You are standing in line at LAX, clutching a boarding pass with the kind of hope usually reserved for lottery tickets, and wondering if “Do I have anything to declare?” can be answered with the names of your mother and grandmother. This guide is written for you — a Ukrainian traveler navigating Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and U.S. border control. It gives you practical, copy-and-paste English scripts, pronunciation tips, and Ukrainian explanations where helpful so you can speak clearly, politely, and without translating every word in your head. Think of this as a friendly pocket tutor who smells faintly of airplane coffee and cares about your chance of catching a connection.
Who this guide is for and why you’ll find it useful
You might be visiting Los Angeles for a short trip, long-term stay, work, study, or even a chaotic adventure that involves a friend’s spontaneous wedding. Regardless, you need English that works fast — the kind you can say without tripping over your own words while a security officer taps a beeping scanner with an expression reserved for people who pack 3-liter shampoo bottles in carry-on bags. This guide focuses on realistic airport scenarios at LAX: check-in, security screening, immigration interviews, customs declarations, lost baggage, tight connections, ride sharing, and finding a hotel. You’ll get scripts you can copy and paste and practice, plus pronunciation tips and a compact glossary to build confidence.
How to use this guide
Use this guide as a practical scriptbook. Read the dialogue aloud. Record yourself. Paste the scripts into your phone’s notes and study them before your flight, during your layover, or in line at the coffee shop. If you memorize just a few sentences, you’ll be able to manage: ask clearly, answer simply, and show the documents required. You will find a mix of full dialogues for common interactions and shorter phrases you can mix and match. When in doubt, be polite and brief — Americans at airports prefer efficiency and friendliness over long explanations.
Before you leave home: essential phrases and documents
Before you even leave your apartment in Kyiv, make sure you have the right documents and a few phrases memorized. The most important documents are your passport, ESTA or visa (if required), printed or digital flight itinerary, hotel reservation or invitation letter, and proof of return or onward travel. Practice phrases like “I have a reservation” and “Here is my passport” so you can say them calmly. You’ll also want to know how to politely decline unwanted offers of help — “No, thank you” — and how to ask for a slower pace: “Could you please speak more slowly?” (Чи не могли б ви говорити повільніше? — Chy ne mohly b vy hovoryty povilnishe?)
- Carry these items in your carry-on: passport, boarding pass, phone charger, medications, and printed hotel confirmation.
- Make digital copies of all documents and email them to yourself.
Check‑in: online vs. desk — scripts you can use
If you check in online, congratulations: you’ve taken a step toward avoiding human interaction. But there will still be moments when you’ll speak to a person at the desk — for example, to check bags, request assistance, or verify documents. Here are simple scripts you can copy and use.
At the airline desk: “Hello. I have a reservation under the name [Your Last Name].”
(Привіт. У мене бронювання на ім’я [Your Last Name].)
“I’d like to check one bag, please.”
(Я хотів/хотіла б зареєструвати одну валізу, будь ласка.)
“Is my bag checked through to [final destination]?”
(Моя валіза перекладена до [місто призначення]?)
“My connection is short. Will my bag be transferred automatically?”
(У мене коротке пересадження. Моя валіза буде автоматично перевезена?)
If the agent asks about excess baggage or fees: “Is there an extra fee for this bag?”
(Чи є додаткова плата за цю валізу?)
“Can I pay by card?”
(Можу оплатити картою?)
Use calm, clear tone. Smile — it works wonders. If they ask for IDs or documents, say “Of course” and hand them your passport. “Of course” in Ukrainian is “Звичайно” (Zvychaino). If something goes wrong, start with “Excuse me, I need help” (Вибачте, мені потрібна допомога — Vybachte, meni potribna dopomoha).
If your connection is tight
Tight connections can make you feel like a contestant on a reality show. If you have a short layover, tell the check-in agent immediately: “I have a tight connection at [time]. Will my bag make the connection?” (У мене мало часу на пересадку о [time]. Чи встигне моя валіза?) If they confirm it will, ask for a tag receipt and keep it. If they can’t guarantee it, get instructions on where to pick up your bag and re-check it during your connection. It’s also wise to request a contact number or desk where you can confirm on arrival.
Security screening (TSA): what they’ll say and how to respond
Security is where your pockets will be emptied, laptops exposed, and liquids judged like contraband. Airport security officers will tell you what to do. Practicing these phrases reduces stress.
At the security line: “Please place your boarding pass on the scanner.”
(Будь ласка, покладіть посадковий талон на сканер.)
“Remove your shoes and belt, and place them in the bin.”
(Зніміть взуття та ремінь і покладіть їх у лоток.)
“Laptops out of bags, please.”
(Ноутбуки вийміть з сумок, будь ласка.)
“Do you have any liquids, gels, or aerosols?”
