Free Airport Lesson — Handle a Delayed Connection
FREE SAMPLE · COURSE WEEK 9
A delayed flight. A useful next question.
This free lesson comes from the complete 52-week course. The banner shows the broader Four Finger Rule offer; one-on-one sessions are separate and weekly email delivery is still being prepared.
This Week
Explain a delayed-flight connection problem and ask what to do next.
The Four Fingers
I want to check in.
I have to show my passport.
I need to find my gate.
I might miss my connection.
These are preparation prompts; use the relevant ones for your situation.
A Model Conversation
Learner: My flight is delayed, and I might miss my connection. Could you help me, please?
Staff: Where are you travelling to?
Learner: Vancouver. My connection leaves at three this afternoon.
Staff: May I see your booking reference?
Learner: Yes, here it is. Could you check my options?
Staff: I will check which flights are available and whether your booking can be changed.
Learner: Thank you. Should I wait here while you check?
Staff: Yes, please.
Completed Preparation Sheet
Goal: understand the options after a delay.
Destination in this role-play: Vancouver.
Connection time: three this afternoon.
Useful details: booking reference and flight information.
Possible problem: I might miss my connection.
Next-step question: Should I wait here while you check?
Listen For
Where are you travelling to? = name your destination.
Connection = the next flight in your journey.
Available = an option that may be possible; ask whether it applies to your booking.
Change One Detail
The staff member offers a flight the next morning. Ask: What time does it leave? Is there an additional charge? What do I need to do next? The partner supplies fictional answers.
Recovery Phrase
Could you write down the flight number and departure time, please?
Your Practice
Explain the delay in two sentences. Your partner asks for destination and departure time. Answer both, then ask about available options. Repeat with a different destination and time.
Read once, adapt the details, then cover the script and try again. Solo learners can play both roles aloud.
Self-Check
Can you distinguish the delayed flight from your connection, give the requested details and confirm the next step?
Record: with notes / with a prompt / without notes. Write one example of what you said and one phrase to repeat tomorrow.
Master Edition PDF pages: 29, 30, 31.
This dialogue practises requesting information. It does not promise a replacement flight, refund or other entitlement.
These are language exercises. Follow the actual professional instructions and local rules. Use role-play when a real interaction would be unsafe or unnecessary.