Travelling by Air
The rules for passengers who are going abroad are similar in most countries, but sometimes there might be a slight difference in formalities.
If, for instance, you are supposed to begin with going through customs, you'd better fill in the customs declaration before you talk to the customs officer. An experienced customs officer usually "smells" a smuggler, but he may ask any passenger routine questions, for instance, "Have you got anything to declare?" or "Any spirits, tobacco, presents?" The usual answers would be, "Yes, I've got some valuables, but I've put them all down in the declaration", or "I've got two blocks of cigarettes for my own use" or something of that kind.
Then you go to the check-in counter where your ticket is looked at, your things are weighed and labeled, a claim-check for each piece of luggage is inserted in the ticket and you are given a boarding pass, which has a seat number on it. Of course, if your luggage weighs more than 20 kgs, you have to pay extra. The next formality is filling in the immigration form and going through passport control. The form has to be filled in 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-on 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.
Подобрать английские эквиваленты
Возможна небольшая разница в прохождении формальностей • прохождение таможни • заполнить таможенную декларацию • у вас имеется что-либо для предъявления таможне • я записал их в декларацию • для личного пользования • что-нибудь в таком роде • стойка регистрации • талон для получения багажа вкладывается в билет • вам выдают посадочный талон • вы должны оплатить отдельно • бланк надо заполнять печатными буквами • гражданство • постоянный адрес • цель поездки • проверка безопасности • противоугонные меры • должно быть сдано одному из членов экипажа и возвращено владельцу после того, как самолет достигнет места назначения • ждать объявления о посадке на самолет • когда вы прибудете на место назначения • вы не везете наркотики • есть еще одно неудобство, к которому вы должны приготовиться • разница между привычным вам временем и новым • сначала будете не очень хорошо себя чувствовать • не беспокойтесь, вы быстро к нему привыкнете
Ответить на вопросы
a. 1. Have you ever travelled long distances by plane?
2. When was it?
3. Where did you go?
4. How long did the journey take?
5. Did you enjoy your trip?
6. Was it a business trip or a pleasure trip?
b. 1. Have you ever had to go through the customs?
2. Did you have anything liable to duty?
3. Did the customs officer ask you to open your suitcases?
4. Did you carry any spirits, or tobacco for your own use?
5. How long did it take you to go through the customs and other formalities?
с 1. What are you supposed to write in the immigration form? 2. Why does it have to be filled in in block letters?
3. Do you think a security check is a necessary measure? Why?
4. Do you think you would be allowed to carry a toy pistol (игрушечный пистолет) on the plane?
1. What can passengers do in the departure lounge?
2. Do you always understand the announcements made at the airport in Russia?
3. Where are the forms filled in before the arrival?
4. Why are specially trained dogs used at airports?
5. Have you ever seen such a dog?
1. Which do you prefer — to travel by air or by land?
2. Do you like travelling, or would you rather not experience all the inconveniences of a long journey?
3. Have you ever experienced a jet-lag?
4. How long did it take you to get used to the new time?
1. Do you like to live in hotels?
2. What kind of accommodation would you like to have in a hotel?
3. Tell us about the hotel you were really impressed by.
