can ask questions like, "Which airline flies to my destination?" or "Can I book a return ticket?"
Checking In
Checking in is the process of letting the airline know you've arrived at the airport and receiving your boarding pass. This pass tells you where your plane will be boarding and your seat number. You might hear phrases like, "Sir, here is your boarding pass," or "How many pieces of luggage are you checking in?"
Finding Your Gate
After checking in, you'll need to find your gate, which is the door where your plane will depart from. If you're unsure where to go, you can ask airport staff questions like, "Can you tell me where my gate is?" or "How do I get to gate number 22?"
Understanding Announcements
Throughout your time at the airport, you'll hear announcements about your flight. These announcements might include important information like gate changes or delays. It's essential to pay attention to these announcements so you don't miss your flight. If you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask airport staff for help.
Here are some common words you might hear at the airport:
- Arrivals: The area where passengers arrive after their flight.
- Departures: The area where passengers leave from to board their flight.
- Security: The process of checking passengers and luggage for safety before boarding.
- Baggage Claim: The area where passengers collect their luggage after arriving.
- Customs: The process of checking passengers' belongings as they enter a new country.
- Terminal: The building where passengers wait for their flights and board planes.
- Concourse: A long hallway with gates where passengers wait to board their flights.
- Boarding: The process of passengers getting on their plane before takeoff.
- Gate: The door where passengers enter to board their flight.
- Flight: The journey by plane from one location to another.
- Delay: When a flight is behind schedule and departs later than planned.
- Cancelled: When a flight is no longer happening and passengers need to make alternate arrangements.
- Luggage: Bags and suitcases that passengers bring with them on their journey.
- Board: To enter the plane.
- Boarding pass: Document showing where you board the plane and your seat number.
- Boarding time: Time passengers can start entering the plane.
- Business class: Premium seating area, usually for business travellers.
- Economy class: Standard seating area, cheaper than business class.
- First class: Premium, spacious seating area on a plane.
- Liquids: Fluid items, restricted in quantity for air travel.
- Long-haul flight: Flight covering a long distance.
- Oversized baggage / Overweight baggage: Luggage exceeding size or weight limits.
- Stopover / Layover: Short break during a long-haul flight.
- Visa: Document granting permission to enter a country.
By familiarising yourself with these airport terms and phrases, you'll feel more confident and prepared for your journey. So next time you're at the airport, don't hesitate to ask questions and make use of these helpful tips. Remember, airport staff are there to assist you, and with a little preparation, you'll be ready to embark on your adventure with ease. Safe travels and enjoy your trip!