104 Topics for discussion. Conversational topics

extra. The next formality is filling in the immigration form and going through passport control. The form has to be filled in block letters. You write your name, nationality, permanent address and the purpose of your trip. In most countries there is also a security check when your carry-luggage is inspected. This is an anti-hijacking measure, and anything that might be dangerous or disturbing to other passengers must be handed to one of the crew and only returned to the owner after the plane has reached its destination.

After fulfilling all these formalities you go to the departure lounge where you can have a snack, read a paper, buy something in the duty-free shop and wait for the announcement to board the plane.

Some of these formalities are repeated when you arrive at your destina­tion. The customs declaration and the immigration form are often filled in on board the plane. At the airport you may be met by a specially trained dog who will make sure that you are not carrying drugs, and the immigration officer might want to know at whose invitation you are coming and whether you have a return ticket.

There is another inconvenience you have to be prepared for when travel­ling long distances by plane. It’s the jet-lag, a difference between the time you are accustomed to and the new time. At first you won’t be feeling very well because of it, but don’t worry - it won’t take you long to get used to it.

23 Practise the dialogue. Airport reservations

Travel agent: Can I help you?

В: I want to fly to London next week. I’d like to make reservations fc a roundtrip ticket.

T. A.: What day are you planning to leave for London?

B.: On the 12^th of March.

T. A.: There are three flights to London on that day – at 10 am, at 8.30 ai 9 pm. Do you have any preference about the time of the day?

2. :I’d rather leave at 9 pm I want to get to London early in the morning.

Т. A.: I can make a reservation for a TWA flight. Are you going to travel cl;

or economy?

1. : I prefer economy. How much will it be?

T. A.: 440 dollars.

В.: Are meals and refreshments served on the flight?

T. A.: Yes, they are.

B:. What’s the flying time?

T. A.: Six hours.

S.: What’s the London airport we’ll arrive at?

105

T. A.: Heathrow Airport. How many days are you planning to stay in London?

2. : Seven days.

T. A.: When would you like to fly home from London?

В.: March 22^nd.

T. A. :All right. Your name and address?

2. \ Boris Brown, 64-42 99^th Street, Rego-Parte, New York 11374.

T. A.: And your telephone number?

B:. (718) 439-7286.

T. A.: Will you pay by credit card?

2. : Yes, by Master Card. Number… Valid until January 15, 1993. When can

1. get my tickets?

Т. Д.: You’ll have them 2 days before your departure.

24 Imagine you are one of the crew. Try to make the similar announcement. Make use of the given material.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Captain Brown and his crew wel­come you abroad Viva Air flight 435 to Malaga. We are now flying at height of 9,000 m. Our speed is approximately 9,600 km an hour. We’ll land in Malaga in five hours. The temperature in Malaga is now +32 °C. Our stewards and stewardesses will serve lunch and beverages in half an hour”.