English on the Move
Oft bleibt einem nur das Taxi, um rechtzeitig zum Flughafen zu gelangen. Lesen Sie in diesen Dialogen, wie Sie es auf Englisch vorbestellen.
Taking a minicab
Discussing how to get to the airport
Dieter: I need to get to Heathrow tomorrow evening. What time will we finish, do you think?
Geoff: We’ll be done by five at the very latest. Dieter: My flight is at eight o’clock. So, I’d like to be there by 6.30. I’m checked in and I’ve only got hand luggage.
Geoff: Taking public transport would be a bit tight. I suggest you book a minicab. We have a company we use regularly. They’re very reliable.
Dieter: What’s a minicab?
Geoff: It’s a taxi company that takes only prebookings. You can’t hail them in the street like normal taxis. They have fixed rates based on mileage. I’ll give them a call for you, if you like.
Calling the minicab company
Omar: Private Passenger Services. Omar speaking. Geoff: Hello, Omar. This is Geoff Knight from Levers Power Tools. I’d like to book a cab for tomorrow to go to Heathrow.
Omar: Sure. What time do you need it for, Mr Knight?
Geoff: At 5 p.m. It’s not for me, but for a visitor. Omar: May I have their name, please? Geoff: It’s Dieter Braun, B-R-A-U-N.
Omar: Thanks. Does Mr Braun have luggage?
Geoff: No, just a carry-on case.
Omar: And from which terminal will Mr Braun be flying?
Geoff: Terminal 2.
Omar: That’s fine. I’ll send you an email confirmation with times and the price. The driver will be waiting at your reception area at five tomorrow.
Talking to the driver
Dieter: The traffic seems very heavy.
Driver: It’s always bad at this time — rush hour. Dieter: I’m just a bit worried about making the flight.
Driver: Once we’re through this tunnel, the traffic usually thins out a little. Getting you there shouldn’t be a problem.
Dieter: I’m not used to traffic like this. I live in a village outside Frankfurt. And even in central Frankfurt, the congestion is not this bad. Driver: I have relatives in Frankfurt — a cousin and his family. I like the city. I can imagine it’s not a bad place to live.
Dieter: It’s fine, but I prefer to live in the countryside and drive to work.
Driver: Then you should be grateful that you don’t drive in traffic like this every day!
Paying and booking the return
Driver: Here we are. This is terminal 2. And we’re right on our ETA.
Dieter: Perfect timing. How much do I owe you? Driver: The fixed rate is £50.
Dieter: Here’s £55. Could I get a written receipt, please?
Driver: Certainly. And thanks.
Dieter: I’m coming back again next Wednesday. Could you pick me up?
Driver: Sure. I’ll make a note of the details and tell Omar. But it would be good if you could send him a mail to confirm. Here’s a business card. It’s got our email address on it. Dieter: Thanks for a good, safe journey. I’ll probably see you next week.