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At a foreign airport without the language: connections, bags and delays

Airports are full of English signs, until something goes wrong: a missed connection, a bag that never arrives, a last-minute gate change or a cancelled flight. Then you need to talk to staff, understand an announcement and read the form you are handed. You can manage without the language if you know what to ask and what to get in writing.

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Connections: gate, terminal and time

On a connecting flight, start with the departure screens: find your flight number and read the gate and terminal. Status words such as “boarding”, “gate closed” or “delayed” are short, so a camera translation reads them easily.

If you have to change terminals, ask whether you go through passport or security control again. Showing that question to a staff member in writing is often faster than explaining it.

Announcements and gate changes

Gate changes are announced first and reach the screens later. If you did not catch an announcement, check the nearest screen and the airline's app; if you are unsure, show your flight number at the gate desk and ask.

When you speak to staff, keep sentences short and say the flight number and destination clearly. The shorter the translated sentence, the less room for misunderstanding.

Lost or damaged luggage

If your bag did not arrive, go to the baggage office before you leave the airport. You fill in a report there and get a file reference; without it, tracking the bag later is hard.

At the desk, ask for and keep:

  • A document showing the file reference.
  • Where and when the bag will be delivered.
  • Whether essential purchases (toiletries, clothes) are reimbursed.
  • A phone number or email address for follow-up.

Delays and cancellations: get it in writing

If your flight is badly delayed or cancelled, go to the airline desk. Rebooking, meal vouchers or a hotel night depend on the rules and the country; asking for what the agent tells you in writing or by email helps later.

Read any voucher, notice or form before you sign it. Camera translation is enough to understand short forms and the conditions printed on a voucher.

Taxi, transport and the first message

Once you are out, you may need to tell the person meeting you, or the hotel, that you are late. Sending the message in their language speeds things up, especially with small hotels and local drivers.

Before you get into a taxi, show the address in writing and ask about the fare or the meter.

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