Airline Vocabulary

word

part of speech

meaning

example sentence

airfare

noun

cost of a plane ticket

The cost of your meal is covered in your airfare.

aisle

noun

the long empty space that you walk down

Please keep your bags out of the aisle so that nobody trips.

aisle seat

noun

the seat that is next to the aisle

I'll give you an aisle seat in case you need to walk around with the baby.

assist

verb

help

Please wait until everyone is off the plane so that we can assist you.

baggage

noun

the bags and suitcases that travellers put their belongings in

I'm afraid your baggage got on the wrong airplane.

baggage, luggage claim

noun

place where you pick up your baggage after arrival

The announcement will direct you to the correct baggage claim.

blanket

noun

warm covering

If you feel cold I can get you a blanket.

boarding pass

noun

part of the ticket that you give to the crew as you step onto the plane

Your must present your boarding pass at the gate.

bumpy, rough

adj

up and down movement of the aircraft

It might be a bumpy ride because we are flying through a storm.

cabin

noun

interior of the aircraft

There is no smoking allowed inside the cabin.

call light

noun

a button passengers can press to get a crew member's attention

If you need anything, just press the call light.

captain

noun

the person who is in charge of the plane

Would the kids like to go and meet the captain?

charter

noun

discount airline

If you take a charter it will cost you half as much.

cockpit

noun

the part of the plane where the captain and his co-pilots sit

We aren't doing any more tours of the cockpit because it's almost time to land.

comfortable

adjective

feel good physically, able to relax

Because you have long legs you might be more comfortable in an aisle seat.

complimentary

adjective

free of charge

We offer complimentary coffee or tea, but you have to pay for alcohol.

co-pilot

noun

person who helps the captain fly the plane

If the captain gets sick the co-pilot can take over.

domestic

adjective

within the same country

You should be at the airport two hours ahead of time for domestic flights.

emergency exit

noun

section of the plane that opens in the case of an accident

Are you comfortable sitting next to the emergency exit?

e-ticket

noun

airfare purchased on the internet

You will need to present your identification along with your e-ticket.

excess baggage

noun

heavier/more bags than you are allowed

You can either pay for your excess baggage or leave one of your bags behind.

first-class

noun/adj

more expensive seating, with better services

When you sit in first-class you get a better meal to eat.

gate

noun

place where passengers go to wait to board a plane

Gate 3B is down this hall and to your right.

headset, earphones

noun

device that allows passengers to listen to music or a movie

We will be coming around to sell headsets for five dollars.

international

adj

worldwide

For international departures, go up one level.

jet lag

noun

tiredness due to travelling through different time zones

I'm used to travelling now. My body doesn't suffer from jet lag anymore.

land

verb

returning to the ground after being in the air

We will be landing in Tokyo in approximately ten minutes.

life vest, life jacket

noun

a blow-up device that you put on in an emergency over water

Please take a moment to locate the life vest under your seat.

motion sickness

noun

a bad feeling in the stomach that passengers get during a rough ride

There is a paper bag in front of you in case you experience motion sickness.

overbooked

adj

more passengers than available seats

The flight is overbooked. Four of our passengers will have to wait for the next flight.

overhead bin/compartment

noun

place above the seats for storing luggage

You'll have to put your bag under your seat because all of the overhead bins are full.

over-sized baggage

adj

items that do not fit in suitcases

Infant car seats and sporting equipment can be picked up at the over-sized baggage counter.

oxygen mask

noun

a device that goes over a person's face, provides air in case of cabin air pressure loss

Put your oxygen mask on first before putting one on your child.

passport

noun

document that proves a person's identification and nationality

Please have your passport out when you go through security.

pilot

noun

the person who drives the plane

The pilot is circling over the airport until it is safe to land.

refreshments

noun

drinks and snacks

It's a short flight, so we will be serving refreshments but not a meal.

row

noun

a number of seats beside each other

You are in seat B of row nine.

runway

noun

the strip of land that an airplane takes-off and lands on

The plane almost missed the runway because it was such a bad storm.

seatbelt

noun

device that holds passengers in their seats

Please remain in your seats while the seatbelt light is on.

steward (male), stewardess (female), flight attendant, air host

noun

man or woman who provides service for passengers during a flight

Ask one of the stewardesses for a pillow if you're tired.

