My World of Work

You are here

Home // My Career Options // Airport baggage handler

Airport baggage handler

luggage handler airline porter airport operative ramp agent ramp hand
Bookmark
Transport, distribution and logistics
Support

Career outlook for airport baggage handler

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£15,000

Experienced

£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

You are likely to work on a shift system, covering a basic 39-hour week. Shifts could last up to 12 hours and include evenings, weekends and public holidays. Work may be seasonal, depending on the needs of the airport

Environment

You would work inside airport terminal buildings and cargo warehouses, and outdoors in all weathers. You could also sometimes work in small spaces, like an aircraft hold.

UK employment status

Full-time

53%

Part-time

37%

Self employed

10%

Search course options

Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.

Find courses

Search job opportunities

If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.

Find a job

Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Taking responsibility

Skills Explorer

Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.

Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.

Use the Skills Explorer tool

Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

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.