You have finally booked the trip, printed your boarding pass, and packed enough socks to make your grandmother proud. Now comes the slightly terrifying but very doable part: navigating O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) in English. This guide is written for you — a Ukrainian traveler in Chicago — to give practical, copy-and-paste English scripts for check-in, security screening, immigration, customs, baggage problems, and tight connections. You’ll find Ukrainian explanations where helpful (українські пояснення), pronunciation tips so you don’t freeze in front of an officer, and a compact glossary so you can stop translating every word in your head. Think of this as your little pocket tutor for the airport, lightly seasoned with the kind of humor you can only feel when you realize you packed a hairdryer the size of a small moon.
Airport English for Ukrainians in Chicago | Tutor
Before You Fly: Documents, Preparations, and What to Expect
Before you reach the airport, make sure you’ve got your important documents in one easy-to-find place: passport, visa (if required), ESTA/I-94 record, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and any letters you need for business or family visits. Keep photocopies (or photos) on your phone and a printed copy tucked somewhere safe. You want to look calm and prepared, not like someone who found their passport an hour before takeoff in the freezer.
At O’Hare, international arrivals often come into Terminal 5 but sometimes into other terminals depending on the airline. Midway is smaller and generally handles domestic flights; international passengers are rarer but still possible on charters. Give yourself extra time at O’Hare because it’s big — and because Chicago likes to remind you it’s famous by being vast and slightly mysterious.
Check-in: Counter and Kiosk Conversations
When you approach the airline counter, speak slowly and clearly. Airline agents hear many accents and appreciate short, polite sentences. If you’re checking baggage or need help with a seat change, use these simple scripts.
Sample Check-in Script (Airline Counter)
- “Good morning. I’d like to check in for Flight [number] to [destination]. Here is my passport.”
(Доброго ранку. Я хочу зареєструватися на рейс [номер] до [місто]. Ось мій паспорт.) - Agent: “Do you have any checked bags?”
(Чи маєте ви багаж для реєстрації?) - You: “Yes, one bag. How much is the fee?”
(Так, одна валіза. Яка плата?)
Say each line clearly. If you need a seat change: “Could I have an aisle seat, please?” (Чи можу я отримати місце біля проходу, будь ласка?)
Pronunciation tip: Say “check in” as two clear words: chek-in. Slow the “ch” a little if you’re nervous.
Self Check-in Kiosk and Mobile Boarding Pass
You’ll often find kiosks where you can print your boarding pass and baggage tags. If you prefer human interaction, go to the counter. Use this simple question if you’re near a kiosk and need help: “Excuse me, how do I print my boarding pass here?” (Вибачте, як роздрукувати посадковий талон тут?)
If your boarding pass is on your phone, keep it ready to scan. If the kiosk asks for your passport or confirmation number, have it handy. If it displays a weird error message, smile and threaten the kiosk with a polite “Please help” — not literally.
Security Screening (TSA): What They Ask and How You Answer
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) at U.S. airports has straightforward rules: shoes on or off, liquids in a quart-sized bag, laptops out, and a willingness to cooperate. The officers are doing a job that would make anyone slightly paranoid, so calm, clear answers help.
Typical Things TSA Will Ask
- “Do you have any liquids or gels in your carry-on?”
(Чи маєте ви рідини або гелі в ручній поклажі?) - “Please remove your laptop and liquids from the bag.”
(Будь ласка, вийміть ноутбук і рідини з сумки.) - “Have you packed your bags yourself?”
(Ви пакували сумки самі?)
Brief answers work best: “Yes, I have a laptop” or “No, I did not pack them” (Так, у мене є ноутбук / Ні, я не пакував(ла) їх). If you don’t understand, say: “I’m sorry, could you repeat that, please?” (Вибачте, чи не могли б ви повторити?)
Pronunciation tip: TSA often asks “Any liquids?” — pronounce it simply: “AN-nee LIK-widz?” Practice “liquids” as LIK-widz (liquid + s).
Security Problems: What If You’re Pulled Aside?
If you’re asked to step aside for additional screening, don’t panic. This is common. The agent may say: “Please step this way, we need to do an additional screening.” (Будь ласка, пройдіть сюди, нам потрібно додаткове оглядання.) Smile, follow directions, and answer basic questions honestly.
If you need an interpreter, say: “Do you speak Ukrainian or is an interpreter available?” (Ви говорите українською або є перекладач?) Usually, they won’t have a Ukrainian speaker on site, but they can use language lines.
