Picture this: you’re at the airport with your ticket, but you’re not sure where to go or what to say. Don’t worry! In this lesson, you’ll learn the must-know English words and phrases for airports and travel. We’ll keep it simple, practical, and you’ll practice with quick exercises along the way.

By the end, you’ll know how to check in, go through security, find your gate, and talk about your travel plans with confidence.

Core airport words you’ll hear everywhere

Here are the most common words and phrases. Read them, say them out loud, and try to picture the airport situation.

Tip: Many airport signs use these exact words. Knowing them makes finding your way much easier.

Quick practice: Ask for help

Put the words in order to make a question you can ask at the airport.

Phrasal verbs you will need

Airports use many phrasal verbs (verb + short word). Here are the most useful ones:

• check in: register before your flight
• drop off: leave your bags with the airline
• pick up: take your bags after the flight
• take off: when the plane leaves the ground
• land: when the plane arrives on the ground

You will hear announcements like “We will start boarding soon” or “Please proceed to security.”

After we , we will go to security.

Making travel plans: “going to”

To talk about plans, use “be going to” + verb.

• I am going to fly tomorrow.
• She is going to visit her family.
• We are going to check in online.

It’s friendly and natural for future plans.

They going to travel next week.

Mini-quiz: Airport essentials

Test yourself! Choose the best answer. Then read the explanation.

Polite travel phrases

Use these short, helpful lines when speaking to staff:

• Excuse me, could you help me?
• Could you tell me where gate 15 is?
• Is there a check-in desk for economy class?
• May I sit by the aisle?
• When does boarding start?

These are polite and easy to remember.

Your journey through the airport (order the steps)

Put the steps in the correct order. This is the usual process for many airports.

Culture note: Airport routines around the world

• Liquids: In many countries, you can only carry small liquids (often 100 ml). Put them in a clear plastic bag.
• Shoes and belts: In some places, you remove them at security; in others, you don’t. Follow staff instructions.
• Queues: People usually line up in a straight line. Be patient and keep space.
• Signs: Major airports use English along with local languages. Look for key words like “Arrivals,” “Departures,” “Security,” and “Gate.”

If you’re unsure, ask politely: “Excuse me, could you tell me…?” Staff are used to helping travelers.

I have two luggages. → I have two bags. Use countable nouns (bag/suitcase) instead of “luggages.”

Quick phrases for common situations

• At check-in: “I’d like to check in for Flight 307.”
• At security: “Do I need to remove my laptop?”
• At the gate: “Is boarding Group B now?”
• On the plane: “Could I switch to an aisle seat?”

Practice these with a friend or say them out loud.

Fast review

• Key words: boarding pass, gate, check-in desk, security, luggage, carry-on, delayed, on time.
• Phrasal verbs: check in, drop off, pick up, take off, land.
• Grammar: “be going to” for plans (We are going to travel next week.)

You’ve got this! The more you hear and say these words, the more natural your airport English will feel. Safe travels and see you in the next lesson!