2.5 airline safety——topic:airline travel

quiz link

1. listening script

Security: Excuse me. Do you have any keys or money in your pockets?

Passenger: No. No. I think I’ve taken everything out.

Security: Okay. Go ahead and walk through the body scanner.

Passenger: Will I feel anything?

Security: No sir. Just walk through and keep your hands in the air.

Passenger: Okay, uh, uh . . .

[ Security alarm goes off . . . ]

Security: We need to do some additional screening. Sorry, sir. Please come this way. [What? Did I . . . Did you find something?] Relax sir. Okay? I’m going to open your carry-on bag. [ Huh, huh?] As I’m going through it, please do not try to touch it. [But, I mean . . .uh] Let’s see now. Umm. First of all, sir, you can’t take any liquids like this bottled water past this point.

Passenger: Ah. Well, I really can’t drink any other kind of water. Sierra Springs is the only bottled water I drink, and I . . .

Security: Sorry sorry, sir. [Aoww ] And, sir. What’s this? [What?] No, no, sir. You cannot bring a lighter on the plane.

Passenger: But I don’t smoke. I mean . . . [Well, you STILL can’t bring it on the plane.] But I have it just in case of emergencies. You know, as an emergency fire starter in case the plane crashes into a dark forest.

Security: Sir. You’ll have to leave that here. What’s this?

Passenger: Well . . .Oh. That’s my pocket knife.

Security: A pocket knife? It’s almost a foot long!

Passenger: Well, it’s a special knife given to me by my grandfather, but I only use it to peel apples and fruit. You know . . . . Things like that.

Security: Sir. I’m sorry, but you can’t take that on the plane. In fact, do you have any other prohibited items in your bag? [Well, I don’t . . .] I mean, didn’t you read the sign back there explaining all the items that were not allowed on board?

Passenger: Well, I started to read it, and I then got a little distracted.

Security: A little? Sir. How many times have you flown on an airplane?

Passenger: Uh, it’s been a while. I think the last time I traveled by plane was about, uh, 1960 . . .

Security: Sir. Why don’t you come with me? [WHAT?] I think my supervisor would like to ask you a few questions.

Passenger: Oh, no!

2. vocabulary

• be up in the air = undecided
  – Because my dad lost his job, our summer plans are up in the air at the moment.
• travel with something = carry something as your travel
  – Ashley always travels with extra money in case of an emergency.
• peel (verb): remove the skin of fruit or vegetables
  – I usually peel the skin off apples because my kids don’t like to eat it.
• supervisor (noun): a person in charge, manager
  – Excuse me. I want to talk to your supervisor about my missing bag.

3. topic extension

(all answers generated by chatGPT-4)

3.1 pre exercise

What items are passengers not allowed to take on board airplanes in your country? What are the reasons for these rules?

answer:
I can provide general guidance on items typically prohibited on airplanes in many countries, including the United States as per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the European Union (EU), and other international jurisdictions.

Here are some categories of items that are often prohibited or restricted:

1. Sharp Objects: Most sharp objects are not allowed in carry-on luggage because they can potentially be used as weapons. This includes box cutters, knives, scissors with blades longer than four inches, and razor blades.

2. Sporting Goods: Certain sporting goods that could be used as blunt weapons are not allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles, and lacrosse sticks.

3. Guns and Firearms: Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in carry-on luggage due to their potential use in violent acts. They must be declared and properly stored in checked baggage under very specific guidelines.

4. Tools: Larger tools (those longer than seven inches) and any that could potentially be used as weapons are not allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes crowbars, drills and drill bits, hammers, and saws.

5. Martial Arts and Self Defense Items: Most items in this category, including billy clubs, black jacks, brass knuckles, throwing stars, and nunchucks, are not allowed in carry-on luggage due to their potential use as weapons.

6. Explosive Materials: For obvious safety reasons, no explosives are allowed on planes in any luggage. This includes dynamite, fireworks, flares, hand grenades, and realistic replicas of explosives.

7. Flammable Items: Flammable items pose a fire risk and are generally not allowed in any luggage. This includes aerosols, fuels, gasoline, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, and certain types of lighters.

8. Chemicals and Toxic Substances: Many chemicals and toxic substances are not allowed due to their potential to harm passengers or damage the plane. This includes bleach, chlorine, fire extinguishers, liquid bleach, spray paint, and tear gas.

9. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels: In many countries, there are restrictions on the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels you can bring in your carry-on. In the U.S., for example, passengers are typically allowed to carry liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all of which must fit in a single, quart-sized, zip-top bag. This rule, known as the 3-1-1 rule, is designed to limit the potential for explosives being brought onboard.

These rules are generally in place to maintain the safety and security of all passengers on the flight. They aim to prevent potential weapons or hazardous materials from being brought onto the aircraft.

Please note that regulations may vary depending on the airline and the country. Always check with your airline and the aviation security agency of the country you are flying from for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

3.2 post exercise

With a partner, describe an experience, good or bad, that you have had at an airport or on an airplane. What happened? What did you learn about the experience that will help you the next time you travel?

answer:
Last year, I had an unforgettable experience when flying from New York to San Francisco. My flight was scheduled for the early morning, and I arrived at the airport two hours before the departure time, as suggested by the airline. Unfortunately, due to a system glitch, the check-in process was significantly delayed. As a result, I was still in line when my flight began boarding.

Feeling stressed, I explained my situation to an airline employee, who was extremely helpful. She guided me to a separate, faster line for passengers with imminent departures. Even though I was relieved, the delay meant that I reached the gate just as the final boarding call was being made. In the rush, I didn’t get a chance to buy water or snacks for the flight.

Once on the plane, I realized my seat was in the middle of a row, sandwiched between two passengers who were already settled in. The flight was full, so I didn’t have an option to change seats. I found it slightly uncomfortable but decided to make the best of it.

When the flight attendants came around with the food cart, they were out of many items due to the full flight. I had to settle for a meal option I didn’t particularly like.

The whole experience was stressful and not very enjoyable. However, I learned a few valuable lessons that day. Firstly, always allow more than enough time at the airport, especially during busy periods, to account for any unforeseen issues. Secondly, it’s always a good idea to carry some snacks and a refillable water bottle in case the airport shops are closed or the in-flight food options are limited. Finally, if seat comfort is important to me, I should check-in online as early as possible to secure a preferred seat or consider paying a little extra for a seat of my choice.

Despite the inconveniences, I managed to reach my destination safely, and that’s what mattered most. I will certainly be better prepared for my next travel experience.

3.3 online investigation

Visit the Web site of one or more airlines. Research five items that passengers are prohibited from putting in their checked luggage and/or in their carry-on bags?

answer:
Certain items are universally restricted or prohibited from both checked and carry-on luggage on airplanes due to safety and security reasons. Here are five such items:

1. Explosive Materials: This includes items like firecrackers, flares, dynamite, and other explosives. These pose a significant risk to the safety of the aircraft and all passengers on board.

2. Flammable Items: Gasoline, lighter fluid, aerosol cans with flammable contents, and other similar items are not allowed due to the risk of fire in the aircraft.

3. Chemical and Toxic Substances: Many chemicals and toxic substances, such as chlorine, bleach, tear gas, and spray paint, can cause harm to passengers or damage to the aircraft.

4. Radioactive Materials: These are not allowed in either checked or carry-on luggage due to their potential for harm and the specific handling requirements they have.

5. Certain Lithium Batteries: Most airlines prohibit spare lithium batteries in checked luggage due to the risk of fire. They should be carried in carry-on luggage, and even then, there may be restrictions on the type and quantity.