Ruth Haines
There are a variety of jobs available at airports, and it can be difficult to determine who works for the airport and who works for another company. Baggage handlers, for example, are not airport employees, but work for another company that does business out of the airport. However, airports do have some authority over the people who work there, even if they work for another company. Airports are responsible for issuing SIDA (Secure Identification Area) badges to anyone who works in secure areas, and can revoke clearance if someone violates SIDA rules. There are also airport jobs with federal and state government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.
Characteristics and Values of Airport Jobs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Types | Flight Attendant, Baggage Handler, Diesel Mechanic, Air Traffic Controller, Security Screening, Airfield Operations Agent, TSA (Transportation Security Administration), Federal Air Marshal, Cabin Cleaning Agent, Passenger Assistance Agent, etc. |
| Job Requirements | Previous customer service experience, being over 21, having an outgoing personality, and CPR/first aid certification are desirable for flight attendants. For other jobs, requirements vary depending on the position. |
| Employers | Airlines, airports, ground support companies, manufacturing companies, etc. |
| Employment Platforms | Indeed, USAJOBS, AirlineJobFinder, etc. |
| Unions | The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is the biggest labor union for flight attendants. |
| Authority | Airports are responsible for issuing SIDA (Secure Identification Area) badges and can revoke clearance for violations. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flight attendants can join unions, such as the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)
- Baggage handlers are not airport employees
- Airports are responsible for issuing SIDA badges to anyone working in secure areas
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers a variety of jobs
- There are federal and state government agencies in the aviation industry
Flight attendants can join unions, such as the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)
While the question of whether an airport is a federal job is complex—with many airport employees working for third-party companies—flight attendants can join unions, such as the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
The AFA-CWA is a union that represents the interests of flight attendants. Unions are organizations that negotiate with employers on behalf of their members, and membership can provide workers with benefits such as improved wages and working conditions. In the case of the AFA-CWA, the union has been known to advocate for its members' safety, job security, and fair contracts.
The AFA-CWA has a long history of representing flight attendants, dating back to the 1940s when it was known as the Air Line Stewards and Stewardesses Association (ALSSA), an affiliate of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). In 1951, ALSSA had grown to 3,300 members, and by the 1970s, nearly half of the USA's 8,700 flight attendants were members of ALPA's S&S division. However, the S&S division sought autonomy from ALPA, and after two failed votes in 1973, the Association of Flight Attendants was born.
The AFA-CWA has been involved in numerous campaigns and negotiations to improve the working conditions and wages of flight attendants. For example, in 2006, Northwest Airlines flight attendants joined AFA and deployed a CHAOS campaign to negotiate a new tentative agreement with the company, resulting in millions of dollars in improvements. Additionally, in 2010, the AFA was narrowly voted out as the bargaining representative for pre-merger Northwest Airlines flight attendants of Delta Air Lines, but they won back representation rights for a combined workforce of 24,000 flight attendants at several airlines in 2011.
The AFA-CWA continues to be an active union, advocating for its members' rights and safety. In 2023, Alaska Airlines flight attendants, who are part of the AFA-CWA, protested across the US for better wages and working conditions, with over 1,000 flight attendants demanding higher pay outside of airports. In 2024, AFA members voted with 99.99% approval to authorize a labor strike, demonstrating their commitment to improving their working conditions.
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Baggage handlers are not airport employees
While airports are responsible for issuing SIDA (Secure Identification Area) badges to anyone who works in secure areas, including baggage handlers, these workers are not airport employees. They work at the airport but are not employed by the airport. Baggage handlers are often employed by some other company that does business out of the airport. For instance, some airports bring in employees from outside companies to manage things like the baggage systems and escalators and elevators.
The media often makes the mistake of referring to baggage handlers as airport employees. Headlines may proclaim “Airport Employees Accused of…”, when, in fact, the people in question are employed by a different company. It can be difficult to tell who works for whom, even for those who work in aviation.
This confusion is further complicated by the fact that every airport is different. Some airports run by cities may have airport police who are actually city police, while other airports may have airport police who are employed by the airport.
If you have a complaint or concern relating directly to your flight (ticketing, baggage, delays, cancellations, etc.), your best bet is to contact the airline. If it relates to the building (leaks, trash, etc.), then contact the airport. However, if you are unsure, you can always contact the airport, and they will connect you to the appropriate party to resolve the issue.
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Airports are responsible for issuing SIDA badges to anyone working in secure areas
While airports are typically not federal jobs, they are responsible for issuing SIDA (Secure Identification Display Area) badges to anyone who works in secure areas, regardless of who their employer is. These badges are essential for aviation workers, granting them access to secure areas. The process of obtaining a SIDA badge involves several steps and requirements to ensure the safety and security of the airport.
