50 Most Important English Phrases You Must Know When Travelling by Plane

What could be more glamorous than being a flight attendant? Why, being a passenger on your way to an exotic holiday, of course!

 

English is the language of the air, so it’s not surprise that whether you are flying into Singapore or out to Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris or New York, there are some people that you will need to speak English with on your journey. From flight attendants to ground staff, other passengers to security, these are the 50 most important phrases you must know when travelling by plane.

 

Can you guess who might say these common English expressions to you?

 

At the departure airport:

• Could you put your bags on the scales, please?

• Can I see your boarding pass and passport please?

• How many items of luggage do you have?

• The gate closes 20 minutes before departure.

• Please raise your arms for the security scan.

• Please have your passports and boarding cards ready.

• Aisle or window seat?

• Please do not leave any baggage unattended.

• Is there anything sharp or dangerous in your hand luggage?

• Are you travelling alone?

• Please board immediately at gate number 3.

• Have a good flight!

• This is your gate number.

• Boarding will commence 30 minutes before the departure time.

• This is the final call for flight BD 4566 to Seattle.

• Vietnam Airlines regrets to announce that flight VN 773 has been cancelled.

• Please put your jacket onto the belt too.

• Do you have any hand luggage?

• Give me a ring when you arrive, will you?

 

On the plane:

• Your seat is down this aisle on your right.

• The emergency exits are located here, here and here.

• Your lifejacket is under your seat.

• It is forbidden to smoke anywhere on the aircraft.

• Please put your chairs into an upright position.

• Your oxygen mask will drop down from above.

• We are approaching an area of turbulence.

• Please remain seated until the plane comes to a complete standstill.

• Please turn off your mobile phones for the duration of the flight

• Even if you are a regular traveller, please listen carefully to the following announcement for your own safety.

• We will be cruising at 20,000 feet.

• Please stow your hand luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you.

• The temperature at our destination is a pleasant 23 degrees Celsius.

• The duty free trolley will be coming around shortly.

• I’m sorry Madam, that perfume has sold out. Would you like to look at the catalogue again and choose another one?

• Please stow your tables ready for landing.

• Please turn off all electrical items during take off and landing.

• Please return to your seats.

• I’m sorry sir, the chicken is finished. Is the vegetarian pasta OK?

• Sorry, can I get past?

• Would you like anything to drink?

• Please open all the blinds.

 

At the arrival airport:

• Next please.

• What’s your address in Malaysia?

• Do you have anything to declare?

• How much money do you have with you?

• How long will you be staying?

• What is the purpose of your visit? Business or pleasure?

• Can you open this bag, please?

• Please remain seated until your seat number is called.

• Will first class passengers and passengers with small children board first, please?

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