stopover

noun

touching down at more than one airport during a flight

It's not a direct flight. We're making one stopover in Toronto.

take off

noun/verb

when the plane leaves the ground

We are next in line to take off on this runway.

taxi in, out

verb

driving an airplane to the correct place for taking off or deboarding

Please remain in your seats until we taxi in to the gate.

touch down

verb, noun

when the aircraft wheels land on the ground

That was a very smooth touch down.

turbulence

noun

rough flight

This turbulence should only last a few minutes.

wheelchair

noun

a seat for pushing elderly, disabled, or injured people

A steward will take you to the gate with a wheelchair.

window seat

noun

seat next to the window where passengers can look out

If your child wants a window seat I can move you back a row.

Airline Vocabulary Quiz

1. I'll assign you an aisle seat to give you more room to stretch your legs out.

a cabin

a baggage

an aisle

2. The captain and his co-pilot sit in the cockpit

emergency exit

cockpit

overhead compartment

3. Passengers must stay seated on the plane during the one-hour stopover

stopover

baggage claim

gates

4. When you paid for your airfare online, you should have printed your e-ticket

excess baggage

passport

e-ticket

5. You are seated in row 30, seat B.

aisle

compartment

row

6. Refreshments will be served before we begin the in-flight movie.

Luggage

Jet lag

Refreshments

7. In the unlikely event of a water landing, life vests can be found underneath your seats.

life vests

motion sickness

seatbelts

8. Please fasten your seatbelts while the captain prepares for take-off.

runway

steward

seatbelts

9. In about five minutes we will get ready to taxi out to the runway.

taxi in

taxi out

taxi above

10. We are about to go through a large pocket of turbulence so prepare for a bumpy ride.

stopover

touch down

turbulence

Checking In Passengers

Check-in Assistant

Can I see your ticket, please?

Do you have your passport with you?

I'm afraid your passport has expired.

Do you have a second piece of identification?

I'll need to see your child's birth certificate.

How many bags are you checking?

Will you be bringing a carry-on bag?

I'm afraid that bag exceeds the size restrictions.

Did you pack your bags yourself?

Would you like an aisle or a window seat?

Would you like a wheelchair?

You'll board at Gate 7.

Please be at the gate thirty minutes before your scheduled flight.

Did you need any tags for your luggage?

Your flight is expected to take off on time.

Your flight has been delayed by one hour.

Flight 87B to Toronto has been canceled.

I'm afraid you're too late to check-in.

Your flight is overbooked. Would you be interested in giving up your seat?

Enjoy your flight.

Passenger

I'm not sure which of these papers is my ticket.

Is it possible to get an aisle seat?

I requested a vegetarian meal. Can you check to confirm?

Can I take my child through security?

Is the flight on time?

Will they be serving a meal today?

Will they be showing an inflight movie?

Where can I get a luggage cart?

Can I use my laptop on board?

Sample Conversation

Check-in Assistant: Hello. Are you flying to St. Martin today?

Passenger: Yes, I have my ticket here.

Check-in: Great. I'll need to see your passport as well.

Passenger: I have an e-ticket. Uh...is this the part you need?

Check-in: Actually I just need your name and I can find you on the computer.

Passenger: Oh okay. It's Bates. Frank Bates.

Check-in: Great. Here we are. Oh, you're travelling with an infant today.

Passenger: Yes, my daughter Mia. She's 14 months.

Check-in: Okay. I'll need to see your daughter's birth certificate to prove that she is under two years of age.

Passenger: Here you are. Say, would we be able to get an aisle seat? I may have to walk her around if she gets fussy.

Check-in: Sure. I'll put you near the washroom too.

Passenger: Thanks. Can I take my stroller to the gate?

Check-in: Yes, we'll check it in the over-sized luggage after you board. Are you just checking these two bags today?

Passenger: Yes, I'll take my knapsack as my carry-on.

Check-in: Did you pack these bags yourself?

Passenger: Yes.

Check-in: Okay. Here is your boarding pass. Be at the gate one hour prior to boarding time. You will be able to preboard because you are traveling with an infant. Our flight crew will have some special instructions for take-off and landing.

