You’re traveling to or through the Dallas–Fort Worth area and want to speak confident, natural American English at the airport. This guide helps Ukrainian travelers like you handle real situations at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). You’ll get clear scripts you can copy and say, short pronunciation tips, Ukrainian explanations where helpful, and a compact glossary so you can stop translating in your head and speak with confidence.
Why this guide is for you
You want practical language you’ll actually use at the airport — not long grammar lectures. This guide focuses on realistic interactions: check‑in, security, immigration, customs, baggage problems, tight connections, rideshares, taxis, hotels, and restaurants. Each section gives short, ready‑to‑use sentences and friendly tips for dealing with staff and officers. If you need extra practice, you can book a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher to practice speaking American English or DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school for a free 30‑minute consultation.
Quick overview of DFW and Love Field
DFW is a very large airport serving many international and domestic flights; it has five terminals (A–E) connected by the Skylink train. Love Field (DAL) is smaller, closer to downtown Dallas, and mostly handles domestic flights. Knowing which airport you fly to or from is essential. If you arrive internationally at DFW, you’ll go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) there. For domestic flights inside the U.S. you’ll use standard airline check‑in counters and TSA security at either airport.
Before you leave home: documents and preparation
Before you head to the airport, make sure your passport, visa or ESTA, and any supporting documents (invitation letters, proof of funds, accommodation details) are in one easy place. Print or download boarding passes and keep your phone charged. If you have medication, pack a copy of the prescription and keep medicines in original labeled bottles. Arrive early: for international flights, aim for 3 hours before departure; for domestic flights, 2 hours is usually safe in the DFW area.
Check‑in: scripts and tips
When you check in, you may use an airline kiosk, the mobile app, or a check‑in desk staffed by an agent. You can use these short scripts:
At the kiosk
Use the kiosk if you prefer a quick, independent check‑in. Follow on‑screen instructions, then use one of these phrases if you need help from an agent.
You: “Excuse me, I need help with the kiosk.”
Agent: “Sure. May I see your passport and booking confirmation?”
You: “Yes. Here they are.” (Так, ось вони.)
At the check‑in desk
If you need to check bags or have questions, talk to the agent:
You: “Good morning. I’m checking in for flight [airline + flight number] to [city].”
Agent: “May I see your passport and visa/ESTA?”
You: “Here is my passport and my ESTA/visa.” (Ось мій паспорт та віза/ESTA.)
Agent: “How many bags are you checking?”
You: “One bag. Is it oversize or overweight?”
Agent: “It’s within limits.”
You: “Thank you. Could I have a window seat, please?”
Agent: “I’ll check.”
You: “Thank you very much.” (Дуже дякую.)
Pronunciation tip: say “Good morning” as “gud MORN-ing.” Emphasize the second word to sound friendly and natural.
Security screening (TSA): what to expect and what to say
TSA security is routine but strict. You’ll put liquids in a clear quart‑sized bag (up to 100 ml each), remove laptops from bags, and take off shoes if asked. Be ready to empty your pockets and place toiletries, electronics, and metal objects in bins.
Typical interactions at security:
Officer: “Please place your boarding pass and ID on the tray.”
You: “Of course. Thank you.” (Звісно. Дякую.)
Officer: “Please remove your shoes and belt and put them in the bin.”
You: “Okay.” (Гаразд.)
If you have something that might need extra screening:
You: “I have a medical device. Do I need to show documentation?”
Officer: “Yes, please show the device and any documentation.”
You: “Here is the documentation.” (Ось документи.)
Pronunciation tip for TSA questions: “boarding pass” → “BORD-ing pass.” “ID” pronounced as letters: “eye-dee.”
Immigration and CBP (arriving internationally at DFW)
When you land at DFW from another country, you’ll go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) primary inspection. CBP officers ask direct questions to confirm the purpose of your travel. You don’t need to add long stories—short, clear answers are best.
