[336] 10 Travel Phrases to Survive an Airport

[336] 10 Travel Phrases to Survive an Airport

My mother-in-law is flying from Chile to visit us in Adelaide – and she doesn’t speak English! In this episode, I share 10 practical travel phrases to help her (and you!) survive an airport in an English-speaking country. From check-in to baggage claim, I cover what to say, how to ask for help, and a few of my own funny airport mistakes. Perfect if you’re travelling soon or just want to practise everyday English.

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Full Transcript (Travel Phrases at an Airport)

Hola amigos y amigas! You’re listening to the English Made Simple Show!
This is episode number 336 (three-three-six), number three hundred and thirty-six, número trescientos treinta y seis.

Welcome back, amigos y amigas! It’s your host, Milena from englishmadesimple.net, here with another episode of the English Made Simple Show.

Today’s episode is for travellers — especially those who feel a bit nervous navigating an airport in English. And I have a personal reason for doing this one…

My mother-in-law is coming to visit us here in Adelaide. She’s flying all the way from Santiago, Chile. She doesn’t speak English — not a word! And I want her to feel more confident when she lands in Sydney or Melbourne, and then makes her way to Adelaide. So I thought, why not share 10 useful travel phrases that can help anyone survive an airport?

We’ll go step by step — from check-in, to security, to boarding, to arrival. And along the way, I’ll throw in some tips for avoiding getting lost. I’ll also share a couple of my own airport mistakes… so you can learn from my pain.

Step 1 – Check-in Counter

When you first arrive at the airport, you usually go to the check-in counter. This is where you drop off your luggage and get your boarding pass.

Phrase 1: “I’d like to check in, please.”
This is the simplest way to start the conversation.

Phrase 2: “Can I have an aisle seat/window seat, please?”
According to Weón Inteligente… or the online dictionary…

The word aisle means the walkway between seats, usually on a plane or in a theatre.
So an aisle seat means you can get up easily without climbing over people.

Mini Story:
When my mother-in-law checks in, I’m going to tell her to ask for an aisle seat. Why? Because she likes to stretch her legs — and because she’s going to have a stopover, she might want to get in and out quickly.

Step 2 – Immigration and Security

At this stage, you’ll be asked for your passport and sometimes your boarding pass again.

Phrase 3: “Here’s my passport.”
Simple and clear.

Phrase 4: “Do I need to take my shoes off?”
Yes, this is a real question! In some countries, you have to remove your shoes at security.

Mini Story:
Now, confession time… I once forgot to take a water bottle out of my bag. Security stopped me, looked very serious, and said:
Officer: “Ma’am, is this your bag?”
I said: “Yes… do you want some water?”
Let’s just say… that’s not the correct answer. I had to throw it away and go through security again. Lesson learned!

Step 3 – Duty-Free Shopping

Duty-free is the magical place in airports where you can buy things without paying local taxes.

Phrase 5: “How much is this?”
Phrase 6: “Do you take credit cards?”

According to the dictionary, duty-free means goods sold without the usual taxes, often to international travellers. 

Step 4 – Boarding

When it’s time to board, listen for announcements. They’ll say something like:

“Now boarding passengers in Group 3.”

Phrase 7: “Which gate is this flight boarding from?”
Phrase 8: “Is this the boarding queue for Flight QF662?”

Mini Story:
On one of my trips, I made the rookie mistake of following a group of people, thinking they were going to my gate. Nope. They were going to Starbucks. I missed the first boarding call and had to run like a maniac. So amigos y amigas — check your boarding pass, don’t just follow random people.

Step 5 – Arrival

When you arrive, you’ll go through passport control and customs.

Phrase 9: “Where is the baggage claim?”

Baggage claim is the area where you pick up your luggage after a flight.

Phrase 10: “How do I get to the domestic terminal?”
This one’s especially important if you have a connecting flight, like my mother-in-law will.

Tips to Avoid Getting Lost at the Airport

• Follow the signs — they’re usually in multiple languages and have icons.

• Ask airport staff — they’re used to helping travellers, and most speak some English.

• Keep your boarding pass handy — you’ll need it multiple times.

• Don’t be afraid to double-check — even if you think you know, ask again.

Repeat After Me

Alright amigos y amigas, time for our Repeat After Me segment.
I’ll say each phrase slowly — you repeat after me:

1. “I’d like to check in, please.”

2. “Which gate is this flight boarding from?”

3. “Where is the baggage claim?”

Nice work!

If you or someone you know is planning to travel to an English-speaking country, these phrases will help you feel confident in airports and on planes. And if you want to practise more everyday travel English with me, visit englishmadesimple.net/learn-with-me.

You’ve been jamming with Milena, keep practising, amigos y amigas, stay cool, and keep in touch. Until next time, hasta la próxima!

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