Main Lesson
Discussion
• What are people doing at the check-in counter?
• What do people need to do at the security checkpoint?
• What is not allowed at the security checkpoint?
• How do you spend time at the departure lounge?
Essential Words: luggage, metal detector, X-ray machine, body scanner, conveyor belts, get a pat-down, manual bag check, bench, charging station.
1. Facts
Air travel in the United States is full of surprising facts. The country has the busiest airspace in the world, with around 45,000 flights taking off every single day. At airport security, TSA officers confiscate unusual items daily—everything from pocket knives to live animals. Another hidden detail is that air marshals, undercover security officers, are placed on random flights, so passengers never know who might be watching.
True or False:
A passenger once bypassed TSA security, boarded a flight without screening, and caused the flight to be canceled.
Answer
• True. In June 2024, Jonathan Beaulieu evaded security, boarded an American Airlines flight at Philadelphia International Airport, prompting the plane to return and cancel. He later pled guilty and was ordered to repay nearly $60,000 for the disruption.
2. Phrases check
✈️ Check-in Counter
• Ask if this is the right check-in desk
• Get a window seat
• Ask when the bording time is
🛃 Security Checkpoint
• Ask if you need to remove your shoes
• Ask them to check your bag by hand
🛫 Departure Lounge
• Ask where your boarding gate is
• Ask if there’s Wi-Fi available
Answer
Use ‘excuse me’ for politeness!
• Is this the check-in desk for the flight to London?
• Can I have a window seat, please?
• When does bording start for my flight?
• Do I need to take off my shoes?
• Can I request a manual bag check?
• Where is the gate for the flight to London?
• Is there Wi-Fi here?
3. Dialogue
Check-in counter
👨💼: Good morning. Can I see your passport and ticket, please?
🧑🦱: Sure, here you are.
👨💼: Thank you. Are you checking in any luggage today?
🧑🦱: Yes, I have one suitcase.
👨💼: Please place it on the scale. … Okay, the weight is 26 kilograms. The limit is 23, so it’s 3 kilograms overweight.
🧑🦱: Oh, I see. What should I do?
👨💼: You can either remove some items and put them in your carry-on, or pay an extra fee for the extra weight.
🧑🦱: Hmm, I think I’ll pay the fee. How much is it?
👨💼: It’s $30. Would you like to pay by card or cash?
🧑🦱: By card, please.
👨💼: Great, thank you. Here is your boarding pass. Your seat is 18A, by the window. Boarding will start at 9:30 from Gate 12.
🧑🦱: Perfect, thank you very much.
👨💼: You’re welcome. Have a nice flight!
Security check-point
👮♀️: Good morning. Please place your belongings on the conveyor belt.
👨: Morning. Do I need to take off my shoes?
👮♀️: Yes, please remove your shoes, belt, and any electronics from your bag.
👨: Got it. Uh, could I ask for a manual bag check please?
👮♀️: Sure, no problem. May I ask why?
👨: I just have some camera equipment, and I prefer it to be checked by hand.
👮♀️: Understood. We’ll do a manual inspection. Please step aside for a moment.
👨: Okay, thank you.
(after checking)
👮♀️: All set. You can put your shoes back on.
👨: Great, thanks a lot.
4. Practice
Situation 1
You arrive at the check-in counter. You need to check your luggage. Practice:
• Handing over your passport
• Asking politely if you can have a window seat
• Confirming your gate number and boarding time
Situation 2
You arrive at the security check. You are not sure about the rules. Practice:
• Asking if you need to take off your shoes
• Requesting a manual bag check instead of the scanner
• Responding to instructions politely
5. Discussion
• Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? Why?
• Have you ever had problems at the check-in counter? What happened?
• Have you ever forgotten to take something out of your bag at security?
• What advice would you give someone flying for the first time?
• Have you ever had problems at the check-in counter? What happened?