II. On Arrival

If you've arrived by plane, the next thing to do is to get your luggage. Follow the signs to Baggage Reclaim and wait until you see your flight number. Keep your luggage with you till you are asked the label.

Go through the Customs. This is the place where officials may search your luggage. There are two channels (passages) for travelers. Those who have more quantity of things than it is allowed to bring must go through the red channel. They have to pay duty (special tax). People with no things to declare go through the green channel without paying duty. You can also buy some things at duty-free shops which are not taxed.

Health Check

(T – traveler, O – official)

O: T: O: T: O:

Where are you from, sir? From Belarus. Your vaccination certificate, please. Here you are. Thank you. Everything is OK. You may proceed to Passport Control.

Passport Control

(British citizens go through “British passport” control, non-British – through “Commonwealth and EEC passports”)

O: T: O: T: O: T:

Your passport and immigration card, please. Here you are. What’s the purpose of your trip and how long are you staying in London? Two weeks. I’m here on summer school/I’m attending a conference in London. Your passport and visa are in order. Have a pleasant stay, sir. Thank you.

At the Customs

O: T: O: T: O: T:

Good afternoon, sir. Is this your suit-case? Yes, it is. Have you got anything to declare? I have a box of cigarettes for my own use and my personal thing, too. Shall I open the bag? That won’t be necessary. You may go through “green” channel if you have nothing to declare. The departure lounge is straight ahead. Then you’ll have to go through the check gate. Thank you.

Meeting at the Airport

O: T: O: T: O: T:

Welcome to London. It’s nice to see you. Did you have a good journey? The trip was very pleasant. But we feel safer on the land. Please, come this way. Our shuttle is outside the airport building. It is our first visit to London and we are anxious about it. Oh, you’ll have an opportunity to have a look around and I hope you’ll enjoy it. Your programme is packed by I’ll be able to show you some places of interest on the way to our city. Fine, thank you.

Keep These Conversations Going

Ex. 1. Answer the following questions. Work in pairs or small groups.

1. Did you enjoy your trip by air?

2. Was it a non-stop flight?

3. Was your luggage overweight? Did you have to pay extra? How much?

4. Did you hear your flight announced?

5. Did you get airsick when on a plane?

6. Did you have a smooth take off?

7. Did you fasten your belt?

Ex. 2. Scan the text for information about international airports and domestic travel services in London.

There are three international airports in London: Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick. Flights inside Britain are called domestic flights, so if you want to travel inside the country go to domestic Departures. At the airline desk you show your ticket and give them your luggage in the usual way. There is also a fast, frequent plane service – the shuttle – between London Heathrow and Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast. For services to other cities you should ask the airline or travel agents. Families, young people, students and other people can get some tickets cheaper (for train tickets ask about a “Rail card”). Students also have some special offers.

Ex. 3. Act out the dialogues on travel by train and improvise similar ones.

O: T: O: T: O: T: O: T:

Yes, sir? First-class return ticket to Glasgow. Day return? No. I'm going for the weekend. A weekend return is £ 7.66, sir, it costs double the single fare. A day return is cheaper. Could you tell me which platform the 13.30 leaves from? Platform 5. Thank you.

***

T: O: T: O: T: O: T: O: T: O:

Which platform for Motherwell, please. Platform 14, right up and down, underground level. When does the next train leave, please? 10.30, from Glasgow Central. When does it get in? You will be in Motherwell at 11.04. It takes about half an hour to get there. Do I have to change? No, you needn’t. It’s a short distance. Thank you very much. It’s my pleasure.

Part B