¡Hola! Planning a trip can be exciting, but sometimes, unexpected changes occur. This chapter, 'Hacer y Cambiar Planes de Viaje,' will equip you with the specialized vocabulary and phrases needed to confidently book flights and accommodations, discuss itineraries, and handle cancellations or modifications in Spanish. Let's ensure your travel plans go smoothly, even when they don't!
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Imagine you've booked a flight, but now you need to change the date. Or perhaps your hotel reservation needs to be modified. How would you communicate these changes clearly and efficiently in Spanish? This chapter focuses on providing you with the precise language to manage your travel arrangements, ensuring flexibility and peace of mind.
(Think): What's the most challenging part of planning a trip for you? What kind of information do you usually need to confirm when booking travel?
Master vocabulary and phrases for making and changing travel plans.
Import Chapter 79 Flashcards(Requires login to import/study)
Instructions: Match the Spanish term with its English meaning.
A. to book / to reserve
B. refund
C. flight
D. airline
E. delay
Answer Key:
1-C, 2-D, 3-E, 4-A, 5-B
Instructions: Complete the sentences with an appropriate word or phrase from the chapter.
Answer Key (Examples):
Instructions: In pairs, one person is a traveler (el/la viajero/a) and the other is an airline/hotel agent (el/la agente).
1. The traveler calls to change or cancel a flight/hotel reservation, explaining the reason.
2. The agent asks for confirmation details (e.g., confirmation number, dates) and explains the options, fees, or refund policy.
3. They discuss the new arrangements.
Switch roles and repeat with different travel scenarios.
Travel in Spanish-speaking countries, while generally well-organized, can sometimes present unexpected situations like delays or changes. Flexibility and clear communication are key. When dealing with airlines, hotels, or tour operators, having your confirmation number (número de confirmación) and identification ready will always facilitate the process. While online booking is prevalent, direct communication via phone or in person can often be more effective for complex changes or issues.
Patience is also a virtue, especially during peak travel seasons or unforeseen circumstances. Service personnel will generally be helpful, but they might be dealing with many requests. A polite and understanding approach, even when frustrated, will yield better results. Remember that "la hora española" (Spanish time) can sometimes imply a more relaxed approach to punctuality, so factor in extra time for connections or appointments.
These terms are common in hotel bookings to describe meal plans:
Narrador: Ana y su familia tenían un vuelo reservado a Buenos Aires, pero un evento inesperado los obligó a cambiar sus planes.
Ana: ¡Qué pena! Tenemos que cambiar la fecha de nuestro vuelo. Voy a llamar a la aerolínea.
(Ana llama a la aerolínea)
Agente: Aerolínea XYZ, buenos días. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?
Ana: Buenos días. Quisiera cambiar mi vuelo a Buenos Aires. Mi número de confirmación es ABC123DEF.
Agente: Entendido. ¿Para qué nueva fecha le gustaría cambiarlo?
Ana: Para el 20 de agosto, por favor. ¿Hay disponibilidad?
Agente: Sí, hay asientos disponibles. Sin embargo, hay una penalización por el cambio de fecha y una diferencia de tarifa.
Ana: ¿Cuánto es la penalización y la diferencia?
Agente: La penalización es de 50 euros por pasajero y la diferencia de tarifa es de 75 euros. En total, 125 euros por persona.
Ana: Comprendo. ¿Y si cancelamos el vuelo? ¿Tengo derecho a un reembolso?
Agente: Si cancela, solo se reembolsarán las tasas de aeropuerto, no el precio del billete. La penalización por cancelación es del 100% en su tipo de billete.
Ana: Entonces, es mejor cambiarlo. Proceda con el cambio, por favor.
Agente: De acuerdo. Su vuelo ha sido modificado. Le enviaré la nueva confirmación por correo electrónico.
Ana: Muchas gracias por su ayuda.
Narrator: Ana and her family had a flight booked to Buenos Aires, but an unexpected event forced them to change their plans.
Ana: Oh, what a shame! We have to change the date of our flight. I'm going to call the airline.
(Ana calls the airline)
Agent: XYZ Airline, good morning. How can I help you?
Ana: Good morning. I would like to change my flight to Buenos Aires. My confirmation number is ABC123DEF.
Agent: Understood. For what new date would you like to change it?
Ana: For August 20th, please. Is there availability?
Agent: Yes, there are seats available. However, there is a penalty for the date change and a fare difference.
Ana: How much is the penalty and the difference?
Agent: The penalty is 50 euros per passenger and the fare difference is 75 euros. In total, 125 euros per person.
Ana: I understand. And if we cancel the flight? Am I entitled to a refund?
Agent: If you cancel, only the airport taxes will be refunded, not the ticket price. The cancellation penalty is 100% on your ticket type.
Ana: Then, it's better to change it. Proceed with the change, please.
Agent: Okay. Your flight has been modified. I will send you the new confirmation by email.
Ana: Thank you very much for your help.
el viaje, el destino, el itinerario, el vuelo, el billete de avión, la aerolínea, el aeropuerto, el retraso, la cancelación, la escala, el equipaje, el hotel, la habitación, la reserva, reservar, modificar, cambiar, cancelar, el reembolso, la penalización, la disponibilidad, la fecha, el número de confirmación.
Quisiera reservar un vuelo/una habitación. ¿Hay disponibilidad? ¿Cuánto cuesta? Necesito cambiar/modificar mi reserva. Quisiera cancelar. ¿Hay penalización? ¿Tengo derecho a un reembolso? Mi vuelo está retrasado/cancelado.
¡Excelente trabajo dominando el arte de hacer y cambiar planes de viaje en español! This skill is essential for any international traveler. In our final "Desenvoltura Práctica" chapter, we'll cover **Discussing Arts, Culture, and Entertainment.** This will involve learning how to talk about movies, music, museums, and local traditions. ¡Hasta la próxima!