Episode 3 — English on the Plane

Beginner+ • 6:44 • 2025-07-21

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You're listening to Mr. English Podcast by Mr. English Podcast.

Hi there and welcome back to the Mr. English Podcast, where we help you speak real English for real life.

I'm Emily.

And I'm John.

In today's episode, we're flying high — literally.

We'll teach you how to speak English on the plane when you find your seat, talk to the flight attendants, order food, or need help during the flight.

We'll also share a few stories and explain useful words and phrases as we go.

Let's get started.

Okay, imagine you're walking onto the plane.

You have your boarding pass and you're looking for your seat.

Emily, do you remember your first flight?

Yes! I kept checking my seat number again and again. I was afraid I'd sit in the wrong place.

Been there.

Let's go over some phrases you can use in that situation.

Excuse me, is this seat 12A?

I think this is my seat.

Can you help me find my seat?

Let’s explain.

Seat 12A means row 12, seat A — usually the window seat.

Excuse me is a polite way to get someone's attention.

Find my seat means look for the seat that's written on your ticket.

Let’s practice.

Excuse me, I think this is my seat.

Is this 14B?

Can you help me find my seat?

Once you sit down, you'll need to put your bag away.

You can put it under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

A quick vocab check:

Overhead bin equals the storage space above your seat. It’s like a small cabinet.

Under the seat equals on the floor, below the seat in front of you.

Here are some useful things you might say:

Where should I put my bag?

Can you help me with this?

Is there space in the overhead bin?

Repeat after me:

Can you help me with my bag?

Is there space above?

Where should I put this?

The plane is in the air and you want to ask for something.

What should you say?

Just press the button above your seat and wait for the flight attendant.

Try these:

Can I have some water, please?

Do you have a blanket?

I'm feeling cold.

Flight attendant equals the person who helps you on the plane.

Can I have is a polite way to ask for something.

During the flight they may ask:

Would you like chicken or pasta?

Tea or coffee?

Anything to drink?

Let’s try:

Can I have some water?

Do you have a blanket?

Chicken or pasta?

Let’s hear a real example.

Imagine John is on a flight and talking to a flight attendant.

Flight Attendant: Hi there. Would you like something to drink?

John: Yes, please. Can I have some orange juice?

Flight Attendant: Sure. Would you like ice with that?

John: No ice, thank you.

Flight Attendant: Here you go. Anything else?

John: Actually, do you have a blanket? I'm feeling a bit cold.

Flight Attendant: Of course. I'll bring one right away.

John: Thank you so much.

Flight Attendant: You're welcome. Let me know if you need anything else.

That’s a great example. It’s polite, simple, and real.

Right. You don’t need big words. Just be clear and friendly.

Vocabulary explained:

Would you like — a polite way to offer.

No ice — you don’t want ice in your drink.

Right away — very soon or immediately.

Let me know — tell me if you need something.

Not every flight is perfect.

One time I had a headache and forgot to bring medicine.

Oh no! I once felt dizzy during landing. I had to ask for help in English. It was scary, but the flight attendants were super kind.

Try these:

I don’t feel well.

Do you have any medicine?

Can I lie down?

My stomach hurts.

Don’t feel well equals you feel sick or uncomfortable.

Lie down equals rest your body flat on a seat.

Practice these:

I don’t feel well.

Do you have anything for a headache?

I need some water.

Near the end of the flight, you’ll hear:

Please fasten your seat belt.

We’re preparing to land.

Thank you for flying with us.

Fasten means to buckle or connect your seat belt. It’s the opposite of unbuckle.

And you can say:

Thank you.

Have a great day.

Let’s review five key phrases you can use on a plane:

Is this seat 12A?

Where should I put my bag?

Can I have some water, please?

I don’t feel well.

Thank you for the flight.

That’s it for today’s episode of Mr. English Podcast.

We hope you feel ready for your next flight.

Next time, we’ll teach you English at the hotel — how to check in, ask for Wi-Fi, and get what you need politely.

Until then, keep practicing and remember:

Practice a little every day and you’ll get better step by step.

Bye for now, and enjoy your flight.