Basic English for Border Guards at Airports

ENGLISH FOR
SPECIFIC PURPOSES

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 BASIC ENGLISH FOR BORDER GUARDS AT AIRPORTS.

Content
1. Airport terminology 3

2. Airport terminal zones graphic (your working areas) 5

3. At the airport 6

4. Important Questions And Phrases At The Check-In Desk 7

5. Overweight Baggage 8
a. Conversation Model
b. Time to Practice
c. You Must Know
6. Through the Security 14
a. Additional Security Questions
b. Border Crossing Dialogue
c. Extra Practice

7. At the gate. 24
a. Conversation Model

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 TERMINOLOGY:
A DEPARTURES ARE ON SCHEDULE:
ACTUAL TIME OF ARRIVAL (ATA):
hora de llegada real
ACTUAL TIME OF DEPARTURE
(ATD): hora de salida real
AIR HOSTESS: azafata
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL: control de
tránsito aéreo
AIRCRAFT: avión, aeronave
AIRLINE COUNTER: mostrador
AIRPORT: aeropuerto
AISLE SEAT: asiento del lado del
pasillo
ANIMAL IN HOLD: animal vivo en
la bodega
ARRIVALS: llegadas
ARRIVALS ARE DELAYED: las
llegadas están demoradas
ARRIVALS ARE ON SCHEDULE: las
llegadas están en horario.
B FLIGHT NUMBER: número de
BAGGAGE CLAIM: reclamo de
equipaje
BAGGAGE LIMITATION: límite de
equipaje
BOARDING PASS: pase de
abordo
BRIEFCASE: maletín, portafolios
BUMPY FLIGHT: vuelo turbulento
C internacional
CABIN: cabina
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: equipaje
de mano
COCKPIT: cabina del piloto
CONNECTING FLIGHT: conexión
CONTROL TOWER: torre de
control
CONVEYOR BELT: cinta
transportadora
COPILOT: copiloto
CREW: tripulación
CUSTOMS: aduana
CUSTOMS OFFICIAL: funcionario
de aduana
D MEAL TRAY: bandeja de comida.
DELAYED: demorado
DEPARTURE LOUNGE: salón de
espera
DEPARTURES: salidas
DEPARTURES ARE DELAYED: las
salidas están demoradas
P
las salidas están en horario PASSENGERS LOUNGE: salón de
DIRECT FLIGHT/ NON-STOP FLIGHT: espera
vuelo directo PILOT: piloto
DOMESTIC FLIGHT: vuelo de PLANE: avión
cabotaje R
DUTY FREE: libre de impuestos REGISTERED LUGGAGE: equipaje
E certificado, despachado
EMERGENCY EXIT: salida de RESTROOM/ LAVATORY:
emergencia sanitarios
EMERGENCY LANDING: aterrizaje ROUND TRIP: viaje de ida y
de emergencia vuelta
EXCESS BAGGAGE: exceso de RUNWAY: pista
equipaje S
EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGE: SCALES: balanzas
recargo por exceso de SEAT: asiento
equipaje . SEAT BELT: cinturón de
F seguridad
FINAL DESTINATION: destino final SHUTTLE BUS: autobús de
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: azafata traslado
STEWARDESS: azafata (old
vuelo fashioned)
GATE: puerta STOPOVER: escala
I SUITCASE: maleta
IMMIGRATION OFFICIAL: T
funcionario de migración TAKE-OFF: despegue
IN-FLIGHT MANUAL: manual de la TIME OF ARRIVAL: hora de
tripulación llegada
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT: vuelo TIME OF DEPARTURE: hora de
salida
J TIMETABLE: listado de horarios
JET BRIDGE: manga, pasarela TO BOARD: abordar
JET LAG: descompensación por TO FASTEN THE SEATBELT:
la diferencia horaria abrocharse el cinturón de
L seguridad
LANDING: aterrizaje TO FRISK: cachear
LAYOVER HOTEL: hotel de TO LAND: aterrizar
pernocta TO PUT OUT THE CIGARETTES:
LIFE VEST: salvavidas apagar los cigarrillos
LOUDSPEAKERS: altoparlantes TO TAKE OFF: despega
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT: TOURIST: turista
compartimiento para equipaje TRAVEL AGENCY: agencia de
LUGGAGE/ BAGGAGE: equipaje viajes
M TROLLEY: carrito
W
O WIND DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR:
manga indicadora de dirección
ON SCHEDULE: en horario
del viento
ONE-WAY TRIP: viaje de ida
WINDOW SEAT: asiento del lado
OVERBOOKING: sobreventa (de
de la ventanilla
asientos)
WINDSOCK: manga (para la
OVERWEIGHT: sobrepeso
dirección del viento)
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HELLO AND WELCOME TO BASIC ENGLISH FOR BORDER
GUARDS AT AIRPORTS!

