What does a Baggage Handler do?

A Baggage Handler makes it possible for trunks, suitcases, duffel bags, packages, animal crates, equipment and other items to fly along with passengers. When they perform their duties proficiently, they reduce the risk of lost and missing luggage.

As a result, their work directly affects customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty. In addition, carrying out their daily tasks efficiently can lower the likelihood of delayed flights. Airport Baggage Handlers also play a role in supporting security and passenger safety when they spot and report prospective threats.

Baggage Handler skills and qualifications

To succeed in their role, a Baggage Handler needs certain skills. You may wish to include the following qualifications in your Airport Baggage Handler job description:

• Ability to move heavy items

• Strong reading comprehension skills

• Ability to enter and maneuver within tight spaces

• Technology skills to utilize handheld scanners and baggage handling system software

• Ability to safely operate motorized carts with and without trailers

• Communication skills to interact and collaborate with other Baggage Handlers and airport personnel

• Observation skills to notice potential security and safety risks

• Spatial reasoning and logic skills to determine how to best maximize the available space within baggage trailers, baggage carts and aircraft cargo areas

Baggage Handler experience requirements

Most Baggage Handlers receive on-the-job training. As a result, a candidate with no previous work experience may be able to perform the work of an Airport Handler successfully. However, you may wish to list a few years of baggage handling experience as a required or desired qualification in your Baggage Handler job description if your new hire will be responsible for training or supervising other Baggage Handlers.

Having some experience may also be beneficial for a Baggage Handler who will be joining a team that’s short-staffed or in a very high-volume airport.

Baggage Handler education and training requirements

There are generally no formal education requirements for Baggage Handlers. Because they operate vehicles on the job, Airport Baggage Handlers must often hold a valid driver’s license issued by their state. If your position involves driving any vehicles that qualify as commercial vehicles in your state, your new hire may need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). You may wish to check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to determine the type of driver’s license necessary in your area before writing your Airport Baggage Handler job description.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Baggage Handler job description above doesn’t fully meet your needs, explore these related job titles:

• Air Traffic Controller

• Aircraft Mechanic

• Freight Handler

• Porter

Baggage Handler job description FAQs

Do Baggage Handlers usually work for airlines or airports?

Typically, airports require airlines to handle all aspects of baggage handling. As a result, Baggage Handlers usually work for airlines rather than airports.

What’s the difference between a Baggage Handler and a Baggage Service Agent?

Although their roles are related, the duties of a Baggage Service Agent differ from those of a Baggage Handler. Service Agents interact with passengers. Their role is to collect, weigh and tag baggage and collect any baggage check fees for transporting it. They also create lost luggage reports when baggage fails to arrive at its destination on time. Baggage Handlers generally don’t have contact with passengers. They’re responsible for transporting the baggage checked by Baggage Service Agents to and from the aircraft.

What’s the difference between a Baggage Handler and a Baggage Porter?

At airports, Baggage Handlers and Baggage Porters both move baggage, but they have different focuses. Baggage Handlers handle checked baggage, loading and unloading aircraft and placing it on conveyor belts in the baggage claim area. Baggage Porters work within airport terminals, escorting passengers and their carry-on baggage to their gates. Their primary responsibility is to provide extra support for passengers who have disabilities, young children or extra-large or awkwardly shaped carry-on baggage. Baggage Porters typically work for airports rather than for airlines.

Who does a Baggage Handler report to?

A Baggage Handler often reports to a Baggage Handling Supervisor, who oversees a team of handlers. Supervisors typically report to a Baggage Handling Manager or Baggage Manager.