boarding pass
Meaning: the document that lets you enter the plane
Example: Please keep your passport and boarding pass ready.
Tip: You can have a paper boarding pass or a digital one on your phone.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary for airports and travelLearn the English you need for boarding, security, luggage, immigration, and common airport questions.
This lesson helps you handle the most common airport and flight situations in English. You will learn the key travel words first, then useful phrasal verbs, and finally the questions people ask at check-in, security, and the gate.
8 words4 phrasal verbs6 questions
Visual overview
Airport vocabulary board
boarding passgateterminalcarry-on bagchecked bagpassport controldelaybaggage claimVocabulary for airports and travel
Core words
Start with the most useful words for this topic. Read the meaning, notice the example, and reuse the phrase in your own sentence.
gate
Meaning: the area where passengers wait before getting on the plane
Example: Our flight leaves from gate 18.
Tip: Always check the airport screens because the gate can change.
terminal
Meaning: a main building in the airport where flights arrive and leave
Example: The international flights leave from Terminal 2.
Tip: Large airports often have more than one terminal.
carry-on bag
Meaning: a small bag you take with you onto the plane
Example: This carry-on bag fits under the seat.
Tip: Some airlines have strict size rules for carry-on bags.
checked bag
Meaning: a suitcase that travels in the aircraft hold, not with you in the cabin
Example: I have one checked bag and one backpack.
Tip: You usually leave a checked bag at the airline desk.
passport control
Meaning: the place where officers check your passport before entering a country
Example: The line for passport control is long this morning.
Tip: You may also hear immigration in the same situation.
delay
Meaning: extra waiting time because a flight is late
Example: The flight has a two-hour delay because of the weather.
Tip: Delayed is the adjective. Delay is the noun.
baggage claim
Meaning: the area where you collect your suitcase after the flight
Example: We met near baggage claim after landing.
Tip: The airport screens show which belt your bags will arrive on.
Useful phrasal verbs
These verb combinations appear often in natural conversations, so they are worth memorizing as full expressions.
check in
Meaning: to report your arrival for a flight and get your boarding pass
Example: We checked in online the night before the trip.
Tip: You can check in online, at a machine, or at the airline desk.
take off
Meaning: to leave the ground and begin flying
Example: The plane takes off at 7:45 a.m.
Tip: Takeoff is the noun form used in travel news.
pick up
Meaning: to collect someone or something
Example: My brother will pick me up at the arrivals area.
Tip: You can pick up a person, a ticket, or your luggage.
go through
Meaning: to pass a process or place
Example: You need to go through security before you reach the gate.
Tip: At airports, people often say go through security or go through customs.
Questions you can ask
Practise these ready-made questions so you can react faster in real conversations.
Excuse me, where is gate 18?
When to use it: Use this when you are trying to find the correct boarding area.
Do I need to check this bag?
When to use it: Use this at the airline desk when you are not sure about the bag rules.
What time does boarding start?
When to use it: Use this when you want to know when passengers can begin entering the plane.
Has the flight been delayed?
When to use it: Use this when the departure board changes or you have been waiting a long time.
Is this the line for passport control?
When to use it: Use this when you arrive in another country and need to join the right queue.
Where can I pick up my suitcase?
When to use it: Use this after landing when you need to find baggage claim.
Quick practice
Use these short exercises to check the lesson before you move on.
Practice
Complete the sentence: Please show your passport and ______ at the gate.
The boarding pass is the document you use to enter the plane.
Practice
Which phrasal verb means to pass security or customs?
Travelers often say go through security or go through customs.
Practice
Choose the better question: Where gate 18? / Excuse me, where is gate 18?
The second sentence is complete, natural, and polite.
Practice
Correct the sentence: My flight have a long delay.
Flight is singular, so the correct verb is has.