Career opportunities

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Baggage Handler

Baggage handlers work at airports and are responsible for safely and quickly loading and unloading airline passengers’ luggage and cargo from aircraft as well as moving it around the airport.

Baggage handlers work with a flight list, or load sheet, which is produced when passengers check in for a flight. This confirms how much cargo an aircraft will be carrying, and plans the best way for the aircraft to be loaded so that it can fly safely and fuel-efficiently. Baggage handlers also have to pay attention to how they store any awkward or fragile cargo.

After a flight has landed baggage handlers must act swiftly to remove the luggage from the aircraft and to get it to the baggage reclaim area of the airport, so that passengers can move through the airport quickly. They have to make sure that all of the luggage is taken to the right location; some bags are taken to different areas if passengers are taking connecting flights and so not leaving the airport.

Baggage handlers must also keep an eye out for any suspicious baggage, and for any damage that may have occurred in transit. They are also responsible for reporting any problems with the equipment that they use, which can include conveyors, scanning equipment and lifting machinery.

Salaries for baggage handlers start at around £11000 for new recruits.
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Working environment

Airport baggage handlers usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week. They normally work in shifts, which can include early mornings, late nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Baggage handlers spend a lot  of their time outside, working by aircraft and travelling around the airside area (the part of the airport where the planes are parked up). They also spend time in the terminal, loading baggage onto carousels and collecting baggage for loading onto aircraft. They have to work in all weather conditions and in noisy environments.

A baggage handler’s work is physically demanding and they spend a lot of their time on their feet. They must also wear a uniform and protective clothing – they must wear ear defenders, protective footwear and high visibility clothing.
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Skills and interests

Baggage handlers need to enjoy physical work. Other skills they need include the abilities to:
- communicate clearly with colleagues and other departments in the airport
- to follow instructions closely
- remain observant at all times
- work quickly and accurately under pressure
- prioritise work and take responsibility
- react quickly to changing situations and challenges
- be able to operate machinery and undertake physical work
- work as part of a team.Go Back

Entry into the role

Most baggage handlers are employed by airport ground services/handling companies or in some case by airports and airport authorities.

Jobs can be advertised by individual companies using their own websites, and in the local press. Some vacancies may be advertised in job centres or through specialist recruitment agencies.

Normally there are no specific academic requirements to become a baggage handler. Employers will expect applicants to be literate and numerate (usually with GCSEs or national equivalent in English and maths). Some employers require applicants to be 18 or older, although this can vary between companies.

Applicants must undergo criminal records checks and medical tests to ensure that they are physically healthy for the job. Additionally, some employers will require that applicants have a valid driving licence.
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Opportunities

Baggage handlers will receive training to do their job, including training on health and safety and airport regulations and procedures.

Once in the job, baggage handlers can progress in their careers and can become supervisors, and take on roles as trainers or mentors. Baggage handlers can also take on ramp responsibilities – preparation of aircraft for flight and liaison with other airport departments.

There may be opportunities to move into other fields of work, such as cargo operations, passenger services and aircraft dispatch.

There are industry related qualifications available:-
- City & Guilds level 2 awards in airport baggage facilities, airport baggage processing and loading and unloading of aircraft
- City & Guilds level 2 certificate in aviation operations on the ground
- City & Guilds level 2 certificate and diploma in aviation environment
- Edexcel level 3 BTEC certificate and diploma in aviation operations
- EAL and City & Guilds NVQ level 2 in providing aviation operations on the ground.Go Back

Useful links

• Airport Operators Association
• Civil Aviation Authority
• Royal Aeronautical Society
• Ground Handling International (magazine)

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Case Studies

• AVIATION - leading hand ramp
  Aviance employee Paul Charlton speaks about his work as a leading hand ramp.
  Download case study document

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