Working At The Airport: What's The Minimum Age?

If you're a teenager wondering about working at an airport, your options are limited. Most airport jobs require applicants to be 18 or 21 years old, as working around aircraft is considered hazardous. However, there are still some opportunities for teens under 18, such as working at a concession stand, providing wheelchair assistance, or volunteering. Once you turn 18, more options open up, including customer service and security roles, and some entry-level positions like baggage handlers or ramp agents. If you're 21 or older, you can explore roles like pilots, flight attendants, and certain sales or management positions.

Minimum age: 16-18 years old

Minimum age: 16–18 years old

The minimum age for employment at an airport is typically 18 years, although there are some opportunities for 16–17-year-olds. These positions are often part-time and designed to be suitable for students, with work schedules aligned to their school schedules.

Age-appropriate roles

For teenagers, customer service roles such as greeters, retail and food service jobs are common. Greeters help with directions and general assistance, while retail and food service jobs involve handling transactions, restocking shelves, and maintaining cleanliness. These positions can help teens develop customer service and communication skills.

Another option is administrative support, which includes tasks like data entry, filing, and office duties. These roles are ideal for teens who are organised and detail-oriented.

Some airports also offer roles in baggage handling for those who are physically fit. This involves loading and unloading luggage, as well as assisting with lost baggage.

Requirements

While most airport jobs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, some positions are available for 16–17-year-olds. However, teens under 18 will often need a work permit, which can be obtained through their school or local government office.

Skills

Having certain skills can increase the chance of employment. Good communication, customer service skills, and time management abilities are highly valued. Being physically fit is advantageous for roles like baggage handling.

Application process

Teens can apply for airport jobs online through job search platforms or airport websites, or in person at airport stores or service outlets. A well-prepared resume is essential and should highlight any relevant experience, skills, and education. It's beneficial to tailor resumes and cover letters to highlight skills and experiences relevant to the role.

Networking is also a powerful tool when job hunting. Teens can ask family, friends, or school counsellors about any airport job openings they may know of. Referrals from current employees can improve the chances of getting hired.

Work permits

To work at an airport, you must be at least 18 years old, and some positions have a minimum age requirement of 21. However, there are still opportunities for teenagers as young as 16 to work at airports, particularly in customer service, retail, and food service roles. These jobs can be a great way for teens to gain valuable work experience, develop customer service skills, and earn money.

Firstly, teens can usually obtain their work permits through their school or local government office. They may need to provide certain documents and meet specific criteria to be eligible for a work permit. For example, they may need to be enrolled in school and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

When applying for a work permit, teens may need to provide the following information and documentation:

• Proof of age: This could include a birth certificate or passport.
• School records: Transcripts or a letter from the school confirming enrolment and academic standing may be required.
• Parental consent: In some cases, a parent or guardian's signature may be necessary on the work permit application.
• Employer information: Details about the job offer, such as the company name and the job description, may be requested.
• Medical clearance: A physical examination or health certificate may be required to ensure the teen is physically fit to work.

It is important for teens to carefully review the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a work permit in their area. They can contact their school counsellors, local government offices, or the airport's human resources department for guidance and clarification.

Once a teen has obtained their work permit, they can then apply for suitable job openings at the airport. It is worth noting that even with a work permit, there may still be certain job restrictions based on age and the nature of the work. For example, positions involving hazardous tasks or machinery may have higher age requirements.

Customer service roles

Customer Service Agents

Customer service agents are often the first to greet customers and assist them with ticketing, baggage check-in, and boarding processes. They may also help with reservations, check-ins, and serving as the 'face' of the airline. Proficiency in computer applications is required for this role, as agents need to retrieve flight or booking information, process bookings, and communicate with customers via phone or email.

Passenger Service Agents

Passenger service agents provide travellers with vital air travel information and ensure they board the correct plane at the right time. They sell tickets, handle baggage, advise customers on purchase options, and resolve customer complaints. They may also work at the front desk, performing check-in procedures such as checking passports and issuing boarding passes.

Customer Service Managers

Customer service managers are responsible for overseeing other team members, ensuring smooth airport operations, and dealing with complex customer issues. They establish and enforce customer service standards and have knowledge of industry trends and best practices.

Other Roles

Other customer service roles at the airport include:

• Information Service Associates: Representing the airport and providing information and assistance to passengers.
• Ramp Agents: Ensuring the safe and timely arrival of customers' baggage and cargo.
• Cabin Experience Agents: Ensuring aircraft interiors meet cleanliness expectations.
• Special Services Agents: Representing the airline at the corporate level and providing assistance to VIP passengers.
• Lounge Concierges: Providing information and assistance to guests in airport lounges.

Qualifications and Requirements

While qualifications vary depending on the role and location, most customer service roles at the airport require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may require additional education, such as a bachelor's degree or diploma in a related field. Proficiency in foreign languages is often advantageous, and prior work experience in customer service, hospitality, or tourism can be beneficial.

Work Hours and Schedule

Food service jobs

Food Service Department of an Airline

Larger airports prepare a large number of meals for passengers, flight crew, and visitors. The food service department includes cooks, food preparation agents, kitchen helpers, dish room workers, other kitchen staff, and administrative staff. These employees prepare and cook food, set up dishes and silverware, and arrange food in containers. They are required to wear uniforms and meet certain health and grooming standards. Shifts can vary, as food is prepared according to flight schedules. The starting salary for these positions ranges from minimum wage to $14.00 per hour, depending on experience and responsibilities.

Concession Stands

Concession stands include retail shops, bars, coffee shops, newsstands, and food service companies located within an airport or on airport grounds. Working in a concession stand is a great way to familiarise yourself with the airport and work your way up to a senior position. These jobs tend to have a high turnover rate and require little experience. Basic math skills and the ability to run a cash register are usually required. A high school diploma or equivalent may also be required, and some concessions require employees to be at least 18 years old. The pay for these positions ranges from $7 to $14 per hour, and some companies offer benefits such as discounted meals or free airport parking.

Quick-Service Restaurants

Quick-service restaurants at the airport offer a variety of roles, including cook, cashier, server, dishwasher, barista, bartender, and host. Most places require employees to be at least 18 years old, but younger applicants may be able to find jobs as dishwashers or stockers.

Baggage handling

To become a baggage handler, you must be at least 18 years old. This is a common requirement for many airport jobs, for safety and security reasons.

A baggage handler is responsible for loading, unloading, and sorting luggage and cargo arriving or departing on aircraft. This involves operating conveyor belts and luggage carousels, driving tugs and tow tractors, and lifting heavy, large, and oversized baggage. The role requires physical fitness and strength, as baggage handlers must be able to lift and move bags weighing 50 pounds or more.

In addition to physical capabilities, a baggage handler must also have strong teamwork and communication skills, as they work closely with other baggage handlers, ramp agents, and supervisors. They must also have excellent attention to detail, as they are responsible for ensuring each bag gets to the correct destination.

To become a baggage handler, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, as well as a valid driver's license. Previous experience in a physically demanding job or in the travel and airline industry can also be beneficial.

The role of a baggage handler is crucial to the smooth operation of an airport, and they play a key part in ensuring the timely flow of baggage and cargo.

Frequently asked questions