Overview
This lecture covered essential English vocabulary used in the airline industry, focusing on key terms for air travel, procedures, and in-flight experience.
Ticketing & Check-In
- Airfare is the cost for a plane ticket.
- E-ticket is an airfare bought online, shown with ID at check-in.
- Boarding pass is given at check-in and shown at the gate to board the plane.
- Passport is required for identification and nationality, especially for international flights.
Seating & Cabin Features
- Aisle is the walkway between seat rows on the plane.
- Aisle seat is located next to the aisle for easy access.
- Window seat is by the window, allowing passengers to look outside.
- Row refers to a group of seats side by side.
- Cabin is the interior passenger area of the airplane.
- Overhead bin/compartment stores carry-on luggage above seats.
Baggage & Luggage
- Baggage/luggage means bags and suitcases passengers bring.
- Baggage claim is where passengers pick up luggage after arriving.
- Excess baggage refers to over-allowance luggage, which may require a fee.
- Oversized baggage includes large items like sports gear, collected at a special counter.
Staff & Aircraft Parts
- Captain is in charge of the aircraft.
- Pilot drives or controls the plane.
- Co-pilot assists the captain in flying.
- Flight attendant/steward/stewardess/air host provides services during flights.
- Cockpit is where the captain and co-pilots sit.
Flight Experience & Safety
- Seatbelt keeps passengers safe in their seats.
- Emergency exit is used during an evacuation.
- Life vest/jacket keeps you afloat in water emergencies.
- Oxygen mask supplies air if cabin pressure drops.
- Call light alerts flight attendants for help.
- Blanket provides warmth to passengers.
- Headset/earphones are used for listening to music or onboard entertainment.
Flight Procedures & Terms
- Gate is the waiting area before boarding.
- Runway is where planes take off and land.
- Taxi in/out means moving the plane to/from runway or gate.
- Take off is when the plane leaves the ground.
- Land is when returning to the ground at a destination.
- Touch down is the moment the wheels contact the runway.
- Stopover is an intermediate landing at another airport.
- Charter is a discount airline.
In-Flight Conditions
- Bumpy/rough describes a flight with a lot of movement.
- Turbulence is rough air movements causing a shaky ride.
- Motion sickness is feeling ill from plane movement.
- Jet lag is tiredness from changing time zones.
- Overbooked means more tickets sold than seats available.
- Complimentary refers to free items or services onboard.
- Refreshments are drinks and snacks served during the flight.
- Comfortable means being physically relaxed during the trip.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair is available for passengers needing mobility help.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Airfare — Cost of a plane ticket.
- Boarding pass — Ticket for boarding the aircraft.
- Cabin — Passenger area inside the plane.
- Flight attendant — Crew member serving passengers.
- Gate — Waiting area for boarding.
- Overhead bin — Storage above passenger seats.
- Runway — Strip for take-off and landing.
- Jet lag — Fatigue from time zone changes.
- Stopover — Intermediate airport stop.
- Turbulence — Unsteady air causing a bumpy ride.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize key airline vocabulary.
- Try the airline vocabulary quiz for practice.