We’re going to go through the airport step by step, learning important

vocabulary and useful phrases along the way.

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AIRPORT TERMINAL ZONES

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AT THE AIRPORT

AT THE CHECK-IN DESK

Registro en el aeropuerto

Cuando el pasajero llega al aeropuerto en cuestión, ya

ha comprado los billetes y sabemos la hora de salida. Si se
diese el hipotético e inusual caso de que el pasajero
haya perdido los billetes, hay que orientar al pasajero
para que imprima otro enseguida.

VOCABULARY:
Garment Bag: Porta Ropa
Carry-On Bag – Bolso De Mano
Traveler – Viajero
Ticket – Boleto / Pasajero
Porter – Mozo / Maletero
Dolly / Trolley – Carrito De Equipaje
Suitcase – Maleta
Baggage – Equipaje
To Book A Ticket (Reservar Un Billete)
One Way Ticket (Billete De Ida Solo
Return Ticket (Billete De Vuelta)
Airline (Aerolínea)
Luggage/Baggage (Equipaje)
Check-In Desk (Mostrador De
Facturación)
To Check In (Registrarse)

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IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND PHRASES AT THE CHECK-IN DESK
CHECK – IN ASSISTANT (YOU)
How Can I help you?
Can I see your ticket, please?
Do you have your passport with you?
I'm afraid your passport has expired.
Do you have a second piece of identification?
I'll need to see your child's birth certificate.
How many bags are you checking?
Do you have a carry-on bag?
I'm afraid that bag exceeds the size restrictions.
Did you pack your bags yourself?
Would you like a wheelchair?
You'll board at Gate 7.
Please be at the gate thirty minutes before your
scheduled flight.
Did you need any tags for your luggage?
Your flight is expected to take off on time.
Your flight has been delayed by one hour.
Flight 87B to Toronto has been canceled.
I'm afraid you're too late to check-in.
Your flight is overbooked. Would you be interested
in giving up your seat?
Here you are.
Enjoy your trip.
PASSENGER (PASAJERO)
I'm not sure which of these papers is my ticket.
Is it possible to get an aisle seat?
Can I take my child through security?
Is the flight on time?
Where can I get a luggage cart?
Can I use my laptop on board?
NOTA: Utilizamos Here you go cada vez que devolvemos una cosa que solicitamos. Es muy útil.
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Cómo le puedo ayudar?
Puedo ver su billete por favor?
Trae su pasaporte?
Me temo que su pasaporte ha expirado.
Tiene alguna otra identificación
Necesitaré el certificado de su hijo
Cuántas maletas registrará?
Trae una maleta de mano?
Me temo que su maleta excede las restricciones de
tamaño.
Usted mismo empacó su maleta?
Le gustaría una silla de ruedas?
Deberá embarcar en la puerta 7
Por favor esté en la puerta de embarque 30 minutos
antes de su vuelo.
Necesitó etiquetas para su equipaje
Se espera que su vuelo llegue a tiempo
Su vuelo está retrasado con una hora.
El vuelo……. Ha sido cancelado
Me temo que usted está atrasado para registrarse.
Su vuelo esta sobrevendido. Estaría interesado en
dejar su asiento
Aquí tiene.
Disfrute su viaje.
No estoy seguro de cuál de estos papeles es mi ticket
Puedo tomar un asiento al pasillo?
Puedo llevar a mi hijo en a través de la seguridad?
Está el vuelo a tiempo?
Dónde encuentro un carro para el equipaje?
Puedo usar mi laptop a bordo?
OVERWEIGHT BAGGAGE

Sobrepeso de equipaje

Se podría dar el caso de que se facture equipaje por un peso determinado, y ahora pese más:

USEFUL DIALOGUE

YOU: I’m sorry, sir, but your bag has

overweight by two kilos.

PASSENGER: Ok. Let me just remove

somethings from it.

