Airport English Conversation: Check-in, Security, Delays

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 21 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

check in show your ticket and passport and drop off bags
carry-on a small bag you take on the plane
boarding pass the ticket that lets you get on the plane
security where bags and people are checked
gate the door where you get on the plane
delayed later than planned
connecting flight a second flight you take after the first one

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 21: At the airport

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.co

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

check in: ________________________
carry-on: ________________________
boarding pass: ________________________
security: ________________________
gate: ________________________
delayed: ________________________
connecting flight: ________________________

2. Questions

What is a 'carry-on'?
☐ A bag that goes under the plane ☐ A small bag you take on the plane ☐ A ticket
What does a boarding pass show?
☐ Your gate, seat and boarding time ☐ Your bank details ☐ The weather
What should you do if you don't understand at security?
☐ Walk away ☐ Say, 'Sorry, could you say that again?' ☐ Say nothing
Why should you check the screens after security?
☐ Gates can change ☐ To see the news ☐ To buy food
What's a good question about a delay?
☐ Why are you late? ☐ Do you know how long the delay will be? ☐ Is the plane broken?

3. Talk or write about it

Imagine your flight is delayed and you have a connecting flight. What do you say at the desk?

Transcript

Mel: Hi everyone, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Mel.

Josh: And I'm Josh. Today we're at the airport, from check-in to the gate.

Mel: First, check-in. At the desk, the staff member will say, 'Can I see your passport, please?'

Josh: Then: 'Where are you flying to today?' and 'Are you checking any bags?'

Mel: 'Checking a bag' means it goes under the plane. Your 'carry-on' is the small bag you take with you.

Josh: They might ask, 'Did you pack this bag yourself?' Just answer honestly: 'Yes, I did.'

Mel: Then you get your boarding pass. It shows your gate, your seat and the boarding time.

Josh: Next is security. You'll hear, 'Please take your laptop out of your bag' and 'Any liquids?'

Mel: If you don't understand, say, 'Sorry, could you say that again?' Security staff hear that all day.

Josh: After security, check the screens for your gate number. Gates can change!

Mel: Now, the bad news. What if your flight is delayed?

Josh: You'll hear an announcement like, 'We apologise for the delay. We expect to board at four fifteen.'

Mel: You can go to the desk and ask, 'Excuse me, do you know how long the delay will be?'

Josh: Or, if you have a connection: 'I have a connecting flight at six. Will I make it?'

Mel: And when boarding starts, they often call groups or rows: 'We're now boarding rows twenty to thirty.'

Josh: Then you show your boarding pass and passport at the gate, and you're on your way.

Mel: Let's review: check-in, carry-on, boarding pass, security, gate and delay.

Josh: Safe travels, everyone. See you next time!

Answers: 1. A small bag you take on the plane · 2. Your gate, seat and boarding time · 3. Say, 'Sorry, could you say that again?' · 4. Gates can change · 5. Do you know how long the delay will be?

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Beginner (about A1–A2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

check in, carry-on, boarding pass, security, gate, delayed, connecting flight. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.