Getting through an international airport isn’t always easy even for seasoned travelers. Things get even trickier when you don’t speak and international language.
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How to travel internationally when you don’t speak English? or another international language?
International airports can be stressful environments even for seasoned travelers.
Things get even more challenging when you don’t speak English or another international language.
Communication barriers are tough to overcome and often can be the source of delays and confusion. Which will in turn make your journey more stressful than it needs to be.
If you have trouble with English or international languages and you’re about to travel, or a relative of yours is in this situation and you’re worried I can relate! My boyfriend only speaks French and found himself in this situation when he came to visit me in London.
So what can you do about it? Here are a few tips to help you get through an international airport when you don’t speak English or another international language.
Tip #1 – Research the airport’s layout and procedures
It can be a good idea to check out the airport’s map before you get there. Maybe you can have someone who speaks English help you out before your travel date. Try and pinpoint your gate (if you already know it), the check-in counters, baggage claim, the information center, and any other area you feel are essential.
Tip #2 – Have essential phrases pre-written
Having a few phrases pre-written on a piece of paper and having the phrases or words translated into English can help.
Example of sentences that could help you out :
- Hello, can you help me find my gate?
- Hi, can you show me where is the information center, please?
- Hello, can you show me in which direction is my airline’s desk?
It’s also a good idea to have this emergency phrase in case of an issue or an emergency :
- Hello, I have lost my phone and I’m lost, could you call my (mother, son, friend, …) on this number +XX XXX XX XX?
I had prepared this for my boyfriend and told him to give the paper to someone in case of an issue. I made sure my phone wasn’t on silent and that I was available to answer while he was traveling through the airport.
Tip #3 – Arrive early
This advice is a staple whether you speak English (or any international language) or not. Make sure to allow plenty of time to check in, clear security, and find your gate.
You’ll be way better off arriving early than rushing through the airport and risking missing your flight.
Tip #4 – Look for international symbols (pictograms)
In most airports, the pictograms are usually the same. Baggage claim, emergency exits, bathroom locations, and gate signs are pretty universal throughout most international airports.
Check out these signs beforehand to know what to look for and navigate the airport with ease.
Tip #5 – Seek assistance from airport staff
Airport staff is helpful in many situations, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance from the airport if you’re unsure about anything. Most airports have customer service desks or information counters where you can get some help. You can also look for staff members wearing vests or badges indicating that they are available to assist travelers.
Tip #6 – Use meet and assist services
These services are available to minors and elderly travelers. If you are very worried you could contact your airline or the airport and see if this service would be available for you or your relative. These services make sure you get through the terminal and get to your gate.
Tip #7 – Minimize transit points
Try to reserve a direct flight when possible. Minimizing transit points (stops) will make traveling a lot easier.
Have a phone with data (internet connection): make sure you or the person traveling has a phone with some form of internet connection. In case of an emergency or an issue, the person can call a next of kin that can translate into the native language of the person.
This also allows the person to use google translate or deepl is need be.
Bonus tips
Imagine you’re on a long-haul flight in economy and there is no entertainment in your language! Sounds like a bad joke or a horror movie right?
Well, you can use these tips to prevent this :
- Check beforehand the flight entertainment services for your airline. You can do this by going to your airline’s website and checking out their entertainment system. Try to select a few movies you’d like to see and make sure they’re translated into your language.
- Pre-download tv shows or movies on your phone or tablet. I always do this one, just in case my entertainment system has an issue. On most streaming services you can download movies or tv shows that you can then watch offline. This takes a bit of time so don’t wait till the last minute to download movies or tv shows on your equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling through an international airport when you don’t speak English or another international language can be challenging, but with some preparation and planning, you can navigate the airport with ease. Remember to arrive early, use visual aids to communicate, and seek assistance from airport staff when needed. With these tips, you can focus on enjoying your journey and creating memorable travel experiences.