Immigration & Border Control (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
This is often the most nerve-wracking conversation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will ask a few direct questions. Keep answers short and consistent with your visa documents or ESTA. Memorize these phrases; you don’t need to tell your life story.
Typical CBP Questions and How You Answer
- “What is the purpose of your trip?”
(Яка мета вашої поїздки?)
Short answer: “Tourism” (Туризм), “Visiting family” (Відвідування родини), “Business” (Бізнес), “Study” (Навчання). - “How long will you be staying?”
(Скільки часу ви пробудете?)
Short answer: “Two weeks” (Два тижні), “Three months” (Три місяці). - “Where will you stay?”
(Де ви зупинятиметесь?)
Short answer: “At my cousin’s house in Chicago” / “At [hotel name], address [address]” (У кузини в Чикаго / В [назва готелю], адреса [адреса]). - “Do you have anything to declare?”
(Чи маєте ви щось для декларування?)
Answer: “No, I have nothing to declare” (Ні, нічого не декларую) or list items honestly.
Immigration Officer Script (Example)
- Officer: “Purpose of your visit?”
- You: “Visiting family in Chicago,” (Відвідую родину в Чикаго,) “I’ll stay for two weeks.” (Я пробуду два тижні.)
- Officer: “Where will you stay?”
- You: “With my aunt, address: 123 Oak Street.” (З тіткою, адреса: вул. Оук 123.)
Pronunciation tip: The crucial words are “purpose” and “decline” (if you say “declaring”). Say “purpose” as PUR-puhs and “declare” as dee-KLAIR.
Secondary Inspection (What It Means and How to Handle It)
If you are asked to go to secondary inspection, it isn’t a sentence — it’s a process. Officers may want to check documents, luggage, or ask more questions. Stay calm and polite. Say: “I understand. May I have an interpreter, please?” (Я розумію. Чи можу я отримати перекладача, будь ласка?) If you need to call someone: “May I call my family/representative?” (Чи можу я подзвонити родині/представнику?)
You don’t need to volunteer extra information. Answer what they ask, and remember that being cooperative but concise is your best audition for a polite traveler.
Customs Declaration: Do You Have Anything to Declare?
Customs is about goods and agriculture. The question “Do you have anything to declare?” is broad: it refers to money over $10,000, gifts, food, plants, or certain goods. Be honest — penalties for hiding items are real.
Short Custom Scripts
- “Do you have any fruits, meat, or plants?”
(Чи маєте ви фрукти, м’ясо або рослини?)
Answer: “No, I have no food items” (Ні, у мене немає продуктів). - “Do you need to declare more than $10,000?”
(Чи потрібно декларувати більше ніж $10,000?)
Answer honestly with the amount: “Yes, $12,000” (Так, 12 000 доларів).
If you are unsure what qualifies, say: “I’m not sure. Could you explain?” (Я не впевнений(а). Чи не могли б ви пояснити?) Customs agents can explain which items need declaration.
Baggage Claim and Lost Luggage: Where’s Your Bag?
You watch the carousel, the belt turns, and the bag that looked so unique at home now looks like every other piece of luggage in Chicago. If your bag arrives late or is lost, go to the airline baggage office and keep your claim tag. If you don’t have the tag, you will need the receipt and flight details.
Script at Baggage Office
- “My baggage did not arrive. My claim number is [number].”
(Мій багаж не прибув. Мій номер заяви [номер].) - Agent: “Can I see your claim check and passport?”
(Чи можу я побачити ваш багажний талон та паспорт?) - You: “Yes, here they are. Where is my bag now?”
(Так, ось вони. Де зараз мій багаж?)
Airlines usually deliver delayed bags within 24–48 hours domestically. For international flights, it can take longer, but they’ll give you a tracking number and phone contact. Ask politely: “Can you please text me when the bag is located?” (Чи не могли б ви надіслати мені повідомлення, коли знайдете багаж?)
Lost Items: Phone, Passport, or Wallet
If you lose something in the terminal, contact lost and found for the specific airport: O’Hare and Midway have different procedures. Say: “I lost my phone in the terminal. Where do I report it?” (Я загубив(ла) телефон у терміналі. Куди мені звернутися?)
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the nearest Ukrainian consulate and your airline immediately. Keep digital copies handy for emergencies.
