Airport customer service is something we have all probably experienced at one time or another. If there are delays, cancellations or you need a wheelchair etc then it is airport customer service that sort things out. Jobs in customer service exist in airports to try and sort out people’s problems. At busy airports customer service jobs are in high supply as they are always needed. If you think that you are suited to airport customer service jobs then this article might give you some useful information. Skills Needed for Customer Service Airport Jobs

• Experience in customer service is very useful. This experience doesn’t have to be in an airport, any situation you have been in which meant you had to solve a problem is valuable experience.
• A second language is always a bonus when working in customer service airport jobs. People of many different nationalities will pass through and if you can’t communicate then things become very difficult.
• Basic knowledge of airport operations is useful.
• You have to be able to stay calm in stressful situations to survive customer service jobs in an airport. You often come across disgruntled passengers who can get angry. You will need to be rational, cool, calm and collected and solve the problem as best you can.

Finding and Applying for Customer Service Airport Jobs

• You can go to your local airport and ask at information kiosks if they have any employment packs or information which will help you find customer service jobs in the airport.
• Check online at websites such as Airport Jobs and Aviation Job Search to find relevant customer service airport jobs. These are niche websites and you can often find useful advice as well as adverts for job vacancies.
• Check the newspapers for any vacancies available.

Browse customer service airport jobs on Airport Jobs.

Searching for baggage jobs?

In this guide, we profile airline ground operations, which cover all aspects of a baggage role, from loading and unloading cargo from an aircraft to overseeing the check-in of baggage.

Learn more about ground operations and the structure of baggage handler jobs in the guide below.

Baggage Handler Job: A Guide to Ground Operations

Ground operations refers to all activity taking place in and around an aircraft stationed at ground level at the airport. As well as baggage jobs, it incorporates everything from fuelling, cleaning and even ticketing.

Many airlines refer to baggage handler jobs and other ground operations as 'below-the-wing' work. Depending on the size of an airport or airline, a baggage handler may have a number of duties in addition to baggage jobs.

Key responsibilities that need to be carried out at ground level include loading and unloading baggage from the cargo hold, checking and sorting baggage prior to and post departure, assisting with aircraft fuelling and, during the winter months, inspecting and clearing the runway of any signs of ice.

Anybody considering a ground operations role needs to be aware that this job can involve certain compromises - including flexible working hours and irregular shifts. Extra hours may also be a requirement during peak times such as the school holidays and the Christmas break.

Finally, baggage handler jobs require all individuals based on the ground to work in harmony as a team, so you'll need excellent communication skills and the patience to embrace several different job roles.

Find baggage jobs on Airport Jobs

Interested in pursuing a career as a baggage handler?

Few entry requirements are required to become a baggage handler, although an airport employee will be expected to have some experience of ground operations training in order to fulfil this job role.

Learn about baggage jobs training by reading the information provided below.

Baggage Handler Jobs: Ground Operations Training

Generally, no formal qualifications are required to become a baggage handler, although as this job is based within a sensitive environment, an employer will need to carry out stringent security checks before you can begin work at an airport. As this job involves plenty of physical work and heavy lifting, a medical may also be a pre-requisite for securing baggage jobs.

There are some conditions that need to be fulfilled to carry out this job role, however. For example most airport employers will require you to a hold a full clean driving license and an LGV license as a minimum requirement. Applicants can enhance their chances of securing a baggage handler job if they can demonstrate some previous experience of operating a fork lift truck. Experience in a warehouse may also prove beneficial.

An airport may favour prospective employees who live within easy driving distance to the airport, as this job often involves unsociable hours and unusual shift patterns. Age restrictions can also apply, with most baggage handlers needing to be at least 18 years of age (in some cases 21) before they can be considered for the job.

In terms of on-site training, one of the first things a prospective baggage handler will learn is how to operate the conveyor. New recruits will also be taught how to handle bar code recognition equipment as well as lifting equipment. Finally, training will be offered on vehicle operation and health and safety procedures.

Some airports may also offer support to baggage employees working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Providing Airside Ramp Services; it's best to check on further education opportunities available within your local area.

