Airport English For Ukrainians In Seattle | Online Tutor

You are flying into Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and your heart is doing one of those small, hopeful flips that only happens when you think of coffee and a dry, clean airplane pillow. You are carrying a carry-on that contains a suspiciously large amount of charger cords, and three printed copies of your itinerary (just in case). This guide helps you speak the essential English you need at SEA: check-in, security screening, immigration questions, customs declarations, baggage issues, tight connections, and secondary inspection. You will get short, copy-and-paste dialogues, pronunciation tips, useful Ukrainian explanations, and a compact glossary so you can act confidently without translating everything in your head.

Discover Airport English for Ukrainians in Seattle | Online Tutor Here…

Why this guide is for you

You might be a first-time traveler or someone who has flown before but now finds every airport announcement a polite conspiracy against your sleep schedule. This guide gives you short scripts and phrases you can actually use, written in plain English and sprinkled with Ukrainian where that helps you remember. You will also get practical advice for real situations—missed connections, long lines at security, or the moment when the baggage carousel shows nothing but a sad hat. Think of this as your conversational Swiss army knife for Seattle’s airport.

Before you leave home: documents and prep

Before you get anywhere near SEA, check your passport (паспорт — pasport), visa or ESTA (if applicable), your airline tickets, and the printed or digital boarding pass. Make sure your passport is valid for the length required. If you’re flying from Ukraine, you will likely need to show proof of onward travel and possibly your vaccination or test results depending on current rules. Print a copy of your hotel reservation or the address where you’ll be staying—officers sometimes ask for it.

Packing for security: liquids, electronics, and expectations

When you pack, remember liquids rule: bottle sizes under 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a clear quart-size bag. Laptops, tablets, and large electronics must usually come out of your bag at the security checkpoint unless you have TSA PreCheck. You will be asked to remove your shoes, belts, and jackets frequently. Practice saying “I have a laptop in my bag” (У мене в сумці ноутбук — U mene v sumci noutbuk) so you can answer quickly and clearly.

Arriving at SEA: first impressions and where to go

When you get to SEA, follow signs to “Ticketing” or “Check-in” if you need a printed boarding pass, or if you have it already, head straight to “Security” (TSA). Seattle’s airport is big but logical. Give yourself at least two hours for domestic flights and three for international arrivals. You will find friendly wayfinding signs and helpful staff; if you ask, “Excuse me, where is gate A6?” you’ll get directed or escorted if needed.

Check-in: kiosks, agents, and simple scripts

There are three common check-in scenarios: using a kiosk, talking to a counter agent, and when your bag is overweight. For kiosks, you usually type in your last name and confirmation number. For counters, be prepared with your passport and reservation number.

Sample dialogue at a counter: “Hello, I have a reservation under Koval.” “Can I see your passport, please?” “Here it is. I’m checking one bag.” “Do you have any carry-on?” “Yes, I have a backpack.”

(Ukrainian: “Добрий день, бронювання на прізвище Коваль.” — “Dobryj den’, bronjuvannja na prizvische Koval.”)

The agent may ask about your stay or if you packed your bags yourself. Short answers are fine. If your bag is overweight, the agent will tell you the fee. You can say, “Is there a smaller bag I can carry on to avoid the fee?” (Чи можна щось зробити, щоб уникнути збору? — “Chy mozhna shchos’ zrobyty, shchob unyknuty zboru?”)

Check-in kiosk script (copy and paste)

Use this short set of phrases for the kiosk or to say politely to a staff member.

“Good morning. My name is [your name]. I need help with my check-in.” “Could you please check my bag? It’s one checked bag.” “My flight number is [flight number]. Do I need a boarding pass?” “Thank you. What gate is my flight?”

(Ukrainian hints in parentheses: “допомога” = help, “реєстрація на рейс” = check-in)

Security screening: what they will ask and what to say

You will approach TSA with your boarding pass and ID. Expect these questions: “Do you have liquids in your bag? Any electronics? Are you carrying gifts?” You will place your carry-on and laptop into bins. Remain polite and say “Thank you” even when your shoes are taken away like a small ritual sacrifice to an organization called Safety.

Common security dialogue: “Good morning. Please place your boarding pass and ID on the tray.” “Do you have any liquids or gels?” “Please remove your laptop and put it in a separate bin.” “Step through the scanner.”

Practically, say: “Yes, I have a laptop in my bag” (Так, у мене ноутбук в сумці — Tak, u mene noutbuk v sumci). If you have medical devices or implants, let the officer know: “I have a medical device” (У мене медичний пристрій — U mene medychnyj prystriy).

