Voyage with Words: Mastering Travel English in 30 Days
Welcome to our travel English series! Today, we’ll embark on an exciting journey to master essential basic travel terms. These words are your first steps in navigating through airports, understanding travel arrangements, and feeling more confident while traveling in English-speaking countries.
Vocabulary List:
- Airport (ˈɛərpɔːrt) – A complex of runways and buildings for the arrival and departure of aircraft.
- Example: We arrived at the airport two hours before our flight.
- Ticket (ˈtɪkɪt) – A pass that allows the holder to travel or attend an event.
- Example: I have booked my ticket to New York online.
- Passport (ˈpæspɔːrt) – An official document issued by a government, identifying an individual, allowing them to travel abroad.
- Example: Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your passport.
- Luggage (ˈlʌɡɪdʒ) – Bags and suitcases packed with personal belongings for traveling.
- Example: I always double-check my luggage to ensure I haven’t left anything behind.
- Boarding Pass (ˈbɔːrdɪŋ pæs) – A document provided by an airline during check-in, giving a passenger permission to enter the plane.
- Example: Once you check in, you’ll receive your boarding pass.
- Flight (flaɪt) – A journey made by air, especially in a plane.
- Example: Our flight to Tokyo was quite comfortable.
- Gate (geɪt) – The area where passengers check in before boarding the aircraft.
- Example: Please proceed to gate 15 for boarding.
- Customs (ˈkʌstəmz) – The place at an airport where travelers’ baggage is checked for illegal or dutiable goods.
- Example: Going through customs was quicker than I expected.
- Arrival (əˈraɪvəl) – The act of coming to a place.
- Example: The arrival time of our flight is 6 PM.
- Departure (dɪˈpɑːrtʃər) – The act of leaving, especially to start a journey.
- Example: The departure lounge was crowded with travelers.
- Check-in (ˈtʃɛk ɪn) – The process of confirming one’s presence for a flight.
- Example: Online check-in is much more convenient.
- Baggage Claim (ˈbæɡɪdʒ kleɪm) – The place at an airport where you get your suitcases and bags upon arrival.
- Example: We’ll meet at the baggage claim after our flight lands.
- Terminal (ˈtɜːmɪnəl) – A building at an airport where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board airplanes.
- Example: Our flight departs from the international terminal.
- Security Check (sɪˈkjʊərɪti tʃɛk) – A process where travelers are screened for prohibited items before boarding an aircraft.
- Example: I always get a bit nervous during the security check.
Sample Conversation:
Alex: Hi, Jamie! Did you get through the security check at the terminal without any issues?
Jamie: Yeah, it was pretty straightforward. Just had to remove my laptop from my luggage. Have you checked in online?
Alex: I did, but I couldn’t print my boarding pass. Thankfully the printed it at the check-in counter for me.
Jamie: They will usually print it for you. By the way, do you know our gate number?
Alex: It’s gate 22. The flight is scheduled for departure at 8 PM, but we should get there earlier for boarding.
Jamie: Agreed. After the long customs line during my last trip, I prefer being early. Oh, do you have your passport and ticket ready for boarding?
Alex: Yes, they’re in my handbag. Can’t wait to finally arrive at our destination!
Jamie: Me too. I’m looking forward to relaxing on the beach after we land. Speaking of which, what’s our arrival time?
Alex: Around midnight, local time. Let’s grab a coffee near the baggage claim area after we land.
Jamie: Almost a perfect plan! I need something to eat before we board.
Alex: Me, too. Let’s go grab a bite.
Interactive Exercise:
Try to use these new words in a short paragraph describing your ideal travel day. Share it in the comments for feedback! Also try the quiz!
#1. What is often checked at the airport to ensure safety?
#2. What do you need to board an airplane?
#3. What do travellers often pass through after international flights?
#4. Which term refers to the departure and arrival of planes?
#5. What document is essential for international travel?
#6. What area in an airport allows passengers to board their flights?
#7. Where do you check-in for your flight?
#8. Where do you go to claim your luggage after a flight?
#9. In which place can you find the arrival and departure times?
#10. What might you check before going to the airport?
Results
Well done! You soared through that!
You almost had it. Try again!
Travel Tip:
In many English-speaking countries, it’s strongly advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international travel to ensure a smooth check-in and security check process.
