Checking In Passengers
These is typical language to use when you are checking passengers in to a
flight. Review these expressions and read the sample conversation. Then
check your understanding with the quick quiz.
Note that the verb check in is a separable phrasal verb. So Mr Brown
can check in. And you can check Mr Brown in, or you can check in Mr
Brown. Using a pronoun (eg him), you can check him in. But you
cannot check in him.
Phrases and Expressions
Check-in Assistant
Can I see your ticket, please?
Do you have your passport with you?
I'm afraid your passport has expired.
Do you have a second piece of identification?
I'll need to see your child's birth certificate.
How many bags are you checking?
Will you be bringing a carry-on bag?
I'm afraid that bag exceeds the size restrictions.
Did you pack your bags yourself?
Would you like an aisle or a window seat?
Would you like a wheelchair?
You'll board at Gate 7.
Please be at the gate thirty minutes before your scheduled flight.
Did you need any tags for your luggage?
Your flight is expected to take off on time.
Your flight has been delayed by one hour.
Flight 87B to Toronto has been canceled.
I'm afraid you're too late to check-in.
Your flight is overbooked. Would you be interested in giving up your
seat?
Enjoy your flight.
Passenger
I'm not sure which of these papers is my ticket.
Is it possible to get an aisle seat?
I requested a vegetarian meal. Can you check to confirm?
Can I take my child through security?
Is the flight on time?
Will they be serving a meal today?
Will they be showing an inflight movie?
Where can I get a luggage cart?
Can I use my laptop on board?
Sample Conversation
Check-in Assistant: Hello. Are you flying to St. Martin today?
Passenger: Yes, I have my ticket here.
Check-in: Great. I'll need to see your passport as well.
Passenger: I have an e-ticket. Uh...is this the part you need?
Check-in: Actually I just need your name and I can find you on the computer.
Passenger: Oh okay. It's Bates. Frank Bates.
Check-in: Great. Here we are. Oh, you're travelling with an infant today.
Passenger: Yes, my daughter Mia. She's 14 months.
Check-in: Okay. I'll need to see your daughter's birth certificate to prove that
she is under two years of age.
Passenger: Here you are. Say, would we be able to get an aisle seat? I may
have to walk her around if she gets fussy.
Check-in: Sure. I'll put you near the washroom too.
Passenger: Thanks. Can I take my stroller to the gate?
Check-in: Yes, we'll check it in the over-sized luggage after you board. Are
you just checking these two bags today?
Passenger: Yes, I'll take my knapsack as my carry-on.
Check-in: Did you pack these bags yourself?
Passenger: Yes.
Check-in: Okay. Here is your boarding pass. Be at the gate one hour prior to
boarding time. You will be able to preboard because you are traveling with an
infant. Our flight crew will have some special instructions for take-off and
landing.
Check your understanding
Test your understanding of the conversation above with this quick quiz.
1. What is the man's family name?
Mia
Frank
Bates
2. Instead of a ticket, what does the check-in assistant ask the man for?
his name
his computer
his child's passport
3. Where does the passenger ask to sit?
near the exit
in a window seat
in an aisle seat
A Check-in Agent and A Passenger
Agent : Good afternoon, where are you flying to?
Passenger: Good afternoon. I am flying to San Francisco.
Agent : Do you have your tickets?
Passenger: Here is my ticket.
Agent : How many people are travelling?
Passenger: It's my son and I, he is under two years old.
Agent : Can I have your passports and I will need to see his birth certificate to prove that he is
under two years of age.
Passenger: Sure. Here they are.
Agent : Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
Passenger: I would be very happy If we can get an aisle seat. I may have to walk him around if
he gets bored.
Agent : Alright, I'll put you near the restrooms too.
Passenger: Wonderful, thanks. Is it possible to check in the stroller?
Agent : Sure, are you checking in any bags?
Passenger: Yes, this suitcase and my backpack.
Agent : Let's put them on the scale, one at a time, please.
Passenger: Sure. And by the way, I have a layover in London. Do I have to pick up my luggage
there?
Agent : No, you will pick them up in San Francisco. Here is your boarding pass. You are all set.
Be at the gate at least 45 minutes prior to the departure time.
Passenger: Thank you for your help, have a good day.
Agent : Thank you, have a nice flight.
You are here: >> Home >> Beginners ESL Lessons >> Dialogue Examples 3 - At the Airport Check in
Questions you may need to ask at an airport
There are many questions you may need to ask at an airport.
Where is the check-in counter for _______ Airlines?
Is my flight on time?
How long is my flight delayed?
(delayed = late; In other words, your flight is not going to arrive on time.)
Where is the bathroom?
Where is the Internet lounge?
Where is the smoker's lounger?
Can I get a window seat?
Can I get an aisle seat?
Where can I find a taxi?
Where can I find a bus?
Where is the baggage claim?
(Where can I collect my luggage/baggage?)
When should I be at the departure gate?
Where is the departure gate?
Is my connecting flight on time?
(A connecting flight is when you take at least two different airplanes to get to your
destination. You are asking if the second flight is going to be on-time. If it is late,
you might have a long wait at the second airport. If it is early, you might miss the
flight because you didn't get to the second airport on time.)
Questions you may hear at an airport check-in counter
These are some common questions you may hear at the check-in counter.
May I see your ticket?
(The worker may also say, "Ticket, please.")
What's your purpose for traveling?
(What is your reason for traveling? The worker wants to know if you are traveling for
business or pleasure.)
Do you have a photo-ID?
(driver's license, passport)
Are you checking any bags?
(These are larger bags that the airline will store under the plane for you.)
How many bags are you checking?
Do you have a carry-on bag?
(This is a small bag you take with you on the plane such as a purse, small suitcase,
or laptop bag.)
Do you require any special assistance?
(Do you require a wheelchair, help carrying your bags, or other help?)
Did you pack these bags yourself?
Did you, at any time, leave your bag unattended?
(Did you leave your bag by itself. This is a security risk because someone could put
something in your bag. So, the airline wants to be sure you know what is in your
bag.)
Are you traveling with any liquids?
(Do you have any liquids in your bags such as shampoo, deodorant, or drinks?)
Is there anything fragile in your bags?
(fragile = breakable)
What is your final destination?
Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat?
Do you have any special eating requirements?
Problems at the check-in counter
Sometimes, there are problems at the check-in counter. Here are some problems you might
hear at the airport check-in counter.
Your luggage/baggage is too heavy.
(You have to remove some items to make it lighter.)
Your bag is too large.
Your carry-on bag is too large.
Your flight is delayed.
(It is late.)
Your connecting flight is delayed.
Your passport has expired.
(expired = The date has passed. You need a new passport.)
Your ID (identification) has expired.
Your flight has been canceled.
(If your flight is canceled, you have to book a new flight.)
Your connecting flight is canceled.
Your ticket has expired.
