At aircraft arrivals and departures, a ramp agent assists with loading and unloading. These airline employees work on the tarmac, also referred to as the ramp, and are responsible for basic aircraft maintenance, baggage processing, and customer service. They must be able to operate heavy equipment used to transport baggage and supplies, and they must usually pass a background check for security reasons before starting work. The airline and the location may have different compensation and benefit options.
Loading an aircraft can entail securing baggage, ensuring that items are properly organized, and adhering to special handling instructions. A ramp agent can also clean the aircraft’s lavatories and load potable water supplies. Unless a third-party contractor is involved, these personnel may be in charge of fueling. They also walk around the plane to look for any problems, deice the plane if necessary, and notify airline staff if there are any concerns about the plane’s or personnel’s safety.
As the plane moves away from the gate to prepare for takeoff, the ramp agent may guide it. This necessitates familiarity with airport signaling systems as well as coordination with airline and airport personnel in order to avoid collisions and ensure that planes take off on time. When planes arrive, the ramp agent reverses these tasks, guiding planes into position, securing the plane, and assisting ground crews with the installation of jetways or stairs so passengers can disembark.
To speed up the turnaround process, airlines may assign ramp agents to specific positions. As a result, an agent might concentrate on working with luggage, maintaining restrooms, or operating deicing equipment. It’s more common to share responsibilities and fill in as needed at smaller airports where fewer planes arrive and the airline’s staffing needs are lower. The ramp agent is more likely to interact directly with passengers who board from the tarmac rather than an elevated jetway where they are not exposed to ground crews.
Working conditions can be a source of dissatisfaction. Ramp agents work in extreme heat and cold, as well as snow and heavy rain. Although clothing provides some protection, inclement weather can cause discomfort. Tarmacs are also noisy, necessitating the use of hearing protection to prevent ear damage. They contain fumes and other contaminants that can cause illness, as well as safety hazards such as moving aircraft and heavy machinery.