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Transport

Airport baggage handler

Airport baggage handlers load and unload luggage and cargo from aircraft.

Annual Salary

£15,000 to £28,000

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

44 to 46 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts

0.2%
Future employment

There will be 0.2% more Airport baggage handler jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

You could:

  • transfer luggage from check-in areas to departure areas
  • make sure luggage gets onto the right plane
  • move luggage to and from aircraft holds using trucks, cargo loaders and conveyor systems
  • store cargo in warehouses
  • load luggage onto conveyors in the arrivals hall
  • report baggage that's damaged or suspicious

Working environment

You could work on an aircraft, at an airport or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Aviation Environment.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could train for this role through an intermediate apprenticeship as an aviation ground operative or an aviation ground handler.

This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
For more information
Direct application

There are no specific entry requirements but some employers may prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English.

Experience of warehouse work and an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) or forklift truck licence could be helpful when applying directly for this role.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

  • You may need your own transport to get to and from the airport, as public transport may not cover all of your shift times. Some jobs ask for a full UK driving licence.
  • pass security checks
  • be over 18 years of age
  • pass a medical check
  • pass enhanced background checks

More information

Career tips

Seasonal work may be available, with large increases in the number of travellers in busy holiday periods.

Jobs may be advertised on the websites of airport authorities and agencies, recruitment agencies and in local newspapers.

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With experience, you could work as a 'lead ramp hand', lining up planes ready for the next flight. You could also train staff on equipment and procedures.

You could move into supervisory management or passenger handling operations.

You can find out more about working as a baggage handler from Careers That Move.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • a desire to help people
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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