(Чи маєте ви рідини, гелі або аерозолі?)
If you need a pat-down or secondary screening: “I’m going to do a more thorough check. Is that okay?”
(Мені потрібно зробити більш ретельну перевірку. Це нормально?)
“Do you prefer a male or female officer?”
(Ви віддаєте перевагу чоловічому чи жіночому співробітнику?)
Say “Yes, that’s fine” (Так, добре — Tak, dobre) if you consent. If the officer’s instructions are unclear, ask “Could you please repeat that?” (Можете повторити, будь ласка? — Mozhete povtoryty, budʹ laska?)
What to pack in your carry-on (short, practical list)
Pack neatly and follow TSA rules: liquids in containers of 100 ml or less in a clear plastic bag, electronics easily accessible, medicines in original packaging with prescriptions if possible. Keep a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on in case baggage is delayed. Label your bag inside and out with your name and phone number (preferably with a U.S. contact if you have one).
U.S. Immigration: arrival interview scripts
The immigration interview at LAX can feel like a job interview you didn’t know you were applying for. The officer will ask purposefully short, direct questions. Answer briefly and truthfully. This is not the time for long stories about your grandmother’s porch swing. Stick to facts and show your documents when asked.
Typical questions and answers:
Officer: “Purpose of your visit?”
You: “Tourism / Business / Study. I’m visiting for [number] days.”
(Мета мого візиту — туризм / робота / навчання. Я перебуватиму [кількість] днів.)
Officer: “Where will you stay?”
You: “At [hotel name/address]” — show reservation.
(Я зупинюся в [назва готелю/адреса].)
Officer: “Do you have a return ticket?”
You: “Yes, I do. Here is my return ticket.” — show ticket.
(Так, у мене є зворотний квиток. Ось мій квиток.)
Officer: “Who is paying for the trip?”
You: “Myself / My company / My parents.”
(Оплачує [я сам/моя компанія/мої батьки].)
Officer: “Have you been to the U.S. before?”
You: “No / Yes, in [year].”
(Чи були ви раніше в США? — Ні / Так, у [рік].)
If you are visiting for work or study, the immigration officer may ask more specific questions, such as the name of your employer or school and proof of documents. Keep answers short and have paperwork ready. Confidently say, “Here are my documents” (Ось мої документи — Osʹ moyi dokumenty).
If you are carrying food or gifts
Many Ukrainians like to bring homemade treats. This can be problematic. If asked “Do you have food?” say “Yes, I have packaged food / gifts” and be ready to show it. The officer may ask for a declaration or to inspect. A helpful phrase: “These are gifts for family” (Це подарунки для сім’ї — Tse podarunky dlya sim’yi). Be prepared for disposal — sometimes the food cannot enter the U.S. Be polite and keep explanations short.
Customs declaration: short scripts and what to expect
Customs officers will ask whether you are bringing goods to declare. Keep your answers simple and honest. If you have items over the duty-free allowance or agricultural goods, declare them.
Officer: “Have you anything to declare?”
You: “No, I have nothing to declare.” (Ні, у мене нічого для декларування.)
Or: “Yes, I am declaring [item].” (Так, я декларую [предмет].)
If you completed a paper or electronic customs form (you may get a form on the plane), present it when asked. If your items are commercial or you’re bringing cash over $10,000, you must declare that. Use the phrase “I have cash over ten thousand dollars” (У мене більше десяти тисяч доларів готівкою) to be clear.
Baggage problems: lost, delayed, damaged — what to say
Baggage issues are common and annoying, but they have standard procedures. If your bag doesn’t arrive, go to the airline’s baggage office and use these scripts.
At the baggage office: “My bag did not arrive. My claim tag number is [number].”
(Моя валіза не прибула. Номер мого багажного талона [номер].)
“My bag is delayed. Will you deliver it to [address/hotel]?”
(Моїй валізі затримка. Ви доставите її на [адреса/готель]?)
“If the bag is lost, what is the compensation procedure?”
(Як відбувається процедура відшкодування, якщо валіза загублена?)
Keep receipts for any emergency purchases and ask about compensation policies. For damaged bags: “My suitcase is damaged. I’d like to file a claim.” (Мій чемодан пошкоджено. Я хотів/хотіла б подати скаргу.)
If your bag is lost on a connection
If your bag was on a connecting flight that missed the connection, explain politely: “My bag was on flight [number]. I missed the bag on the connection.” (Моя валіза була на рейсі [номер]. Вона не потрапила на пересадку.) Give the agent the connecting flight details and your contact information. Ask “When will I get an update?” (Коли я отримаю оновлення?) and request a delivery address.
Getting from LAX to your hotel: taxis, rideshare, and shuttles
LAX is huge and confusing, with multiple terminals and a shuttle system that seems designed by someone who dislikes coherence. For rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, you’ll likely be directed to a designated pickup location via an airport shuttle. Use this simple script when speaking to drivers or shuttle staff.
