English Phrases Used on a Plane: Requests and Dialogues
Most conversations on a plane are short, polite requests. You may need help finding your seat, storing a bag, choosing a meal, asking for water, or explaining that you feel unwell. These phrases help you communicate without sounding abrupt.
Quick answer
Use “Could I…?”, “Could you…?”, and “Would it be possible…?” for polite requests. Include the exact item or problem: water, a blanket, your seat, turbulence, or a connecting flight.
Dialogue: finding your seat and storing a bag
PassengerExcuse me, could you help me find seat 24A?
Flight attendantCertainly. It’s six rows ahead on the left, next to the window.
PassengerThank you. Is there any space for this bag?
Flight attendantThe compartment above your seat is full. I can place it in the next one.
PassengerThat’s fine. Could I take my laptop out first?
Flight attendantOf course. Please keep the smaller bag under the seat in front of you.
Dialogue: food and drink
Flight attendantWould you like chicken or pasta?
PassengerPasta, please. Does it contain nuts?
Flight attendantLet me check the label for you.
PassengerThank you. Could I also have some still water?
Flight attendantCertainly. Would you like tea or coffee?
PassengerCoffee, please, with milk but no sugar.
Dialogue: feeling unwell
PassengerExcuse me, I’m feeling dizzy and nauseous.
Flight attendantI’m sorry. Are you having difficulty breathing?
PassengerNo, but I feel as though I might be sick.
Flight attendantI’ll bring you water and a sickness bag. Please remain seated.
PassengerThank you. Could you tell me if it gets worse?
In a genuine medical emergency, describe symptoms directly and follow the crew’s instructions.
20 essential phrases
- Could you help me find my seat?
- Is this seat taken?
- I think you’re sitting in my seat.
- Could we compare boarding passes?
- Is there space in the overhead compartment?
- May I take my laptop out?
- Could I have some water?
- Still or sparkling water?
- Does this meal contain nuts?
- Do you have a vegetarian option?
- Coffee with milk, please.
- Could I have another napkin?
- May I recline my seat?
- Could you lower the window shade?
- Where is the nearest restroom?
- The reading light isn’t working.
- My entertainment screen is frozen.
- Could I have a blanket?
- I’m feeling dizzy.
- Will I have enough time for my connection?
Common mistakes
| Avoid | Say this instead |
|---|---|
| Give me water. | Could I have some water, please? |
| Where is toilet? | Where is the restroom? |
| I have nausea. | I feel nauseous / I feel sick. |
| This is my chair. | I think this is my seat. |
Speaking practice
Role-play each situation aloud. First read both roles, then cover the answer and respond in your own words.
- Ask for help storing your carry-on.
- Check whether a meal contains an allergen.
- Tell a flight attendant you feel dizzy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a seat and a chair?
On planes, trains, and buses, we normally say seat.
What is an overhead compartment?
It is the storage space above the passenger seats.
How can I make a polite request?
Start with “Could I have…?”, “Could you help me…?”, or “Would it be possible…?”
Continue practising Travel English
Begin with the full English at the Airport guide, then practise arriving with our passport control lesson.
Cabin requests are short, so pronunciation matters most
On a plane you get one quick attempt and there is engine noise. A pronunciation-focused tutor can fix the two or three sounds that stop crew understanding you first time.
Find a pronunciation tutor on italkiWhich platform is best for pronunciation practice? →
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