Walking through an international airport can be stressful enough without worrying about whether you are saying the right words. If you have ever struggled to ask for directions to the correct terminal, or felt unsure about pronouncing "aisle" or "itinerary," this guide is for you. We will cover every word you need from check-in to baggage claim, with IPA transcriptions and pronunciation tips.
Knowing these words will help you communicate clearly with airline staff, security officers, customs agents, and fellow travelers. Let's start with the basics and work our way through the entire airport experience.
At the Airport: Departure and Arrival
These are the first words you will encounter when you arrive at any airport. Getting them right sets the tone for your entire trip.
The word departure /dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/ has three syllables: dih-PAR-cher. The stress falls on the second syllable. The ending has the /tʃər/ sound, like "teacher" without the first syllable. You will see this word everywhere: departure gates, departure times, departure lounge.
The word arrival /əˈraɪvəl/ also has three syllables: uh-RY-vul. The stress is on the second syllable, which contains the diphthong /aɪ/ (the same sound as "my" or "fly"). Arrivals and departures are usually on different levels of the airport.
The word terminal /ˈtɜːrmɪnəl/ has three syllables: TUR-mih-nul. The first syllable has the /ɜːr/ vowel (as in "bird" or "word"). Large airports often have multiple terminals, so you need to know which one to go to.
The word gate /ɡeɪt/ is simple, just one syllable rhyming with "late." This is where you wait to board your plane. "Your flight departs from Gate B12."
Essential Documents
The phrase boarding pass /ˈbɔːrdɪŋ pæs/ has three syllables total: BOR-ding pass. This is the document that lets you onto the airplane. You will need to show it at the gate and sometimes at security. Some airlines now use mobile boarding passes on your phone.
The word passport /ˈpæspɔːrt/ has two syllables: PASS-port. You will need this at check-in, immigration, and customs.
On the Plane: Seating and Luggage
Once you board the plane, you will need to find your seat, stow your bag, and understand announcements from the crew. These words come up on every flight.
The word aisle /aɪl/ is one of the most commonly mispronounced travel words. The S is completely silent. It sounds exactly like "isle" (as in a small island). It rhymes with "mile" and "smile." An aisle seat is a seat next to the walkway, as opposed to a window seat.
The word luggage /ˈlʌɡɪdʒ/ has two syllables: LUH-gij. The first syllable has the /ʌ/ vowel (like "cup" or "bus"). "Luggage" and "baggage" mean essentially the same thing, though "luggage" is slightly more common in everyday speech.
The phrase carry-on /ˈkæri ɑːn/ refers to the bag you bring onto the plane with you, as opposed to checked luggage. "Is this bag small enough to be a carry-on?"
The phrase overhead compartment /ˌoʊvərˈhɛd kəmˈpɑːrtmənt/ refers to the storage bins above your seat. Flight attendants will ask you to place your carry-on in the overhead compartment. The word "overhead" has two syllables with the stress on the second: oh-ver-HED. The word "compartment" has three syllables: kum-PART-ment.
Going Through Security and Customs
Airport security and customs can be intimidating, especially when you are not sure how to pronounce the right words. Here are the key terms you need.
The word customs /ˈkʌstəmz/ has two syllables: KUS-tumz. Customs is the government agency that controls what goods come into a country. You pass through customs when arriving in a new country. Do not confuse it with "costumes" /ˈkɑːstuːmz/ (clothing worn for dress-up).
The word immigration /ˌɪmɪˈɡreɪʃən/ has four syllables: im-ih-GRAY-shun. The stress is on the third syllable. Immigration controls who enters and leaves a country. You go through immigration before customs.
The word declaration /ˌdɛkləˈreɪʃən/ has four syllables: dek-luh-RAY-shun. At customs, you may need to fill out a declaration form listing any goods you are bringing into the country.
The phrase security checkpoint /sɪˈkjʊrɪti ˈtʃɛkpɔɪnt/ is where your bags are screened and you walk through a metal detector. The word "security" has four syllables: sih-KYOOR-ih-tee.
The phrase prohibited items /proʊˈhɪbɪtɪd ˈaɪtəmz/ refers to things you cannot bring through security or into a country. The word "prohibited" has four syllables: pro-HIB-ih-ted.
On the Plane: During the Flight
Once you are in the air, the flight crew will make announcements using specific vocabulary. Knowing these words will help you understand what is happening and respond appropriately.
The word turbulence /ˈtɜːrbjələns/ has three syllables: TUR-byuh-luns. The first syllable has the /ɜːr/ vowel (as in "bird"). This word describes the bumpy, shaky motion you feel when the plane hits rough air. "We are experiencing some turbulence; please fasten your seatbelts."
The phrase fasten seatbelt /ˈfæsən ˈsiːtbɛlt/ is one you will hear on every flight. The word "fasten" has two syllables: FAS-un. Notice that the T is silent, just like in "listen" or "castle." The word "seatbelt" is a compound word: SEET-belt.
The word crew /kruː/ is one syllable, rhyming with "blue" and "true." The flight crew includes the pilots and flight attendants.
The word attendant /əˈtɛndənt/ has three syllables: uh-TEN-dunt. A flight attendant is the person who serves passengers and handles safety on the plane.