Find baggage jobs on Airport Jobs

Airport passenger service agent jobs are an integral part of the smooth running of an airport and the progress of airlines. These airport vacancies entail a host of different duties, all with the aim of getting passengers safely on board the correct flights. For more information about passenger service agent jobs see the following guide. Airport Passenger Service Agent Jobs – The Aim These airport vacancies are crucial to the success of an airline, as more often than not (especially with online holiday bookings), they will be the first representatives that passengers have contact with from the airline. For this reason, passenger service agent jobs require great customer service and organisational skills to ensure that passengers get onto the correct flights at the right time happily. Luggage is also checked in, and sometime passengers will need guidance onto the plane itself. Passenger Service Agent Jobs around the Airport •    Check-In Desk – Passengers must be booked in to their flights. This means tickets and passports are checked, seats allocated and boarding cards given. •    Boarding Gate – After some time in the position, most are expected to progress to the gates where you will announce flight details and admit passengers onto a flight. •    Other Parts – Agents are often required on the runway to help disabled passengers onto the aircraft. Airport Passenger Service Agent Jobs – Working Environment There is a lot of paperwork and computer work involved with this job, so accuracy and attention to detail are important. Hours can be very long with a shift pattern of days on and days off. Entry and Salary Some of these airport vacancies can be found with airlines themselves, whilst others are through companies that handle a number of airlines. There are no strict rules with regards to qualifications and entry to this job. The route into these types of airport vacancies can vary from person to person. However, GCSEs are usually required. Foreign languages are an advantage, but not required. The salary for passenger service agent jobs ranges between £11,000 and £13,500.

Airport vacancies are characterised by a number of different types of work. Passenger service agent jobs include several duties and responsibilities to ensure that passengers find their way through the boarding process easily. Airport passenger service agent jobs normally require working in a few different locations around airport terminals, and sometimes on the runway. If you are considering airport vacancies like these ones, see the following guide for some useful information regarding the job and what is to be expected in this role. The Aim Airport passenger service agent jobs are in place with airlines to ensure that passengers are correctly booked in to their flights and that their luggage is checked in. After this, they must be given information about where and when they will board the plane. In some special cases this will require guiding passengers to their plane up to the boarding gate, or even onto the aircraft itself. Passenger Service Agent Jobs around the Airport •    Check-In Desk – Passengers must be booked in to their flights. This means tickets and passports are checked, seats allocated and boarding cards given. •    Boarding Gate – After some time in the position, most are expected to progress to the gates where you will announce flight details and admit passengers onto a flight. •    Other Parts – Agents are often required on the runway to help disabled passengers onto the aircraft. Airport Passenger Service Agent Jobs – Working Environment There is a lot of paperwork and computer work involved with this job, so accuracy and attention to detail are important. Some of these airport vacancies can be found with airlines themselves, whilst others are through companies that handle a number of airlines. Hours can be very long with a shift pattern of days on and days off. Entry and Salary There are no strict rules with regards to qualifications and entry to this job. The route into these types of airport vacancies can vary from person to person. However, GCSEs are usually required. Foreign languages are an advantage, but not required. The salary for passenger service agent jobs ranges between £11,000 and £13,500.

UK airport operator BAA has said the number of passengers using its airports fell in June because of continued disruption from the BA strike. Passenger numbers in BAA’s airports fell 1.7% compared with June 2009. BAA said that without the impact of the strike it would have expected traffic to have been at the same levels as the previous year.
» Read more: BAA passenger numbers hit by BA strike in June

Browsing online for baggage jobs? At an airport, you will find several different types of baggage jobs.

In this article, we take a brief look at the main individual baggage jobs you can find within an airport environment.

Read on to learn more about the baggage jobs to look out for when applying for an airport role.

Baggage Jobs: Main Job Roles

Crew Chief

The Crew Chief tends to run the general baggage operation on the ground at an airport. Baggage staff will be expected to report to the Crew Chief.  In this position, the principal task will be to ensure that luggage has been loaded and transported safely onto the aircraft.  This role tends to be the highest paid of baggage jobs.

Inbound Runner

As the name suggests, the inbound runner has the task of delivering and transporting baggage from an inbound flight onto the baggage claim carousel. Speed and efficiency are key attributes of this position.

Bag Room Agent

This particular baggage job involves an individual overseeing the delivery of baggage into the bag room from the conveyor belt. The agent here will sort bags into the relevant carts depending on routing requirements. Scanning and packing are often important aspects of this particular role.

Freight Agent

A certified agent will take charge of handling any mail and freight that arrives at an airport. Mail and freight will arrive with instructions as to whether it requires transportation to another destination or requires collection and sorting directly from the airport.

Transfer Agent

This refers to any agent employed to operated the machinery used to transport luggage to and from the aircraft and baggage claim.

