Travelling to France by air can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own challenge when it comes to the language barrier. Whether you’re a novice traveler or a seasoned flyer, mastering key French travel phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience.
From booking your flight to navigating airports and interacting with cabin crew, the below blog post provides essential French phrases that every traveller should know.
Equip yourself with these practical expressions and communicate with confidence during your next French-speaking adventure BUT before we jump into those, here’s a video all about Phrases You’ll Hear Onboard Planes:
Now it’s time to look at the different scenarios you’ll find yourself in from booking your plane ticket to collecting your bags at the destination.
A. Booking and Purchasing Your Airline Tickets in French
Master the essential French vocabulary for booking and purchasing your next airline tickets. Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris or a business visit to Nice, these phrases will get you started on the right foot.
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- Je souhaite réserver un vol aller-retour pour Nice.
( I’d like to book a round-trip flight to Nice.) - Pouvez-vous vérifier la disponibilité d’un billet d’avion pour Nantes?
( Can you check the availability of a plane ticket to Nantes? ) - Je confirme l’achat de deux billets pour Paris pour le 16 du mois prochain.
( I confirm the purchase of two tickets to Paris for 16th of next month. ) - Je préférerais un siège côté fenêtre, est-ce possible?
( I would prefer a window seat, is that possible? ) - Est-il trop tard pour ajouter un bagage supplémentaire à ma réservation?
( Is it too late to add an extra bag to my booking? ) - Pourriez-vous m’envoyer la confirmation de mon vol par email?
( Could you send me my flight confirmation by email? ) - Je dois annuler mon vol pour Lyon.
(I need to cancel my flight to Lyon. )
- Je souhaite réserver un vol aller-retour pour Nice.
B. Navigating Pre-Flight Procedures in French
Ease your way through check-ins and boarding with these key French phrases designed to help you navigate pre-flight procedures smoothly by learning how to ask for directions, check-in times, and more.
- À quelle heure commence l’enregistrement pour mon vol international?
(At what time does the check-in time for my international flight begin? ) - À quelle porte d’embarquement se trouve mon vol pour Bordeaux?
( At which boarding gate is my flight to Bordeaux located? ) - L’enregistrement en ligne est-il disponible pour le vol à destination de Lille?
( Is online check-in available for the flight to Lille? ) - Combien de temps à l’avance dois-je me présenter à l’aéroport?
( How early should I arrive at the airport? ) - Y a-t-il des restrictions sur les liquides dans les bagages à main pour mon vol?
( Are there any restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage for my flight? ) - Puis-je prendre ma bouteille d’eau avec moi en cabine?
( Can I bring my water bottle onboard with me? ) - Les documents de voyage nécessaires sont-ils différents pour les vols internes?
( Are the necessary travel documents different for domestic flights? )
C. Communicating During your Flight in French
Enjoy your in-flight experience more by learning how to communicate your needs and ask some questions in French so that you can request meals, ask about entertainment options, and interact effectively with the flight crew.
- Pourrais-je avoir un autre oreiller s’il vous plaît?
( Could I have another pillow, please? ) - Quelle est la durée du vol jusqu’à Strasbourg?
( What is the duration of the flight to Strasbourg? ) - Peut-on accéder à Internet durant le vol?
( Is Internet access available during the flight? ) - Quels films sont disponibles sur ce vol?
( What movies are available on this flight? ) - Pourriez-vous m’informer sur les options végétariennes pour le repas?
( Could you inform me about the vegetarian meal options? ) - Est-ce que vous auriez des écouteurs supplémentaires?
( Would you have extra an headset? ) - Puis-je demander une couverture supplémentaire?
( Can I request an extra blanket? )
D. Handling your Airport Arrival in French
From collecting your luggage to finding transportation, these French travel questions are invaluable for navigating through airports after your flight lands.
- Où puis-je récupérer mes bagages à l’arrivée?
( Where can I collect my luggage on arrival? ) - Comment puis-je trouver un taxi pour le centre-ville?
( How can I find a taxi to the city center? ) - Y a-t-il un service de navette gratuite disponible à l’aéroport?
( Is there a free shuttle service available at the airport? ) - Où se trouve le bureau de change?
( Where is the foreign exchange counter? ) - Puis-je obtenir de l’aide pour porter mes bagages?
( Can I get help with carrying my luggage? ) - Y a-t-il des consignes à bagages disponibles à l’aéroport?
( Are there any luggage storage facilities available at the airport? )
E. Engaging with Customer Service and Making Special Requests in French
Whether dealing with unexpected flight changes or needing special accommodations, these French phrases will prepare you to handle interactions with the airline customer service smoothly and effectively.
- J’ai perdu mon passeport, pouvez-vous m’aider?
( I’ve lost my passport, can you assist me? ) - Nous n’avons pas imprimer nos cartes d’embarquement, pourriez-vous nous aider?
(We haven’t printed our boarding passes, could you help us? ) - Je voyage avec un enfant; avons-nous accès à une salle d’attente?
- ( I’m traveling with a child; do we have access to a lounge? )
- J’ai des besoins spéciaux en matière d’assistance; qui dois-je contacter?
( I have special assistance needs; whom should I contact? ) - Le vol a été agréable; où puis-je laisser un commentaire?
( The flight was pleasant; where can I leave feedback? ) - Existe-t-il des réductions pour les réservations de groupe?
( Are there any discounts for group bookings? ) - Comment puis-je m’inscrire à votre programme de fidélité?
( How can I sign up for your loyalty program? ) - Puis-je modifier la date de mon vol de retour?
( Can I change the date of my return flight? ) - Notre vol est retardé; pouvez-vous recommander un bon endroit pour attendre à l’aéroport?
( Our flight is delayed; can you recommend a good place to wait at the airport? )
Voilà!
Being prepared with a solid foundation of French travel vocabulary can truly transform your travel experience. I’m hoping it will make it less stressful and a more enjoyable experience.
Don’t forget to watch the above VIDEO to get familiar with the French plane announcements you’ll hear if you travel on a French-speaking aircraft.
By learning to communicate in French, you won’t only enrich your travel adventures but also open up new opportunities for cultural immersion and personal connections. Use these phrases to bridge the language gap and travel through the French-speaking world with more ease.
Bon voyage!
For those who would like one-on-one help,
our private lessons with our French tutors are the most popular option we have.
