The moment

Amara is flying home from London to Nairobi. Harry works at the check-in counter. Her bag is heavier than she thought, and her gate is a long way from the counter. Listen for how she handles the problem: she doesn't argue about the fee, she asks for another way out. That's the move to learn.

The conversation

HarryAmara
  1. Harry
  2. Amara
  3. Harry
  4. Amara
  5. Harry
  6. Amara
  7. Harry
  8. Amara
  9. Harry
  10. Amara
  11. Harry
  12. Amara
  13. Harry
  14. Amara

Words to know

the most you're allowed

a polite way to give bad news

move out of the line so others can go

go now; there isn't much time

Check yourself

1Why does Harry mention a fee?
2How does Amara avoid paying?
3Why does Amara decide to get coffee at the gate?

Practice · 3 min

Play each line and repeat it in the gap. Then take Amara's part with her lines muted. Say "Can I move a few things to my carry-on instead?" as a real question, with your voice going up at the end, not as a complaint.

  1. HarryMorning. Where are you flying today?
  2. AmaraNairobi, the eleven forty. Here's my passport.
  3. HarryThanks. How many bags are you checking?
  4. AmaraJust this one. And a backpack for the cabin.
  5. HarryOkay. Hmm, it's twenty-six kilos. The limit is twenty-three.
  6. AmaraOh no. Is there a fee?
  7. HarryYes, sixty-five dollars, I'm afraid.
  8. AmaraCan I move a few things to my carry-on instead?
  9. HarrySure. Step to the side, and come back when you're ready.
  10. AmaraOkay, I took out my shoes and two books.
  11. HarryTwenty-two point eight. Perfect. Here's your boarding pass.
  12. AmaraThank you. Which gate is it?
  13. HarryB forty-two. It's a fifteen-minute walk, so don't wait.
  14. AmaraThen I'll get coffee at the gate. Thanks again.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.