Paul, the boss, is sending Anna and Tom on a business trip to France. He wants them to clinch the deal with a company which is interested in buying their Imperial Lemons. But has Tom got more than business on his mind?

Language for booking a flight

This episode focuses on what to say when you need to book a flight.

Phrases from the programme:

• What is the outbound and return date?
• Do you want to fly business or economy?
• Do you want a fixed or flexible ticket?
• Would you like a window or aisle seat?
• Have you got a frequent flyer number?

Listening Challenge

Does Anna want a window or an aisle seat on the plane?

The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below:

Transcript

Narrator    
Hello again. Well, this is very exciting! Paul, the boss, is sending Anna and Tom on a business trip to France. He wants them to clinch the deal with a company interested in buying their Imperial Lemons. But has Tom got more than business on his mind?

Tom            
Really? What… me and Anna… to France?

Paul            
Yes but make sure you get that contract signed. We need the business.

Tom           
Yeah, yeah, of course. Are we staying overnight?

Paul           
There's no money for that – just get there and come straight back. Oh and could you bring back those nice French biscuits that have in the duty-free shop?

Tom            
Sure. So, Anna, we're off on holiday together are we?!

Anna           
No! But I've got to book the flights online, can you help me please?

Tom        
It's not my thing. I'm sure Denise will help. I need to go and pack for this trip.

Denise      
Yes Marge… in the cupboard… envelopes apparently… Tom and Anna… oh here she is… got to go Marge… bye. Hello Anna, everything OK?

Anna          
Sort of. I've got to go to France with Tom.

Denise      
Yes, I know. I thought you'd be pleased to go with Tom, after your time in the stationery cupboard with him!

Anna         
I was just finding an envelope Denise. Anyway, I'm worried about booking the flights online. I usually book flights at a travel agent's.

Denise      
It's company policy now, we have to do everything online – even my food shopping – but don’t tell Paul.

Anna          
Oh right. So where shall I begin?

Denise        
Pull up a chair Anna and we'll log on. Right let's start with the British Airlines website. There. London to Marseille. What is the outbound date?

Anna           
Going out tomorrow, back tomorrow.

Denise     
Business class or Economy class? I think we'll say Economy.

Anna          
That's cheaper I guess. What's this mean? Flexible or fixed?

Denise        
A flexible ticket means you can change your flight but a fixed one means you can't – and that's cheaper so we'll choose that one. I'll book you on the 8am flight from Heathrow and flying home at 6pm. I just need to type in your full names now and select your seats. Window or aisle?

Anna           
I'll what?

Denise        
No Anna. A seat by the aisle or by the window?

Anna           
Oh, an aisle seat please, Denise.

Denise        
Good. What's your frequent flyer number?

Anna          
Oh I don't have one of those.

Tom            
What's that? Frequent flyer number? Here I've got a gold status card, can you stick my number in?

Denise     
Gold status! Where did you get that?

Tom            
Oh, I've flown loads of times for business. I've done deals all around the world.

Narrator     
He means he's been on lots of jollies – free trips paid for by the company – and all he's come home with is a sun tan!

Denise       
Hmm, really. Right I just need to pay now… using the company account of course.

Tom            
Cool. Now, what do you think of my sunglasses?

Anna          
Lovely Tom. Denise has booked you a window seat OK?

Tom            
No! Sorry I can't sit by the window… I’m… errr…

Denise        
Yes Tom?

Tom            
Well, I mean, it's only polite that the lady sits by the window.

Denise        
Really?!

Narrator      
What's Tom like?! Hopefully he'll prove a useful business partner for Anna on the trip to France. Here's a reminder of some of the questions you may be asked when booking a flight…

What's the outbound and return date?
Do you want to fly business or economy?
Do you want a fixed or flexible ticket?
Would you like a window or aisle seat?
Have you got a frequent flyer number?

Denise        
There you go you two, your e-ticket. Now don't forget your passports.

Tom            
Thanks Denise. Hey Anna, I'm so pleased that we're on this trip together. It'll be nice to spend some time with you.

Anna           
Yes and to do some business and really show Paul we are his best employees.

Tom            
Oh yeah, of course… I just wondered…

Anna       
Yes?

Tom           
Is there any chance I could sit in the aisle seat?

Narrator     
I've got a feeling Anna's in for a bumpy ride. Find out how their trip goes next time on English at Work. See ya!

Listening challenge - answer

Does Anna want a window or an aisle seat on the plane?
Aisle.

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