List of Airport Vocabulary with Pictures

Airport vocabulary refers to the specialized terminology and phrases commonly used in and around airports, covering a wide range of areas including travel procedures, security protocols, and aviation operations.

Understanding this vocabulary is essential for both travelers and professionals working within the aviation industry, as it facilitates smooth communication and ensures clarity during various stages of air travel, from check-in to boarding and navigation through customs. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a first-time traveler, or someone involved in airport operations, having a strong grasp of airport vocabulary can significantly enhance your travel experience and professional efficiency.

Airport Vocabulary Words

• Terminal – Main building for passengers.
• Runway – Strip where planes take off and land.
• Boarding Pass – Document granting access to the plane.
• Gate – Area where passengers board the aircraft.
• Lounge – Relaxation area for passengers.
• Customs – Inspection point for international arrivals.
• Check-in Counter – Desk for baggage and ticketing.
• Baggage Claim – Area to retrieve luggage after a flight.
• Security Checkpoint – Area for screening passengers and bags.
• Carry-on – Luggage allowed in the cabin.
• Tarmac – Paved area where aircraft are parked.
• Cabin Crew – Flight attendants who assist passengers.
• Departure – When the aircraft leaves the airport.
• Arrival – When the aircraft lands at the destination.
• Layover – A stop between connecting flights.
• Taxiway – Path planes follow to reach the runway.
• Boarding Bridge – Walkway connecting gate to aircraft.
• Passport Control – Immigration check for international travelers.
• Duty-Free – Shops offering tax-free goods.
• Immigration – Government control for entering a country.
• Jet Bridge – Enclosed passage to the aircraft.
• Baggage Cart – Cart used to transport luggage.
• Flight Attendant – Crew member attending to passengers.
• Ground Staff – Airport workers managing ground operations.
• Aisle Seat – Seat located next to the aisle.
• Window Seat – Seat next to the aircraft window.
• Baggage Carousel – Conveyor belt where bags are collected.
• Air Traffic Control – System managing aircraft movements.
• Boarding – Process of getting passengers onto the plane.
• Deplaning – Process of passengers leaving the aircraft.
• Conveyor Belt – Moving belt for luggage handling.
• Frequent Flyer – Person who regularly travels by air.
• Lost & Found – Office for misplaced items.
• Luggage Tag – Label identifying a traveler’s luggage.
• On-time Departure – Flight leaving as scheduled.
• Overhead Bin – Storage above seats for carry-ons.
• Direct Flight – Flight that goes straight to the destination.
• Connecting Flight – Flight requiring a transfer to another plane.
• Airline Counter – Desk for ticketing and inquiries.
• Flight Number – Unique code identifying a flight.
• Priority Boarding – Early boarding for certain passengers.
• Baggage Allowance – Permitted amount of luggage per passenger.
• Cabin Pressure – Air pressure maintained in the aircraft.
• Departure Hall – Waiting area for departing passengers.
• Turbulence – Air movement causing the plane to shake.
• Flight Deck – Cockpit area where pilots control the plane.
• Check-in Kiosk – Self-service station for boarding passes.
• Upgrade – Improvement to a higher service class.
• Flight Delay – When a flight is postponed.
• Standby – Waiting for an available seat.
• No-show – Passenger who doesn’t show up for the flight.
• Overbooked – Flight with more tickets sold than seats available.
• Airside – Restricted area of the airport beyond security.
• Landside – Public area of the airport before security.
• Baggage Handler – Staff managing luggage transport.
• Control Tower – Structure housing air traffic controllers.
• Flight Manifest – List of all passengers and crew.
• Checked Baggage – Luggage stored in the cargo hold.
• In-flight Meal – Food served during a flight.
• Emergency Exit – Designated exit for emergencies.
• Passenger Bridge – Enclosed walkway connecting to the plane.
• Jet Lag – Fatigue from traveling across time zones.
• Air Miles – Points earned for frequent flying.
• Travel Itinerary – Detailed schedule of the trip.
• Fast Track – Expedited airport security or immigration process.
• First Class – Highest class of air travel service.
• Business Class – Premium seating and services.
• Economy Class – Standard seating for budget travelers.
• Baggage Reclaim – British term for baggage claim.
• Runway Incursion – Unauthorized presence on the runway.
• Final Approach – Last phase before landing.
• Aviation Fuel – Fuel used for aircraft.
• Cargo Hold – Section of plane where luggage is stored.
• Bump – Denied boarding due to overbooking.
• Code Share – Flights operated by multiple airlines.
• Holding Pattern – Circling flight path before landing.
• Red-eye Flight – Overnight flight arriving in the morning.
• Flight Path – Route an airplane follows.
• Gate Agent – Airline employee handling boarding procedures.
• Freight – Cargo transported by plane.
• Altitude – Height above sea level.
• Arrival Gate – Gate where passengers disembark.
• Departure Board – Display showing flight times.
• Flight Information Display – Screens showing flight updates.
• Passenger List – Names of all passengers on a flight.
• Skycap – Airport worker assisting with luggage.
• Terminal Shuttle – Bus connecting different terminals.
• Air Marshal – Armed officer onboard for security.
• In-flight Entertainment – Movies and games on board.
• Row – Line of seats on an aircraft.
• Galley – Kitchen area on an airplane.
• Jump Seat – Seat for flight attendants during takeoff/landing.
• Holding Area – Space for passengers waiting to board.
• Flight Simulator – Training device for pilots.
• Pre-flight Check – Safety inspection before flying.
