At the airport
This list collects useful Chinese words and phrases for traveling by plane and navigating the airport—from check-in, security and customs to airplane and luggage terms. It’s aimed at beginner to intermediate learners who want to understand signs, announcements and basic procedures.
- 机场 jīchǎng — airport; airfield
- 航站楼 hángzhànlóu — airport terminal (building where passengers arrive/depart)
- 航班 hángbān — (scheduled) flight; (scheduled) sailing
- 飞机 fēijī — airplane; plane
- 机票 jīpiào — plane ticket; airline ticket
- 护照 hùzhào — passport
- 签证 qiānzhèng — visa (travel document permitting entry to a country)
- 登机 dēngjī — to board a plane
- 起飞 qǐfēi — to take off (of an aircraft or rocket); to lift off
- 降落 jiàngluò — to descend; to land (e.g., an aircraft); to come down
- 到达 dàodá — to reach; to arrive (at a destination)
- 出发 chūfā — to set off; to start (on a journey)
- 行李 xíngli — luggage; baggage
- 行李箱 xínglixiāng — suitcase; baggage compartment; overhead bin; (car) trunk; boot
- 安检 ānjiǎn — security check (abbr. for 安全检查); security screening
- 海关 hǎiguān — customs (border inspection authority and procedures)
- 乘务员 chéngwùyuán — attendant on an airplane, train, boat etc
- 空姐 kōngjiě — stewardess; air hostess; female flight attendant (abbr. for 空中小姐)
- 座位 zuòwèi — seat; place to sit
- 中转 zhōngzhuǎn — to change (train or plane); to transfer (e.g. luggage, passengers); to make a connection
- 转机 zhuǎnjī — (to take) a turn for the better; to improve (situation)
- 延误 yánwù — to delay or postpone leading to unfortunate consequences; to miss (a deadline or window of opportunity)
- 取消 qǔxiāo — to cancel; to call off; to revoke; to rescind
- 安全带 ānquándài — seat belt; safety belt
- 机舱 jīcāng — cabin (of an airplane)
- 机长 jīcháng — pilot-in-command; (aviation) captain