ESL Airport Lesson

Let’s discuss the following questions together. Please try to use some of the vocabulary from above.

1.       Have you ever travelled by airplane before?

2.       How do you feel about flying on airplanes?

3.       Do you feel that flying is safe? Why or why not?

4.       What should you do before the flight takes off?

5.       How can you pass the time on a flight?

6.       What are the duties of a flight attendant? What would make a good flight attendant?

7.       What kind of person would or wouldn’t you like to sit next to on a plane?

8.       What is good behavior on a flight? What is bad behavior?

9.       What items can you take with you in your carry-on baggage?

10.   Should part of the plane is the best for sitting – aisle or window? Front or back?

11.   How do you feel about airline food?

12.   What happens in the cockpit of an airplane?

13.   What advice do you have for someone who is nervous about flying?

14.   What should you do in the event of an emergency on an airplane?

15.   What is the future of air travel?

The following dialogue takes place before take-off. Please attempt to fill in the blanks, and then practice reading the dialogue aloud.

Passenger 1: Excuse me, would it be possible to ________________ seats with someone? My wife and I would like to sit together.

Flight Attendant: Certainly, sir. For now, please take your seat, and once the plane takes off, I’ll help you with that.

Passenger 1: Thank you. Could you help me put this bag in the ________________ compartment?

Flight Attendant: Sure… there you go.

(YOU SEE THAT SOMEONE IS SITTING IN YOUR SEAT)

Passenger 1: I’m sorry, I think you’re ________________.

Passenger 2: Oh, let me check my boarding ________________… Yes, I’m sorry, my mistake.

Passenger 1: No problem. I’m going to _________________ anyway. My wife and I would like to sit together.

Passenger 2: Oh, well, I can switch places with your wife. That way you two can sit together.

Passenger 1: Really? That would be great! Thanks a lot.

Now choose one of the following situations and practice a dialogue with a partner:

Situation 1: A passenger’s baby is crying loudly and disturbing other people on the plane. A flight              attendant must speak with the parents to resolve the situation.

Situation 2: You wish to order a special meal, as you allergic to the flight food. You must discuss the         options with the flight attendant.

Situation 3:  A passenger wishes to discuss security procedures with one of the flight attendants.

Situation 4: There is a seat available in First Class. The flight attendant offers it to a passenger as an          upgrade.

The following words are important for you to know before travelling through an airport. You will need to understand them by the end of this lesson.

Please look at the map above and discuss the layout of the airport.

1.       What things can you see in an airport?

2.       What questions do they ask you when you check-in at the airport?

3.       What questions do they ask you when going through immigration and customs at the airport?

4.       What are some customs restrictions?

5.       How much baggage do you take with you?

6.       What items should not be included in your hand baggage?

7.       What documents do you need for international travel?

8.       Where is the nearest airport and what is it like? How can you travel there?

9.       What are some frustrations people experience in an airport?

10.   How can airports be improved to make them more “passenger friendly”?

The following dialogue takes place at the immigration desk on arrival in Canada. Person A works for immigration control, and Person B is a passenger who has just arrived in Canada. Let’s practice reading it aloud.

A: Welcome to Canada. May I see your passport please?

B: Sure. Here it is.

A: Where are you coming from?

B: I’m coming from Beijing, China.

A: What is the purpose of your visit?

B: I’m here on business.

A: How long are you planning to stay?

B: I’ll be staying for three weeks.

A: Where will you be staying?

B: I’ll be staying at a hotel.

A: Have you ever been to Canada before?

B: No, this is my first time.

A: Do you have anything to declare?

B: No, nothing.

A: Enjoy your stay.

B: Thank you.

Now work in pairs. Practice one of the following situations:

Situation 1:Check-in procedure.

Situation 2:Customs declaration.