Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Airport Jobs?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Airports are constantly bustling with people purchasing tickets, waiting to board their flights, and exiting terminals after they land. Dozens of different types of workers are needed to ensure safety and efficiency at an airport. Some airport jobs involve conducting security screenings, loading and unloading baggage, and monitoring arrivals and departures. Customer services employees work at ticket counters, restaurants, bookstores, and gift shops. Most airports also staff administrative professionals, mechanics, and technicians to handle behind-the-scenes duties.

Ramp service agents, security personnel, and air traffic controllers help to ensure that airplanes depart and arrive on schedule. A ramp service agent is responsible for loading and unloading baggage from airplanes. He or she weighs luggage, checks tags, and places bags on their appropriate flights. When an airplane lands, the ramp agent unloads luggage and determines if it is to be transferred to another plane or brought into the airport for pickup. Agents frequently drive electric or motorized vehicles to transport bags quickly to their destinations.

Many rural airports support crop dusting services.
Many rural airports support crop dusting services.

Airport security workers monitor cameras and perform walkthroughs of an airport to maintain order and safety. Some airport jobs in security entail screening passengers before they enter terminals to make sure that they are not carrying any prohibited items. Air traffic controllers typically work in towers and on runways to direct arriving and departing planes. They monitor radar systems and communicate with pilots to make sure that runways are clear for takeoffs and landings.

Airport jobs include conducting security screenings.
Airport jobs include conducting security screenings.

Many airport jobs involve customer service duties, such as selling tickets and confirming reservations. Ticket agents help customers make reservations over the phone, on the Internet, and in person. They help passengers check in for their flights and direct them to their appropriate terminals. Ticket agents provide boarding passes and baggage claim slips, and answer any questions that customers may have about their flights.

A ramp service agent is responsible for loading and unloading passenger baggage from an airplane.
A ramp service agent is responsible for loading and unloading passenger baggage from an airplane.

Bookstores, gift shops, restaurants, and parking structures are common sights at most large airports. Airport jobs in retail and food service are typically very similar to such positions in other settings. Workers are needed to sell goods, prepare and serve food, and maintain a clean, friendly environment. Parking enforcement professionals provide security in short- and long-term parking structures and collect payment from people when they leave in their vehicles.

Most airports have bookshops and other retail stores.
Most airports have bookshops and other retail stores.

Other airport jobs are held by airplane mechanics, equipment technicians, and administrative workers. Mechanics and technicians perform repairs and preventive maintenance to ensure that machinery is kept in safe working order. Administrative personnel, including human resources workers, accountants, and executives, perform business-related duties at an airport. They manage finances and make managerial decisions to improve profits and efficiency.

Discussion Comments

tigers88

There are always airport job openings for people willing to work. Everything from maintenance to food service to clerical. Most airports have a job board and you can also check the websites of the various airlines that fly our of your airport.

truman12

Of all the jobs in the airport the one that I have always been the most curious about was baggage handler. I am not quite sure why but it seems like it would be interesting work.

I am sure that it is not all that great in reality. You have to be out in the weather and the work is physical and the pay is probably not great. But you get to see every single person's bag. I think that would be a cool way to spend my day.

gravois

I worked airport security for a few years and let me tell you, it was the most boring job I have ever had. No one is glad to see you and to be honest, there is really not that much bad stuff that happens in airports. 99.9% of the people and bags you saw were totally fine.

Plus the airport was far from my house, I had to wear a really silly uniform, the pay was terrible and I spent most of the day on my feet. A job is a job, but find another job if you can.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Many rural airports support crop dusting services.
      By: Sly
      Many rural airports support crop dusting services.
    • Airport jobs include conducting security screenings.
      By: James Steidl
      Airport jobs include conducting security screenings.
    • A ramp service agent is responsible for loading and unloading passenger baggage from an airplane.
      By: Shutterbas
      A ramp service agent is responsible for loading and unloading passenger baggage from an airplane.
    • Most airports have bookshops and other retail stores.
      By: ele
      Most airports have bookshops and other retail stores.
    • Flight dispatchers play a key role in ensuring passengers reach their destination safely and on time.
      By: Colin Hanrahan
      Flight dispatchers play a key role in ensuring passengers reach their destination safely and on time.
    • Ramp agents handle luggage and are responsible for directing airplanes in and out of airport gates.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Ramp agents handle luggage and are responsible for directing airplanes in and out of airport gates.
    • Most baggage handlers receive on-the-job training and must be in good physical condition to meet the demands of the job.
      By: varandah
      Most baggage handlers receive on-the-job training and must be in good physical condition to meet the demands of the job.
    • Ticket agents check people in for flights and direct them to the correct terminal.
      By: Elenathewise
      Ticket agents check people in for flights and direct them to the correct terminal.
    • Airport police officers are responsible for helping protect the safety of airline passengers, baggage, and cargo.
      By: Franz Pfluegl
      Airport police officers are responsible for helping protect the safety of airline passengers, baggage, and cargo.