OVERWEIGHT BAGGAGE FEE

Tarifa para sobrepeso de equipaje

Si todo está en orden, se entrega el billete para poder embarcar, donde aparecerá la hora de embarque y
la puerta por donde el pasajero tendrá que hacerlo:

TODO EMPIEZA CON:

You: Hello, How can I help you? - Can I help you Mister/ Miss.?
Passenger: I’d like to book a ticket to ………….. please.

VOCABULARY:
BOARDING PASS (billete de vuelo)
BOARDING TIME (hora límite para embarcar)
GATE (puerta de embarque)

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CONVERSATION MODEL.

EJEMPLO DE CONVERSACIÓN

Check-in Assistant: Hello!

Are you flying to ………………. today?
Passenger: Yes, I have my ticket here.
Check-in: Ok. I'll need to see your passport as
well.
Passenger: I have an e-ticket. Uh...is this the
part you need?
Check-in: Actually, I just need your name and I
can find you on the computer.
Passenger: Oh okay. It's Bates. Frank Bates.
Check-in: Great. Here we are. Oh, you're
travelling with an infant today.
Passenger: Yes, my daughter Mia. She's 14 months.
Check-in: Okay. I'll need to see your daughter's birth certificate to prove that she is
under two years of age.
Passenger: Here you are. Say, would we be able to get an aisle seat? I may have to walk
her around if she gets fussy.
Check-in: Sure. I'll put you near the washroom too.
Passenger: Thanks. Can I take my stroller to the gate?
Check-in: Yes, we'll check it in the over-sized luggage after you board. Are you just
checking these two bags today?
Passenger: Yes, I'll take my knapsack as my carry-on.
Check-in: Did you pack these bags yourself?
Passenger: Yes. I did.
Check-in: Okay. Here is your boarding pass. Be at the gate one hour prior to boarding
time. You will be able to preboard because you are traveling with an infant. Our flight
crew will have some special instructions for take-off and landing.

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TIME TO PRACTICE

TIEMPO DE PRACTICAR

PRACTICE DIALOGUE 1:

You: Good afternoon! Where are you flying to

today?
Passenger: Los Angeles.
You: May I have your passport, please?
Passenger: Here you go.
You: Are you checking any bags?
Passenger: Just this one.
You: OK, please place your bag on scale.
Passenger: I have a stopover – do I need to pick
up my luggage there?

PRACTICE DIALOGUE 2:

You: Good morning. Can I have your ticket,

please?
Passenger: Here you are
You: Would you like a window or an aisle seat?
Passenger: An aisle seat, please.
You: Do you have any baggage?
Passenger: Yes, this suitcase and this carry-on-
bag.
You: Here’s your boarding pass. Have a nice
flight.
Passenger: Thank you lots!

Es importante saber con qué aerolínea el pasajero va a viajar, y también

especificar qué tipo de billete se requiere, si sólo es de ida o de ida y vuelta.

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 COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING DIALOGUE: Completa el siguiente diálogo.

You: Good morning! ___________________________________________________?

Passenger: Yes, There you are.

You: Do you have any _____________________________?

Passenger: Yes, this suitcase.

You: Ok, Here is your _____________________________ Have a nice____________.

Passenger: Thank you.

You: You’re ______________________.

GOING THROUGH SECURITY – Seguridad

VOCABULARY:
security guard – guardia de seguridad
Si estuvieras haciendo un viaje transoceánico de largo metal detector – detector de metales
recorrido, con escalas, una duda que tendrás que ayudar x-ray screener – seleccionador de rayos
a resolver: es si el pasajero tendrá que volver a recoger y conveyor belt – banda
boarding – abordaje
facturar las maletas en la ciudad de la escala:
cockpit – cabina
instruments – instrumentos
pilot – piloto
DIALOGUE: copilot – copiloto
flight engineer – ingeniero de vuelo
boarding pass – pase de abordar
Passenger: Will I have to pick up my luggage in…………….? cabin – cabina
You: No sir, your luggage will go straight through. flight attendant – aeromoza(o)
luggage compartment – compartimiento de
equipaje
tray table – mesita
Tras estos pasos, deberás dirigir los pasajeros a la zona de aisle – pasillo
salida de vuelos. long-haul flight (vuelo de larga duración sin
escalas)
stopover/layover (escala)
GIVING DIRECTIONS:
go straight through (el equipaje irá directo al
punto de destino)
Go: Go straight, go ahead
Walk: Walk ahead
Turn: Turn right, turn left
Departures (área de salida de vuelos)

