Ground Staff Jobs : 10 Major Benefits of Working at an Airport
An airport’s ground-staff job may feel like a tiny part of society, however, compared with another 9 – 5 office position, pursuing this career will lead to many opportunities and long-term job security.
All ground-staff positions are responsible for their airport’s check-in counters, baggage systems, gate operations, and proving help to their passengers. Additionally, all airlines perform many other pre-flying and post-flying functions as ground staff.
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The following are reasons why an airport ground-staff was developed with a unique career opportunity in mind.
1) Stable Jobs with High Earning Potential
The typical starting salary for each airport-bound ground-staff job can range between ₹ 25000 to 35000 per month based upon the airlines’ policy and the airport location (i.e city). The longer you have served in those positions (usually 2 to 3 years), you could obtain salary increases as much as ₹ 45000 to 60000 per month.
In addition to the salaries mentioned, ground staff has opportunities for overtime and/or holiday pay. No one with this profession can say that salary advancements were occurring at such a rapid pace as with other types of jobs in the private sector.
2) Free Airfare and Travel Perks
This is perhaps the best benefit that the majority of airlines provide their employees: four to six free round trip tickets (depending on the airline) per year (Indigo, Air India, SpiceJet, all major airlines have this policy). To add on, airlines usually offer a discount or ‘Buddy Pass’ of some sort (usually between 50% and 75%) for an immediate relative to travel on a buddy pass.
So, you could fly from Delhi to Goa, or Mumbai to Dubai—all it takes is for you to use some leave and get out the door! Average office workers don’t get a chance to travel very often, most likely once a year.
3) Shift Timetable Flexibility
As airport operations are a 24/7 operation, these shifts are typically divided into
- morning (6:00am to 2:00pm),
- afternoon (2:00pm to 10:00pm) and
- night (10:00pm to 6:00am) shifts.
People that prefer the early morning work can schedule their shifts from 6:00am to 2:00pm and have the entire evening to spend time with family.
In addition, many night shift workers receive double time pay. This type of shift system greatly enhances your ability to schedule time with your family, thereby allowing you to create more quality family time.
4) Uniforms and Status
As you walk through the airport wearing your uniform, there is a true feeling of pride and belonging. The general public notices your uniform and identifies you as someone who works at the airport. The sense of pride is not only felt by you; it is shared with your family and children.
Additionally, employees have access to various employee amenities, such as: free canteen, waiting, and rest facilities located within the airport. Working in an air-conditioned facility allows employees to remain physically distant from the side-job and tourist crowds without leaving the airport.
5) Skill Development
Each day you will have the opportunity to learn something new, such as: passenger handling skills, safety protocols, emergency drills, and crowd control. Within six months of coming to the airport with no prior work experience, you can go from being a novice to a seasoned passenger service agent responsible for managing as many as 200 to 300 passenger check-ins and departures.
The skills you will gain working at the airport will help you throughout your career, especially in the customer service, hospitality, or travel industries.
6) Job Security
Job security remains very strong because airports never close. Ground staff continued to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and their workload increased. Whereas we hear about employees being laid off from companies in sectors such as IT or marketing, many consider jobs at airports some of the most secure jobs currently available.
7) Social Life and Networking
The ability to interact daily with a wide range of people, including pilots, cabin crew, and flight attendants, leads to the development of close friendships through interactions over coffee and tea, as well as during breaks. The amount of social interaction and exposure to other occupations is seldom found elsewhere in life.
8) Health and Medical Benefits
Most companies offer employee medical insurance in addition to statutorily mandated benefits such as ESI & PF. In the event that you are injured or get sick while at work, medical expenses are paid for by the employer. If you are on a night shift, you will receive additional health checks as well.
9) Career Advancement Potential
Working as a ground handler allows you to move up the hierarchy within an airline from being a ground handler to being a ground supervisor, ground team leader, or even being a ground operations manager.
There have been instances of individuals being able to work their way up to the head of ground handling for an airline within 5–7 years. Also, when promotions are awarded, you can expect a salary increase that is typically double your current salary.
10) Extra Income Options
At the airport, there are many opportunities to earn additional money (tips, overtime work, or private handling services), with employees making an additional ₹8,000–₹10,000 per month. Employees also regularly receive local transport allowances as well as taxi discounts.
To Conclude
While the work may be demanding from a physical standpoint and could leave you with sore feet and at times you could have to raise your voice over crowds it is a great job for those individuals who love to be active, have aspirations of travelling, and want a safe and stable lifestyle.
Seeing planes depart every day and seeing how happy people will be makes you feel much more fulfilled than just sitting at a desk all day writing emails.
If you are thinking of applying as a ground crew member then you should know that this is not just a job but rather an invitation to enter the world of airports and that invitation lasts a lifetime.
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How much does an airport ramp worker make in the US?
Someone who is just starting out could expect to make $16-$20/hour ($33,000-$42,000 annually) and the average salary is $20-$23/hour ($40,000-$48,000 annually). However, there can also be overtime or bonuses added to the total income. Salaries will typically be higher in larger metropolitan areas like New York City or larger areas in California.
What do you have to do to work at an airport as a ramp agent or ground handler?
You will need to be at least 18 years old; have a High School diploma/GED; have a valid driver’s license (no issues on your record); pass a background check and drug test; and physically able to lift heavy objects (up to 170 lbs).
What are the responsibilities of an airport ramp agent or ground handler?
Typical duties consist of loading and unloading baggage or cargo; marshalling aircraft into and out of their parking locations; operating ground support equipment (tugs, belt loaders, etc.); performing safety checks; working outdoors regardless of weather conditions; and collaborating closely with pilots and crew to ensure tight turnaround times.
What types of benefits are typically offered in the United States for ground handling positions?
Some benefits include: flight benefits (you and your immediate family can fly for free or at significantly reduced fares); health/dental/vision/medical coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; paid sick days; holiday pay; profit sharing (e.g., Southwest Airlines); and shift differentials for working nights and weekends.
