Speaking English on a Plane – Cabin Crew Dialogues & Vocabulary

speaking-english-on-a-plane-passenger-and-cabin-crew-dialogues-and-vocabulary-english-conversation-practice-learn-english-vocabulary-grammar-lesson-esl-vocaberry

Speaking English on a plane can feel challenging—especially if you’re not sure what to say to the cabin crew. From asking for help with your seat to ordering a meal or making a request during the flight, it’s important to know the right English phrases. In this article, you’ll practice speaking English on a plane through helpful dialogues, travel-related vocabulary, and real-life expressions. You’ll also learn common questions flight attendants may ask and how to respond politely and clearly. These practical conversations will help you feel more confident, relaxed, and ready to communicate during your next flight.

Talking to Cabin Crew on a Plane – English Conversation

Scene: Sara has boarded her flight to Toronto. She finds her seat and interacts with cabin crew throughout the journey — from boarding, to meal service, to asking for help mid-flight.

Dialogue 1: Asking for Help – Passenger & Cabin Crew

Cabin Crew: Good evening! Welcome aboard. May I see your boarding pass?

Sara: Sure—here it is. I’m in 14A, right?

Cabin Crew: Yes, that’s a window seat, just over there. Would you like help stowing your carry-on?

Sara: That would be great, thanks. This overhead bin is already packed.

Cabin Crew: No worries, I’ll find a spot a few rows down. Just keep your essentials under the seat in front of you.

Sara: Got it. Do I need to have my seatbelt on already?

Cabin Crew: Yes, please. Go ahead and buckle up—we’ll be pushing back shortly.

Sara: Alright. I’ll get settled in.

In-Flight Safety Announcement

PA System: Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention to the following safety demonstration. Make sure your seat is upright, tray tables are stowed, and all electronic devices are switched to airplane mode. The emergency exits are located…

Conversation: During Meal Service

Cabin Crew: Hello again! Would you like something to drink?

Sara: Yes, can I have some still water, please?

Cabin Crew: Of course. We also have orange juice, soda, tea, and coffee.

Sara: Just water is fine, thank you. And what are the meal options today?

Cabin Crew: We’re serving chicken with rice or a vegetarian pasta. Both come with a salad, bread roll, and dessert.

Sara: I’ll go with the vegetarian pasta, please.

Cabin Crew: Absolutely. Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.

Sara: Thank you! Oh, could I get an extra napkin?

Cabin Crew: Certainly. Here you are.

Sara: This is really nice. I’m trying to stay hydrated during the flight—it helps with jet lag, right?

Cabin Crew: Yes, drinking plenty of water is a great way to beat jet lag. Let me know if you’d like a refill later.

Mid-Flight Conversation – Asking for Help

Sara: Excuse me—sorry to bother you. I think my headphones aren’t working properly. Is there anything I can do?

Cabin Crew: No problem at all. Try plugging them into the other jack. If that doesn’t work, I can bring you a replacement set.

Sara: Let me check… Nope, still nothing. Could I borrow another pair?

Cabin Crew: Of course. I’ll be right back.

(Returns with headphones)

Cabin Crew: Here you go! And if you need anything else, just press the call button above your seat.

Sara: Thanks a lot. Also, could you let me know when the next restroom becomes available? I think both are occupied at the moment.

Cabin Crew: Sure—I’ll keep an eye out and give you a heads-up as soon as one’s free.

Sara: Appreciate it!

Late-Flight – Comfort & Rest

Cabin Crew: Would you like a blanket or pillow?

Sara: Yes, a blanket would be lovely. It’s getting a bit chilly.

Cabin Crew: No problem. Here you are. Would you like the cabin lights dimmed on your side?

Sara: That’d be perfect, thank you.

Cabin Crew: Let us know if you’d like something to help you rest—eye masks, earplugs, or herbal tea?

Sara: Ooh, herbal tea sounds nice. I’ll take one if it’s not too much trouble.

Cabin Crew: Not at all. Coming right up.

Vocabulary & Phrases – Cabin Crew Conversation

Phrase / Expression Meaning
Stow your carry-on Put your bag in the overhead bin
Essentials under the seat Keep important items at your feet
Buckle up Fasten your seatbelt
Pushing back The plane is moving away from the gate
Meal options The available food choices during flight
Stay hydrated Drink enough fluids, especially during long flights
Beat jet lag Reduce the effects of time zone change
Call button Button used to request cabin crew assistance
Keep an eye out Watch carefully and notice when something is available
Give you a heads-up Let you know in advance
Dimming the lights Reducing the cabin brightness
Coming right up I’ll bring it shortly (used by service staff)
Refill A second serving of a drink
Herbal tea / still water Common, polite phrases used on planes
Jet bridge / tray table / upright seat Standard in-flight equipment and positions

Dialogue 2: Common In-Flight Requests & Cabin Crew Answers

Scene: James is on a long-haul flight from Paris to San Francisco. He’s seated near the middle of the cabin, and during the flight, he interacts with the crew several times. From seat problems to food issues, this is a real-world conversation packed with new expressions.

