Check-in counter (advanced · problem situation)
A situation where the transfer time is tight, you want to sit with your family, and you are negotiating for an upgrade or to be on standby for an earlier flight. Make requests politely while leaving room for refusal for unreasonable requests.
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Is there any chance of upgrading to business class?
'Is there any chance of ~?' is a very polite expression that acknowledges the possibility of it not happening, meaning 'Is there any chance of ~?'
I would like to sit with my family if possible.
Could you check if there are seats with more legroom in the front?
I have a tight transfer time in Tokyo; will my bag be checked through to the final destination?
checked through = automatically sent to the final destination without picking it up at the layover. tight connection = tight transfer time.
Could you put me on the standby list for an earlier flight?
I would rather not check this if possible.
'I'd rather not ~' is a polite way to express a preference for not doing something. It's softer than a refusal.
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The highest level of politeness structures are 'Would it be possible to ~?
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' and 'Is there any chance of ~?
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'.
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You can gently make a request that might be unreasonable while leaving room for the other person to refuse.
- standby — Standby list (boarding if a seat opens up)
- tight connection — Tight transfer time
- checked through — Checked through to the final destination
- bulkhead — Seat in front of the wall (an open seat in front)
- if possible — If possible