Airport baggage handler
Airport baggage handlers load and unload luggage and cargo from aircraft, as part of the ground services team.
Also known as: Airline baggage handler, cargo handler, ramp agent
- Starter salary£21,000 a year
- Experienced£28,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 45 a week
What you'll do
As a baggage handler, you would:
- transfer luggage from check-in points to departure areas
- make sure luggage is scanned and put onto the correct plane
- move luggage to and from aircraft holds using trucks, cargo trailers and conveyor systems
- store freight cargo in warehouses
- load inbound luggage onto carousels in the arrivals hall
- report baggage that's damaged or suspicious
Working environment
You could work on an aircraft, at an airport or in a warehouse.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- knowledge of public safety and security
- physical fitness and endurance
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a airport baggage handler
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge that could help you get into this job.
Courses include:
- aviation
- exploring the aviation industry
Colleges offering these courses are usually located in towns and cities near to major airports.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route but it may help you to get in if you have:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship. These include:
- Aviation Ground Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Aviation Ground Handler Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Aviation Ground Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Direct application
There are no specific entry requirements but some employers may prefer you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English.
Experience of warehouse work, forklift training or a large good vehicle (LGV) licence could be useful when applying directly for jobs.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass security checks
- be over 18 years of age
- pass a medical check
- pass enhanced background checks
You may need your own transport to get to and from the airport, as public transport may not cover all of your shift times. Many jobs ask for a full UK driving licence.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work as a 'lead ramp hand', lining up planes ready for the next flight. You could also train staff on equipment and procedures.
You could move into:
- supervising and management
- passenger handling operations
- airport ground crew services
Career tips
Seasonal work may be available, with large increases in the number of travellers during busy holiday periods.
You can try out virtual work experiences in different aviation industry jobs, including ground services.
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0