Are you planning to fly in or out of France? Maybe you’re planning to visit one of the twenty-nine countries that speak French. Then it’s time to buckle up and learn the French vocabulary to use at the airport!
It’s quite common for French-speaking regions to not know any English or other languages for that matter. This makes being able to communicate in French and understand what is being said to you or being able to read, very important.
Today we’ll go over the most common French airport words and related phrases so you don’t feel completely lost or confused.
Ready? Let’s get started!
French Vocabulary To Use At The Airport

On this page, we’ll go through airport-related lessons starting with ticket purchase vocabulary and the names of documents you can expect to need. Then, we’ll review words for baggage and vocabulary to help you get around the airport. From there you’ll learn words to help you at check-in, on the plane, and useful phrases you may need to use or you may hear while on your travels.
Ticket And Travel Document Vocabulary

Well, the first step is buying an airplane ticket! Usually, people do this online nowadays, but you may need to use or understand these words in French during your airport journey. These are words related to airplane ticket purchases and the names of the travel documents you’ll need.
Luggage And Baggage Vocabulary In French

Which kind of baggage will you be taking? You will have to talk about your luggage in French at the airport when you check in. Here are the French words for baggage you need to know!
French Vocabulary At The Airport

You’re at the airport or on the way! You’ll need to know directions in French to tell your driver where to drop you off. Once you’re there, you can use these words to help you to get around the airport or find your flight check-in area.
Vocabulary For Checking In At The Airport

Here are some words related to the process of checking in at the airport in French.
French Words To Use In The Plane

Now that you’re on the plane, how do you address people? What are areas and things called on the airplane in French? Check these out.
The Parts Of The Airplane

Just for fun here’s a list of French vocabulary for parts of a plane. These could be fun to know if you’re traveling with kids – you can learn together!
English | French | Pronunciation |
airplane body | Corps d’avion | |
airplane wings | Ailes d’avion | |
cockpit | Poste de pilotage | |
engine | Moteur | |
jet fuel | Carburéacteur | |
landing gear | Train d’atterrissage | |
nose of plane | Nez d’avion |
Useful Phrases At The Airport

Here are some useful French phrases in case you need to talk to an airport employee if you are lost or if there are any issues with your flight.
English: I am looking for terminal A.
French: Je recherche le terminal A.
English: How many pieces of luggage can I take on the plane?
French: Combien de bagages puis-je emporter dans l’avion ?
English: Why has the plane been delayed?
French: Pourquoi l’avion a-t-il été retardé ?
English: Why has the plane been canceled?
French: Pourquoi l’avion a-t-il été annulé ?
English: Are there any window seats left?
French: Reste-t-il des sièges côté fenêtre ?
English: Are there any aisle seats left?
French: Il reste des places côté couloir ?
English: I would like a window seat.
French: Je voudrais avoir un siège près de la fenêtre
English: I would like an aisle seat.
French: Je voudrais avoir un siège couloir
English: When will the flight leave?
French: Quand décollera le vol?
French Airport Phrases You May Hear
Here are some French airport phrases to keep in mind when traveling! You’ll likely be asked at least a few of these and it will make your travel process so much smoother if you recognize some of these.
Most Popular Airports In France
Which airport are you flying into or out of in France? These are the top three busiest airports in France. Typically, once you’ve landed, you’ll likely get around the country by train and even travel to other European countries via rail, but if you do choose to fly, you’ll end up at one of these great airports!
Ready For More French Lessons?
Learning French with Ling is fun and easy. Do you like games, quizzes, and listening activities? Ling will even teach you how to write in French too!
It truly is the best language app to have with you on your travels because it offers you access to over 60 languages in addition to French!
Whether you want to learn German, Spanish, or even Swedish, Ling App is here to help!
Download the Ling App today and get started with learning languages now. Available on Google Play and the Apple Store.