Baggage flow supervisor

Baggage flow supervisors monitor the flow of baggage in airports to ensure baggage makes connections, arrives at the destinations in a timely manner. They communicate with baggage managers to ensure compliance with regulations and apply correct solutions. Baggage flow supervisors collect, analyse and maintain records on airline data, passenger, and baggage flow, as well as creating and distributing daily reports regarding staff needs, safety hazards, maintenance needs and incident reports. They ensure cooperative behaviour and resolve conflicts.

The following job titles also refer to baggage flow supervisor:

luggage flow supervisor
luggage flow manager
luggage operations manager
luggage operations coordinator
luggage operations supervisor
baggage flow coordinator
luggage flow coordinator
baggage operations supervisor
baggage operations manager
baggage operations coordinator
baggage flow manager

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally the minimum required to work as a baggage flow supervisor.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Baggage flow supervisor is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to baggage flow supervisor.

aircraft fuel system operator
crossing guard
aircraft cargo operations coordinator
ground steward/ground stewardess
ground lighting officer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of baggage flow supervisor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of baggage flow supervisor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

aeronautical information service officer
court bailiff
hand luggage inspector
aviation safety officer
aviation data communications manager

These skills are necessary for the role of baggage flow supervisor.

• Show responsibility: Accept responsibility and be accountable for professional decisions of yourself or others as part of a job or one’s role.
• Supervise transfer of luggage: Supervise the transfer of luggage, including the operations of luggage transfer automation conveyor systems and carousels, and ensure the timely and safe arrival of baggage to airlines, passengers, and gates.
• Comply with schedule: Work and complete tasks as scheduled; perform the necessary work activities to successfully complete the task within the timeframe allocated.
• Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
• Follow airport safety procedures: Comply with airport safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of passengers.
• Transfer luggage: Transfer cargo and luggage to other gates, other airlines, and to passengers in a timely and safe manner.
• Plan teamwork: Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements.
• Ensure accurate screening of luggage in aerodromes: Screen luggage items in aerodrome through use of CBS system; conduct troubleshooting and identify fragile or oversized baggage.
• Identify airport safety hazards: Spot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way.
• Ensure efficient baggage handling: Achieve efficient processing of baggage using the smallest amount of time, effort or cost resources possible.
• Handle conflicts: Mediate in conflicts and tense situations by acting between parties, such as service users, important others like families, and institutions, striving to effect an agreement, reconciliate, and resolve problems.
• Tolerate stress: Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of baggage flow supervisor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Perform ground-handling maintenance procedures: Ensure safety during ground-handling procedures, maintain ground service equipment, and conduct equipment checks.

4323 – Transport clerks

References

1. Baggage flow supervisor – ESCO
2. Featured image: By Laurence “GreenReaper” Parry – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,