Being in an aeroporto (airport) is never the best experience in the world. The long hours waiting around, the getting in filas (lines), the security check, the gate changes, the delays, and not to mention, the incredibly overpriced comida (food) and produtos (goods).

There are ways to making the experience slightly more bearable: try to get your own meal packed at home and bring it with you if you have a long wait, you cannot bring líquidos (liquids), but sandwiches are accepted. Another tip is to think about what you are bringing in your hand luggage and get the liquids in a small plastic bag so you go through segunrança (security) faster. Getting your eletrônicos (electronics) out before they ask for it is also a good idea.

There is one more action you can take which will make your traveling easier: knowing the língua (language), even if it is only a few palavras (words). This will make it easier for you to understand where exactly you should be going and people who work at the aeroporto will be more inclined to ajudar (help) you. Showing you know a few words in the language can make people (not only staff, but other passengers as well) more willing to give you a hand. Now let’s get started with some vocabulary:

Lugares (places):

1. Aeroporto – airport
2. Avião – airplane
3. Sala de espera – waiting lounge
4. Portão de embarque – boarding gate
5. Alfândega – customs
6. Achados e perdidos – lost and found
7. Balcão de check-in – check-in counter
8. Balcão da empresa aérea – airline counter
9. Inspeção de segurança – security check
10. Banheiro feminino/masculino – ladies’/gentlemen’s room
11. Lanchonete – snack bar

Pessoas (people):

1. Capitão – captain
2. Comissária/comissário de bordo – flight attendant

Objetos relacionados (airport related objects):

1. Quadro de horários – flight information board
2. Esteira de bagagem – baggage claim
3. Escada rolante – escalator
4. Elevador – elevator
5. Esteira rolante – moving walkway

Outros vocabulários úteis (other useful vocabulary):

1. Balcão de despachar mala – baggage drop-off
2. Fila – line
3. Número do voo – flight number
4. Bagagem de mão – hand luggage
5. Mala – suitcase
6. Passaporte – passport
7. Carteira de identidade – identification card
8. Cartão de embarque – boarding pass
9. Número do assento – seat number
10. Assento da janela – window seat
11. Assento do corredor – aisle seat

Now you’re ready to go on your next trip in/to Brasil!

Divirta-se (have fun)!