Airport Information

Airplane travel is one of the most common forms of transportation to get to overseas destinations,
but making plane reservations and buying plane tickets are only the first steps. You need to know
what to do and what to say once you arrive at the airport. Read the words below and consult a
dictionary if you need a definition. Write a sample sentence for each word to learn how it is used in
context.

1. aisle 13. metal detector

2. aisle seat 14. overhead compartment
3. baggage claim area 15. oxygen mask
4. boarding area 16. pilot
5. boarding pass 17. seat belt
6. carry-on luggage 18. security checkpoint
7. cockpit 19. security officer
8. emergency exit 20. terminal
9. flight attendant/stewardess/steward 21. ticket counter
10. gate 22. tray table
11. lavatory/toilet/bathroom 23. window seat
12. life jacket 24. X-ray machine
Practice:

Now, complete the sentences below with the best answer:

1. The ___________ will be serving food and beverages after the plane reaches its cruising altitude.
A. flight attendants B. pilots C. security officers
2. After the plane lands, you can pick up your luggage at the ______________.
A. boarding area B. baggage claim area C. overhead compartment
3. If the cabin loses pressure during flight, you should put on your _____________ so you can
breathe comfortably.
A. seat belt B. life jacket C. oxygen mask

III. Follow-Up:

What are the most important points you look for when choosing an airline for your next flight? Rank
the following points from the most to least important:
  price _____________  meals _____________
 destination _______________
 comfort and seating ___________
 length of flight_____________
 customer service _____________
 on-time record ______________

I. Read the text. Pay attention to the words in bold.

The airport is your first stop before leaving on your dream vacation or trip. Generally speaking,
you should arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Don't arrive 10 minutes before your
plane departs. You can park your car in long-term parking if you are planning to be away for a few
days, or you can ask someone to drop you off in the loading zone right in front of the airport
terminal. In some cases, you can check your bags there at curbside, or you might have to go to
the check-in counter inside the airport. Many airports now allow you to check in at a computer
kiosk, but you will still need to check your bags if you have any. Once you are checked in, you will
have to pass through security where they will check your ID and your carry-on bags. You will
also need to walk through a metal detector, which will check for illegal items. After you pass
through security, you can walk to the gate where you can wait to board your flight. Just wait until
they call your section to board. They usually seat first-class passengers and those who need
assistance first. Enjoy your flight.

II. Discussion.
Talk about your experience of checking in at an airport. What are some of your frustrations when
going through an airport? Is there anything you can do personally to minimize these problems?
What can airports do to deal with these issues?

III. Role play.

1. You are in the airport but you don’t know how to find the gate you need. Tell what you do
step by step.
2. Airport security is a major concern for people who fly on airlines. However, people are
often unaware as to the rules about what you can and cannot carry on board because these
rules are constantly changing. Explain how you can identify the items that are banned from
flights. Give a reason why the given items are banned.