Tight Connections: What to Ask When Time Is Short
You only have 45 minutes between flights and the airport has other plans. When you land, move quickly, follow signs for connections, and ask an agent: “I have a tight connection to [city], flight [number]. Can you help me get to the gate?” (У мене коротка пересадка на рейс до [місто], номер [номер]. Чи можете ви допомогти дістатися до виходу?)
If your inbound flight is delayed and you might miss the connection, talk to the airline BEFORE you get off the aircraft if possible. Say: “Excuse me, I have a connection in Chicago. Will the airline assist me if I miss my next flight?” (Вибачте, у мене пересадка в Чикаго. Чи допоможе авіакомпанія, якщо я пропущу наступний рейс?)
Often, airlines will rebook you automatically, but a polite, clear request can get you on a sooner flight or give you gate-to-gate assistance.
Rebooking and Delays: Dealing with Annoying Reality
When flights are delayed or canceled, keep all receipts (meals, hotels) and ask the airline about vouchers. Use this script: “My flight was canceled. What options do I have? Could you rebook me on the next available flight?” (Мій рейс скасували. Які у мене варіанти? Чи можете ви переоформити мене на наступний доступний рейс?)
Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help or compensation politely. Airlines may offer accommodations or vouchers depending on the situation. The word “please” is magical: “Could you please check my options?” (Чи не могли б ви перевірити мої варіанти?)
Polite Phrases That Work in the U.S.
Politeness is universal, but the exact phrases can help you sound confident. Learn these and use them freely.
- “Excuse me, could you help me, please?” (Вибачте, чи не могли б ви мені допомогти, будь ласка?) — Use at kiosks, counters, or to ask directions.
- “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Could you repeat that slower, please?” (Вибачте, я не розумію. Чи не могли б ви повторити повільніше?) — Works wonders with officers.
- “Could you show that on a map?” (Чи не могли б ви показати це на карті?) — Implies you want clarity without blame.
- “Thank you very much for your help.” (Дуже дякую за вашу допомогу.) — Leaving a good impression never hurts.
Use these phrases like salt: a small sprinkle makes everything better.
Pronunciation Tips for Key Questions
You don’t need perfect English — you need to be understood. Here are phonetic hints for common airport questions. Speak slowly, emphasize key words, and keep sentences short.
- “What is the purpose of your trip?” — WUT iz the PUR-pus ov yor trip?
(Яка мета вашої поїздки?) - “Where will you be staying?” — Wair will yoo bee STAY-ing?
(Де ви зупинитесь?) - “Do you have anything to declare?” — Doo yoo hav EN-ee-thing too dee-KLARE?
(Чи маєте ви щось для декларування?) - “Any liquids, gels or aerosols?” — EN-ee LIK-widz, jelz, or AIR-oh-sols?
(Чи є рідини, гелі або аерозолі?) - “Is this your first time in the United States?” — Iz this yor furst tym in the yoo-NI-ted stayts?
(Вперше у США?)
Say the stressed syllable louder and the rest of the sentence more slowly. If you start to panic, take a breath and begin again. Officers are humans with limited patience and usually fine with a polite restart.
Copy-and-Paste Dialogues (Realistic Situations)
Below are ready-to-use dialogues. Copy, paste, and practice. They are short, direct, and designed to get you through the moment without a dissertation in English about your travel history.
Check-in Counter (International Flight)
- You: “Good morning. I’d like to check in for Flight UA123 to Kyiv.” (Доброго ранку. Я хочу зареєструватися на рейс UA123 до Києва.)
- Agent: “Passport and ticket, please.” (Паспорт і квиток, будь ласка.)
- You: “Here you are. I have one checked bag.” (Ось, у мене одна зареєстрована сумка.)
Security Screen
- TSA: “Do you have any liquids over 100 milliliters?” (Чи є у вас рідини понад 100 мл?)
- You: “No, all liquids are in a clear bag under 100 ml.” (Ні, всі рідини в прозорому пакеті до 100 мл.)
Immigration Interview
- Officer: “What is the purpose of your visit?” (Яка мета вашого візиту?)
- You: “Visiting family in Chicago. I will stay for two weeks.” (Відвідую родину в Чикаго. Я пробуду два тижні.)
Customs Declaration
- Officer: “Do you have food or plants to declare?” (Чи маєте ви продукти або рослини для декларування?)
- You: “No, I do not have any food.” (Ні, у мене немає продуктів.)
Lost Luggage
- You: “My bag didn’t arrive. My claim number is 987654.” (Мій багаж не прибув. Номер заяви 987654.)
