5.18. Airport Vocabulary - Check-in, Immigration, and Boarding: Arrival Card/Departure Card
Traveling by air involves a series of steps and procedures that can be daunting for those not familiar with the process. Understanding the vocabulary associated with airports is crucial for a smooth travel experience. In this section, we'll explore essential terms related to check-in, immigration, and boarding, with a focus on arrival and departure cards.
Check-in
Check-in is the first step you'll encounter at the airport. This is where you confirm your presence on the flight, drop off any checked luggage, and receive your boarding pass. Here are some terms you might encounter:
- Boarding Pass: A document provided by the airline during check-in that grants you access to the plane and indicates your seat number.
- Checked Luggage: Bags that are too large to be carried on board and are therefore stored in the aircraft's cargo hold. There are usually weight and size restrictions.
- Carry-on: A smaller piece of luggage that you can take with you onto the plane.
- Excess Baggage: Luggage that exceeds the airline's weight or size restrictions, often incurring additional fees.
- Baggage Claim Tag: A receipt for your checked luggage, usually attached to your boarding pass. It's important to keep this in case you need to locate lost luggage.
- Seat Assignment: The process of selecting a seat on the airplane, which can often be done online prior to arriving at the airport.
- Gate: The area where you'll board the airplane. The gate number will be on your boarding pass.
Immigration
Immigration is the process of entering another country and is handled by immigration officers. You'll need to present your passport and sometimes other documents, such as visas or landing cards. Here are some terms related to immigration:
- Passport Control: A checkpoint where your travel documents are reviewed by immigration officers.
- Visa: An endorsement on your passport that allows you to enter, leave, or stay for a specified period of time in a country.
- Customs: The place where your luggage may be checked to ensure you're not bringing prohibited items into the country or exceeding your allowance.
- Deportation: Being sent back to your country of origin because you do not meet the immigration requirements.
Boarding
Boarding refers to the process of getting on the airplane. It usually begins with pre-boarding for those who need extra assistance and is followed by general boarding, often organized by seat rows or zones. Here are some terms you may hear:
- Final Call: The last announcement made for passengers to board the flight before the gate closes.
- Overhead Bin: The storage compartment above your seat on the airplane where you can place your carry-on luggage.
- Safety Demonstration: A presentation by the flight attendants about the airplane's safety features and emergency procedures.
- Takeoff: The phase of flight when the airplane leaves the ground and ascends into the sky.
- Landing: The phase of flight when the airplane descends and touches down on the runway.
Arrival Card/Departure Card
Arrival and departure cards are documents that some countries require travelers to fill out upon entering or leaving the country. They are used by immigration authorities to keep track of people coming in and out of the country. Here's what you need to know:
- Arrival Card: Also known as a landing card, this document is usually provided by the airline staff during the flight or at the immigration area. It typically asks for personal information, the purpose of your visit, and where you will be staying.
- Departure Card: Similar to the arrival card, this is filled out when leaving a country. It may be collected by the airline staff when you check-in or by immigration officers.
- Personal Details: Information such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and occupation.
- Travel Details: Information about your flight number, purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.), and the address where you will be staying.
- Customs Declaration: Some arrival cards include a section for declaring goods that may be subject to customs duty.
When filling out these cards, it's important to write legibly and truthfully. Making false statements can lead to denial of entry or other legal issues. Always keep a pen in your carry-on, as not all airlines provide them.
Conclusion
Understanding airport vocabulary can greatly ease the stress of air travel. By familiarizing yourself with the terms associated with check-in, immigration, and boarding, as well as the purpose of arrival and departure cards, you'll be better prepared for your journey. Remember to keep all your travel documents organized and accessible, and don't hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance if you're unsure about any procedures. Safe travels!
