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Airline Baggage and Freight Handler

Also known as Baggage Handler.

Airline baggage and freight handlers work in the loading services area of an airline's operations, transferring items between airport buildings and aircraft.

Airline baggage and freight handlers have to work shifts, which may include weekends, public holidays and nights.

Earmuffs are worn due to noise from the aircraft engines. The work involves bending, lifting and carrying heavy items.

With experience, and sometimes further training, you may be able to work as a supervisor, work on runways or arrange transport for crew.

TASKS

Airline baggage and freight handlers may perform the following tasks:

transport baggage and cargo around an airport
load and unload passenger baggage and freight (including animals and perishables) on and off planes and helicopters
use a motorised luggage cart, scissor-lift truck or forklift truck to carry baggage on the airport road system
operate and place mobile stairs to enable passengers to board or disembark an aircraft
unload and load any baggage and freight that needs to make a connecting flight
read luggage labels and follow lists to ensure baggage goes to the right place
check for any priority baggage and assign all baggage to the correct carousel

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

display alertness, attention to detail and common sense
enjoy practical work and working with people
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
good problem-solving skills
good interpersonal and communication skills
good visualisation skills, with the ability to understand diagrams and maps
sound literacy skills to understand loading instructions
sound numeracy skills for interpreting weight specifications

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as an airline baggage and freight handler without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become an airline baggage and freight handler through a traineeship in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service).

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

The minimum age for entry is normally 18 years, and a drivers licence is required for most jobs. You will need to undergo a hearing test and medical examination before commencing work. All persons working in the airline industry must also satisfy security clearance requirements.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Aviation Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.