Baggage Handler at Luton Airport

Aviation Recruitment experts Optime are seeking an experienced Baggage Handler Colleague to join a respected team at Luton Airport for the upcoming winter season. This is + 30 hours/ week position with overtime opportunities.

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.

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

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