FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesOn the PlaneQuanto manca all'atterraggio?
A2

Quanto manca all'atterraggio?

How long until landing?

Pronunciation

at-ter-RAG-gio — stress on third syllable, double 'g' creates a harder sound.

When to use it

During the latter part of the flight when you want to know how much time is left.

What it means

'Quanto manca a' (how long until) + noun is a very useful construction for asking about time remaining. 'Manca' comes from 'mancare' (to be lacking/missing). 'Atterraggio' is the noun for landing (from 'atterrare'). On the seat-back screen, the time remaining is usually displayed.

Variations

Siamo in fase di discesa?

Are we in the descent phase?

You can feel the descent — confirm with crew

Tra poco atterriamo?

Are we landing soon?

Informal and slightly anxious-sounding

Quando dobbiamo mettere il sedile in posizione verticale?

When do we have to put the seat upright?

Required during final approach and landing

Mini Dialogue

— Quanto manca all'atterraggio? — Circa trenta minuti. Stiamo iniziando la discesa. — Posso ancora andare in bagno? — Faccia presto. Tra dieci minuti dovrà tornare al suo posto.

— How long until landing? — About thirty minutes. We are beginning our descent. — Can I still go to the toilet? — Be quick. In ten minutes you will need to return to your seat.

Cultural Note

The final 30 minutes of a flight involve seat preparation (seats upright, tray tables stowed, window blinds up). Toilets are typically locked during the final approach. Passengers should be in their seats with seatbelts fastened from approximately 20 minutes before landing.