Baggage Handler - EasyJet

Optime Group; Crawley; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation recruitment agency seeks experienced Baggage Handlers for a role at Gatwick Airport. Responsibilities include processing luggage, collaborating with ground staff, and adapting to weather conditions. The position requires a full UK manual driving license and offers a pay rate starting at £15.25 per hour with the potential to increase after 12 months. Flexibility is essential, with shifts that may start as early as 03:00 am. Applicants must provide a five-year checkable history and pass a Criminal Record Check.

Benefits

Free Airport Parking

Weekly Pay

Temp to Perm opportunities

Full PPE provided

Training provided

Qualifications

• Must hold a full UK manual driving license.
• Five-year fully checkable reference history required.
• Ability to pass Criminal Record Check (CRC).
• Physically fit to lift luggage up to 30KG.

Responsibilities

• Process customers luggage for aircraft departure and arrival.
• Manipulate luggage with proper weight distribution.
• Collaborate with ramp agents and ground handling staff.
• Adapt to adverse weather conditions.
• Guide aircraft movements on the ground.

Skills

Attention to detail

Verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Job description

Aviation Recruitment experts Optime are searching for an experienced Baggage Handlers to join a well-respected and successful client at Gatwick Airport. This job offers full time hours and overtime opportunities. This is a very enjoyable role with a great company providing fantastic conditions and facilities.

What's on offer:

• Rate of pay: £15.25 per hour (increasing to £17.89 per hour, after a successful completion of 12 months employment)
• Shift Pattern: 5 on 3 off, with the earliest start time being 03:00am
• Airline: Easyjet
• Weekly Pay
• Free Airport Parking.
• Temp to Perm (performance-based)

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICANTS MUST HOLD A FULL VALID UK MANUAL DRIVING LICENCE

Confirmed start dates:

• 2nd February 2026
• 16th February 2026
• 2nd March 2026

Key Duties:

• Processing customers luggage, ensuring they are loaded into the aircraft for departure and unloaded and transported to the airport on arrival. Ensuring the proper distribution of weight and balance.

• You will be working both airside and within the Undercroft (baggage unit).
• This is a manual role; candidates will need to be physically fit and able to repetitively lift and move luggage up to 30KG in weight - It is important to know that there will be down time during your shift between arrivals or departures.
• Aircraft Marshalling tasks including guiding arriving and departing aircraft on the ground, using hand signals and communication equipment to ensure safe and efficient movements.
• You will be required to adapt to adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, to ensure the safety and efficiency of ground operations.
• Collaborate with ramp agents, ground handling staff, and airline personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the airport and the timely turnaround of aircraft.
• All colleague's will begin as Baggage Handlers and will remain in this role for a minimum of 2 months, after which will be up skilled to a Ramp Agent.
• It is a preference for successful candidates to be experienced drivers.
• Full training will be given. (5 days classroom-based training)
• Full PPE will be provided.

Shifts:

The Airport is operational 7 days per week and candidates will be working on a 5 on 3 off rolling rota and you will need to be fully flexible with the days and hours you can work. Please note, your shifts can start as early as 03:00am. This could be subject to change!

An example of the shift hours:

5 on 3 off rolling (Days):

• Day 1: 03:00AM to 13:30PM
• Day 2: 04:00AM to 13:30PM
• Day 3: 04:00AM to 13:30PM
• Day 4: 11:30AM to 21:00PM
• Day 5: 12:00PM to 21:00PM
• OFF
• OFF
• OFF

Requirements:

• Full Manual Driving Licence.
• Good attention to detail.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative, while being part of a team.
• Right to Work in the UK.
• Five year fully checkable reference history to be completed prior to your start date.
• Ability to pass Criminal Record Check (CRC).

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

For an opportunity to interview for this fantastic role, please submit your CV to apply!

Optime Group is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.