Ramp Agent

This refers to all baggage jobs situated in and around the ramp. To learn more about ramp agent jobs, click the link provided.

Operations Agent

Also referred to as a load control agent, the operations agent has an extremely important role in ensuring weight restrictions within the aircraft are followed. The cargo, passenger and fuel must be distributed evenly to ensure a plane can fly safely. Therefore, the Operations Agent will carry out all the checks needed to ensure a plane is legal to fly.

Warehouse Agent

Some shipments and cargo may not have been ratified by customs, and will therefore need to be stored in close proximity to the runway. A warehouse agent will assume the responsibility of ensuring these particular items are secured safely 'in bond'.

Find baggage jobs on Airport Jobs

Looking to apply for baggage jobs in the near future?

If you want to learn more about the work, hours and career prospects of a job as a baggage handler, you may find the information provided below useful.

Baggage Jobs: Baggage Handler Job Descriptions

The general work responsibilities involved with a baggage handler job will include the following:

• Loading and unloading freight between aircraft flights
• Checking and sorting luggage against flight lists
• Overseeing the transfer of luggage from the check-in area to the departure area
• Command baggage transportation devices
• Consult with warehouse staff for the storage of cargo
• Assist with the cleaning and de-icing of aircraft
• Load baggage onto conveyors for collection
• Ensure runways are kept clear of snow and ice during the winter months

Baggage Jobs: Working Conditions and Opportunities

Anybody considering a baggage job should be prepared to work flexible hours, as well as being open to the prospect of overtime. Most baggage handlers will work a 39 hour week, with individuals shifts lasting for a maximum of 12 hours. Some evenings and weekends will be necessary. In terms of finding available opportunities, it's best to start your search right here on Airport Jobs. Organisations offering employment will include airports, airlines and groundstaff service contractors.

Find baggage jobs on Airport Jobs.

Applying online for baggage jobs? Then you may wish to consider work as a ramp agent. This is an important role within the airport, with the ramp agent taking all responsibility for the ground servicing of an airplane while it is being prepared for flight. Learn more about ramp agent jobs in the guide below.

Baggage Handler Jobs: Find Work as a Ramp Agent

A ramp agent can expect to carry out the following daily duties:

• Cleaning and maintaining aircraft exteriors
• Assisting with the loading and unloading of baggage and cargo
• Mantaining and repairing the water and toilet systems of an airplane
• Inspecting all baggage for tagging
• Scanning baggage tags
• Operating baggage vehicles across the runway
• Aircraft marshalling (after advanced training)
• Clearing baggage jams as and when they occur

Ramp Agent: Required Skills

• A sensible approach to airport safety
• Outstanding knowledge of aviation authorities, regulations and systems
• Driving licence
• Practical, hands-on personality
• Flexible with working unsociable shifts
• Possession of a Airport Vehicle Operating Permit (AVOP)
• Computer Literate
• Excellent all-round physical health

Find baggage jobs on Airport Jobs

One of the most important employees within an airport environment are those who carry out baggage jobs.

A baggage handler will have the responsibility of loading and unloading luggage from an airplane and arranging its transportation around the airport. Learn more about the responsibilities that come with baggage handler jobs in the guide below.

Baggage Handler Jobs: Key Responsibilities

• Sorting and checking luggage before and after transportation
• Checking flight lists to ensure baggage is placed under the correct flight
• Monitoring the transportation from check-in to departure gates
• Using heavy machinery, trucks and cargo loaders to transport goods
• Ship cargo into warehouses in readiness for transportation
• General cargo area maintenance, cleaning and de-icing
• Driving runway vehicles
• Ensuring all baggage machinery has been moved in readiness for take-off

Baggage Jobs: Qualifications and Salary Guide

The average starting salary for a baggage handler is relatively low, at £11,000-£15,000 a year. However, career progression can see this figure rise to £16,000-£18,000 a year. As shifts can vary, most baggage handlers will be paid on an hourly basis.  However, as this job does involve some unsociable hours, basic pay can be increased significantly with overtime.

To qualify for this particular role, you'll need to be a minimum of 18 years of age and pass stringent security checks. One of the best ways to secure a baggage handler job is to opt for an apprenticeship scheme; however on-the-job training is also provided by some organisations.

Other training qualifications and certificates that may prove useful include a forklift truck licence, an NVQ in Aviation Operations and a BTEC National Certificate in Aviation Operations.

Find baggage jobs on Airport Jobs.