Hotel Vocabulary

word

part of speech

meaning

example sentence

adjoining rooms

noun

two hotel rooms with a door in the centre

If you want we can book your parents in an adjoining room.

amenities

noun

local facilities such as stores and restaurants

We are located downtown, so we are close to all of the amenities.

attractions

noun

things for tourists to see and do

The zoo is our city's most popular attraction for kids.

baggage

noun

bags and suitcases packed with personal belongings

If you need help with your baggage we have a cart you can use.

Bed and Breakfast

noun

a home that offers a place to stay and a place to eat

I can book you into a beautiful Bed and Breakfast on the lake.

bellboy

noun

a staff member who helps guests with their luggage

The bellboy will take your bags to your room for you.

book

verb

arrange to stay in a hotel

I can book your family in for the weekend of the seventh.

booked

adj

full, no vacancies

I'm afraid the hotel is booked tonight.

brochures

noun

small booklets that provide information on the local sites and attractions

Feel free to take some brochures to your room to look at.

check-in

verb

go to the front desk to receive keys

You can check-in anytime after four o'clock.

check-out

noun

return the keys and pay for the bill

Please return your parking pass when you check-out.

complimentary breakfast

noun

free of charge

All of our rooms have complimentary soap, shampoo, and coffee.

cot, rollaway bed

noun

a single bed on wheels that folds up

If you need an extra bed, we have cots available.

damage charge

noun

money a guest owes for repairs to hotel property (when caused by violent or careless acts)

We will have to add a damage charge for the hole you put in the wall.

deposit

noun

amount paid ahead of time to secure a reservation

You will not receive your deposit back if you cancel.

double bed

noun

a bed large enough for two people

They are a family of four, so give them a room with two double beds.

floor

noun

a level of the building

The swimming pool is on the main floor.

front desk, reception

noun

the place where guests go to check in and out and to get information

Towels are available at the front desk.

guest

noun

a person that is staying at the hotel

Our washrooms are for guests only.

hostel

noun

a very inexpensive place for backbackers and travelers on a budget

In the hostel you probably won't get your own room.

hotel manager

noun

person in charge at the hotel

I'll let you make your complaint to the hotel manager.

housekeeping, maid noun

staff members that clean the rooms and linen

Put a sign on the door if you want housekeeping to come in and change the sheets on the bed.

ice machine

noun

a machine that automatically makes ice that guests can use to keep drinks cold

There is an ice machine by the elevator on all of the even numbered floors.

indoor pool

noun

place for guests to swim inside the hotel

The heated indoor pool is open until 10 pm.

inn

noun

another word for "hotel"

There's an inn on the other side of town that has a vacancy.

Jacuzzi, hot tub, whirl pool

noun

a small hot pool for relaxation

Our honeymoon room has a personal hot tub.

king-size bed

noun

extra large bed

A room with a king size bed costs an extra ten dollars a night.

kitchenette

noun

a small fridge and cooking area

Your room has a kitchenette so you can prepare your own breakfasts and lunches.

late charge

noun

a fee for staying past the check-out time

You will be charged a ten dollar late charge for checking out after 11 am.

linen

noun

sheets, blankets, pillow cases

We will come in and change the linens while you are out of your room.

lobby

noun

large open area at the front of the hotel

You can stand in the lobby and wait for your bus.

luggage cart

noun

a device on wheels that guests can push their luggage on

Please return the luggage cart to the lobby when you are finshed with it.

maximum capacity

noun

the most amount of people allowed

The maximum capacity in the hot tub is ten people.

motels

noun

accommodations that are slightly cheaper than hotels

Our motel is very clean and is close to the beach.

noisy

adj

loud

The guests next to you have complained that you are being too noisy.

parking pass

noun

a piece of paper that guests display in the car window while in the hotel parking lot

Display this parking pass in your window to show that you are a hotel guest.

pay-per-view movie

noun

extra charge for movies and special television features

If you order a pay-per-view movie, the charge will appear on your bill.

pillow case

noun

the covering that goes over a pillow

Room 201 doesn't need their sheets changed, but they requested one new pillow case.

queen size bed

noun

bed with plenty of space for two people (bigger than a double)

They have a queen size bed so the small child can eaily fit in the middle.

rate

noun

cost of renting a room for a certain time period

Our rates change depending on the season.

