Episode 2 — At The Airport

Beginner+ • 5:18 • 2025-07-20

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You're listening to Mr. English Podcast by Mr. English Podcast. Hi everyone and welcome to Mr. English Podcast. This is the place where you can practice real English, learn natural conversations, and improve your listening step by step. We keep it simple, fun, and clear. Perfect for beginners and everyday learners. New episodes every week, so make sure to subscribe and join us.

Let's learn English together. Today we're talking about something almost everyone will face one day: English at the airport. John, do you enjoy flying?

Well, I love traveling, but I still get nervous at the airport sometimes, especially when I don't understand what the staff are saying.

Me too. That's why this episode will help you feel more confident when you travel. Let's take our listeners from the entrance of the airport all the way to the plane.

All right, John. When you arrive at the airport, what's the first thing you usually do?

I go straight to the check-in counter. I want to make sure I get a window seat.

Same here. Let's teach our listeners what to say.

Hi, I'd like to check in for my flight. Here is my passport and ticket. I have one bag to check in.

And the staff might ask:

"Where are you flying today?"

"Do you have any checked baggage?"

"Do you prefer a window or aisle seat?"

Have you ever had any trouble at check-in?

Oh, yes. One time my suitcase was overweight. I had to take out a bunch of stuff in front of everyone. So embarrassing.

Oh no. That's why it's good to know how to ask:

What's the weight limit for checked bags?

Let's practice. Repeat after me.

I'd like to check in for my flight.

I have one suitcase to check in.

Can I have a window seat?

Now, let's go through security. This is where people often feel nervous.

Yeah, and the rules can be confusing. Last time, I forgot to take out my laptop and the alarm went off.

That happens. Here's what you might hear:

Please remove your shoes and belt.

Take laptops and liquids out of your bag.

Step through the scanner.

And you can ask:

Do I need to take out my tablet?

Is this allowed in carry-on?

Practice with us.

Do I need to take out my laptop?

Is this okay for carry-on?

Step through the scanner.

Now we're heading to immigration or passport control. Have you ever been nervous at immigration, John?

Every time. Even though I'm doing nothing wrong, I feel like I'm in a spy movie.

Me too. But really, they just ask basic questions:

What's the purpose of your visit?

How long will you stay?

Where are you staying?

Let's give sample answers:

I'm here on vacation.

I'll be in London for 10 days.

I'm staying at the Central Hotel.

Repeat after us:

I'm here for business.

I'll stay for 2 weeks.

Yes, I have a return ticket.

Now, we check the departure board to find our gate.

Right. It might say:

Flight VN233, destination Seoul, gate C5, boarding time 13:45.

Status: on time, delayed.

Have you ever had to run to your gate?

Oh yes. Once I went to the wrong gate, and when I finally found the right one, it was the final call.

So you might hear:

Final call for flight VN233 to Seoul, gate C5. Boarding now rows 20 to 30.

And the staff may ask:

Can I see your boarding pass and passport, please?

Let's practice:

Where is gate C5?

The gate has changed.

Here's my passport and boarding pass.

Let's quickly review what we've learned today:

I'd like to check in for my flight.

Do I need to take this out at security?

I'm staying for 10 days.

Where is my gate?

This is my boarding pass.

That's it for today's episode. We hope now you feel more confident at the airport and less stressed about using English.

And next time we'll continue the journey with English on the plane — useful phrases during the flight, talking to flight attendants, and more.

Thanks for listening to the Mr. English Podcast, and remember: practice a little every day and you'll get better step by step.

Bye for now and safe travels.

Bye for now.