Travel English Chunks: Boarding Pass, Carry-On, Tax Refund Explained

Boarding pass, late check-out, tax refund — the noun chunks you'll meet on every trip.

a table for twoa restaurant table for two people

Hi, a table for two, please.

for here or to goeat in or take away

— For here or to go? — To go, please.

get the checkto ask for the bill

Excuse me, could we get the check?

split the billto share the payment

Let's split the bill three ways.

a window seata seat by the window

A window seat, if possible.

an aisle seata seat on the aisle

I always book an aisle seat on long flights.

carry-ona bag you take into the cabin

This suitcase is small enough for a carry-on.

checked baggagebags that go in the hold

The ticket includes one piece of checked baggage.

boarding passthe document that lets you board

Have your boarding pass and passport ready.

security checkthe airport safety screening

The security check line is long this morning.

gate changea switch to another gate

Gate change: flight 289 now boards at gate 22.

final boarding callthe last announcement before doors close

That's the final boarding call — let's run!

jet lagtiredness after crossing time zones

I'm still getting over the jet lag.

a one-way ticketa ticket for one direction only

A one-way ticket to Boston, please.

a round-trip ticketa ticket there and back

A round-trip ticket is cheaper than two singles.

travel insuranceinsurance for your trip

Buy travel insurance before you fly — not after.

luggage storagea place to leave bags

The hotel offers free luggage storage after check-out.

late check-outleaving the room later than standard

Could I have a late check-out tomorrow?

room servicefood delivered to your room

We were too tired to go out, so we ordered room service.

tax refundgetting sales tax back

Keep the receipts for the tax refund at the airport.

duty-freegoods sold without tax

We killed an hour in the duty-free shops.

tourist attractiona place tourists visit

It's the city's most crowded tourist attraction.

a must-seesomething you really should see

The night market is a must-see here.

rush hourthe busiest travel time

Avoid the subway during rush hour.

a local specialtyfood a place is known for

You have to try the local specialty — the beef noodles.

Chunks stick best with practice. Try the interactive English courses — free to start, with hearts, streaks and audio.