reservation

noun

a request to save a specific room for a future date

They say they made a reservation but it doesn't show on the computer.

room service

noun

delivery of food or other services requested by guests

If you would like a bottle of wine, just call room service.

sauna

noun

a hot room for relaxation, filled with steam

We don't recommend bringing young children into the sauna.

single bed

noun

a bed for one person

The economy priced room includes one single bed.

sofa bed, pull-out couch

noun

a bed built into a sofa or couch

The room contains a sofa bed so the room actually sleeps five.

towels

noun

used to cover and dry the body after swimming or bathing

You can get your swimming pool towels at the front desk.

vacancy

noun

vacant

adj

available rooms

We only have one vacancy left, and it is for a single room.

valet

noun

staff that parks the guests' vehicles

If you leave your car keys with us, the valet will park your car underground.

vending machine

noun

a machine that distributes snacks and beverages when you insert coins

The vending machine on the fifth floor has chocolate bars and chips.

view

noun

a window that offers a nice image for guests

The room is more expensive because it has a spectacular view of the beach.

wake up call

noun

a morning phone call from the front desk, acts as an alarm clock

What time would you like your wake up call?

weight room, workout room, gym

noun

a room that guests can use for exercise and fitness

Our weight room has a stair climber and a stationary bicycle.

Hotel Vocabulary Quiz

1. If you've never been to this city, you should take a look at our sight-seeing brochures

menu

brochures

front desk

2. Sorry, we don't have a valet service. You'll have to park your car yourself.

room

laundry

valet

3. The room has a pull-out couch, so it will sleep an extra person.

off

over

out

4. I’m sorry, but we don't have any vacancies. We are fully booked tonight.

vacant

booked

closed

5. After your long conference you can relax in the hot tub

kitchenette

parking lot

hot tub

6. I'll call housekeeping and ask them to bring you some fresh linen

ice

milk

linen

7. If you need to do your workout we have a gym on the third floor.

gym

restaurant

library

8. You might like to voice your complaint about the rate to the hotel manager

housekeeper

valet driver

hotel manager

9. Please put your used towels in the basket and leave unused ones hanging on the rack.

dishes

towels

tissues

10. If you need a midnight snack there's a vending machine full of potato chips on your floor.

bellboy

kitchenette

vending machine

Taking a Reservation

Here are some typical phrases and expressions to use when a guest makes a booking to stay at your hotel. Review these expressions and read the sample conversation. Then check your understanding with the quick quiz.

Front Desk Receptionist

Enterprise Hotels, Lise speaking. How can I help you?

What date are you looking for?

How long will you be staying?

How many adults will be in the room?

I'm afraid we are booked that weekend.

There are only a few vacancies left.

We advise that you book in advance during peak season.

Will two double beds be enough?

Do you want a smoking or non-smoking room?

The dining room is open from 4 pm until 10 pm.

We have an indoor swimming pool and sauna.

We serve a continental breakfast.

Cable television is included, but the movie channel is extra.

Take Exit 8 off the highway and you'll see us a few kilometers up on the left hand side.

The rate I can give you is 99.54 with tax.

We require a credit card number for a deposit.

Guest

I'd like to make a reservation for next week.

Is it necessary to book ahead?

Do you charge extra for two beds?

How much is it for a cot?

Do you offer free breakfast?

Is there a restaurant in the hotel?

Do the rooms have refrigerators?

Do you do group bookings?

Is there an outdoor pool?

Do you have any cheaper rooms?

When is it considered off- season?

Sample Conversation

Receptionist: Thanks for calling Quality Inn. Morine speaking.

Caller: Hello. I'm interested in booking a room for the September long weekend.

Receptionist: I'm afraid we're totally booked for that weekend. There's a convention in town and we're the closest hotel to the convention centre.

Caller: Oh, I didn't realize. Well what about the weekend after that?

Receptionist: So... Friday the seventeenth?

Caller: Yes. Friday and Saturday.

Receptionist: It looks like we have a few vacancies left. We recommend that you make a reservation, though. It's still considered peak season then.

Caller: Okay. Do you have any rooms with two double beds? We're a family of four.

Receptionist: Yes, all of our rooms have two double beds. The rate for that weekend is $129 dollars a night.

