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PhrasesOn the PlanePosso comprare qualcosa a bordo?
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Posso comprare qualcosa a bordo?

Can I buy something on board?

Pronunciation

com-PRA-re — stress on second syllable. 'Bordo' is BOR-do.

When to use it

When you want to purchase food, drinks, or duty-free items during the flight.

What it means

'A bordo' (on board) is used for ships, aircraft, and trains. 'Posso comprare' (can I buy) is the standard purchase inquiry. On budget flights, everything from snacks to souvenirs is sold. Long-haul flights often have a duty-free trolley service.

Variations

Quanto costa il panino a bordo?

How much does the sandwich cost on board?

Airport prices — expect to pay €5-8 for a simple sandwich

Accettate euro o solo carta?

Do you accept euros or only card?

Many budget airlines are cashless on board

Vendete profumi nel duty-free a bordo?

Do you sell perfumes in the on-board duty-free?

Long-haul flights have duty-free trolleys

Mini Dialogue

— Posso comprare qualcosa a bordo? — Sì, certo. Abbiamo snack, bevande e articoli da viaggio. — Quanto costa una bottiglia d'acqua? — Tre euro. — E accettate la carta? — Sì, solo carta o pagamento digitale. Non accettiamo contanti.

— Can I buy something on board? — Yes, of course. We have snacks, drinks, and travel items. — How much does a bottle of water cost? — Three euros. — And do you accept card? — Yes, card or digital payment only. We do not accept cash.

Cultural Note

Ryanair and easyJet, which operate many Italian routes, are fully cashless on board. ITA Airways serves free meals on long-haul flights and sells food on shorter routes. Prices on board are significantly higher than in the airport or city — the captive audience effect. Bring your own snacks whenever possible.