Baggage Handler Colleague at Luton Airport

Optime Group; Luton; On-site; GBP 30,307,000 - 31,685,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Full PPE provided

Training 1 week 1 day (week 1)

Temp to Perm (performance-based)

Job summary

Optime is seeking an experienced Baggage Handler at Luton Airport for the winter season. You will process luggage, load onto aircraft, and work both airside and in the baggage unit. A full UK manual driving licence and ability to lift up to 32 kg are required. Training is provided, and the role offers weekly pay and a temp-to-perm path.

Shifts are 6 on 3 off, 30 hours per week, with a starting date of 16 November 2026 and a pay rate of £14.25 per hour, increasing after 12 months.

Qualifications

• Full UK manual driving licence is mandatory.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check (CRC).
• Right to work in the UK with five-year reference history.

Responsibilities

• Process customers' luggage and load onto aircraft with correct weight balance.
• Work airside and in the baggage unit (Undercroft).
• Lift up to 32 kg and operate airport vehicles and equipment.
• Coordinate with ramp agents and airline personnel for turnaround.
• Adapt to weather and shift requirements for safe operations.
• Training lasts about one week.

Skills

Manual driving licence

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Right to work in the UK

CRC/background check

Lift up to 32 kg

Job description

Aviation Recruitment experts Optime are seeking an experienced Baggage Handler to join a respected team at Luton Airport for the upcoming winter season.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICANTS MUST HOLD A FULL VALID MANUAL UK DRIVING LICENCE with no more then 6 points.

Start Date: 16th of November 2026

What's on offer:

• Rate of pay: £14.25 per hour, increasing after 12 months.
• Shift Pattern: 6 on 3 off
• Rotating shift times between:03:00 - 21:00 - During the winter, there may be a late shift introduced.
  Please note that these times are subject to change and may be adjusted to earlier or later start/finish times to meet operational requirements and will most likely change during the summer period.
• Hours per week: 30 hours per week
• Shifts: Example times below
• Weekly Pay (every Friday)
• Temp to Perm (performance-based)

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Process customers' luggage, ensuring it is correctly loaded onto aircraft for departure and unloaded upon arrival, ensuring proper weight and balance distribution
• Work both airside and within the Undercroft (baggage unit)
• This is a physical role, requiring candidates to be fit and able to lift and move luggage up to 30kg regularly
• Manage downtime between arrivals and departures
• Operate various vehicles and machinery (e.g., mobile stair units for passenger boarding, belt loaders, buggies, tug vehicles)
• Adapt to adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures to ensure safety and efficiency
• Collaborate with ramp agents, ground handling staff, and airline personnel for smooth aircraft turnaround
• Training duration: 1 week and 1 day (excluding weekends)
• Rosters will be provided during week 1 of training
• Full PPE will be provide.

Shifts:

The airport operates 7 days per week, and candidates will work on a 6 on 3 off rolling rota (All rosters may be subject to change)

Example shift times:

6 on 3 off rolling:

• Day 1: 03:00AM to 08:00AM
• Day 2: 05:00AM to 09:15AM
• Day 3: 05:00AM to 09:15AM
• Day 4: 05:00AM to 14:00PM
• Day 5: 12:30PM to 21:00PM
• Day 6: 12:30PM to 21:00PM
• OFF
• OFF
• OFF

Requirements:

• Full UK Manual Driving Licence (mandatory)
• Strong attention to detail
• Good verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Right to Work in the UK
• Five-year fully checkable reference history
• Ability to pass a Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Fit to lift up to 32KG

PLEASE NOTE: As this position is within the aviation industry, successful applicants must be able to provide a 5-year checkable history.