At the Airport – Checking In and Boarding

Scene: The check-in area at an international airport. Farah is standing in line with a suitcase and a small backpack. She walks up to the counter.

AGENT: Good morning. Where are you flying today?

FARAH: Good morning. I’m flying to Chicago.

AGENT: May I see your passport and your ticket, please?

FARAH: Sure, here you go. The ticket is on my phone.

AGENT: Thank you. Are you checking any bags today, or do you just have carry-on luggage?

FARAH: I’d like to check this suitcase, and I’ll take the backpack as my carry-on.

AGENT: Please place your suitcase on the scale… Great, it’s under the weight limit.

FARAH: Perfect.

AGENT: Do you prefer an aisle seat or a window seat?

FARAH: An aisle seat, please. It’s a little easier for me to stand up and stretch.

AGENT: No problem. I have an aisle seat available in row 18. Here’s your boarding pass. Your gate is B12, and boarding begins at 9:15.

FARAH: Thank you. How long does it usually take to get through security?

AGENT: Right now, it’s about 15 to 20 minutes. I’d recommend going there soon.

FARAH: Okay, I’ll head there now. One more question—do I need to take my laptop out of my backpack?

AGENT: Yes, please remove your laptop and any liquids from your bag and place them in a separate tray at the security check.

FARAH: Got it. Thanks for your help.

AGENT: You’re welcome. Have a good flight!

Later, at the gate. Farah sits near Gate B12 and hears an announcement.

ANNOUNCER: Now boarding Flight 247 to Chicago. We are now boarding Group 1.

FARAH: (to another passenger) Excuse me, where can I see my boarding group?

PASSENGER: It’s printed on your boarding pass, near the seat number.

FARAH: Oh, I see. I’m in Group 3. I’ll wait a little longer.

A few minutes later…

ANNOUNCER: Now boarding Groups 3 and 4 for Flight 247 to Chicago.

Farah walks to the gate agent and hands over her boarding pass.

GATE AGENT: Good morning. May I see your boarding pass and ID, please?

FARAH: Here you go.

GATE AGENT: Thank you. You’re in seat 18C. Boarding is through the jet bridge on the left.

FARAH: Thanks!

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Check-in counter /ˈtʃek ɪn ˈkaʊntər/ (n.) the desk at the airport where you get your boarding pass and check your bags. Example: Farah walks up to the check-in counter.
Boarding pass /ˈbɔːrdɪŋ pæs/ (n.) a ticket that shows your flight, seat number, and boarding group. Example: Here’s your boarding pass. Your gate is B12.
Carry-on (bag) /ˈkæri ɑːn/ (n.) a small bag you can take onto the plane with you. Example: I’ll take the backpack as my carry-on.
Check a bag /tʃek ə bæg/ (v.) to give your suitcase to the airline so it goes in the plane’s cargo area. Example: I’d like to check this suitcase.
Aisle seat /aɪl siːt/ (n.) a seat next to the walkway on the plane. Example: Do you prefer an aisle seat or a window seat?
Gate /ɡeɪt/ (n.) the area where passengers wait and board the plane. Example: Your gate is B12.
Security check /sɪˈkjʊrəti tʃek/ (n.) the place where your bags and body are checked for safety. Example: Please remove your laptop for the security check.
Announcements /əˈnaʊnsmənts/ (n.) official spoken messages in a public place, like an airport. Example: Farah listens to the boarding announcements.
Boarding group /ˈbɔːrdɪŋ ɡruːp/ (n.) the group number that tells you when it’s your turn to get on the plane. Example: I’m in boarding group 3.
Jet bridge /dʒet brɪdʒ/ (n.) the covered walkway that connects the gate to the airplane door. Example: Boarding is through the jet bridge on the left.

At the Airport: Checking In and Boarding