getting on a plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on a plane" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means that someone is about to board an aircraft. For example: "I will be getting on a plane to Mexico later today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In one week I'm getting on a plane and flying to LAX.

Vice

"It's the pure act of getting on a plane".

The New York Times

They were getting on a plane to Syria.

The New Yorker

They're just so happy to be getting on a plane.

The New Yorker

What's worth getting on a plane to see this summer?

The New York Times

It seemed promising: a chance to leave the United States without getting on a plane.

The New York Times - Travel

Current project: Shanzhai Biennial — I'm getting on a plane tomorrow for Beijing.

The New York Times

My mother told me I was excited about meeting a stewardess, about getting on a plane.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was Christmas and he was getting on a plane," Mr. Haber said.

The New York Times

Getting on a plane looks like a suicidal act these days.

The Guardian

But no, I'm not getting on a plane to L.A. anytime soon".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting on a plane" when describing the physical action of boarding an aircraft, especially in informal contexts or personal narratives. For formal writing or announcements, consider "boarding" or "embarking".

Common error

Avoid using "getting on a plane" when you mean the plane is leaving the ground. "Getting on a plane" refers to the act of boarding, whereas "taking off" describes the plane's departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on a plane" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of entering an aircraft. It often serves as part of a longer clause indicating travel plans or anxieties related to flying. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting on a plane" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase describing the act of boarding an aircraft. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "boarding" or "embarking". Be mindful not to confuse it with the action of "taking off". Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to communicate travel plans, anxieties related to flying, or logistical steps in a journey. When aiming for precision, ensure the phrase accurately represents the act of boarding, rather than the entire flight experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding a plane

This alternative uses a more concise verb, "boarding", to describe the action of entering a plane.

going aboard a plane

This alternative uses "aboard" to specify the action of getting onto the plane.

embarking on a flight

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the beginning of a journey by air.

entering an aircraft

This option is a more technical and less common way of saying the same thing, focusing on the type of vehicle.

about to fly

This phrase focuses on the impending act of flying, rather than the physical action of getting on the plane.

preparing to board

This option highlights the preparation stage before actually getting on the plane.

lining up to board

This phrase adds the context of queuing before boarding.

passing through the gate

This focuses on the step right before boarding when passengers pass through the boarding gate.

taking a flight

This shifts the focus to the complete journey rather than just the boarding action.

heading to the airplane

This indicates movement towards the plane but not necessarily the act of boarding itself.

FAQs

How to use "getting on a plane" in a sentence?

You can use "getting on a plane" to describe the act of boarding an aircraft, such as, "I'm nervous about "getting on a plane" after watching that movie" or "She's "getting on a plane" to Europe tomorrow morning".

What can I say instead of "getting on a plane"?

You can use alternatives like "boarding a plane", "embarking on a flight", or "entering an aircraft" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is "getting on a plane" formal or informal?

"Getting on a plane" is generally considered informal. More formal options include "boarding a plane" or "embarking on a flight".

What's the difference between "getting on a plane" and "taking a flight"?

"Getting on a plane" refers specifically to the action of boarding, while "taking a flight" refers to the entire journey by air from departure to arrival.