Caller: That's reasonable. And do you have cots? One of my daughters might be bringing a friend.

Receptionist: We do, but we also charge an extra ten dollars per person for any family with over four people. The cot is free.

Caller: Okay, but I'm not positive if she is coming. Can we pay when we arrive?

Receptionist: Yes, but we do require a fifty dollar credit card deposit to hold the room. You can cancel up to five days in advance and we will refund your deposit.

Caller: Great, I'll call you right back. I have to find my husband's credit card.

Receptionist: Okay. Oh, and just to let you know...our outdoor pool will be closed, but our indoor pool is open.

Checking Guests In and Out

Check In

Front Desk Receptionist

What name is the reservation under?

How long will you be staying?

Are you planning on checking out tomorrow?

I'm afraid you can't check in until after 4:00 pm.

What type of vehicle are you driving?

Do you know the license plate number of your vehicle?

Complimentary breakfast is served in the lobby between 8 and 10 am.

I'll give you two room keys.

The dining room is on the main floor at the end of the hall.

The weight room and sauna are on the top floor.

Just call the front desk if you need any extra towels or pillows.

Guest

We have a reservation under Jill McMann.

Do you have any vacancies?

Is the hotel booked, or can we get a room for tonight?

How do we get to our room from here?

Is it okay to park out front?

What time is the pool open until?

What time is breakfast served at?

Is it too early to check in?

Can we get a wake-up call?

When is check out time?

Check Out

Front Desk Receptionist

Are you ready to check out?

What room were you in?

How was your stay?

Was everything satisfactory?

Will you be putting this on your card?

And how will you be paying for this?

Would you like to speak to the hotel manager on duty?

I'll just need your room keys, please.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Have a safe trip home.

Guest

We're checking out of room 401.

Sorry we're a bit late checking out.

I'm afraid we overslept/slept in.

We really enjoyed our stay.

We have a few complaints.

We'll be back next time we're in town.

Sample Conversation

Receptionist: Hi there. Are you checking out now?

Guest: Yes, sorry. I know we're a few minutes late.

Receptionist: That's no problem. It's always really busy at check out time anyway.

Guest: Oh, really. The last hotel we stayed in charged us for a late check out.

Receptionist: The hotel isn't booked this week, so it's not a problem. How was everything?

Guest: The room was great. The beds were really comfortable, and we weren't expecting our own fridge.

Receptionist: I'm glad you liked it.

Guest: The kids were disappointed that the pool wasn't open this morning, though.

Receptionist: I apologize for that. We can't get a cleaner in any earlier than 10 am.

Guest: Well we had a nice swim last night anyhow.

Receptionist: Will you be putting this on your credit card?

Guest: No. I'll pay cash.

Receptionist: OK. So the total comes to $123.67, including tax.

Guest: I thought it was $115 even. That's what they said yesterday when we checked in.

Receptionist: Yes, but there is an extra room charge on your bill.

Guest: Oh, I forgot. My husband ordered a plate of nachos. Sorry.

Receptionist: No problem. So...from $140, here's your change. Now, I'll just need to ask you for your room keys.

English Vocabulary for Tour Guides

Nouns

word

meaning

example sentence

activities

things to do

There are lots of activities that the whole family will enjoy.

architecture

design of a building

The architecture of this building is typical of the Renaissance age.

art gallery

place to look at professional paintings and drawings

We are going to visit the art gallery where local painters exhibit their art.

attractions

places for tourists to see

The water park is our most recent attraction .

bearings

feeling for understanding one's location/ surroundings in an unknown area

If you're having trouble getting your bearings just remember that the mountains are west.

business district

area in a city that has many offices

Keep in mind that this is the business district so that grocery store may be expensive.

castle

a building for royalty

No one has lived in this castle since the last king died twenty years ago.

church

a place to worship God

The church is the central meeting place in this town.

conveniences

things that make life easier

There you will find all of your conveniences, from suntan lotion to shampoo.

custom

something people of a region do often

It's a custom to hang beads in the windows at this time of year.

en route

on the way

While we are en route to the hotel I will point out the beach and the golf course.

entertainment district

a place where there are theatres and concert halls

If you want to catch a movie while you're here, the entertainment district is off to your left.

