Airport Baggage Handler

Also known as:

Baggage Handler, Airport

Introduction

Airport baggage handlers transport, load and unload baggage and cargo. They are responsible for checking luggage against flight lists and taking it to the aircraft or to the reclaim conveyor belt. They need to work quickly, accurately and safely.

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Work Activities

Airport baggage handlers load and unload baggage and cargo on and off planes. They also move it around the airport on trucks.

They check outgoing luggage against flight lists and load it onto the aircraft using lifting equipment. They may load smaller items by hand.

Incoming baggage is taken to the reclaim conveyor belts in the arrival hall. It is sorted to ensure that each article is loaded onto the correct aeroplane or conveyor. Incoming cargo has to be moved to the appropriate storage area.

Baggage handlers need to work both quickly and accurately while taking care not to cause damage.

Baggage handling staff are responsible for keeping an eye open for suspicious looking cargo or baggage items. They must report such items to airport security or the police.

In smaller airports, baggage handlers may also clean both the interior and exterior of aircraft, and de-ice them in winter. They may also help with portering, keeping the runways clear, and helping disabled people onto aircraft.

At larger airports, some manual work has been taken over by machines. Computers may control the loading and unloading of baggage.

Baggage handlers may also be called airport hands, operatives or ramp agents.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Baggage handlers must work in teams, so the ability to co-operate with other team members is essential. You should be able to work efficiently and quickly to avoid delay, and when you are handling expensive or breakable items, you need to work carefully. You also need to be able to use mechanical handling equipment.

Baggage handling requires physical fitness and stamina as the work involves lifting, carrying and bending.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Airport baggage handlers earn in the range of £330 - £370 a week, rising to around £430 a week.

Airport baggage handlers usually work a basic 40-hour week. Shift work and work at weekends and public holidays is normally required. Overtime is usually available in busy periods.

Baggage handlers are employed by airlines, handling agents or by airport authorities.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. You must be aged 18 or over due to shift work regulations.

Previous practical experience, for example, in warehouse and stores, using your hands is helpful. A clean current driving licence is usually needed.

• 14% of people in occupations such as airport baggage handler work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 8% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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