Common questions and ready responses:
Officer: “What is the purpose of your visit?”
You: “I’m visiting family / tourism / business.”
(Я їду до сім’ї / на відпочинок / у справах.)
Officer: “How long will you stay?”
You: “Two weeks.” (Два тижні.)
Officer: “Where will you stay?”
You: “At my cousin’s house / at [hotel name], address is [address].”
(Я зупиняюся у моєї кузини / в готелі [назва], адреса [адреса].)
Officer: “Do you have anything to declare?”
You: “No.” or “Yes, I have [items].”
(Ні / Так, у мене є [предмети].)
Be honest and concise. If you don’t understand a question, say: “I’m sorry, could you repeat that slowly?” (Вибачте, чи не могли б ви повторити повільніше?) Officers may direct you to secondary inspection if they need additional information.
Pronunciation tip: “Where will you stay?” → “Where will you STAY?” Say “stay” clearly to avoid misunderstanding.
Secondary inspection: what it is and what to say
Secondary inspection (also called secondary screening or secondary questioning) is normal and not a punishment. It happens if officers need to verify documents, look more closely at your luggage, or ask extra questions.
When you’re sent to secondary:
You: “Why am I here?” (If you feel comfortable asking)
Officer: “We just need to verify some information. Please follow me.”
You: “Okay. I’m happy to help.” (Добре. Я радий допомогти.)
Answer questions simply and provide any requested documents: return ticket, hotel booking, invitation, or evidence of funds. Keep calm and polite throughout.
Customs declaration: scripts and form
At DFW, you’ll fill out a customs declaration form (or use the automated kiosks/CBP One). Be truthful about food, large amounts of currency, or restricted items. If you’re asked at the counter:
Officer: “Do you have any food, plants, or soil to declare?”
You: “No, I do not have any food or plants.” (Ні, у мене немає їжі або рослин.)
Officer: “Are you carrying more than $10,000 in cash?”
You: “No.” (Ні.)
Officer: “Please open your bags.”
You: “Sure.” (Звісно.)
If you need a Ukrainian translation: “customs declaration” = “митна декларація.”
Lost or delayed luggage: what to say and where to go
If your luggage is missing, go to your airline’s baggage service office in the baggage claim area. Use this script:
You: “Hello. My bag did not arrive on the carousel. I arrived on flight [flight number].”
Agent: “Can I see your baggage claim tag and boarding pass?”
You: “Yes, here they are.” (Ось вони.)
Agent: “Can you describe your bag?”
You: “It’s a black medium suitcase with a red ribbon on the handle.”
(Це чорний середній чемодан з червоною стрічкою на ручці.)
Agent: “We’ll file a report and contact you.”
You: “How long will it take? Can you please call me at [phone number]?”
Agent: “We’ll try to find it today.”
You: “Thank you.” (Дякую.)
Keep the baggage tag you received at check‑in—this number helps locate your bag. If your bag is delayed for several days, ask about compensation and necessary items to buy (toiletries, clothes).
Tight connections and re‑checking luggage
If you have a tight connection at DFW, contact the gate agent as soon as possible. If your inbound flight is delayed and you may miss a connection, airline staff can help rebook you. If you have checked baggage and are transferring between international and domestic flights, make sure you know whether your luggage will be checked through to your final destination or if you must pick it up and re‑check.
You: “My connection is tight. Will my luggage be checked through to [final destination]?”
Agent: “Yes, it will be checked through.” or “You will have to collect your bags and re‑check.”
You: “Thank you. Please let me know if I need to collect them.”
(Дякую.)
If terminals are far apart at DFW, use Skylink (the internal train). For travel between DFW and Love Field, use a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle service; there is no direct train between the two airports.
Terminal and gate information: asking directions
DFW terminals and gates can be confusing. Use these simple questions to find your way:
You: “Excuse me, which terminal is gate D14?”