• Fueling Station – Area for refueling aircraft.
• Ground Power Unit – Equipment providing power to the aircraft.
• Pushback – Aircraft moved backward from the gate.
• Deicing – Removal of ice from the aircraft.
• Taxiing – Moving an aircraft on the ground.
• Apron – Area where aircraft park, load, and unload.
• Wind Shear – Sudden change in wind direction/strength.
• Aviator – Pilot or someone involved in flying.
• Skybridge – Raised walkway connecting terminals.
• Autopilot – System controlling an aircraft without human input.
• Cargo Aircraft – Plane designed to transport goods.
• Pilot’s Log – Record of a pilot’s flights.
• Clearance – Permission from air traffic control to proceed.
• Short-haul Flight – Flight covering a short distance.
• Long-haul Flight – Flight covering a long distance.
• Altitude Hold – Maintaining a set altitude during flight.
• Fuel Surcharge – Extra fee due to rising fuel costs.
• Landing Gear – Wheels and supports for landing/takeoff.
• Cockpit Door – Secure door between cockpit and cabin.
• Air Rage – Violent behavior by passengers.
• Exit Row – Row with more legroom near emergency exits.
• Fuselage – Main body of the aircraft.
• Winglet – Small wing extension reducing drag.
• Transcontinental Flight – Flight across a continent.
• Altitude Indicator – Instrument showing aircraft height.
• Cruising Altitude – Steady altitude during the main part of flight.
• Pre-clearance – Customs process before departure.
• Non-stop Flight – Flight with no intermediate stops.
• Open-jaw Ticket – Flying into one city and out of another.
• Frequent Flyer Miles – Points earned for flying frequently.
• Bulkhead Seat – Seat behind a wall or partition.
• Runway Lights – Lights guiding planes on the runway.
• Transatlantic Flight – Flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
• Passenger Jet – Aircraft designed for carrying passengers.
• Flight Radar – System tracking aircraft movements.
• Aircraft Registration – Legal identification of an aircraft.
• Black Box – Flight recorder for crash investigations.
• Wing Flaps – Movable surfaces on wings controlling lift.
• Aircraft Hangar – Large building for storing aircraft.
• Oxygen Mask – Mask providing oxygen in emergencies.
• Fire Exit – Emergency exit in case of fire.
• Airline Hub – Central airport for an airline’s operations.
• Regional Airport – Smaller airport serving local flights.
• Landing Slot – Scheduled time for a plane to land.
• Flight Attendant Call Button – Button to request assistance.
• Flight Log – Record of all aircraft movements.
• Taxi Time – Time spent moving on the ground before takeoff.
• Inflight Announcement – Pilot or crew communication with passengers.
• Noise Abatement – Procedures to reduce aircraft noise.
• Refueling Truck – Vehicle used to fuel planes.
• Weather Radar – System detecting weather conditions.
• Baggage Cart Train – Connected carts carrying luggage.
• Inflight Beverage Service – Drinks offered during the flight.
• Seat Belt Sign – Indicator for when seat belts must be fastened.
• Overbooking – Selling more tickets than available seats.
• Flight Connection – Transition to another flight.
• Pax – Short for passengers.
• Aircraft Registration Number – Identification for each aircraft.
• Fuel Dumping – Releasing fuel before emergency landings.
• Co-pilot – Second-in-command to the pilot.
• Holding Stack – Area for circling aircraft awaiting landing.
• Departure Slot – Designated time for takeoff.
• Flare – Controlled maneuver during landing.
• Weather Delay – Postponement due to bad weather.
• Flight Recorder – Device recording flight data and audio.
• Emergency Slide – Inflatable slide for rapid aircraft evacuation.
• Pilot License – Official certification for operating aircraft.
• Seat Pitch – Distance between seats in rows.
• Galley Cart – Cart carrying food and beverages.
• Boarding Group – Designated section for boarding.
• Flaps – Movable wing sections for controlling lift.
• Tug – Vehicle for towing aircraft.
• Jet Engine – Engine propelling the plane.
• Passenger Safety Card – Instructions for emergency procedures.
• Airbridge – Another term for jet bridge.
• Holding Gate – Gate where passengers wait for boarding.
• Disembarkation – Process of leaving the aircraft.
• Check-in Time – Time to arrive for check-in.
• Ramp Agent – Ground crew handling aircraft on the tarmac.
• Flight Attendant Uniform – Required attire for cabin crew.
• De-boarding – Process of exiting the aircraft.
• Delayed Flight – Flight postponed from the original time.
• Aircraft Fuel Tank – Storage for jet fuel in the plane.
• Restricted Area – Access-limited zone within the airport.
• Emergency Locator Beacon – Device signaling an aircraft’s location.
• Flight Tracking – Monitoring an aircraft’s journey.
• Passenger Manifest – List of all passengers on board.
• Winglet – Curved extension on the wingtip to reduce drag.
• Autoland – System for automatic landing of the plane.
• Baggage Belt – Conveyor for transferring luggage.
• Airline Meal Service – Food provided by airlines during flight.
• Clear Air Turbulence – Sudden turbulence without visible clouds.
• Aircraft Cabin – Interior section where passengers sit.
• Check-in Deadline – Latest time to check in for a flight.
• Gate Number – Assigned number for each departure gate.
• Pilot’s License – Certification allowing a person to fly aircraft.
• Decompression – Sudden loss of cabin pressure.
• Air Pocket – Sudden drop during flight due to air pressure.
• Seat Map – Diagram of seating arrangements in the aircraft.
• Wing Span – Distance from one wingtip to the other.
• Aircraft Type – Model or series of a particular plane.
• Unaccompanied Minor – Child traveling alone.
• Emergency Oxygen Supply – Oxygen available during depressurization.
• Pilot-in-command – Main pilot responsible for the flight.
• Ground Speed – Speed of an aircraft relative to the ground.

