Easy English: Airport Vocabulary in English

Do you like to travel? Do you prefer (like) to fly or drive? I like to fly when I travel. I enjoy being at the airport. It’s fun to get ready to go on an adventure! Here you can find some airport vocabulary in English. This can help you on your next trip!

Airport vocabulary is important to know. It will help you find your way. It’s also words you will use a lot! Find some of the best airport vocabulary below:

Boarding pass

Your boarding pass is your ticket for the airplane. It is one of the most important documents (papers) you need. A boarding pass shows the time they let you on the plane. It also tells you which seat is yours. You need to show your boarding pass to get onto the airplane. Make sure you don’t lose it!

For example:

• I keep my boarding pass with my passport. That way, I always know where it is.
• The boarding pass says they will let us on the plane at 14:30. We should be there a few minutes early.

To check in/check in

Before you get your boarding pass, you need to check in. When you check in, you tell the airline you will be there. You need to give your name, passport number, and booking number to check in. You can check in online or at the airport. If you check in at the airport, you go to a counter. There, an employee will check you in to your flight. 

For example:

• I checked in online, so my boarding pass is on my phone.
• She just got an email that said it’s time to check in for her flight. She’s so excited for her trip!

Gate

A gate at an airport is where the plane leaves from. You need to go to the right gate to get to your flight. Gates have a letter and a number to tell which gate is correct. For example, a gate could be A12, B6, or G18. Follow the signs in the airport to find your gate for your flight!

For example:

• Marc checked (looked at) the board to see which gate to go to.
• There was an announcement (information over a loudspeaker) that our gate had changed. It was A12, and now it’s B8.

Carry on

Do you like to bring a bag on the flight with you? If you bring a bag onto the plane, then it’s called a carry on. I like to bring a carry on because it saves me time. I don’t have to wait for a checked bag (bag that is put in the plane that you don’t keep with you). I travel light (don’t bring many things). So a carry on is perfect for me!

For example:

• The plane is full, so we have to check our carry on bags. They will put it in the plane for us. We can pick it up (collect it) at our destination.
• She put her carry on under the seat in front of her. She was seated and ready to go!

Do you often travel to the airport? Do you use any of this airport vocabulary regularly (often)? Share with us in the comments below!