To a rideshare driver: “Hello, are you the Uber/Lyft for [your name]?”
(Привіт, ви Uber/Lyft для [ваше ім’я]?)
“Can you help with my luggage?”
(Ви можете допомогти з багажем?)
“How much will the ride to [hotel name] cost?”
(Скільки коштуватиме поїздка до [назва готелю]?)
If you need a shuttle: “Which shuttle goes to [hotel/shuttle company]?”
(Який шатл їде до [готель/компанія шатла]?)
When the driver asks about payment or tip, in the U.S. tipping is customary for drivers — around 10–20% for taxis/shuttles if they helped with luggage. A polite phrase is: “Thank you, I’ll tip you in the app” (Дякую, я залишу чайові в додатку).
Navigating terminals and airport shuttles
LAX now has a centralized rental car facility and a people mover in construction, but for now, expect buses and shuttles. Look for signs labeled “Ubers/Lyfts/Rideshare” and follow the colored walkways. If you get lost, ask an airport employee: “Excuse me, where is Terminal [number]?” (Вибачте, де термінал [номер]?) They’ll point you. Keep calm and maintain a sense of humor; it helps when your suitcase looks like it contains an entire wardrobe.
Tight connections and re‑checking bags: phrases and tips
If you have a tight connection, the crucial phrase is: “Will my bags be checked through to my final destination?” If the agent says yes, ask where to go for the connecting gate. If the agent says no, ask “Where do I pick up and re-check them?” (Де я можу забрати та повторно зареєструвати їх?) If you miss the connection, approach the airline desk immediately and say: “I missed my connection. Can you rebook me on the next flight?” (Я пропустив/пропустила пересадку. Чи можете перевести мене на наступний рейс?)
A good trick: if you’re on a tight connection, tell gate staff or flight attendants when you board. They can sometimes hold a plane for a few minutes if your previous flight is late and the crew agrees. Say: “I have a connecting flight at [time]. Could you please tell the gate?” (У мене пересадка о [time]. Чи могли б ви повідомити гейт?)
Hotel check-in phrases
After customs and luggage, you’ll probably want a bed and a shower. Hotel check-in is usually pleasant and routine.
At the front desk: “Hello. I have a reservation under the name [Your Last Name].”
(Привіт. У мене бронювання на ім’я [Your Last Name].)
“I’d like to check in, please.”
(Я хотів/хотіла б заселитися, будь ласка.)
“Is breakfast included?”
(Сніданок включено?)
“Can I leave my bags here before check-in?”
(Чи можу я залишити свої валізи тут до заселення?)
If you need an early check-in or late checkout, ask politely: “Is early check-in possible?” (Чи можливо раннє заселення?) or “Can I have a late checkout?” (Чи можу я мати пізній виїзд?) Expect a fee at many hotels.
Find Airport English for Ukrainians Los Angeles | Native Ukrainian Tutor Here…
Phone and app phrases for a smoother trip
Your phone is your lifeline in a foreign land. English phrases for apps and calls help you when the internet is spotty or directions confuse you.
When calling a hotel: “Hello, I’m checking in tonight. Is there shuttle service from the airport?” (Чи є трансфер з аеропорту?)
For Uber/Lyft messages: “I’m at the rideshare pickup. I’ll be there in two minutes.” (Я на місці для підбору, буду через дві хвилини.)
For Google Maps: “Take me to [hotel name].” Practice pronouncing your hotel address slowly and clearly for drivers.
Polite phrases that work well in the U.S.
Americans appreciate politeness that’s short and direct. Use “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” If someone helps you, say “Thank you very much” (Дуже дякую). If you need clarification, “Could you repeat that, please?” is perfect. Here are a few useful lines:
- “Excuse me, could you help me?” (Вибачте, ви можете мені допомогти?)
- “Could you speak more slowly, please?” (Чи не могли б ви говорити повільніше?)
- “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” (Вибачте, я не розумію.)
- “Could you write that down, please?” (Чи не могли б ви написати це?)
Keep your tone friendly and straightforward. Smile — it crosses language barriers.
Pronunciation tips for tricky questions
Pronunciation matters more than you think, but accuracy with a few key words will go a long way. Slow, clear speech often beats perfect accent. Here are sounds and tips:
- “Connection” — say: kuh-NEK-shun. Emphasize the second syllable. (пересадка)
- “Reservation” — rez-er-VAY-shun. Stress “VAY.” (бронювання)
- “Customs” — KUS-tums. Short and clear. (митниця)
- “Baggage” — BAG-ij. The “g” is soft. (багаж)
- “Passport” — PASS-port. Stress first syllable. (паспорт)
When asked “How long will you stay?” answer with numbers and the word “days” (days = днів — dnyiv). “Ten days” is pronounced “ten days” — keep it simple.