Pronunciation tips for security phrases

You will be asked the same small set of questions many times. Say them aloud before you go:

• “Do you have any liquids?” — sounds like “doo yoo hav eny LIK-widz?” (лікіди — likvidy)
• “Please remove your shoes.” — “pleez ree-MOOV yor SHOOS”
• “Put your laptop in the bin.” — “put yor LAP-top in the BIN”

Repeat them until they feel like a simple grocery list, not a foreign movie scene.

Immigration/Customs: the first conversation with CBP

When you arrive from an international flight, you will go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will present your passport and answer questions about the purpose of your visit. The officer will ask where you will stay, how long you will stay, and might ask about your job, your return ticket, or what you are bringing into the country.

Keep your answers short and honest. The officer wants to confirm you are visiting, studying, or working legally. You don’t need to give a long story about your grandmother’s cookies unless the officer asks for more detail.

Typical questions from CBP:

• “What is the purpose of your trip?”
• “How long will you be in the United States?”
• “Where will you be staying?”
• “Do you have anything to declare?”

Answer patterns:

• “I’m visiting friends and family for two weeks.”
• “I’ll stay at [hotel name or address].”
• “No, I don’t have anything to declare.”

(Ukrainian: “Мета мого візиту — відвідати родичів” — “Meta moho vizytu — vidvidaty rodychiv”)

Immigration interview scripts (copy and paste)

Officer: “Passport, please.” You: “Here you go.” Officer: “What is the purpose of your trip?” You: “I am visiting family for two weeks.” Officer: “Where will you be staying?” You: “I will stay at my cousin’s apartment, 123 Main Street, Seattle.” Officer: “Do you have anything to declare?” You: “No, I do not.”

Pronunciation tip: “Passport please” — “PASS-port pleez.” Saying “please” makes the exchange easier even if the officer seems stern.

Secondary inspection: calm, clear, and useful phrases

If you are taken aside for a secondary inspection, do not panic. This can happen for many reasons—random checks, paperwork mismatches, or a question about an item in your bag. Secondary inspection is a more private conversation and often quicker than you fear. Be cooperative, polite, and concise.

What to say: “May I see the officer’s badge number?” (Якщо бажаєте, можете запитати номер значка — Yaksho bazhayete, mozhete zapytaty nomer znachka.) You usually do not need to ask this; you can simply answer questions. You may be asked to open your luggage. Say, “Sure” or “Okay” then open it where the officer asks.

Common phrases: “Yes, I packed my bag myself.” “I bought this in Ukraine.” “This is a gift.”

Customs declaration: forms and spoken answers

If you have goods to declare—large amounts of cash, goods over the exemption limit, or restricted items—you must tell the officer. There used to be paper forms; many airports now use kiosks. The questions are simple: are you bringing food? Do you have more than $10,000? Are you carrying items to sell?

If you’re unsure, be honest: “I am not sure. I have dried fruit and chocolates as gifts.” (Я не впевнений/впевнена — “Ya ne vpevnenyj/vpevnena,” я маю сушені фрукти та шоколад — “ya mayu susheni frukty ta shokolad”.) The officer will tell you if you need to declare.

Sample customs dialogue: Officer: “Do you have anything to declare?” You: “I have gifts: chocolates and dried fruit. No commercial goods.” Officer: “Okay, welcome to the United States.”

Baggage claim: how to find your bag and what to say

When you go to baggage claim, follow signs for your flight number. If your bag is delayed, lost, or damaged, go directly to the airline’s baggage office in the baggage claim area. The staff there will ask for your baggage claim tag (the little sticker you received at check-in) and your contact details.

What to say at the baggage desk: “My bag did not arrive on the carousel. My claim number is [number].” “I need to file a lost luggage report, please.” “My bag is damaged; I would like to report it.”

(Ukrainian: “Мої багаж не прибув” — “Moyi bagazh ne prybyv.”)

Lost luggage script (copy and paste)

You: “Excuse me, my luggage did not arrive. I have a baggage claim tag.” Agent: “Can I see your passport and flight details?” You: “Yes, here is my passport. The tag number is [number]. Where will you deliver the bag if it turns up?” Agent: “We will deliver it to your hotel or address you provide.” You: “Thank you. How long does this usually take?”

Practical tip: Keep a photo of your bag and a list of important items in it. This speeds up recovery.

