Airport information assistant
Airport information assistants help passengers in airports.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £13,000 - £30,000
Typical hours (a week): 36 - 38
How to become an airport information assistant
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You can complete an intermediate apprenticeship in customer service, or aviation ground operative intermediate apprenticeship for passenger services.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Work
You could find work on a temporary or seasonal contract in an airport before being offered a permanent position.
Direct application
You can apply directly to become an airport information assistant. Most employers would expect you to have a good standard of general education, including GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.
More info
Career tips Experience in customer service would give you an advantage when looking for work. Foreign language skills might also be useful.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restriction & Requirements
You'll usually need to be over 18 to meet shiftwork regulations. You'll normally need your own transport to get to and from the airport, as public transport may not cover all of your shift times.
What you'll do
Day to day
You day-to-day duties may include:
- giving out flight information
- directing passengers around the airport
- answering telephone enquiries
- making announcements on the public address system
- handling complaints
- updating and monitoring flight information systems
In smaller airports your duties may also include:
- exchanging currency
- booking hotels and car hire
- dealing with lost property
Working environment
You could work at an airport. Your working environment may be crowded.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
After gaining experience you could go on to be a supervisor, manager or flight dispatcher.
