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AylaraTalks

Role-play

Airport Check-in Role Play (A2–B1)

A heavy suitcase, a delayed flight and no aisle seats left.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
A2–B1
Skill
Speaking
Format
Teacher guide
More in the library

The situation

A check-in desk at a busy airport. A passenger is flying to Edinburgh and talks to the check-in agent.

5-minute timer

Role card A

Passenger

You are checking in for a flight to Edinburgh with one suitcase and a small backpack.

Your goals

  • Check in your suitcase.
  • Ask for an aisle seat.
  • Find out the gate number and when boarding starts.

Only you know

  • Your suitcase weighs 25 kg. You think the limit is 23 kg, and there's some space in your backpack.
  • Your flight is due to land at 4.30 pm, and you need to be in the city centre by 6 pm.

Role card B

Check-in agent

You are working at the check-in desk for the flight to Edinburgh.

Your goals

  • Check the passenger's passport and weigh their bag (the limit is 23 kg; extra weight costs £10 per kilo).
  • Give the passenger a seat.
  • Tell them the gate (Gate 14) and the boarding time (2.40 pm).

Only you know

  • The flight is delayed by 40 minutes. It will now land at 5.10 pm, and the tram to the city centre takes 30 minutes.
  • All the aisle seats are gone, but there's a window seat with extra legroom in row 12.

Model dialogue

One good version. Read it after the pairs have tried, not before.

Show the model dialogue
A
Hi, I'd like to check in for the flight to Edinburgh, please.
B
Of course. Can I see your passport, please? And could you put your suitcase on the scales?
A
Sure, here you go. Could I have an aisle seat, please?
B
I'm sorry, the aisle seats are all gone. I've got a window seat in row 12 with extra legroom, though. Would that be OK?
A
That sounds fine, thanks. Is everything all right with the bag?
B
I'm afraid it's 25 kilos, so it's two kilos over the limit. That's £20 extra, or you could move a few things into your backpack.
A
I'll move some things, then. Just a second… How about now?
B
23 exactly — perfect. I should also tell you that the flight's delayed by about 40 minutes.
A
Oh no. What time will we land? I need to be in the city centre by six.
B
It's now due to land at ten past five, so you should still make it. The tram into town takes about half an hour.
A
That's a relief. Which gate is it?
B
Gate 14. Boarding starts at 2.40. Have a good flight!

Extension for stronger students

The backpack is already full, so A has to choose between paying the fee and leaving something behind, and asks if there's a cheaper option. Halfway through, B gets a message that the gate has changed and has to explain it.

Printable role cards

Card A and card B on one page, with a cut line between them, plus the phrases.