Boarding the Plane: English Vocabulary and Polite Requests

Learn English for getting on a plane, finding your seat, and speaking to a flight attendant. This free A1 lesson for adult beginners introduces flight vocabulary, seat numbers, boarding phrases, and polite requests with can, could, and may. Its 17 interactive slides include vocabulary audio, a conversation video, quizzes, picture-labeling tasks, listening practice, reading, speaking, and writing.

What you will learn

• Understand basic boarding phrases and instructions.
• Recognize seat numbers and seat types.
• Ask simple questions about seats and bags.
• Make polite requests to a flight attendant.
• Practice a short conversation and describe an example boarding experience.

Reviewing airport check-in English

Start by rearranging the words in the warm-up. Review I would like to check in., May I see your ticket and passport?, and Would you like a window seat or an aisle seat? Practice a suitable reply to each question.

Then discuss your experience of flying. The prompts ask about your last flight, what you usually drink on a plane, what you do during flights, and how you feel about flying. Use short sentences to share your ideas.

Flight and boarding vocabulary in English

Look at the pictures, listen to the audio, and repeat the words. Group them into people, places, and items on a plane.

The vocabulary and picture quiz also include hand luggage, seatbelt, life jacket, oxygen mask, turbulence, and baggage claim. Practice take off for leaving the ground and land for coming down to the ground.

Seat numbers: window, aisle, and middle

A window seat is beside the window. An aisle seat is beside the walking space between rows. A middle seat is between other seats.

In the video example, Mr. Taylor is in seat 14A, described as being on the left side by the window. Practice saying fourteen A and asking Could you please help me find my seat?

The speaking activity gives another example: Matt's seat is 13D, described in that dialogue as an aisle seat on the right. Listen to the seat number and the location words before repeating the conversation.

Polite requests with can, could, and may

Use can, could, or may with a subject and a base verb to make a request or ask permission. Keep the action verb in its base form.

• Can I have a blanket? Ask for an item.
• Could you please help me find my seat? Ask someone for help.
• May I see your boarding pass, please? Politely ask to see a document.
• May I recline my seat? Ask permission to move the seat back.

Notice have, help, see, and recline after the modal verbs. Add please and begin with Excuse me when you want to get someone's attention.

Useful phrases when boarding a plane

Welcome aboard is a greeting when someone gets on a plane. Practice responding to a request for your boarding pass with Here it is. or Here you are.

The passenger in the video asks Is there still space in the overhead bin for my bag? and Is this a full flight today? Listen for the attendant's replies and the instruction Please make sure your phone is in airplane mode.

Close a conversation with Thanks for your help. The attendant may reply with You're welcome. and Enjoy your flight. Practice these exchanges with a partner.

A short passenger and flight attendant conversation

Passenger: Excuse me. Could you help me find my seat?
Flight attendant: Certainly. May I see your boarding pass?
Passenger: Here it is.
Flight attendant: Your seat is 13D. It is the aisle seat on the right.
Passenger: Thank you for your help.
Flight attendant: You're welcome. Enjoy your flight.

This model uses the lesson's example seat details for English practice. Switch roles, then change the example number and seat type. Repeat the audio if you need help pronouncing a phrase.

Video, picture, and dialogue practice

Watch the boarding video once for the general meaning. Watch again in quiz mode and answer questions about the boarding pass, Mr. Taylor's seat, and the phone instruction in the conversation.

Label the plane picture with pilot, door, flight attendant, window, aisle, seat, and overhead bin. Then complete the picture quiz to review the wider flight vocabulary.

In the wrong-seat dialogue, complete the missing words as Emma and Nina check their seats. Practice Let me check., I'm sorry. I misunderstood., and No problem. These phrases help you handle a misunderstanding politely.

Listening to airport directions

Listen to three conversations about finding a departure gate, the baggage-claim area, and the restrooms. Choose the picture that matches where each speaker wants to go.

Practice the direction phrases in the audio examples: take the escalator, turn right, go straight, upstairs, downstairs, on the left, and across from. Ask Could you tell me where departure gate 5 is, please? and practice a short example reply.

Reading: what annoys me about travelling

Read and listen to Adam's comments about flying. He describes things he finds annoying, including waiting in lines, boarding, and the food. Answer the questions using his opinions in the passage.

Annoying describes something that bothers you. A hassle means something that causes difficulty or inconvenience. Share your own opinion with I like ... or I don't like ... and give a short reason.

Writing practice: my boarding experience

Write five or six simple sentences about an example boarding experience. Include where you wait, who you speak to, your seat number, one instruction you hear, and what you do before takeoff.

Model answer for English practice: I wait in the departure lounge. The flight attendant says, "Please fasten your seatbelt." My seat number is 14A. I put my bag in the overhead bin. I fasten my seatbelt. The plane takes off.

Teachers can model a polite request before learners practice in pairs. For self-study, repeat the vocabulary audio, complete the interactive activities, and read your six sentences aloud. Finish by sharing one new word or phrase.

Review security instructions and polite replies in Lesson 23, or explore more free A1 English teaching materials.