Firstly, applicants for a SIDA badge must meet stringent eligibility criteria. These include a clear criminal history, free from disqualifying crimes such as espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, or murder within the past 10 years. Applicants must also pass a security threat assessment (STA), confirming they do not pose a security threat, and undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history records check (CHRC). Legal authorization to work in the United States is mandatory, applicable to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals with valid work visas. Lastly, compliance with training requirements is essential, and applicants must complete all necessary security training and associated tests.
Once all checks and assessments are completed, the airport's badging office reviews the application. If approved, the airport issues the SIDA badge, providing access to secure areas. It is worth noting that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) establishes the requirements for the SIDA badge through its Airport Security Program. However, the physical issuance of the badge is the responsibility of the airport operators.
The SIDA badge holds significant importance in maintaining the integrity and security of airports. It serves as a critical tool to manage access to sensitive areas within the airport premises. By issuing these badges, airports play a vital role in ensuring the safety of passengers, staff, and aircraft. This process underscores the commitment to creating a secure aviation environment.
While airports are responsible for issuing SIDA badges, it is important to note that they also have the authority to revoke them in certain situations. If an individual violates SIDA rules, the airport can revoke their clearance, effectively preventing them from accessing secure areas. This enforcement mechanism empowers airports to maintain security standards and take appropriate action when necessary.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers a variety of jobs
One of the key areas of employment within the FAA is air traffic control. The FAA recruits both experienced air traffic controllers and entry-level trainee specialists. These specialists are responsible for maintaining and repairing essential equipment, such as navigational aid systems, engine generators, and air traffic surveillance radar. Air traffic control specialists receive competitive benefits, including a range of insurance, retirement, leave, and flexible spending options.
The FAA also employs Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs), who play a crucial role in ensuring civil aviation safety. ASIs apply their extensive knowledge of the aviation industry, safety regulations, and aircraft systems to evaluate and inspect various aspects of aviation operations. They are involved in developing, administering, and enforcing regulations and standards, including aircraft airworthiness, pilot competence, and the safety of aviation facilities.
Additionally, the FAA offers aviation careers for pilots. These positions include mission-critical Operations Aviation Safety Inspectors, who evaluate and inspect aircraft and related equipment for airworthiness. The FAA provides hiring incentives for entry-level candidates in these roles.
By offering these diverse career paths, the FAA provides individuals with the opportunity to contribute to the safety and efficiency of the nation's aviation industry, impacting not only the United States but also the world.
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There are federal and state government agencies in the aviation industry
The aviation industry is a complex network of both public and private entities, with a variety of stakeholders involved in its operations. Airports themselves are typically owned and operated by private companies or local governments, but there are indeed federal and state government agencies that play a significant role in regulating, managing, and overseeing various aspects of the industry.
One of the key federal agencies in the aviation industry is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is an independent agency that was established in 1958 with the passage of the Federal Aviation Act. The agency's primary responsibilities include regulating civil aviation, maintaining safety standards, and managing air traffic control. The FAA also has the authority to issue certificates and awards to aviation professionals, such as aviation mechanics, flight instructors, and pilots.
The history of federal involvement in civil aviation goes back to the Air Commerce Act of 1926, which gave the Secretary of Commerce the responsibility for fostering air commerce, issuing and enforcing air traffic rules, and licensing pilots and aircraft. In 1938, the Civil Aeronautics Act transferred these responsibilities to the Civil Aeronautics Authority, which was later split into two agencies: the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Over time, these agencies evolved and their functions were transferred to the FAA, which consolidated major federal responsibilities for air and surface transport.
In addition to the FAA, there are other federal and state government agencies that have a presence in the aviation industry. For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security screening at airports, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a critical role in ensuring the security of the nation's transportation systems, including aviation. At the state level, various agencies may be involved in areas such as airport planning, funding, and environmental impact assessment.
It is important to note that while these government agencies play a crucial role in regulating and overseeing the aviation industry, the day-to-day operations of airports and airlines are typically handled by private companies or local governments. This includes roles such as baggage handling, customer service, and aircraft maintenance, which are often provided by companies that do business with the airport or airline but are not directly employed by them.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport jobs can be either private or government. For example, baggage handlers are not airport employees but work for another company that does business out of the airport. However, there are federal and state government agencies that operate within airports, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Some airport federal jobs include flight attendants, baggage handlers, diesel mechanics, freight/warehouse agents, cabin cleaning agents, and security officers.
A good place to start looking for airport federal jobs is on job websites such as Indeed and AirlineJobFinder, which provide listings for various airport employers and job openings. Another tip is to educate yourself on the different types of airport jobs and their requirements, such as flight school, multilingual abilities, and CPR/first aid certification for flight attendants.
