Travel & Culture - Airport Directions

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's talk about finding your way around a big airport!

What makes it easy to find places in an airport? (Example: signs, maps)
What makes it difficult? (Example: many people, confusing signs)
Who can you ask if you are lost in an airport?

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some important words for asking for and giving directions!

1. Information Desk: A counter where you can get help and airport information.

Example: "Let's ask at the Information Desk for directions to the taxi stand."

2. Terminal Map: A diagram showing the layout of the airport terminals, gates, shops, etc.

Example: "I can't find the coffee shop; let's look at the Terminal Map."

3. Elevator / Lift: A machine that moves people up and down between floors.

Example: "My suitcase is heavy; I'll take the Elevator instead of the stairs."

4. Escalator: Moving stairs that take people up or down.

Example: "To get to the departures level, take the Escalator up."

5. Shuttle Bus: A bus service that takes passengers between terminals or to parking lots/hotels.

Example: "We need to take the Shuttle Bus to get to Terminal 3."

Activity 3: Reading - Navigating a Large Airport 📖

Read this story about a family finding their way.

The Miller family arrived at a huge international airport. They needed to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 for their connecting flight. Mr. Miller first looked for an Information Desk. The helpful agent gave them a Terminal Map and explained that Terminal 4 was quite far. "You'll need to go downstairs to the ground level," the agent said. "You can take the Elevator over there, or the Escalator next to it. Once downstairs, look for signs for the inter-terminal Shuttle Bus. The bus to Terminal 4 comes every 10 minutes." The Millers thanked the agent. They decided to take the Escalator down. They easily found the signs for the Shuttle Bus stop. Soon, the bus arrived, and they were on their way to Terminal 4, feeling much more confident thanks to the clear directions and the helpful map.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

Where did the Miller family go first to get help?
What did the agent give them to help find their way?
What two ways could they use to go downstairs?
What did they need to take to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4?
How often did the bus to Terminal 4 come?

Activity 4: Role Play - Asking for Various Locations 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Ben (Tourist), and the other is Sarah (Airport Employee).

Ben (Tourist): Excuse me, I'm looking for the nearest restroom.

Sarah (Airport Employee): Certainly. There are restrooms just around that corner, to your right. You'll see the sign.

Ben (Tourist): Thank you! Also, is there an Elevator nearby to go to the food court on the upper level?

Sarah (Airport Employee): Yes, the Elevator is just past the duty-free shop. Or, if you prefer, the Escalator is right next to it.

Ben (Tourist): Great. My hotel is outside the airport. Do you know where I can find the Shuttle Bus to the Park Hotel?

Sarah (Airport Employee): For hotel Shuttle Buses, you'll need to go outside to the transportation area. Follow the signs for "Ground Transportation." If you're unsure, the Information Desk near the main exit can help.

Ben (Tourist): Is there a Terminal Map I can take a look at?

Sarah (Airport Employee): Yes, there are several Terminal Map displays. There's one right by the Information Desk I just mentioned.

Ben (Tourist): This is all very helpful. Thank you so much!

Sarah (Airport Employee): You're welcome! Enjoy your time at the airport.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

What two ways could Ben use to get to the upper level?
Where did Sarah tell Ben to go to find the hotel Shuttle Bus?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Navigating the Terminal ✍️

Help Maria (Traveler) complete her part of the dialogue. Airport Staff (Staff) will speak first. Use words from Activity 2!

Staff: Good morning! Can I help you with something?

Maria (Traveler): Yes, please. I'm looking for the . I need to ask about local SIM cards.

Staff: The Information Desk is straight ahead, near the main entrance. You can't miss it.

Maria (Traveler): Thank you. I also need to get to Terminal 2. Is there a that goes there?

Staff: Yes, the inter-terminal Shuttle Bus stops just outside this terminal, to your left.

Maria (Traveler): Okay. Before I go, is there an to get to the baggage claim area downstairs?

Staff: Yes, there's an Elevator and also an right over there. You can see them on the if you need to check.

Maria (Traveler): Perfect! That's very helpful.

Staff: Glad I could assist!

Maria (Traveler): Thanks again!

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