If your bag is lost or damaged: what to expect

Airlines usually have a 24–48 hour process to locate and return delayed luggage. They will give you a Reference/Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number. If your bag is damaged, ask for a damage report and keep receipts for repairs. For valuable items, the airline may require proof of value.

You will want to ask: “When will you know where my bag is?” “Can I have a copy of the report?” “How do I track the progress?”

Be persistent but polite. The airline staff are often doing their best with a system that is, admittedly, not built for romance.

Tight connections: asking for help politely and clearly

If your incoming flight is delayed and you have a tight connection, go to the airline’s transfer desk as soon as you land. You can also call the airline via phone or use their app. Gate agents can help you rebook, but sometimes they are stretched thin.

Useful phrases: “My connecting flight is in [X] minutes. Can you help me?” “Is there an earlier flight or an alternative route?” “Can I be put on standby for the next flight?”

Be prepared to ask for a “rebooking” (перебронювання — perebronjuvannja) or a “standby” (в очікуванні — v ochikuvanni). If time is very short, explain politely: “I have a tight connection; could I get assistance to get to the next gate?” Often an agent will give you a special pass or escort you.

What gate agents will ask and what to say

Gate agents care about weight numbers, seats, and whether you are a frequent flyer. When asking for help, keep your tone friendly. You might say, “I was on flight AZ123 that was delayed. My connection is to Denver on flight DL456. Could you rebook me?”

If the agent offers a later flight, ask about meal vouchers if you face a long wait: “Am I eligible for a meal voucher?” (Чи маю я право на ваучер на їжу? — “Chy mayu ya pravo na voucher na yizhu?”)

Polite phrases that work in the U.S.

Politeness goes a long way. A small “please” and “thank you” can change the tone of a conversation at security, with gate agents, or in immigration.

Examples to practice: “Could you please help me?” — “Можете, будь ласка, допомогти мені?” (Mozhete, bud’ laska, dopomohty meni?) “Thank you very much.” — “Дуже дякую.” (Duzhe dyakuyu.) “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” — “Вибачте, не могли б ви повторити?” (Vybachte, ne mohly b vy povtoryty?)

Small talk and cultural notes

You will sometimes be asked small, friendly questions like “How was your flight?” or “Enjoying Seattle so far?” Short, positive answers work well: “The flight was fine, thank you” or “Yes, the weather is beautiful today.” Americans often smile and expect quick replies; they do not mean to rush you—it’s just the cultural rhythm.

Avoid long, controversial topics at the border or with officers. Keep things simple and factual.

Pronunciation guide for key border and airport questions

Here are some common questions you will hear and how to say them clearly. The pronunciation hints are written in a friendly, phonetic way for Ukrainian speakers who might not use IPA.

• “Can I see your passport, please?” — “KAN eye see yor PASS-port, pleez?” (Паспорт — PAS-port)
• “What is the purpose of your trip?” — “WUT iz the PUR-pus ov yor trip?” (Мета поїздки — META poyizdky)
• “How long will you stay?” — “HOW long wil yoo STAY?” (Скільки будете — SKIL’ky budete)
• “Do you have anything to declare?” — “doo yoo hav ANY-thing to dee-CLARE?” (Чи маєте щось — Chy mayete shchos’)
• “Did you pack your bag yourself?” — “did yoo PACK yor BAG yor-self?” (Ви пакували самі? — Vy pakuvaly sami?)
• “Please remove your shoes.” — “PLEEZ ree-MOOV yor SHOOS” (Зніміть, будь ласка, взуття — Znimit’ bud’ laska vzuttia)
• “Place your liquids in the tray.” — “PLAYS yor LIK-widz in the TRAY” (Рідини — Rydyny)

Repeat these phrases to yourself until they stop sounding like tongue twisters.

Compact glossary: quick translation list

Keep this small list in your phone for quick reference. These are the words you’ll hear often.

• Passport — паспорт (pasport)
• Boarding pass — посадковий талон (posadkovyj talon)
• Gate — вихід/рейс (vykhid/reys)
• Baggage claim — отримання багажу (otrymannya bagazhu)
• Lost baggage — загублений багаж (zahublenyj bagazh)
• Customs — митниця (mytnytsya)
• Immigration — імміграція (immigratsiya)
• Check-in — реєстрація (reyestratsiya)
• Security — безпека (bezpeka)
• Flight — рейс (reys)
• Connection — пересадка (peresadka)
• Visa/ESTA — віза/ESTA (viza/ESTA)

Practicing with a real script: role-play examples

Role-playing helps. Say the lines out loud. Imagine the agent, the machine hiss, the overhead call for your flight. The more you rehearse, the less you’ll sound like you are dialing a wrong number when asked for your passport.