Conversation: Before Takeoff

Cabin Crew: Hello! Welcome aboard. Can I help you find your seat?

James: Hi, yes. I’m looking for 33B… ah, there it is.

Cabin Crew: That’s right. Just let me give you a hand with your luggage. The bin above looks full—would you mind storing it a row back?

James: Sure, no problem. I just want to keep my laptop within reach. I’ll slide that under the seat.

Cabin Crew: Perfect. Make yourself comfortable. We’ll be taxiing out shortly, so please fasten your seatbelt and stow your tray table.

James: Got it. By the way, my reading light doesn’t seem to be working.

Cabin Crew: I’ll take a look as soon as we’re in the air. If it’s not fixable, I can move you to a different seat if we have room.

James: That’d be great. Thanks!

Conversation: Meal & Beverage Service

Cabin Crew: Hello, sir! We’re about to begin our meal service. Would you like to look over the menu?

James: Sure. What are the meal choices today?

Cabin Crew: We have grilled chicken with vegetables or mushroom risotto. Both come with a side salad, a roll, and a dessert.

James: Hmm… do you happen to have any gluten-free options?

Cabin Crew: Let me check if we have any special meals left. Did you pre-select one when booking?

James: I don’t think I did. I probably missed that step.

Cabin Crew: No worries. Let me see what we’ve got. (returns a minute later) Good news! I have one gluten-free chicken dish left.

James: Awesome! I’ll take it.

Cabin Crew: Great. Also, what would you like to drink?

James: Just a sparkling water. I’m trying to cut back on caffeine while flying—it messes with my sleep schedule.

Cabin Crew: That’s a smart move. Would you like lemon with that?

James: Yes, please!

Conversation: In-Flight Issues

James: Excuse me—sorry to bother you. My seat won’t recline properly. I think it’s stuck upright.

Cabin Crew: Let me take a look. (presses button) Hmm… yeah, it seems jammed. I’ll file a report for maintenance and see if we can move you.

James: No worries if not, but it’s a long flight, and I’d love to be able to lean back a little.

Cabin Crew: Totally understandable. Let me check availability in the cabin. We might be able to move you to a row with more space.

(a few minutes later)

Cabin Crew: Good news—we’ve got an open aisle seat in the exit row if you’re okay with that. More legroom, too.

James: That sounds perfect. Thanks a lot!

Conversation: Sleeping & Comfort

Cabin Crew: Everything alright now? Can I get you anything before you rest?

James: Actually, could I get a sleep mask and a bottle of water?

Cabin Crew: Of course. Anything else to help you get some shut-eye?

James: Maybe a neck pillow if there are any left?

Cabin Crew: You’re in luck. Here you go. If you’d like some herbal tea before lights-out, just let me know.

James: Will do. Thank you for being so accommodating.

Later Announcement

PA System: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be beginning our descent into San Francisco shortly. Please ensure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position, and return any cabin items to the crew.

Useful Vocabulary – In-Flight English Expressions

Phrase / Expression Meaning
Give you a hand with your luggage Help you place your bags in the overhead bin
Slide under the seat Store something below the seat in front of you
Stow your tray table Fold up the tray and lock it in place
Taxiing out The plane moving slowly to the runway before takeoff
Look over the menu Review food options before ordering
Special meals Pre-requested meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, etc.)
Cut back on caffeine Reduce the amount of coffee, tea, or soda consumed
Seat won’t recline The seat doesn’t tilt backward
Lean back Recline or rest by moving the seat backwards
Check availability See if there are open seats or space
Exit row Seats next to emergency exits, often with more space
Legroom The amount of space in front of your seat for your legs
Get some shut-eye Informal phrase meaning “get some sleep”
Neck pillow Travel pillow that supports your neck while sleeping
Lights-out When the cabin lights are turned off so passengers can sleep
Accommodating Helpful and willing to meet your needs
Tray tables in upright position Locked and folded flat in preparation for landing

Quiz: Speaking English on a Plane

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. Could I please have a _____ seat instead of a middle one?
a) belt
b) window
c) curtain

2. Excuse me, can I ____ my seatbelt now?
a) switch
b) plug
c) unfasten

3. The flight attendant asked me to ____ my tray table.
a) fold up
b) throw
c) fix

4. Would you like chicken or pasta for your ____?
a) snack
b) meal
c) luggage

5. Please store your bag in the overhead ____.
a) box
b) shelf
c) compartment

6. You must ______ your seatbelt before takeoff.
a) loosen
b) buckle
c) undo

7. The captain has turned on the seatbelt ____.
a) notice
b) warning
c) sign

8. I feel cold. Could I have a ____, please?
a) blanket
b) bag
c) napkin

9. If you need anything, just press the call ____.
a) switch
b) light
c) button

10. We will begin our ____ in about 15 minutes.
a) descent
b) departure
c) delay

Quiz Answers

1) window
2) unfasten
3) fold up
4) meal
5) compartment
6) buckle
7) sign
8) blanket
9) button
10) descent

Add Comment