Airport staff: “Terminal D, follow the signs to D gates.”
You: “Is there a Skylink train to Terminal E?”
Staff: “Yes, the Skylink goes between all terminals.”
You: “Thank you.” (Дякую.)
At Love Field, the airport is smaller and easier to navigate, but still ask if you’re unsure where your airline’s check‑in counter is.
Restaurants and food: ordering at the airport
Airport food can be busy, but asking questions and ordering politely works everywhere.
You: “Hi, may I have the chicken sandwich, please?”
Server: “Would you like fries with that?”
You: “Yes, please. And a bottle of water.”
Server: “Anything else?”
You: “No, that’s all. Thank you.” (Ні, це все. Дякую.)
If you have dietary restrictions:
You: “I don’t eat pork. Does this dish have pork?”
Server: “No, it does not.”
You: “Great, thank you.” (Чудово, дякую.)
Pronunciation tip: “water” in American English is often pronounced “WAW-ter” or “WAW-dər” (sounds like “wah‑ter” with a soft t).
Discover Dallas Fort Worth Airport English for Ukrainians | Online Tutor Here…
Ride share, taxi, and shuttle English
When you leave the airport, you may use Uber, Lyft, a taxi, or an airport shuttle. At DFW there are designated ride share and taxi pickup areas.
When you meet your driver:
You: “Hi, are you [driver’s name]? I’m the Uber/Lyft for [your name].”
Driver: “Yes, that’s me.”
You: “Hello. Can you take me to [hotel/address]? How long will it take?”
Driver: “About 25 minutes depending on traffic.”
You: “Great, thank you.” (Чудово, дякую.)
For taxis:
You: “Driver, can you take me to [hotel name/address]?”
Driver: “Yes.”
You: “Do you accept card or cash?”
Driver: “Both.”
You: “I’ll pay by card.” (Я заплачу карткою.)
Tip: In the U.S., tipping drivers 10–20% is normal. Say “keep the change” (залиште решту) if you want to tip in cash and not count coins.
Booking or talking to hotels at the airport
If you need a hotel near DFW or in Dallas, use these phrases when calling or arriving:
You: “Hello. I’d like to book a room for [dates]. Do you have availability?”
Hotel: “Yes, we do. Would you like a standard or a suite?”
You: “Standard, please. Is breakfast included?”
Hotel: “Yes, breakfast is included.”
You: “Great, I’ll book it. What is the cancellation policy?”
Hotel: “You can cancel 24 hours before arrival.”
You: “Thank you very much.” (Дуже дякую.)
If you arrive at the hotel and need airport shuttle information:
You: “Hi, does the hotel offer an airport shuttle from DFW?”
Reception: “Yes, we pick up at Terminal B, curbside. Please give us your flight number.”
You: “Here is the flight number. Thank you.” (Ось номер рейсу. Дякую.)
Baggage problems: damaged luggage and compensation
If your luggage is damaged, report it immediately to the airline’s baggage office and fill out a damage report. Use this script:
You: “Hello, my suitcase was damaged during the flight. I’d like to file a damage report.”
Agent: “Can you show the damage and your baggage tag?”
You: “Yes, here is the tag and a photo.”
Agent: “We will file the claim.”
You: “How long will this take? Will you compensate for repair or replacement?”
Agent: “We will advise you with the claim details.”
You: “Thank you.” (Дякую.)
Keep receipts for replacement items if the airline asks for proof of expenses.
Restaurant, bathroom, and terminal etiquette
U.S. airport staff appreciate polite, brief interactions. Use “please” and “thank you” often. Wait in line, and move to the side after collecting items from the security belt so others can use it. If you need to ask where the restroom is, say:
You: “Excuse me, where is the restroom?”
Staff: “Down that hallway to the right.”
You: “Thank you very much.” (Дуже дякую.)
Copy‑and‑paste dialogues for common situations
Below are short dialogues you can copy and say exactly at the airport.
