Airport baggage handlers load and unload luggage and freight during an aircraft's turnaround between flights. They  collect, sort and check luggage against flight lists to make sure that each item goes on the right plane and to the correct destination.

Baggage handlers use conveyors and lifting equipment to move the items onto trucks, and they use these to move the luggage to and from aircraft, and into the arrival hall or cargo storage areas. Their other duties include:

• portering
• cleaning aircraft
• clearing runways of debris after high winds, and snow in winter.

Experienced handlers, known as lead ramp hands, also marshall aircraft to their stands in preparation for the next flight, keeping in touch with other ground crew by radio. They might also deal with staff training on new equipment and procedures.

Hours and Environment

Baggage handlers work around 39 hours a week on a shift system. You can expect shift times to include evenings, weekends and public holidays, and shifts can last up to 12-hours. You may also be able to work part-time.

As a baggage handler, you will work inside in terminals and warehouses, and outdoors in all weathers. The work can be noisy, so you will usually wear protective equipment and clothing.

Skills and Interests

To be an airline baggage handler, you should:

• be able to move and lift heavy loads
• have normal colour vision
• be responsible and honest
• be able to work well in a team
• have good communication skills
• be willing to work flexibly
• be able to work quickly, due to short turnaround times
• have some mechanical knowledge to work with conveyors and lifting equipment.

Entry

You do not always need formal qualifications to be a baggage handler but you do need to be over 18. All employers run strict security checks on new employees and you may also have to pass a medical.

You normally need a full driving licence and your own transport to get to work, as public transport may not cover shift patterns and airport sites.

An LGV or forklift truck licence is useful, as well as experience of warehouse operations. See the profiles for Forklift Truck Operator, Driver: Large Goods Vehicle and Warehouse Worker for more information on gaining this experience. 

It may be possible to get into this job via an apprenticeship scheme. For details, see the Training section below.

The GoSkills website in Further Information below has full details about aviation careers, training and qualifications.

Training

During training, your employer will show you how to use conveyors, barcode recognition equipment, lifting equipment and vehicles in a safe and efficient manner. You will also receive training in health and safety, security procedures, and learn how to identify airline and airport codes.

Once employed, you can work towards several qualifications including:

• NVQ in Providing Aviation Operations on the Ground at levels 2 and 3
• NVQ in Coordinating Aviation Operations on the Ground Level 3
• Edexcel (BTEC) National Certificate and Diploma in Aviation Operations Level 3.

Optional units within these qualifications include ramp handling, cargo operations and airport operations. They also cover wider areas like customer service and leadership skills, which are increasingly in demand from employers.  

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Opportunities

Baggage handlers are currently in demand, especially those who can demonstrate additional qualities, such as customer service, security awareness and supervisory skills. 

As a baggage handler you will work for airport authorities, airlines or transport service companies. Most airlines' websites include information about job vacancies. You can also check airport authorities' and service contractors' websites for jobs. Many jobs are seasonal, so there may be more opportunities during busy holiday periods.

There are many opportunities at London's two major airports: Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as at regional airports around the UK. Local opportunities are advertised in airports, job centres and local newspapers. You will also find a list of local service companies in your local phone directory.

When you have gained experience as a baggage handler, you will usually move on to become a leading ramp hand, then to a supervisory or management position.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Airline baggage handlers can earn £10,000 to £15,000 a year.
Supervisors can earn £16,000 a year or more.

Baggage handlers can make a significant increase to their income with overtime and shift allowances. Some airlines provide subsidised travel after a qualifying period.

Further information

Concorde House
Trinity Park
Solihull
Birmingham
B37 7UQ
Tel: 0121 635 5520