Intermediate · B1 / B2 · Travel

At the Airport

Your goal: handle check-in, self-service kiosks, a gate change and a delayed flight using clear, polite B1/B2 English.

1

Survival Phrases

Self-service & check-in

  • I'd like to check in for the 10:40 to Lisbon.
  • Is it possible to change my seat to an aisle?
  • I've already checked in online — I just need to drop the bag.
  • How many pieces can I take through security?

Security & documents

  • Here's my boarding pass and passport.
  • Should I take off my belt and shoes?
  • This is a medical device — it shouldn't go through the scanner.
  • I have a connecting flight — is forty minutes enough time?

Gate changes & delays

  • I see the gate has changed — which one is it now?
  • Could you announce it once more, please?
  • What's the reason for the delay?
  • Am I still entitled to a meal voucher?

Connecting flights

  • Where do I go for my connection?
  • Do I need to collect my luggage and recheck it?
  • Is the next flight from the same terminal?
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud twice — once for each speaker. Notice how B picks up A's words and adds something.

Agent: Good morning. Online check-in?

Marina: Yes, I checked in on the app. I just need to drop this bag.

Agent: Forty kilos — that's over the limit. You'll need to pay for the excess, or move some items to your carry-on.

Marina: Oh, I didn't realise. Could I move a few things to my hand luggage instead of paying?

Agent: That works. Take what you can — you've got about two minutes before bag drop closes.

Marina: Done. And one more thing — has the gate been announced yet?

Agent: It's showing as gate 22, but it can change. Check the screens after security.

Marina: Thanks. And if I miss the connection in Lisbon because of a delay, what should I do?

Agent: Go to the transfer desk — they'll rebook you on the next available flight.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationMore formalMore informal / natural
Asking to change somethingI was wondering if it might be possible to change my seat.Can I switch to an aisle?
Saying you don't understandI'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that — could you say it again?Sorry, what was that?
Refusing politelyI'd rather not pay the extra, if it's all the same.No thanks, I'll move the stuff.
Following upCould you possibly confirm the gate closer to boarding?Any idea which gate it is?
At B1/B2 the line between formal and informal is often tone and softeners (just, a bit, possibly), not different words. Soften requests when the stakes are higher.
4

Typical Mistakes (B1/B2 & Portuguese interference)

  • I have a fly to Lisbon. → I'm flying to Lisbon. / I have a flight to Lisbon. ((ter um voo))
  • The gate was changed for the gate 22. → The gate changed to 22. ((mudou para o portão 22))
  • I didn't realise about the weight. → I didn't realise it was over the weight limit. ((não sabia do limite))
  • I will lose my connection. → I'll miss my connection. ((perder = miss, não lose))
  • Can you repeat? → Could you say that again, please? ((repeat sozinho soa abrupto))
  • Actually my flight is at 10:40. → My flight is at 10:40 — I mean, currently. ((actually ≠ atualmente))
5

Culture Note

  • Airport staff in English-speaking countries speak fast and in set phrases ('Any bags to check?'). Learn the phrase, not just the words.
  • Complaining directly is rare — people soften: 'I appreciate this is busy, but…' gets more help than raising your voice.
  • Queue discipline is strict: don't stand on the blue line at security until called forward.
  • Gate agents won't promise rebooking over the loudspeaker — they'll send you to a desk or the app.
6

Practical Task

  1. Rebuild the dialogue with your own destination, bag-weight problem and seat preference.
  2. Record both roles and listen once — mark any line where you hesitated.
  3. Write two questions you'd actually ask at a self-service kiosk.
  4. Real-life mission: read an airport departure board in English and find three abbreviations (FLT, GATE, STD).

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐explain a bag-weight problem and offer a solution?
  • ☐ask about a gate change politely?
  • ☐ask what to do if you miss a connection?
  • ☐soften a request using 'possible' or 'wondering'?
Bring your recording and your two kiosk questions to class — your teacher will run this as a role-play with a complication (overweight bag, gate change).