exception

something/ someone that does not follow the usual rules or expectations

With the exception of Johnson Street, it is safe to walk around here at night.

exhibition

objects (i.e. art) displayed for a short time for the public to view

It may be tough to find parking with the car exhibition on this week.

grocery store/ supermarket

place to buy food to take home

Since you have a kitchenette at your hotel you will need to know where the grocery store is.

highlight

the best part

People often say that the highlight of their trip is the botanical gardens.

legend

a person or story known for a long time

According to an old legend, a sea monster lives in this lake.

lobby

front entrance

We will meet in the lobby at 8 am sharp.

locals

people who live in an area

The locals are usually happy to show tourists around.

location

place where something can be found

This location is the best because you don't need to bother renting a car.

map

shows roads and directions to places

I'll give you each a map so you can follow along as we walk.

market

place to buy fresh food and homemade items

Every Sunday there is a farmer's market on Wade Street.

monument

a statue/ structure that honours an event or person

This monument honours the men and women who died during the war.

museum

a place where historical items are displayed

The museum charges a small fee for adults, but children are free.

necessities

things that people need for every day living

We recommend that you only carry necessities in your purse and leave everything else at the hotel.

original state

the way something appeared from the beginning

Except for the roof, this home has been left in its original state.

photograph

picture taken with a camera

You may not take photographs here, but you can purchase a postcard.

postcard

a card with a picture on one side(usually an object or place that tourists see) that can be mailed without an envelope

The gift shop has many great souvenirs, such as postcards of the beautiful waterfalls.

questions or concerns

things that tourists may want to say or ask

The plane almost missed the runway because it was such a bad storm.

request

something that has been asked for politely

The driver has made a request that you throw all of your garbage in the bin at the front on your way out.

restaurant district

part of a town/ city with many places to eat

You will see there are many more eateries to choose from when we head to the restaurant district.

ritual

tradition, custom, action (religious or cultural) that people do often

It is an old native ritual to dance during the sunrise.

scenery

natural beauty to look at

It is impossible to capture the beauty of this scenery in pictures.

settlers

people who first made a home in an area

The original settlers relied on oxen to carry their wares.

shopping district

area of town where there are many stores

You may want to save some spending money because we'll be visiting the shopping district this afternoon.

site

place,location

This is the site of a very famous battle.

stairway/ stairwell

steps going up or down

The stairwell is very steep, so please watch your step.

street people

people who live on the street, often begging for money

You may be surprised how many street people ask you for money.

surroundings

things that you see around you

I hope you enjoy the castle and its surroundings, including the secret garden.

voice

the sound you make when speaking

I apologize for my voice today as I have a bit of a cold.

voucher

a piece of paper that shows you have paid

Don't forget to bring your voucher for a free coffee in the hotel lobby.

waterfront

piece of land next to an ocean, lake, or river

There will be plenty of live entertainment down at the waterfront.

window

glass that you look out

We can peer in the window but I think they are probably closed for the day.

Verbs

word

meaning

example sentence

arrive

reach a destination

I am glad to see you all arrived safely.

close

to finish

We will close the tour with a view of the city at sunset.

continue on

keep going

If you're all finished looking here, we will continue on with the tour.

depart

leave

The last ferry departs at 4pm, so make sure you don't miss it.

enjoy

have a good experience

I have enjoyed meeting all of you today.

expect

think that something will be/ happen a certain way

You probably weren't expecting to see snow.

permit

allow

You are permitted to have a beverage on the bus, but please do not eat any food.

proceed

go forward

Please proceed all the way to the back of the bus.

raise (a hand)

lift

If you have any questions during the tour, please raise your hand.

recommend

suggest

We recommend that you only keep a small amount of cash in your wallet.

refer

suggest

I will gladly refer you to my favourite restaurants, if you are interested.

relax

sit back and enjoy time in peace

Tomorrow you will have a day to just relax on the beach.

show someone around

take people to see an area

When we get to the museum someone else will show us around.

sit back

relax in a seated position

Please sit back and enjoy the bus tour.

speak up

talk louder

If you need me to speak up or slow down, please let me know.

Adjectives

word

meaning

example sentence

ancient

very old

The ancient village has been left untouched.

beautiful/ gorgeous

very nice looking

You will find beautiful

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