Compact glossary: words and translations you’ll use at LAX
Here is a short glossary of the most important words and phrases, with Ukrainian translations to help you learn meaning quickly.
- Boarding pass — посадковий талон (posadkovyy talon)
- Check-in — реєстрація (reyestratsiya)
- Gate — вихід на посадку (vykhid na posadku)
- Security / TSA — служба безпеки (sluzhba bezpeky)
- Immigration — імміграція (immihratsiya)
- Customs — митниця (mytnytsya)
- Baggage / Luggage — багаж (bahazh)
- Claim tag / baggage receipt — багажний талон (bahazhnyy talon)
- Lost / delayed — загублений / затриманий (zahublenyy / zatrymanyy)
- Rideshare — служба спільних поїздок (rideshare)
- Shuttle — шатл, трансфер (shatl, transfer)
- Reservation — бронювання (bronuvannya)
Keep this glossary on your phone for a quick reference. It’s like a secret decoder ring for airports.
Practice dialogues you can copy-and-paste
Dialogue 1 — Check-in for a flight and a bag: Agent: “Good afternoon. May I have your passport and ticket?”
You: “Hello. Here is my passport and my boarding pass. I’d like to check one bag, please.”
Agent: “Is your bag within the weight limit?”
You: “I think so. How much is the fee if it’s overweight?”
Agent: “It’s $XX.”
You: “Okay, thank you. I’ll pay by card.”
(Агент: Доброго дня. Можете дати паспорт і квиток? Ви: Привіт. Ось мій паспорт і посадковий талон. Я хотів/хотіла б зареєструвати одну валізу, будь ласка.)
Dialogue 2 — Security screening: Officer: “Please place your boarding pass on the scanner and remove your shoes.”
You: “Of course. Do I need to take my laptop out?”
Officer: “Yes, please place it in a separate bin.”
You: “Thank you.”
(Офіцер: Покладіть посадковий талон на сканер і зніміть взуття. Ви: Звичайно. Чи потрібно вийняти мій ноутбук? — Так, будь ласка.)
Dialogue 3 — Immigration officer: Officer: “What is the purpose of your visit?”
You: “Tourism. I’m staying for ten days.”
Officer: “Where will you be staying?”
You: “At [hotel name], here is my reservation.”
Officer: “Enjoy your stay.”
You: “Thank you.”
(Офіцер: Мета вашого візиту? Ви: Туризм. Я залишаюся на десять днів. Ось моя бронь.)
Dialogue 4 — Lost baggage: Agent: “Do you have your claim tag?”
You: “Yes, the number is [number]. My bag did not arrive.”
Agent: “We will open a report and deliver it to your hotel.”
You: “Thank you. Can you give me a reference number?”
Agent: “Yes, here it is.”
(Агент: У вас є багажний талон? Ви: Так, номер [номер]. Моя валіза не прибула.)
Small mistakes that cause big problems (and how to avoid them)
A common mistake is over-explaining. If an officer asks a simple question, answer simply. Another is bringing undeclared agricultural items; if in doubt, declare. Avoid sarcasm or jokes about security — they don’t translate well and can lead to extra questioning. Don’t argue; if you disagree, remain calm and ask to speak with a supervisor. Finally, keep copies of all important documents and confirmations — screens die and paper survives.
Final tips to build confidence
Before you fly, practice three things: your name, your destination, and your hotel address. These three will carry you through many conversations. Speak slowly and clearly, and remember that people in the U.S. expect directness. Politeness opens doors, but clarity gets you through them. When you feel nervous, breathe, smile, and say, “Excuse me, could you help me?” The right combination of friendliness and preparation will turn chaos into manageable steps.
Book a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher
If you want to practice these scripts live, book a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher who speaks American English like a local. You’ll get personalized practice with pronunciation, intonation, and role-play for the specific situations you’ll face at LAX. You’ll also receive feedback on things to avoid and tips to sound natural. To book, look for the “Book a Lesson” option on the youdoyou.school page, or simply DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school for a free 15-minute consultation. She will listen to your needs and set a short practice plan so you can arrive at LAX feeling prepared and calm.
A small final word (and a slightly dramatic plea)
Airports can make you feel like an extra in someone else’s film: instructions shouted, shoes removed, announcements barely audible over the sound of an outdated tannoy system. But with a few practiced sentences, you will move through the script with the kind of confidence you usually reserve for ordering coffee. You will say “Here is my passport,” you will smile, and you will, against your own expectations, not fall into a puddle of confusion. If you want help, practice with a real person who understands your language and the little cultural moves that make English sound native. Book that Zoom session. DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school for your free 15-minute consult. It’s a small step that will change your next trip.