Tom arrived at the airport two hours before his flight. He was flying to Barcelona for a vacation. Tom checked in online and had only a small backpack. He went through security quickly. He found his gate and sat down to wait. Tom bought a coffee and read the news on his phone. Suddenly, an announcement came over the speakers. 'Flight 247 to Barcelona is delayed due to bad weather.' Tom looked at the departure board. His flight was now delayed by three hours. 'Three hours!' Tom thought. 'What am I going to do?' He decided to walk around the airport. First, he visited a bookstore and bought a travel guide about Barcelona. Then he found a quiet corner and started reading. After an hour, Tom was hungry. He went to a restaurant and ordered a sandwich and juice. The food was expensive, but at least it was good. While eating, Tom noticed a woman at the next table. She looked upset and was talking on her phone. 'My flight is delayed too,' she said. 'I might miss my connection.' After her call, Tom said, 'Hi, I heard you're delayed too. Going to Barcelona?' 'Yes,' she smiled. 'I'm Maria. Nice to meet you.' 'I'm Tom. Is this your first time visiting Barcelona?' 'No, I go every year for work. I'm a photographer,' Maria said. 'That sounds like an amazing job!' Tom said. They talked about Barcelona's best places to visit. Maria recommended the Gothic Quarter and the beach at sunset. 'You have to try the tapas at La Boqueria market,' she added. Time passed quickly while they were talking. Another announcement came: 'Flight 247 is now boarding at Gate 15.' 'Finally!' Tom said with relief. Tom and Maria walked to the gate together. There was a long queue, but they did not mind. They showed their boarding passes and got on the plane. By chance, their seats were in the same row. 'What a coincidence!' Maria laughed. The flight was smooth. Tom and Maria watched a movie together. Two hours later, they landed in Barcelona. The weather was sunny and warm. 'The delay was worth it,' Tom thought, looking at the blue sky. At the baggage claim, Maria said, 'Here's my phone number.' 'Call me if you want a tour guide. I know the city well.' 'I will definitely call you,' Tom said with a big smile. Sometimes a delayed flight can lead to unexpected adventures.
English Story (A2)Delayed Flight
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Tom arrives at the airport early for his flight to Barcelona, but learns it's delayed by three hours due to bad weather. While waiting, he explores the airport, buys a travel guide, and meets Maria, a photographer who travels to Barcelona every year. They talk about the city's best places, and when the flight finally boards, they discover their seats are in the same row. After landing in sunny Barcelona, Maria gives Tom her phone number and offers to be his tour guide.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why was Tom's flight delayed?
2
What did Tom buy at the bookstore?
3
What is Maria's job?
4
What did Maria recommend Tom try in Barcelona?
Vocabulary
29 words from this story