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Airport Terminology Words

• ATC (Air Traffic Control) – Service responsible for managing aircraft movements.
• FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) – Facility providing services for private and charter aircraft.
• IATA Code – Three-letter airport code assigned by the International Air Transport Association.
• ICAO Code – Four-letter airport code assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
• Ground Handling – Services provided to an aircraft while it is on the ground.
• Ramp – Area where aircraft are parked, loaded, or refueled.
• Slot Time – A specific time allocated for takeoff or landing.
• Runway Holding Position – Point where aircraft wait before entering a runway.
• Pushback – Procedure for moving an aircraft backward from the gate.
• Clearance – Permission from ATC to proceed with a flight phase.
• Holding Pattern – Circling flight pattern used when waiting to land.
• SID (Standard Instrument Departure) – Prescribed route an aircraft follows after takeoff.
• STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route) – Prescribed route for arriving aircraft.
• Final Approach – Last stage of descent before landing.
• Glideslope – Angle of descent for landing on a runway.
• Taxi Clearance – ATC authorization for aircraft to move on the ground.
• Departure Slot – Time assigned for takeoff.
• Arrival Slot – Time assigned for landing.
• Crosswind – Wind blowing across the runway, affecting takeoffs and landings.
• Windshear – Sudden change in wind speed and direction.
• ILS (Instrument Landing System) – System guiding aircraft to land in low visibility.
• VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) – Radio navigation system.
• RNAV (Area Navigation) – Navigation method using onboard systems to fly direct routes.
• PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) – Visual aid for pilots during landing.
• METAR – Aviation weather report.
• NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) – Alert about potential hazards or airspace changes.
• VFR (Visual Flight Rules) – Flight operation based on visual navigation.
• IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) – Flight operation based on instrument navigation.
• Runway Threshold – Start of the runway available for landing.
• Missed Approach – Procedure when a landing attempt is aborted.
• Go-Around – Aircraft aborts landing and circles for another attempt.
• Runway Incursion – Unauthorized presence of aircraft, vehicles, or personnel on the runway.
• Final Approach Fix (FAF) – Specific point in the approach path.
• Controlled Airspace – Airspace in which ATC services are provided.
• Uncontrolled Airspace – Airspace without active ATC services.
• Noise Abatement Procedures – Flight procedures designed to reduce noise pollution.
• Cabin Crew Briefing – Pre-flight meeting for flight attendants to discuss safety.
• Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) – Lowest altitude a plane can descend without visual contact with the runway.
• Autopilot – System controlling the aircraft’s flight path automatically.
• Deicing – Process of removing ice from aircraft surfaces.
• Diversion – Flight route change due to weather or other issues.
• Flight Level – Altitude of an aircraft stated in hundreds of feet.
• Taxiway – Path planes use to move between the runway and terminal.
• Holding Bay – Area where planes wait for clearance to take off.
• Touchdown Zone – Area where an aircraft should land on the runway.
• Runway Length – Distance available for takeoff or landing.
• Landing Roll – Distance covered by the aircraft after touchdown.
• Weight and Balance – Aircraft’s weight distribution for safe flight.
• V1 – Decision speed for whether to abort takeoff.
• V2 – Speed at which aircraft can climb in case of engine failure.