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YOU MUST KNOW…
Debes saber…
Cuando el pasajero pregunta:
“Excuse me, where is the Delta check-in
desk?”
“Excuse me, where is the American
Airlines check-in desk?”
¿Cuáles son las posibles respuestas?
If you have fragile or sensitive items in
your bag that might break, you can
ask the agent, “Please mark this bag
as ‘fragile.’”
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If your bag is heavier than the weight
limits, or if your bag is larger than the
size limits, you may need to pay an
oversized baggage fee overweight
baggage fee. Some airlines also
charge a fee for ALL checked bags.
If you want to ask if the flight will leave at
the correct time, you can say, “Is the flight
on schedule?” The agent will respond either
“Yes” if the flight is on time, or “There’s a 20-
minute delay” (for example) if the flight will
leave later than expected.
Hay pasajeros que requieren atención especial o trato preferencial, por lo que ellos solicitarán
que los ayuden primero.

VOCABULARY
First- and business-class passengers: Pasajeros VIP clases de negocios
Star Club Premium members: Miembros del club premium
Passengers who are elderly (old): Ancianos
Disabled : personas con discapacidades
Pregnant: mujeres embarazadas

Dialogue 1:
Passenger: Excuse me. My father
needs a wheel chair.
You: Sure. Please wait a minute. I´ll
get you one

Dialogue 2:

You: Sir. You can pass right away.

Passenger: Thank you. Can you help
me with my luggage?
You: Yes. Let me help you.

VOCABULARY QUIZ

Pasajeros con atención preferencial.

ESPAÑOL INGLÉS

1. Una persona mayor ___________________________

2. Una persona en silla de ruedas o sin visión ___________________________

3. Una persona embarazada ____________________________

4. Niños pequeños __________________________

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THROUGH THE SECURITY

Cuando sea el momento de pasar por el control de

seguridad, que nos comprueben el equipaje de mano y
pasar por la máquina de rayos X antes de acceder a la zona
de embarque. Aquí encontrar varias preguntas y
peticiones:

 A departure lounge (zona de embarque).

 Conveyor belt (cinta transportadora con máquina
rayos X)
 Electronic devices/laptops/tablets (objetos electrónicos/ portátiles/ tabletas)
 Liquids (líquidos)
Extra questions in the U.S. on flights going to or inside the U.S., you will probably be asked some
extra security questions before or during check-in. Here are some sample questions and the
correct responses:

Agent: Did you pack your bags yourself?

You: Yes. I did,
Agent: Are you carrying any firearms or flammable
materials?
You: No. I am not.

Hay que saber sobre la política de objetos que se

pueden subir a un avión. Siempre preguntar sobre
líquidos cuando estén comprobando vuestro
equipaje de mano.

Are you aware of the regulations regarding liquids in your carry-on?

Please lay your bags flat on the conveyor belt.
Please take all your electronic devices, out of your bags, such as laptops or tablets.

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ADDITIONAL SECURITY QUESTIONS.

OTRAS PREGUNTAS DE SEGURIDAD:

You: Did you pack your bags yourself?

You: Has your luggage been in your possession at all times? Or Have you left your luggage
unattended at any time?

Habrá que encaminar a los pasajeros a la puerta de embarque para ya acceder al avión a la
hora prevista. Pero, no todos los vuelos salen a su hora. Debemos preguntar y comprobar siempre
el estado de vuelo.
A continuación, algunas palabras o preguntas útiles respecto a los vuelos.

Delayed: el vuelo se ha retrasado Business class/ First class/ Economy class :

Delay: retraso Clase business /Primera clase / clase económica
On time: vuelo en hora Small children/ infants/ baby. – niños pequeños,
infantes, bebé.
Boarding: embarque

Passenger: Is the flight on

time?
You: Sorry, but we are
afraid that there’s a 40-
minute delay. Apologies.

“This is the final boarding call for Iberia flight to Quito.

Please, have your boarding pass and identification
ready for boarding
We would now like to invite all passengers to board. “

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Before getting on the plane
Se debe comprobar el equipaje de mano el cual
debe tener dimensiones concretas.

Hand luggage/Carry on
(equipaje de mano)

“I’m sorry, but your carry on is too

heavy. You will have to check it.”