Role-play: missed connection

Agent: “I’m sorry, your flight was canceled. We can put you on tomorrow morning’s flight.” You: “Is there any earlier flight today? I need to arrive this evening.” Agent: “The next available seat is tomorrow morning.” You: “Is there a standby list I can be on? Also, can I get a hotel voucher if I’m rebooked for tomorrow?” Agent: “Yes, we can put you on standby and provide a voucher.”

This conversation is easy once you know the keywords: “cancel,” “standby,” “voucher,” “rebook.”

Seattle-specific tips

Seattle weather can be damp; assume your shoes will smell like damp socks at the end of a long day. If your flight is delayed because of weather, be patient—these are usually safety decisions. The airport staff are used to this and will try to help. There are also Blue Line trains connecting SEA to downtown Seattle; you might be asked if you need directions to the light rail. If someone asks, “Are you going to downtown?” they mean the city center.

Technology and apps: use them for speed

Download your airline’s app for real-time updates. Use Google Maps to find hotels and addresses before you arrive so you can answer immigration questions without pausing. Keep digital copies of your documents in a secure folder.

Dealing with stress: breathing and small jokes

Airports amplify minor anxieties. You will likely be tired, dehydrated, and temporarily philosophically opposed to carry-on restrictions. Take slow breaths, smile, and remember a brief, self-deprecating line you can say to yourself out loud if something goes wrong: “At least I packed snacks.” Humor softens the moment and helps you remember phrases.

If you want an icebreaker with a friendly agent, you can say, “My English is not perfect, but I’m practicing,” and most people will respond with helpful patience. (Моя англійська не ідеальна, але я тренуюсь — “Moya anhliyska ne idealna, ale ya trenuyus’.”)

Extra practice: three mini dialogues to memorize

Dialogue 1 — At security Officer: “Please place your liquids in the tray.” You: “Yes, here they are.” Officer: “Do you have any electronics?” You: “I have a laptop and a tablet.”

Dialogue 2 — Immigration officer Officer: “What is the purpose of your trip?” You: “I’m visiting family for ten days.” Officer: “Where will you stay?” You: “At my cousin’s address: 123 Main Street, Seattle.”

Dialogue 3 — Lost baggage Agent: “Can I see your baggage claim tag?” You: “Yes, here it is. My bag is a black suitcase with a red ribbon.” Agent: “We will try to locate it and deliver it.” You: “Thank you. Can you give me the reference number?”

Memorize one dialogue per day before you go. Repetition makes it smooth.

When something goes wrong: who to call and what to ask

Keep a list of emergency numbers: your airline’s lost baggage desk, the police in case of theft, and your embassy or consulate if you need consular help. If you have urgent medical needs, ask the airport staff for assistance or locate medical help points.

If you need to call your airline, have your reservation code, passport name, and flight number ready. Ask, “Can you please help me find my bag?” Be polite and persistent.

Final checklist before you go to the airport

• Passport and visa/ESTA: check.
• Boarding pass (printed or downloaded): check.
• Baggage tags: visible and secure.
• Medications and essentials in your carry-on.
• Hotel address and return ticket info on your phone.

A short mental rehearsal of the phrases in this guide will make the process less stressful.

Practice with a native Ukrainian teacher

If you want to practice your exact itinerary, try a short Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher who speaks English fluently and understands both sides of the translation challenge. In a 20-minute session you can role-play your arrival, the questions you’ll be asked, and the specific phrases for your route through SEA. Practicing the exact words you will say will build confidence and reduce the awkward ninety seconds where you forget the word “luggage” and invent something charming instead.

You can book a short session focused on your trip—walk through the dialogue you expect from check-in to baggage claim, practice pronunciation, and refine your answers for CBP questions.

Book a free consult with Sofiia

If you’d like a quick, free consult before you travel, DM Sofiia on Instagram @youdoyou.school for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. She will help you choose the most useful phrases for your itinerary and practice a short role-play. If you find it useful, you can book a short paid Zoom session with a native Ukrainian teacher to rehearse your specific flights, connections, and hotel address.

Closing thoughts (yes, one more)

Airports are an uncomfortable mix of efficiency and unpredictability, and speaking a different language simply makes it more cinematic. But with a few practiced phrases, a calm voice, and a pocketful of polite words, you will be able to handle the most common situations at SEA. You will discover that most people want to help. You will also learn that Seattle coffee tastes better after a hassle-free landing.