Air travel assistant - overview

What does an air travel assistant do?

Air travel assistants issue boarding passes, check passenger documents and provide help at airports. The role involves a fair amount of responsibility, as they have to check that all people and luggage are safely on the correct plane in enough time before departure.

The work can be physically demanding, with long hours, and the environment may be busy and cramped. Jobs are also quite competitive. Despite that, many air travel assistants enjoy their careers as they get many travel benefits and the chance to visit destinations worldwide.

What will your days involve?

Depending on whether you work at an airport terminal or on an aircraft, your daily tasks could involve:

• Providing flight information, checking travel documents and issuing travel tickets and boarding passes
• Helping passengers to check-in and navigate around the airport
• Informing passengers about luggage restrictions and weighing luggage
• Looking after VIPs, people who require extra support or children travelling alone
• Assisting with passenger queries or complaints
• Greeting passengers as they board the plane and making sure they leave safely
• Ensuring enough emergency equipment and supplies are on the plane
• Reassuring and directing passengers if there is an emergency
• Selling and serving food, drinks and duty-free items
• Following strict safety and security precautions
• Writing a flight report with any details of anything unusual

FAQs

How much can you earn as an air travel assistant?

The average salary for an air travel assistant in the UK is £21,320. Graduates start at around £26,500.

Does an air travel assistant role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Air travel assistants travel frequently as part of their job, both within the UK and overseas.

Can you work from home as an air travel assistant?

There aren’t any work from home opportunities in this role, as air travel assistants are required at the airport and on flights.