The passenger who finally arrives at the departure area must findhis way to the right check-in desk. The check-in clerk, or counter agent, orwhatever the official at a check-in counter is called, likes to see a passenger’sticket before discussing any details.

When the check-in clerk has verified the ticket he will begin tocomplete it. The seat is assigned on a first-come and first-served basis.Baggage is weighed, a number of pieces are noted and the details recorded onthe ticket. Labels are attached and counterfoilsclipped to the ticket. The baggage is then taken away and held until it isloaded on the aircraft. The clerk will want to see any hand baggage thepassenger wishes to take with him into the passenger cabin.

Passengers are advised to avoid putting certain types of articlesinto baggage going into the aircraft hold. These include fragile and perishable articles, money, jewellery, silverware,negotiable papers, securities and other valuables, samples or businessdocuments. Bottles containing liquids should have screw caps and should befirmly closed. State regulations prohibit the carriage on aircraft of a numberof articles including inflammable orexplosive material, and passengersare reminded that they may not carry with them or in their baggage things suchas cylinders of compressed gas for picnic or camping stoves, cylinders ofcompressed air for use with aqua-lungs and underwater equipment, containers oflighter fuel and explosives, including blank cartridges. Matches and cigarettesare not allowed in the checked baggage but they may be carried for use onboard.

On international journeys (including domesticsectors forming part of an international journey) the free allowance for eachadult or child paying the adult fare is Tourist or Economy Class 20 kg (44lb), First class 40 kg (88lb).There is no free allowance for an infant carried at 10% of the adult fare, butinfant’s food for consumptionroute and an infant’s carrying basket are carried free of charge.The use of cameras in aircraft is subject to restriction over some countriesand passengers wishing to take photographs from the air are asked to consult the stewardess before doing so.

The use of all other forms of portable electronic equipment,including radio sets and mobile phones, is not allowed, because of possibleinterference with the aircraft’s navigationalaids. After dealing with the baggage, the agent will return to the passengerthe ticket and passport he previously examined. Then he will issue the boardingpass which shows the passenger’s name, flight number, seat and gate number, andboarding time. Equipped with his boarding pass, passport, visas and whateverother official documents he requires, the passenger may then go through thesecurity check carrying his own hand baggage. He may join the throngs at the duty free shops. If hebuys anything, he will probably be allowed to pay in any reputable currency butmay be required to show his passport and boarding pass to prove he is a truetraveler. The articles purchased will be specially wrapped and sealed and mustnot be opened until the passenger is airborne.

（References：陆平、周石田，民航英语口语教程[M].中国民航出版社: 2005;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_Check-in)

 

NewWords and Expressions

counterfoil [ˈkaʊntəfɔɪl]                      n. 存根，票根

fragile [ˈfrædʒaɪl]                           adj. 易碎的

inflammable [in'flæməbəl]                   adj. 可燃的，易激怒的

explosive[iks'pləusiv]                       adj. 爆炸（性）的

consult [kənˈsʌlt]                           v. 商议, 咨询

navigational [nævɪ'ɡeɪʃənl]                   adj. 航行的，航行用的

throng [θrɒŋ]                              n. 人群

airborne [ˈeəbɔ:n]                         adj. 空运的，空降的

 

Talk about the following questions after reading the material anddo some extended discussion.

1.  What is check in?

2.  How many steps areinvolved in the check-in?

3.  What types of articlesshould not be packed into the baggage going into the

aircrafthold?

 

Learn more professional terms for your further study.

terminal departure building                    机场大厦/候机楼

international departure building                国际航班出港大厦

domestic departure lobby                     国内线出港候机厅

emigration control                           出境检查

snack bar                                  快餐部

automatic door                              自动门

arrival lounge                               到达大厅

departure lounge                             离港大厅

telephone/telegram/fax room                   电话/电报/传真间

carousel [kærəˈsel/                           旋转行李传送带

public address room                          广播室

dispatch office                               签派室

international arrival building                    国际航班到达大厦

taxi stand                                   出租汽车站

domestic connection counter                    国内航线联运柜台