Airlines: jargon-buster

Airmiles: Rewards allocated to passengers who are members of an airline's loyalty scheme whereby "free" miles are accrued for every flight taken, which can then be redeemed on future flights.

Baggage allowance: The stated weight of baggage that passengers can carry for free. Anything over this limit is classified as excess baggage and subject to charge. Limits vary from airline to airline.

Boarding pass: A piece of paper given to you at check-in that shows your seat number.

Carrier: another term for airline.

Check-in: Refers to both the desk and the process by which a traveller's details are checked by an airline and their luggage is handed over to be put on the aircraft.

Coach/economy: The cheapest seats that an airline sells. Usually seated towards the rear of the aircraft, this is the class that most people travel in.

Direct flight: Not to be confused with "non-stop". A direct flight may well stop en route but there'll be no changing planes.

Electronic/e-ticket: Some airlines allow you to check in online rather than with a traditional paper ticket.

Flight number: A set of letters/numbers unique to a flight. The letters usually denote the airline.

Frequent flyers: Passengers who belong to an airline's reward scheme where airmiles are awarded with each flight, according to distance, which can then be redeemed against other flights.

Hold: The part of the plane where luggage is carried.

Infant: Airlines usually classify children under the age of two as infants and don't require parents to purchase an extra ticket or individual seat for that child (though it is always wise to check this when you are booking your flight).

Landing card: A document distributed by an airline before a passenger may disembark at their destination.

Lounge: The area where passengers wait to board a plane. Some airlines have special lounges for frequent flyers and for first-class and business travellers.

Non-stop: Airlines advertise flights that only stop at their final destinations as non-stop. Not to be confused with a direct flight.

Seat pitch: The standard by which airlines measure legroom, as the distance between seats at knee level. Standard economy class seat pitch is around 79 cm (31 in).

Short haul/long haul: Airlines classify flights under four hours as short haul, and over four hours as long haul.

Standby ticket: Airlines sometimes offer additional seats on a first-come, first-served basis. These standby tickets are usually cheaper but come with no guarantees.

Taxi: The journey of a plane along a runway before take-off.

Upgrade: The holy grail of air travel, an upgrade is when airlines move you to a better seat for no extra charge. Upgrading is at the discretion of individual airlines.