Baggage handlers load and unload suitcases, luggage and other cargo -- all of which carry endless amounts of germs, dirt, dust and other substances.
So they are mostly there to quickly get bags on and off the aircraft. Taking their time or being delicate with luggage isn't really their top concern. Most luggage is designed for being jostled around and manhandled by equipment and people.
Dangerous Equipment: Baggage handlers often use dangerous equipment, such as forklifts and conveyor belts. If these machines are not properly maintained or operated, they can lead to accidents and injuries.
What's it like? You would load people's luggage on and off planes between flights and move it around the airport. You'd be responsible for making sure that all the suitcases and cargoes are quickly and carefully delivered for so that people can collect them or they are transferred on to the next flight.
Baggage handlers must be in good physical health and able to lift heavy objects.
Normally, passengers can expect to see their checked bags anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes after arrival, according to Nick Gates, a director at SITA, an aviation technology company. An airport's size, passenger capacity and the degree of modernization in its bag handling all play a role.
Within the airline industry, a baggage handler is often referred to as a "rampie" or "ramper": one who handles cargo on the "ramp" (the Aircraft Operations Area or AOA; outside the airline industry, the ramp is frequently referred to as the "tarmac", a term popularized by the media).
Once inside, staff who range from baggage handlers to mechanics to cleaning crews are subject to either no security screening at all or to random spot checks at best. Only passengers, pilots and flight attendants are required by federal law to pass through airport metal detectors.
Baggage handlers get a retirement plan, and dental, life, and accident insurance. To sweeten the deal, like most airline employees, baggage handlers get to fly for free on any flight (source). And they get an average of two weeks paid vacation time to take advantage of those free flights.
Airport Baggage Handlers usually work 40 hours a week.
This will typically include, kneepads, footwear and gloves. The footwear should have toe protection and provide suitable grip for smooth and wet surfaces. When working airside baggage handlers should also be provided with hi-visibility clothing and ear protection.
According to the Department of Transportation, luggage theft is a common problem. U.S. airlines reported more than three mishandled bags for every thousand in March. More than 1 million bags were stolen in 2018. It resulted in $1.2 billion in missing valuables.
Baggage Handler Statistics By Gender
17.0% of baggage handlers are women and 83.0% of baggage handlers are men.
Most baggage handlers in Western Australia work at the Perth Airport (domestic and international terminals), though there are also opportunities at regional airports throughout the State. Employment as a baggage handler is usually secured through an airline, rather than an airport.
What are your rights if your baggage is lost? If you travelled domestically, you may be entitled to compensation under an Australian law called the Civil Aviation (Carriers' Liability) Act. You could be compensated up to a maximum of $3,000 for checked baggage and $300 for unchecked baggage.
Very rarely. Due to the volume of baggage, and thus the presence of a lot of other baggage handlers, it's difficult to find the opportunity to open a bag without being seen by someone else. Think about it, though… Out of those thousands of bags they see every day, how many of them will have something of value in them?
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.
Airlines are responsible for either moving the baggage themselves, or hiring the ground handling company of their choice to move the baggage.
If there is any doubt or something suspicious about your bag, a member of security personnel will inspect it by hand. If they cannot get into your lock with a master key, they may have to open it with other means, but it will be wrapped up and secured after inspection.
a worthless woman. a prostitute or disreputable woman. Often Disparaging. a pert, playful young woman or girl: a pretty baggage; a saucy baggage.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word baggage comes from the Old French bagage (from baguer 'tie up') or from bagues 'bundles'. It may also be related to the word bag.
Cabin trunks, which are sometimes called "true" steamer trunks, were the equivalent of today's carry-on luggage.
A baggage handling system (BHS) is made up of a number of different processes and checks. A BHS is designed to count bags, check weights of bags, balance loads, screen suitcases for security reasons, transport bags through an airport conveyor belt system and read bag information automatically.