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Prepare for take off

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

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!