English at Work – Episode 33 : Prepare for take off

Transcript of the podcast

Narrator: Hello again. Well, this is very exciting! Paul, the boss, is sending Anna and Tom on a business trip to France. He wants them to clinch the deal with a company interested in buying their Imperial Lemons. But has Tom got more than business on his mind

?Tom: Really? What… me and Anna… to France

.Paul: Yes but make sure you get that contract signed. We need the business

?Tom: Yeah, yeah, of course. Are we staying overnight

Paul: There’s no money for that – just get there and come straight back. Oh and could you bring back those nice French biscuits that have in the duty-free shop

?!Tom: Sure. So, Anna, we’re off on holiday together are we

?Anna: No! But I’ve got to book the flights online, can you help me please

.Tom: It’s not my thing. I’m sure Denise will help. I need to go and pack for this trip

Denise: (On the phone) Yes Marge… in the cupboard… envelopes apparently… Tom and Anna… oh here she is… got to go Marge… bye. Hello Anna, everything OK

.Anna: Sort of. I’ve got to go to France with Tom

Denise: Yes, I know. I thought you’d be pleased to go with Tom, after your time in the stationery cupboard with him

Anna: I was just finding an envelope Denise. Anyway, I’m worried about booking the flights online. I usually book flights at a travel agent’s

Denise: It’s company policy now, we have to do everything online – even my food shopping – but don’t tell Paul

?Anna: Oh right. So where shall I begin

Denise: Pull up a chair Anna and we’ll log on. Right let’s start with the British Airlines website. There. London to Marseille. What is the outbound date

.Anna: Going out tomorrow, back tomorrow

.Denise: Business class or Economy class? I think we’ll say Economy

?Anna: That’s cheaper I guess. What’s this mean? Flexible or fixed

Denise: A flexible ticket means you can change your flight but a fixed one means you can’t – and that’s cheaper so we’ll choose that one. I’ll book you on the 8am flight from Heathrow and flying home at 6pm. I just need to type in your full names now and select your seats. Window or aisle

?Anna: I’ll what

?Denise: No Anna. A seat by the aisle or by the window

.Anna: Oh, an aisle seat please, Denise

?Denise: Good. What’s your frequent flyer number

.Anna: Oh I don’t have one of those

Tom: What’s that? Frequent flyer number? Here I’ve got a gold status card, can you stick my number in

?Denise: Gold status! Where did you get that

.Tom: Oh, I’ve flown loads of times for business. I’ve done deals all around the world

Narrator: He means he’s been on lots of jollies – free trips paid for by the company – and all he’s come home with is a sun tan

.Denise: Hmm, really. Right I just need to pay now… using the company account of course

?Tom: Cool. Now, what do you think of my sunglasses

?Anna: Lovely Tom. Denise has booked you a window seat OK

…Tom: No! Sorry I can’t sit by the window… I’m… errr

?Denise: Yes Tom

.Tom: Well, I mean, it’s only polite that the lady sits by the window

?!Denise: Really

Narrator: What’s Tom like?! Hopefully he’ll prove a useful business partner for Anna on the trip to France. Here’s a reminder of some of the questions you may be asked when booking a flight

?What’s the outbound and return date ?Do you want to fly business or economy ?Do you want a fixed or flexible ticket ?Would you like a window or aisle seat ?Have you got a frequent flyer number

.Denise: There you go you two, your e-ticket. Now don’t forget your passports

Tom: Thanks Denise. Hey Anna, I’m so pleased that we’re on this trip together. It’ll be nice to spend some time with you

.Anna: Yes and to do some business and really show Paul we are his best employees

…Tom: Oh yeah, of course… I just wondered

?Anna: Yes

?Tom: Is there any chance I could sit in the aisle seat

Narrator: I’ve got a feeling Anna’s in for a bumpy ride. Find out how their trip goes next time on English at Work. See ya