At the plane: Una vez ya en el avión, estos son algunos términos que los miembros de la
tripulación, en particular, pueden utilizar.

The cabin crew A Baggage handler Seatbelt

(tripulación) (Persona que vela equipaje) (cinturón de seguridad)

To fasten/unfasten a seatbelt An overhead locker

(Abrocharse o desabrocharse el cinturón) (espacio equipaje de mano)

A tray table An oxygen mask

(mesita desplegable de cada asiento) (máscara de oxígeno)

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Arriving to the airport (final destination)

En el aeropuerto de destino, deberemos estar alertas a estas nuevas situaciones y lugares que
requerirán un conocimiento previo para evitar malentendidos, retenciones o simplemente
momentos embarazosos
Vocabulary

Do you have anything to declare? A customs officer: (persona que se encarga de

Yes, I do, No, I don’t. asegurarse de que no se está intentado introducir
sustancias u objetos ilegales)
Conveyor belt/carousel/baggage claim: (cinta por
We were told to meet at the nearest designated donde salen las maletas facturadas)
Customs: (aduana)
smoking area.
To embark: embarcar
All passengers arriving from Berlin, can pick up their
To disembark: desembarcar
luggage from carousel 7. To take off: despegar
You’ll need to transfer planes in Lisbon on your way to To land: aterrizar
Madrid. To approach: acercarse a destino
We’ll meet in the arrivals lounge. I’ll be seated by the To declare: declarar objetos
entrance door To transfer: hacer trasbordo
To confiscate: confiscar
Last-and-found office: oficina de objetos perdidos.
A trolley: carrito de transporte de equipaje
Arrivals: Zona de llegada de vuelos
A designated area: zona para uso exclusivo de una
acción concreta.

BORDER CROSSING DIALOGUE

Conversation PRACTICE
SEA BORDER
Look at the conversation. There are missing words. Find them in the box below and fill in correctly
to complete them.

shall preserve will disembark is please

in formalities over do can’t so long.

Passenger- Good morning.

Border Guard. Good morning! Your passport, ……….
Passenger: Here you are.
Guard: Have you got the visa forms?
Passenger: ………….… find them in the passport. - Yes, I have. I keep them separately.

Guard: Please give them to me as well.

Passenger: Wait a moment. I have to look for them.

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 Guard: You ……… have your passport back when the control is over. It won’t take so long
Passenger: I hope it won’t be long, will it?
……… you care for time? –
Passenger: Yes, I do. I want to leave the…………. as soon as the control is finished.

Guard: Your passport will be returned to you ……… fifteen minutes. –

Passenger: Thank you. –
Guard: The border control is ………. Here is your passport. One copy of the visa form will remain
here.
Guard: Please ……… the other one for the embarkation control.
Passenger: - I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you.
Guard: Have the customs ……… been settled? –
Passenger: Yes, they have. –
Guard: Where ……… your luggage? –
Passenger: I have only this bag with me. - If you are ready to ……… I can see you off to the
traps. Let’s go, ……… we?

ORDER the sentences

1. Slow / please / down ………….…………….………………………………………………………………..

2. To enter /in/ Lithuanian / are not / regulations / you / allowed

……………………………………………………..…………….………………….……………………………..

3. You / Did / unattended / leave your / at any time / luggage/?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. Return ticket / see / May I / your / ? ………….…………….……………………………………………..

5. This / take / Can you / camera / out? ………………..…………………………………………………..

6. take off / to me / your / coat / and /give / Can you / it / please?

……………………………………………………………………….………………………………………...…..

7. hasn't / Passport / finished yet / control ……….…………………………...……………………………..

8. on the nearest / must / Lithuania / You / plane / leave

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

9. conveyor belt / Put / luggage / on / the / please / your

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

10. the / Join / please / queue ………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..

11. undergo / control / must / You / passport ….……………..………………………………………………………………………..

12. down / please / Calm …….………………………………………………………………………..…………...……………………………..

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13. Did anybody / any objects / the flight / give / before / you
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………..

14. shoes / Take off / your ………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………..

GOING THROUGH SECURITY

After you've checked in, you'll need to go through airport security. It's important to follow
instructions carefully and understand these requests:

Please step through the scanner Asked when passing through metal detectors at the airport.

Please step to the side. Asked if a security officer needs to ask further questions.

Please raise your arms to the side. Asked when inside a scanner

Empty your pockets, please.

