Telephone: flights

Introduction

Modern business often involves international travel. When booking a flight, what questions do you need to ask?

Think

Imagine you are booking a flight and a hotel over the phone. What words and expressions do you use?

After you've thought of five, click here for some more ideas.

Listen

Next you are going to hear a telephone conversation in which someone is booking a flight and then a hotel.

Telephone: flights

Check your understanding

Check your understanding by reading the script below:

Dolores:	Hello! Dolores speaking…
Tim:	Ah yes, hello. I’d like to enquire about flights to Hong Kong from Kennedy Airport in New York, please. I’m off to a conference at the end of the month - Thursday 22nd until Tuesday 27th. Could you tell me about the flight availability and prices?
Dolores:	Certainly. Do you want to go economy, business or first class?
Tim:	Well, I’d like to go first class, but unfortunately I’ll have to go economy - company rules, you see.
Dolores:	Yes, sure, I understand. How many of you will be travelling?
Tim:	Ah, it’s just me.
Dolores:	Okay, so that’s one seat … economy … New York - Kennedy to Hong Kong Airport.
Tim:	And how much will that be?
Dolores:	Let me see … to qualify for the discount rate, you need to stay over a Saturday, which you are doing … Yes, that’ll be $830.
Tim:	Right, and does that include airport tax?
Dolores:	No, tax is another $70 on top of that.
Tim:	Okay. Can I book that, then?
Dolores:	Certainly.

Dolores:	Can I help you with anything else?
Tim:	Yes, I'd like to book a hotel room too, for the full five nights. Could you check if the Regency Hotel has any rooms free?
Dolores:	Yes, they do.
Tim:	And is there a discount rate for conference delegates?
Dolores:	Yes, there is. I think it's 10% but I can check that for you.
Tim:	Okay, do you mind if I book it provisionally for now and I'll call you back later to confirm? I just need to check one or two details.
Dolores:	That's fine, sir. Can I help you with anything else?
Tim:	No, that's all for now. As I said, I'll call you back.