- Agent: “We’ll register a report and call you when it is found.” (Ми зареєструємо заяву і зателефонуємо, коли її знайдемо.)
Tight Connection
- You: “I have a 45-minute connection to Minneapolis. Can you help me reach the gate fast?” (У мене пересадка 45 хвилин до Міннеаполіса. Чи допоможете ви дістатися до виходу швидко?)
- Agent: “Yes, head to gate A12 and we’ll call for assistance.” (Так, прямуйте до виходу A12, і ми викличемо допомогу.)
Realistic Situations: Secondary Inspection, Tight Connections, and Irregularities
Airports like O’Hare are efficient and occasionally capricious. If you encounter secondary inspection, missing bags, or a tight connection, your demeanor matters. Repeat short, consistent answers, ask to speak to a supervisor if necessary, and request interpretation if you need it.
When a connection is impossible due to airline delay, the airline is generally responsible for getting you onto the next flight. If this means an overnight stay, ask politely for accommodation details. Example: “Will the airline provide a hotel tonight?” (Чи надасть авіакомпанія готель сьогодні ввечері?)
If the airline blames weather (beyond their control), ask for options and document everything. Receipts help if you apply for compensation later.
Compact Glossary (English — Ukrainian — Short Explanation)
- Check-in — реєстрація — The process of confirming your presence for a flight.
- Boarding pass — посадковий талон — Your ticket to get on the plane.
- Gate — вихід — The place where you board.
- Terminal — термінал — A building or section of the airport.
- Customs — митниця — Where officers check goods you bring into the country.
- Immigration — прикордонний контроль — Where officers check your entry documents.
- Baggage claim — зона видачі багажу — Where you get your checked bags.
- Carousel — карусель — The rotating belt for suitcases.
- Claim check — талон на багаж — A receipt connecting you to your checked bag.
- TSA — служба безпеки транспорту — Security who check carry-on items.
Treat the glossary like a cheat-sheet: read it once, then forget the words and use the phrases. Your brain prefers doing rather than translating.
Practice Tips: How to Use This Guide and Get Comfortable
You learn languages by doing. Practice these dialogues aloud; record yourself with your phone and listen back. Role-play with a friend or a tutor. The small Zoom sessions you book should focus on the exact gate announcements, alternative answers to officer questions, and practicing your airport itinerary. Repetition makes you confident and reduces the chance of your brain freezing at the passport line.
If you feel nervous, simulate a mini-mistake and practice recovery: “I’m sorry, I made a mistake in my paperwork. Can I correct it?” (Вибачте, я помилився в документах. Чи можу я це виправити?) Officers appreciate clarity more than eloquence.
How a Short Session with a Native Ukrainian Tutor Helps
You could memorize every script here and still feel nervous when the gate agent speaks quickly. A 30-minute Zoom session with a native Ukrainian tutor who knows Chicago airport English can make the difference between frazzled and composed. Practice your exact itinerary: the airline, flight numbers, connecting airports, and hotel names. The tutor will role-play CBP officers, TSA agents, and airline staff so you’re comfortable with the rhythm of the language.
Book a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher to practice your exact itinerary and receive tailored feedback. For a free 15-minute consultation, DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school — she’ll help you choose the right session for your needs and calm your travel nerves with a few choice phrases and an encouraging smile.
Final Notes and Little Etiquette Hints
Smile where appropriate — a smile can defuse tension and show cooperation — but know that in some moments (immigration control, security) the officer may be very serious. Do not joke about prohibited items or anything security-related. Keep your liquids sealed, your laptop easily accessible, and your passport ready. When in doubt, say: “I’m sorry, I don’t understand. Could you repeat that slowly?” (Вибачте, я не розумію. Чи не могли б ви повторити повільніше?)
Remember that airport staff are human and tired, you are carrying a suitcase pretending to be an adult, and Chicago will greet you with brisk efficiency and possibly a wind gust dramatic enough to rearrange your hair.
If you want the fastest route to confidence, practice these scripts and book a short, targeted Zoom session. You’ll walk through O’Hare or Midway with the calm of someone who knows where the gate is and how to ask for help without turning the conversation into a drama.
Call to Action: Book a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher to talk about your English learning goals, and DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school for a free 15-minute consult. She’ll walk you through your flights, practice the customs and CBP questions, and help you sound confident at the gate.
If this guide helped you, please clap the article, leave a comment about your airport experiences, and subscribe to my Medium newsletter for updates and more practical guides. Your travel story is waiting — and you now have the sentences to tell it.