Please take off your shoes and belt.
Please take any electronic devices out of your bag.

SECURITY PRACTICE DIALOGUE

Security officer: Next!

Passenger: Here's my ticket.
Security officer: Please step through the scanner.
Passenger: (beep, beep, beep) What's wrong?!
Security officer: Please step to the side.
Passenger: Certainly.
Security officer: Do you have any coins in your pocket?
Passenger: No, but I have some keys.
Security officer: Ah, that's the problem. Put your keys in this bin and walk through the scanner
again.
Passenger: Okay.
Security officer: Excellent. No problem. Remember to unload your pockets before you go
through security next time.
Passenger: I'll do that. Thank you.
Security officer: Have a nice day.

PASSPORT CONTROL AND CUSTOMS

If you take an international flight, you'll have to pass through passport control and customs. Here
are some of the most common questions you can expect:

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Can I see your passport? Asked at customs to find out the purpose of your visit

Are you a tourist or on business? Asked at customs to find out the purpose of your visit
Do you have anything to declare?
- Sometimes people need to declare things they have bought in other countries.
Have you brought any food into the country? Some countries do not allow certain foods to be brought into the country

PASSPORT CONTROL AND CUSTOMS DIALOGS

Passport official: Good morning. Can I see your passport?

Passenger: Here you are.
Passport official: Thank you very much. Are you a tourist
or on business?
Passenger: I'm a tourist.
Passport official: That's fine. Have a pleasant stay.
Passenger: Thank you.
Customs official: Good morning. Do you have anything
to declare?
Passenger: I'm not sure. I have two bottles of whiskey. Do I need to declare that?
Customs official: No, you can have up to three liters.
Passenger: Great.
Customs official: Have you brought any food into the country?
Passenger: Just some cheese I bought in France.

Customs official: I'm afraid I'll have to take that.

Passenger: Why? It's just some cheese.
Customs official: Unfortunately, you are not allowed to bring cheese into the country. I'm sorry.
Passenger: That's strange! Oh well. Here you are.
Customs official: Thank you. Anything else?
Passenger: I bought a t-shirt for my daughter.
Customs official: That's fine. Have a nice day.
Passenger: You, too.

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EXTRA PRACTICE

VOCABULARY CHECK QUIZ

Provide a word from the dialogues to fill in the gaps.

1. Could I please see your __________ before
you get on the airplane?
2. Please put your keys in the ________ and walk
through the _________.
3. Do you have any __________?
4. Can I see your ___________? Are you a
__________ or on business?
5. Do you have anything to _____________? Any presents or alcohol?
6. Please ________ to the side and empty your pockets.
7. Would you like smoking or __________?
8. Would you prefer an __________ seat or a ___________?
9. I have one suitcase and a _______________. Vocabulary
10. Have a nice _______. First- and business-class passengers -
Pasajeros VIP clases de negocios
Star Club Premium members - Miembros del
club premium
Nota: Hay pasajeros que requieren atención especial
Passengers who are elderly (old) - Ancianos
o trato preferencial, por lo que ellos solicitarán que los
Disabled - personas con discapacidades
ayuden primero:
Pregnan - mujeres embarazadas
Small children/ infants/ baby. – niños
pequeños, infantes, bebé.

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AT THE AIRPORT
Agent: Has your luggage been in your possession at all times? NOTE
Passenger: Yes. It has.
Some agents ask if the luggage has been “in
passengers’ possession at all times” and others ask
Agent: Has anyone given you anything to carry if the luggage has been “outside of passengers’
on the flight?
supervision (or possession) at any time.”
Passenger: No. Nobody has. The answer to the first question is YES and the
answer to the second question would be NO.
Agent: Are you aware of the regulations
regarding liquids in your carry-on, which must 3.4 ounces or less and placed inside a single quart-
sized transparent plastic bag?
Passenger: Yes. I am.

If the passenger wants to take any liquids on a flight in the United States, they must be 3.4 ounces
(100 milliliters) or less and they must put them all in a clear (transparent) plastic bag. Each passenger
can take only one bag on the plane. If a passenger has bigger bottles of liquid (like shampoo, wine,
etc) they need to put them into their checked bag.

GOING THROUGH SECURITY

There are two pieces of equipment in security: you put
your bags through the X-ray machine, and you walk
through the metal detector. The X-ray machine has a
conveyor belt that moves your bags automatically
through the machine. You can put small items like keys
or money into plastic bins.

