Airport Ticket Agent Job Description & Salary Information
Job Duties
Ticket agents greet airline customers, help check baggage, and assign seats on the aircraft. This role involves a large amount of customer service as well as lifting larger bags onto the belt behind the counter. These airline representatives are responsible for handling ticket reservations, cancellations, alterations, and informing customers when a flight has been delayed or cancelled.
Even under stressful conditions, a ticket agent is expected to maintain a well groomed appearance and a polite manner. The type of uniform is usually dependent on the airline. The ticket agent is also expected to be able to stand up for hours at a time and frequently lift between 50 and 100 pounds of luggage.
Job Qualifications
A high school diploma is necessary to get a job as a ticket agent, though a two year college degree is generally preferred. Basic computer skills and experience in customer service are usually necessary and some airlines may require experience with a foreign language. Most airlines have a minimum age requirement of 18 to 20 years old. Schedule flexibility is helpful, and overtime and holiday work is typical. Drug tests are usually mandatory prior to employment and a background check by the FAA is also likely.
Salary & Compensation
The typical starting pay rate for an airport ticket agent ranges from $9.00 to $12.00 an hour. Experience level, location, and employer may affect wages for a ticket agent. Experienced airline ticket agents may earn $22.00 per hour or more. On average, an entry-level airport ticket agent earns approximately $14.00 an hour. Ticket agents may also qualify to receive work benefits, such as paid time off, air travel discounts, medical coverage, and 401(k) retirement plans.