Check‑in and baggage drop
Agent: “Can I see your passport and ticket?”
You: “Yes, here they are. I have one checked bag.”
Agent: “Do you have any liquids or electronics you need to declare?”
You: “No, I don’t.”
Agent: “All set. Here is your boarding pass.”
You: “Thank you. Which gate is it?”
Agent: “Gate C18.”
You: “Thanks.” (Дякую.)
Security screening
Officer: “Please put your belongings in the bins.”
You: “Okay.”
Officer: “Do you have any liquids or a laptop in your bag?”
You: “Yes, laptop in the top bag.”
Officer: “Please remove it.”
You: “Here.” (Ось.)
Immigration
Officer: “What is the purpose of your visit?”
You: “I’m visiting my sister in Dallas for two weeks.”
Officer: “Where will you stay?”
You: “Her address is [address].”
Officer: “Have a nice stay.”
You: “Thank you.” (Дякую.)
Lost luggage
Agent: “What did your bag look like?”
You: “A black suitcase with a blue ribbon and a sticker.”
Agent: “We will check and call you.”
You: “Thank you very much.” (Дуже дякую.)
Pronunciation tips: most asked questions
Practice these key phrases with the pronunciation guides below (simple respelling):
- “Where is Terminal D?” → “Wair iz TER-mi-nul Dee?”
- “Where do I pick up my bag?” → “Wair do I pick up my bag?”
- “Which carousel is for flight [airline/flight number]?” → “Which care-uh-SHELL is for flight [num-ber]?”
- “How long does it take to get to downtown?” → “How long duz it take to get to DOWN-town?”
- “Can I speak to a supervisor?” → “Can I SPEAK to a soo-per-VI-zor?”
- “I need help with my visa/ESTA.” → “I need help with my VEE-zuh / E‑S‑T‑A.”
Pronunciation tip: stress the content word (important word) in the sentence, e.g., “Where is the TER‑mi‑nal?” That helps you sound clearer.
Compact glossary (quick reference)
- Boarding pass — посадковий талон
- Gate — вихід на посадку
- Carousel — багажна карусель
- Customs — митниця
- Immigration / CBP — імміграція / митна та прикордонна служба США
- TSA — служба транспортної безпеки (security checkpoint)
- Checked baggage — зареєстрований багаж
- Carry‑on — ручна поклажа
- Skylink — внутрішній поїзд DFW між терміналами
- Layover / connection — пересадка
- Secondary inspection — додатковий огляд / другий допит
Polite phrases and small talk that work in the U.S.
Politeness helps in every conversation. Use “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “sorry.” You can add small talk when appropriate, like “Nice weather today” or “Have a good flight.” Keep small talk short and neutral in official interactions.
Example:
You: “Excuse me, could you help me with my seat change, please?”
Agent: “Sure.”
You: “Thank you. I appreciate your help.” (Дякую. Я ціную вашу допомогу.)
Cultural tips: tipping, queuing, and timing
Tipping is common for taxis, rideshares (10–20%), hotel porters ($1–2 per bag), and restaurant servers (15–20%). Stand in orderly lines and wait your turn. Officers and agents expect concise answers—don’t give long explanations unless asked. If you get nervous, pause and take a breath; staff appreciate calm and polite passengers.
Practice and confidence: how to use this guide
Practice the short scripts aloud multiple times. Record yourself and listen for pronunciation and natural rhythm. Use role play with a friend or a tutor. If you want focused speaking practice, book a Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher who can help you practice these situations in American English and provide corrections in Ukrainian when helpful.
Final call to action: practice with a native Ukrainian teacher
If you want one‑on‑one speaking practice, book a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher to rehearse these exact dialogues and get personalized pronunciation tips. Practicing live will help you speak without translating in your head and build real confidence for your trip. To arrange a free 30‑minute consultation, DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school or inquire about online English lessons to improve your American English for airports and travel.