Agent: Please lay your bags flat on the conveyor belt

and use the bins for small objects.

You: “Do I need to take my laptop out of the bag?

Agent: Yes, you do. Take off your hat and your shoes, too.

(you walk through the metal detector)

[BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP]

Agent: Please go back. Do you have anything in your pockets – keys, cell phone, loose change?

You: I don’t think so. Let me try taking off my belt.

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Agent: Okay, come on through Agent: You’re all set! Have a nice flight.

The phrase “you’re all set” is a common expression that means “you’re finished and everything is
OK.”

Phrasal Verb focus: SET OFF and GO OFF When the alarm sounds, we say “the alarm went off.”
To describe what caused the alarm to sound, we say “set off” – for example, “My keys set off
the alarm” or “My keys set off the metal detector.”

AT THE GATE

Airports are divided into terminals (the major sections of the airport) and each terminal has many
gates. The gate is the door you go through to enter the airplane. Here are a few announcements
you might hear while you are at the gate, waiting for the plane to board.

“Attention passengers of United Airlines flight 880. There has been a gate change. United Airlines
flight 880 will now be leaving from gate 12.”

Travel Tip
Know your flight number in English, so that you can pay attention to the announcement and know
if you need to go to a different gate.
Example: “United Airlines flight 880 to Miami is now boarding.” This means it’s time for passengers
to enter the plane.

“We would like to invite our first- and business-class passengers, Star Club Premium members, and
passengers requiring special assistance to board at gate 12.” This means that passengers who are
“special” (first class, business class, or in the Star Club) or passengers who are elderly (old),
disabled, pregnant, or with small children can go into the airplane first.

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CONVERSATION MODEL

AT THE CHECK-IN COUNTER

Check- in Clerk: Good morning.
Passenger: Good morning.
Check-in Clerk: May I see your ticket,
please?
Passenger: Oh yes. Here it is.
Check-in Clerk: Thank you Mr. Robinson.
Passenger: I was wondering if I could have
a smoking seat, please?
Check-in Clerk: I´m afraid this is a non-smoking flight, Sir. Would you prefer an aisle seat or a window seat?
Passenger: Well, I´m not sure. You see, it´s the first time that I will be flying by airplane and I´m feeling a bit
uneasy about it. What I really want is the safest seat.
Check-in Clerk: Oh I see, well there´s really nothing to worry about. Let´s see, I can give you an aisle seat
right next to one of the exits. Then you´ll have more leg room, too.
Passenger: Oh good! That sounds alright. Check-in
Clerk: And could I see your passport, please?
Passenger: Oh yes, here it is…….

CONVERSATION MODEL

GOING THROUGH THE CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

Customs officer: Would you mind putting your baggage on here, please ma’am? Where are you traveling
from?
Passenger: From Marseille.
Customs officer: Marseille. Are you resident in France? or do
you live in the United States?
Passenger: I live in France.
Customs officer: Can I see your passport, please?... Thank you.
How long are you staying in the USA?
Passenger: For 5 days.
Customs officer: And what's the purpose of your visit ma’am?
Passenger: I'm here on business.
Customs officer: I see. Well then, you understand that you've come into the Green Channel, which means
you have nothing to declare.

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Passenger: Yes.
Customs officer: Is this all your baggage?
Passenger: Yes, that's all.
Customs officer: Is anybody else traveling with you, ma’am?
Passenger: No, I'm traveling alone.
Customs officer: OK then. What type of goods have you got; cigarettes, cigars...?
Passenger: No, I don't smoke.
Customs officer: Nothing else at all in the tobacco line?
Passenger: No at all.
Customs officer: Any drinks at all? Spirits? Liquors? Wine?
Passenger: Just two bottles of red wine.
Customs officer: Were those bottles purchased in the
duty-free shop, or...?
Passenger: Yes, at Marseille airport.
Customs officer: I see. Are you bringing any gifts for
anybody in the States?
Passenger: Well, the wine is a present, but that's all.
Customs officer: Any other valuable items - jewelry, laptop?
Passenger: No, just my personal things.
Customs officer: OK. Thank you, ma’am. Would you let me have a look in there...Is the laptop going back
to France with you?
Passenger: Yes, of course. It's my working tool.
Customs officer: Do you have a camera?
Passenger: No, I don't.
Customs officer: That's fine. Thank you very much. Have a pleasant stay!

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