English Learning Content: At the Airport

Dialogue

Current Situation

Alice and Bob are at the airport. Alice is about to fly to Hawaii, and Bob is there to see her off. They are good friends, so their conversation is casual, friendly, and full of playful jokes. Bob is a bit of a worrier, comically checking on Alice’s preparations, while Alice takes it all in stride.

Key Phrases

• You actually came!: Expresses surprise or relief that someone arrived as expected (or unexpectedly).

  Example: “I didn’t think you’d finish the project on time, but you actually came through!”

• Wave you off: To say goodbye to someone who is leaving, often by waving your hand.

  Example: “My family came to the station to wave me off.”

• Boarding soon: The process of getting onto an airplane will begin in a short amount of time.

  Example: “Please proceed to gate 7, your flight is boarding soon.”

• Send me a postcard: A common request for a souvenir from someone traveling, asking them to mail a picture card.

  Example: “Have fun in Paris! Send me a postcard!”

• Confiscate it: To take something away officially, often by authority.

  Example: “Airport security will confiscate it if you try to bring a large bottle of water through.”

• Tucked away: Stored or hidden in a safe or private place.

  Example: “My secret diary is tucked away under my bed.”

• Present and accounted for: Everything or everyone is here and nothing is missing.

  Example: “After the roll call, all students were present and accounted for.”

• Overhead locker: A storage compartment above the seats in an airplane or train.

  Example: “Please place your carry-on bag in the overhead locker.”

• Have an amazing trip!: A common, enthusiastic farewell for someone who is traveling.

  Example: “Have an amazing trip! See you when you get back!”

• Text me when you land: A request to send a message via phone as soon as one arrives at their destination.

  Example: “Don’t forget to text me when you land so I know you’re safe.”

• Safe travels: A common, polite farewell wishing someone a journey free from harm or trouble.

  Example: “Safe travels! I hope you have a great time.”

Grammar Points

Here are a few grammar points used in the dialogue that are useful for beginners:

• Present Continuous for Future Plans

  We often use the Present Continuous tense (is/am/are + verb-ing) to talk about future arrangements or plans that are already decided. This is very common for travel plans.

  Example from dialogue: “My flight to Hawaii is boarding soon.” (The boarding is a scheduled event in the near future.)

  Other examples: “I am meeting my friend tomorrow.” “They are flying to London next week.”

• Imperatives

  Imperatives are used to give commands, instructions, or advice. They use the base form of the verb, without a subject.

  Example from dialogue: “Don’t forget to send me a postcard.” “Text me when you land.” “Go home and get some sleep.”

  To make them negative, we add “Don’t” before the verb: “Don’t talk to strangers.”

• Prepositions of Place (at, in, to)

  These small words tell us about the location or direction of something.

  • At: Used for a general location or a specific point.

    Example: “We are at the airport.” “She is at Gate B12.”

  • In: Used for an enclosed space or a larger area.

    Example: “My dignity is in my carry-on.” “You can put your bag in the overhead locker.”

  • To: Used to show movement towards a destination.

    Example: “My flight to Hawaii.” “I’m flying to London.”

Practice Exercises