Vocabulary for traveling by plane. Definitions in simple English with sentences using the vocabulary.
Definition
Stressful travel by plane is possible. When someone must communicate in their second or third language, it may be much more distressing. The terms listed below are those that people learning English should be familiar with before flying.
Elements
airline
A company that provides travel by air is called an airline.
The airport is small and only offers flights from three different airlines.
boarding pass
A boarding pass is another word for an airline ticket. It is what passengers must show before boarding a plane.
We should print our boarding passes before we get to the airport. This will save us some time.
to book a flight
To book a flight means to reserve your seat on a flight.
It’s always cheaper if you book a flight in advance. Booking a flight at the last minute can be expensive.
non-stop flight
A non-stop flight flies to its final destination without stopping.
Our company rarely books us non-stop flights. They are more expensive, and we are trying to cut costs.
direct flight
A direct flight stops before arriving at its final destination, but passengers do not have to change planes.
We had a direct flight. We stopped briefly in Denver, but we didn’t have to get off the plane.
connecting flight
A connecting flight stops and passengers must change planes.
I decided to take a connecting flight. It was a lot cheaper.
layover
The term layover refers to the stop at an airport in order for passengers to change planes.
We had a six-hour layover in Tokyo. It was terrible.
first-class ticket
First class tickets are the most expensive tickets that airlines offer. First class seats are in the front of the plane and are much bigger than the other seats on the plane. Airlines usually offer premium meals to passengers with first class tickets.
I bought a first class ticket once. It was great. The flight attendants served me wine during the flight, and the food was fantastic.
business class ticket
Business class tickets are cheaper than first class tickets but more expensive than economy class tickets. Business class tickets have certain benefits that economy class tickets do not, such as larger seats.
What meal options are there for passengers with business class tickets?
economy class ticket/coach ticket
Economy class tickets are the cheapest tickets that airlines offer. Economy class seats are the smallest seats on the plane.
I always buy economy class tickets on short flights and business class tickets on long flights. I don’t like sitting in a small seat for long hours.
suitcase
A suitcase is a bag with a handle used for holding clothes or other possessions.
My suitcase was too heavy, so I had to pay an extra fee.
luggage
All the suitcases and bags that a traveler has with them on a trip is called luggage.
Has an airline ever lost your luggage? It’s happened to me and it was very frustrating.
checked luggage/checked bags
Checked luggage is the luggage a passenger gives to the airline before getting on the plane. These bags are placed in the cargo section of the plane and do not travel in the same section of the plane as the passengers.
This airline allows each passenger two free checked bags. If a passenger has three checked bags, there is an additional charge.
Conclusion
One of the most important aspects of running a successful air travel business is having a strong understanding of the industry's unique vocabulary. From "code-shares" to "load factors," there is a lot of jargon to know. Here is a quick guide to some of the most important terms in the air travel business:
