Airport baggage handler
Career outlook for airport baggage handler
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£21,000
£21,000
Experienced
£28,000
£28,000
Currently employed in Scotland
900
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would load people's luggage on and off planes between flights and move it around the airport.
You'd be responsible for making sure that all the suitcases and cargoes are quickly and carefully delivered for so that people can collect them or they are transferred on to the next flight.
You'd make sure that that nothing is lost or broken and that the passengers and planes are safe and secure.
You would:
- Collect, sort and check luggage against flight lists, making sure that the right items go on to the right aircraft
- Transfer luggage from the check-in areas to the departure areas
- Use trucks, cargo loaders and conveyor belts to move luggage to and from the aircraft
- Load luggage on to conveyors in the arrivals hall
- Store freight cargoes in warehouses ready for distribution
- Move freight and load it on and off the aircraft
- Clean and de-ice aircraft
- Keep the runways clear of debris and snow in winter
As an experienced handler, you could work as a 'lead ramp hand', lining up aircraft ready for the next flight. You might also train staff on new equipment and procedures.
You'd need some basic mechanical knowledge to work with conveyors and lifting equipment.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
53%
Part-time
37%
Self employed
10%
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- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Taking responsibility
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Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5.
You will also need
- A driving licence
- To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland
- To be over 18 years of age
You may need to pass a medical check.