Lin SaysYour English-speaking buddy 中文 Start free
TravelAdvanced

Checking in at the airport in English (advanced)

Advanced English for checking in at the airport. Key line: “Hi, could you help me *check* *in* for my *flight*, please?”

Full script

Lin
Hi, could you help me check in for my flight, please?
Them
Sure thing. Can I see your passport and booking confirmation?
Lin
Yep, here you go. I’m hoping my suitcase isn’t heavier today.
Them
Let’s see... it’s just under the limit; your snacks survived.
Lin
Perfect. Could I get an aisle seat, if there’s anything available?
Them
I can do row eighteen. Do you have any bags to check?
Lin
Just this one, and I swear the snacks aren’t planning a round-trip.
Them
Great—then they can relax in the hold. Here’s your boarding pass.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Check-in
✓ Could you help me check in for my flight, please?

Polite way to ask for check-in help

More natural and polite than I want

Under
✓ It’s just under the limit.

Just under the weight limit

Often for weight or spending limits

Aisle
✓ Could I get an aisle seat?

Ask for a seat by the aisle

aisle: not "island"

Seats
✓ if there’s anything available

If there are any left

Polite way to ask about open seats

Quick answers

Check-in: what to say in English

Say “Could you help me check in for my flight, please?” — polite way to ask for check-in help. More natural and polite than I want.

Under: what to say in English

Say “It’s just under the limit.” — just under the weight limit. Often for weight or spending limits.

Aisle: what to say in English

Say “Could I get an aisle seat?” — ask for a seat by the aisle. aisle: not "island".

Seats: what to say in English

Say “if there’s anything available” — if there are any left. Polite way to ask about open seats.

Next: Splitting the billAll scenes