Airport Baggage Handler

Airport baggage handlers load, unload and move baggage and cargo around an airport. They are sometimes called airline porter, airport operative or ramp agent.

The Work

You could be:

• helping to set up ramp
• directing towed aircraft and assisting it to park at gate
• using lifting equipment, operating a conveyor belt or driving a truck to move baggage and cargo around the airport


• checking baggage labels against passenger lists to make sure that the right luggage goes on to the right plane


• correctly loading and storing cargo or luggage in the aircraft's hold so that it can fly safely and fuel efficiently


• unloading baggage onto a conveyer belt or carousel for passengers to collect at baggage reclaim when they land
• reporting or fixing faults in equipment
• sometimes collecting and loading separately individual items of freight or passenger luggage that are fragile, valuable or an awkward shape


• locating and removing the luggage of any passenger who has failed to board.

• cleaning the aircraft toilets, refilling water supplies, de-icing and washing the windows
• clearing runways after a storm or heavy snowfall
• using a radio to report any item that looks suspicious.

Conditions

• You would work both indoors and outdoors.


• You might work in cold, cramped and noisy conditions.


• You would sometimes have to lift, carry and load heavy weights, and objects which may be fragile or awkwardly shaped.


• You are likely to work shifts.


• You may also have to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.


• Jobs can be seasonal, with extra temporary jobs during the holiday season and lay-offs in the winter.

Getting In

• You should have a good general education.


• You may need to be at least 18 years of age, because of shift work regulations.


• Some employers may require you to have a driving licence, fork-lift truck licence or Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence, and you may have to sit an employer’s driving test.


• To work in this job, you may have to declare any criminal convictions. Certain types of conviction may prevent you getting in. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details.
• You should not be colour blind.


• You may have to have a medical examination.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• responsible


• strong and energetic


• good at working as part of a team


• able to work quickly, especially when under pressure


• accurate


• honest and reliable


• aware of security matters


• able to follow straightforward computer procedures.

Training

• On-the-job training is provided by your employer.


• This includes the safe operation of equipment such as fork-lift trucks, luggage carriers, conveyor belts and bar-code identification equipment.


• You are also likely to be trained in airport security and health and safety procedures.


• You may be able to work towards a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ).

Getting On

• After sufficient experience you may be able to get promotion to a supervisory post such as team leader.


• There may also be opportunities to move on to other areas of work, such as cargo operations, aircraft dispatching or passenger services.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Scotland has six main airports: Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick. There are also about a dozen small airports serving individual Scottish islands.

Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are owned by BAA Limited.

Dundee and Inverness are owned by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport is owned by Infratil Airports Europe Limited.

Jobs are sometimes advertised on the various company websites but are also advertised in Job Centres and in newspapers.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.