Essential Norwegian Vocabulary for Air Travel: From Airport to Airplane

For frequent travelers or businesspeople, knowing some Norwegian vocabulary related to airports and flying can be incredibly useful. Whether you’re checking in, going through security, or interacting with cabin crew, learning these essential phrases will help you navigate every step of your journey with confidence. In this article, we’ll cover key Norwegian phrases for air travel, from check-in to in-flight communication, so you can easily manage your travel at Norwegian airports.

If you’d like to study Norwegian in a more structured way, consider signing up for a course at NLS Norwegian Language School, where our classes provide practical language skills for everyday situations, including travel and transportation.

1. Essential Airport Vocabulary

1. Flyplass – Airport
   The starting point of any journey. In Norwegian, “flyplass” means “airport.” For example, Oslo Airport (Oslo Lufthavn) is often abbreviated to OSL.
2. Innsjekking – Check-in
   The process of checking in is called “innsjekking.” Many airports now have self-service kiosks where you can complete the check-in process.
   • Example: “Hvor kan jeg sjekke inn bagasjen min?” (Where can I check in my luggage?)
3. Bagasje – Luggage
   The word “bagasje” refers to luggage, including both carry-on (håndbagasje) and checked baggage (innsjekket bagasje).
   • Example: “Hvor mange kilo kan jeg ta med som innsjekket bagasje?” (How many kilos can I take as checked luggage?)
4. Passkontroll – Passport Control
   The passport check at the airport is referred to as “passkontroll.”
   • Example: “Hvor finner jeg passkontrollen?” (Where can I find passport control?)
5. Sikkerhetskontroll – Security Check
   “Sikkerhetskontroll” is the security check, where you show your boarding pass and go through screening.
   • Example: “Må jeg ta av meg skoene ved sikkerhetskontrollen?” (Do I need to take off my shoes at security?)
6. Avgang – Departure
   Departures are usually marked as “avgang” on the flight display. Be sure to check for updated gate information.
   • Example: “Når er avgangen til flyet til Bergen?” (When is the departure for the flight to Bergen?)
7. Ankomst – Arrival
   “Ankomst” means arrival and refers to the arrival time or destination.
   • Example: “Hva er ankomsttiden for flyet fra Stockholm?” (What’s the arrival time for the flight from Stockholm?)
8. Forsinkelse – Delay
   In case of a flight delay, you’ll see “forsinkelse” on the display screens.
   • Example: “Hvor lang forsinkelse er det på mitt fly?” (How long is the delay on my flight?)

2. Boarding Vocabulary

1. Ombordstigning – Boarding
   “Ombordstigning” is the Norwegian term for boarding. This is often announced over the loudspeaker at the gate.
   • Example: “Når starter ombordstigningen?” (When does boarding start?)
2. Gate – Gate
   The boarding gate is marked as “gate.” Check your boarding pass for the gate number.
   • Example: “Hvilken gate skal jeg gå til?” (Which gate should I go to?)
3. Sete – Seat
   Your seat on the plane is called “sete.” The seat number is printed on your boarding pass.
   • Example: “Hvor er setet mitt?” (Where is my seat?)
4. Bagasjehylle – Overhead Compartment
   The overhead compartment for storing carry-on items is called “bagasjehylle.”
   • Example: “Kan jeg legge vesken min i bagasjehyllen?” (Can I put my bag in the overhead compartment?)
5. Nødutgang – Emergency Exit
   “Nødutgang” refers to the emergency exit, which is usually pointed out by the cabin crew.
   • Example: “Hvor er nødutgangen?” (Where is the emergency exit?)
6. Sikkerhetsbelte – Seatbelt
   The seatbelt is called “sikkerhetsbelte.” Cabin crew will remind you to fasten it during takeoff and landing.
   • Example: “Vennligst fest sikkerhetsbeltet ditt.” (Please fasten your seatbelt.)
7. Håndbagasje – Carry-on
   Carry-on luggage is referred to as “håndbagasje” and typically has a weight limit.
   • Example: “Hvor tung kan håndbagasjen min være?” (How heavy can my carry-on luggage be?)

3. Common Phrases for In-Flight Use

1. Flyvertinne/Flyvert – Flight Attendant
   A female flight attendant is called “flyvertinne,” and a male flight attendant is called “flyvert.” They provide services and answer questions during the flight.
   • Example: “Kan jeg få litt vann?” (Could I have some water?)
2. Mat og drikke – Food and Drink
   Flights often offer “mat og drikke” (food and drink). You can order from the menu, or sometimes there are complimentary options.
   • Example: “Er det gratis mat og drikke på dette flyet?” (Is food and drink free on this flight?)
3. Toalett – Bathroom
   The airplane bathroom is called “toalett” and is usually located at the front or back of the cabin.
   • Example: “Hvor er toalettet?” (Where is the bathroom?)
4. Underholdning – Entertainment
   Some long-haul flights offer “underholdning” (entertainment), including movies, music, and games.
   • Example: “Hvilken underholdning er tilgjengelig på flyet?” (What entertainment is available on the flight?)
5. Hodetelefoner – Headphones
   If you need headphones for the entertainment system, you can ask for “hodetelefoner.”
   • Example: “Kan jeg få et par hodetelefoner?” (Can I have a pair of headphones?)
6. Flytid – Flight Time
   The flight duration is called “flytid.” Long-haul flights usually have a longer “flytid.”
   • Example: “Hva er flytiden til New York?” (What’s the flight time to New York?)
7. Ankomsttid – Arrival Time
   Arrival time is “ankomsttid,” and it’s often provided by the captain or crew.
   • Example: “Hva er ankomsttiden vår?” (What is our arrival time?)

4. Useful Phrases Upon Arrival

1. Bagasjeutlevering – Baggage Claim
   Baggage claim is referred to as “bagasjeutlevering,” where you collect checked luggage.
   • Example: “Hvor finner jeg bagasjeutleveringen?” (Where can I find baggage claim?)
2. Toll – Customs
   Upon arrival, you might need to go through “toll,” which means customs.
   • Example: “Må jeg gå gjennom tollen?” (Do I need to go through customs?)
3. Transport – Transportation
   Transportation options from the airport to the city are called “transport.” Options often include the airport express train (Flytoget), buses, or taxis.
   • Example: “Hva slags transport er tilgjengelig fra flyplassen?” (What transportation is available from the airport?)
4. Utgang – Exit
   The airport exit is marked as “utgang,” and there are usually clear signs to guide you.
   • Example: “Hvor er utgangen?” (Where is the exit?)
5. Leiebil – Rental Car
   If you need to rent a car, airports usually have “leiebil” services available.
   • Example: “Hvor kan jeg leie en bil?” (Where can I rent a car?)

Knowing these Norwegian phrases can make air travel smoother, whether you’re flying for business or leisure. If you’d like to expand your knowledge of Norwegian and gain confidence in communicating while traveling, we invite you to join a class at NLS Norwegian Language School. Our courses cover practical Norwegian for travel, daily life, and much more, ensuring you feel comfortable and well-prepared for any situation.