The word altitude /ˈæltɪtuːd/ has three syllables: AL-tih-tood. This refers to how high the plane is flying. "We are cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet."
Baggage and Transportation
After landing, you still need to pick up your bags and figure out how to get to your hotel. These words will help you navigate the final steps of your journey.
The phrase baggage claim /ˈbæɡɪdʒ kleɪm/ refers to the area where you pick up your checked luggage. "Baggage" has two syllables: BAG-ij. "Claim" is one syllable rhyming with "name."
The word carousel /ˌkærəˈsɛl/ has three syllables: kar-uh-SEL. The stress falls on the last syllable. This is the rotating belt that delivers your luggage at baggage claim. You might also hear it called a "conveyor belt."
The word shuttle /ˈʃʌtəl/ has two syllables: SHUH-tul. Many airports have shuttle buses that take you between terminals or to nearby hotels and rental car facilities.
The word rideshare /ˈraɪdʃɛr/ has two syllables: RIDE-share. This refers to services like Uber or Lyft. Most airports have designated rideshare pickup areas.
Connecting Flights and Layovers
The phrase connecting flight /kəˈnɛktɪŋ flaɪt/ describes a flight where you stop at an intermediate airport before reaching your final destination. "I have a connecting flight in Dallas."
The word layover /ˈleɪˌoʊvər/ has three syllables: LAY-oh-ver. This is the waiting time between connecting flights. "We have a three-hour layover in Chicago."
Commonly Mispronounced Travel Words
Some travel words have tricky pronunciations that catch many English learners off guard. Here is a table of the most commonly mispronounced travel words, along with what many learners say incorrectly and the correct pronunciation.
| Word | Common Mistake | Correct IPA | Sounds Like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| itinerary | "eye-tin-er-airy" | /aɪˈtɪnəreri/ | eye-TIN-uh-reh-ree | a planned route or journey |
| schedule | "SHED-yool" (British) | /ˈskɛdʒuːl/ | SKEJ-ool (American) | a plan of times for events |
| receipt | "re-SEEPT" with P sound | /rɪˈsiːt/ | rih-SEET (silent P) | proof of payment |
| suite | "soot" like the word suit | /swiːt/ | SWEET (like the taste) | a set of connected hotel rooms |
| concierge | "con-see-URGE" | /ˌkɑːnsiˈɛrʒ/ | kahn-see-AIRZH | a hotel helper or information desk |
| chauffeur | "CHAW-fur" | /ʃoʊˈfɜːr/ | show-FUR | a person hired to drive someone |
| excursion | "ex-CUR-see-on" | /ɪkˈskɜːrʒən/ | ik-SKUR-zhun | a short trip or outing |
| souvenir | "SOO-veh-neer" | /ˌsuːvəˈnɪr/ | soo-vuh-NEER | a memento bought on a trip |
Practice Phrases for Real Travel Situations
Knowing individual words is important, but you also need to use them in full sentences. Here are common phrases organized by travel situation.
At Check-In
- "I'd like to check in for my flight to New York."
- "Here is my passport and confirmation number."
- "Can I get an aisle seat, please?"
- "How many bags can I check?"
- "Is this bag small enough to be a carry-on?"
At Security
- "Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag?"
- "Can I keep my shoes on?"
- "Where should I put my liquids?"
At the Gate
- "What time does boarding begin?"
- "Is this the gate for the flight to London?"
- "Has the departure time changed?"
- "I have a connecting flight. Will I make it?"
On the Plane
- "Excuse me, I think that's my seat."
- "Could you help me with the overhead compartment?"
- "Can I have some water, please?"
- "How much longer until we land?"
After Landing
- "Where is baggage claim?"
- "My luggage hasn't arrived. Who should I talk to?"
- "Where is the rideshare pickup area?"
- "How do I get to the hotel shuttle?"
Pronunciation Tips for Travel Words
Here are some general patterns that will help you pronounce travel vocabulary more accurately.
Silent Letters to Watch For
- aisle /aɪl/: The S is silent. Sounds like "isle."
- fasten /ˈfæsən/: The T is silent. Sounds like "fassen."
- receipt /rɪˈsiːt/: The P is silent. Sounds like "re-seet."
French-Origin Words
Many travel words come from French and keep their French pronunciation patterns:
- concierge /ˌkɑːnsiˈɛrʒ/: The final sound is /ʒ/, not /dʒ/.
- chauffeur /ʃoʊˈfɜːr/: Starts with /ʃ/ (SH sound), not /tʃ/ (CH sound).
- souvenir /ˌsuːvəˈnɪr/: Stress on the last syllable, not the first.
- carousel /ˌkærəˈsɛl/: Stress on the last syllable.
Stress Patterns
Many multi-syllable travel words follow these stress patterns:
- Words ending in "-tion" or "-sion": stress falls on the syllable before the ending (immi-GRA-tion, ex-CUR-sion, decla-RA-tion).
- Words ending in "-ence" or "-ance": stress often falls on the first syllable (TUR-bu-lence).
- Compound nouns: stress usually falls on the first word (BOARD-ing pass, BAG-gage claim, OVER-head compartment).
The best way to master these words is to practice them in context. Next time you are at an airport or planning a trip, try using these words out loud. The more you practice, the more natural they will feel. Safe travels!