Responsibilities of Airport Ground Handling Agents
4 min read
Do you know what an airport ground handling agent does? They’re the people who load and unload baggage, coordinate customs and check all of your documents before you get on the plane. If they do their job right then, you should have an easy time at airports.
Airport ground handling agents are responsible for loading and unloading luggage, catering to the needs of passengers on the terminal floor, making sure that planes are ready to depart when they need to be, and assisting with other aspects of airport operations. This is a high-stress job due to the number of people an agent may contact within one day or one shift. It can also be physically demanding because some jobs require lifting heavy bags onto conveyor belts. Read this post to learn more about airport ground handling agents.
– They check all of your documents before you get on the plane.
– When planes are ready to depart, they take them out and then return for the next batch.
– They load and unload baggage and coordinate customs.
– It’s a high-stress job due to the volume of people an agent may have a contact within one day or one shift.
– Some jobs require lifting heavy bags onto conveyor belts– which can be physically demanding.
What should you look for when choosing Airport ground handling agents?
They speak your language fluently:
When traveling to a foreign country, it’s important that your ground handler can speak the language of your destination. This ensures you’ll have no problems communicating with the locals.
They know how to handle rare situations:
Every job has its risks, but agents who work at airports are exposed to more hazards than other workers. In addition to the usual risks present in other jobs, agents are also at risk of contracting illnesses from coming into contact with all passengers flying through any given airport. This is why it’s important to choose a ground handler who knows how to recognize and handle all possible situations that can arise.
They are trained professionals:
Their job is extremely important, and it’s something that should only be entrusted to trained professionals. Not just anyone can handle the responsibility of loading hundreds of passengers onto a plane in a short amount of time, so you should choose an agent who has had all the proper training for their position.
They have good customer service skills:
An agent who has good customer service skills will provide the best possible service for passengers, which is why it’s important to choose someone with these abilities. The way an agent treats you says a lot about the kind of services they’re likely to offer, so if an agent is rude or dismissive, then the chances are that their services are also going to be subpar.
What should you avoid when choosing Airport ground handling agents?
Avoid agents who are new at their job:
When you’re traveling, you want everything to go smoothly without any problems. One way to ensure this is by avoiding agents who have only worked in their position for a short period or are just beginning their careers. They may not be fully aware of the risks involved in handling hazardous materials, and they’re unlikely to have received much training.
Avoid rude or dismissive agents: When you’re traveling, you want everything to go smoothly without any problems. One way to ensure this is by avoiding agents who have only worked in their position for a short period or are just beginning their careers. They may not be fully aware of the risks involved in handling hazardous materials, and they’re unlikely to have received much training. Be careful of agents who only work with one airline:
When multiple airlines operate out of an airport, your handler must work with all of them so that you can get on your flight with no trouble. Not all airlines require the same information, so it’s best to have someone who knows what you need, even if this isn’t their primary line of work.
What should you expect?
– You’ll have the upper hand if you’re already familiar with the airport and its standard procedures. With this knowledge, you can help your handler navigate any unusual situations that pop up.
– You may need to sign waivers before boarding a plane if an agent is unavailable at the last minute. This could happen due to illness or even a family emergency, or the death of a loved one.
What are some common questions asked?
How can I contact my ground handler?
Airport ground handlers are usually easy to contact after arriving at the airport. You can use your cell phone if you have international service or try one of the payphones near the check-in counter.
How long does it take for them to get me through security?
It depends on how much time you give them before passing through security. The more time you give your handler, the better.
Can they help me if I miss my flight?
If you miss your flight due to negligence on your part, then no, they cannot help you. Ground handlers are only responsible for getting passengers onto their planes before departure times. If you miss your flight (regardless of how much time you give your handler), then it’s up to the airline staff to get you on a later flight.
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