If you are a teen under 18 years old, your prospects of getting employment at the airport are limited to wheelchair assistance or working at a concession stand. Most airport positions require that applicants be either 18 or 21 years old as working around aircraft is considered to be a hazardous position. So, if you are seeking an airport job, your prospects are extremely limited if you are a younger teen.

Therefore, this blog covers the following topics, geared mainly toward 18 and 19-year olds, with a small part of the article directed to 16-year-old employment candidates. The main points focus on the following

• Airline Jobs
• Airport Service Jobs
• Airport Retail, Restaurant, and Car Rental Jobs
• Developing Your Skillset
• Maintaining Realistic Expectations

Airline Jobs

#1 – Jobs as Pilots or flight attendants

In order to obtain a job with an airline, you have to be 21 years old. For example, pilots must be at least 21 years of age with 20/20 corrected vision. High school graduation is a requirement and a college degree is preferred as well. Applicants must also hold certain professional licenses, per the requirements set forth by an airline company.

Flight attendants must be at least 21 years old as well. They must be in good physical condition, and meet specific vision requirements. Like pilots, applicants must have a high school education. They also should possess some business or college experience. Language skills, computer proficiency, and public contact experience are also advantageous qualifications.

These two jobs aren’t really available to you right now, but don’t worry because there are other jobs that are.

#2 – Applying as A Reservations Agent

If you are an older teen, you can apply as a reservation agent at an airport facility. Reservation agents must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school degree. Some work-related experience or college is desired too.

Airport Service Jobs

Baggage Handler Jobs

If you are 18 years old or older, you can also apply for a job as a baggage handler. Handlers must be in good physical health and be able to work in all types of weather conditions. A knowledge of computers is also helpful in this job.

Aircraft Fueling and De-icing Agent

You can obtain employment as an aircraft fueling and de-icing agent if you are at least 18 years of age. You generally need to hold a driver’s license as well. Although quite physical, these jobs pay fairly well as applicants make around $13 per hour. Both training and uniforms are provided.

Wing Support Agents

Wing support agents are hired to transport cargo and luggage, and prepare an aircraft for departure. Candidates must be 18 years old to apply, and possess a valid state driver’s license.

Cabin Cleaners

You can also obtain a job, if you are at least 18 years old, as a cabin cleaner on planes. Cabin cleaners work one of various shifts.

Security Agents for Checkpoint Security

If you are 18 years old or older, you can also apply as a security agent for airport security check points. Security agents work in collaboration with the Transportation Safety Administration, or work directly for the TSA to provide the highest level of protection for the public.

Ramp Agent Jobs

Another airport job that is geared for an older teen is a ramp agent. Aviation services at airports hire ramp agents to assist with ground handling services for such agencies as the United Postal Service. Candidates must be 18 and hold a valid driver’s license.

Inspection Agents

Jobs are available for older teens that cover the inspection of airline equipment and catering vehicles as well. The agent also operates company transport for plane-side services. Normally, applicants must be able to work on holidays or weekends, and must hold a valid driver’s license.

Parking Attendants

In addition, you can also apply for a job at parking facilities at airport terminals. Again, in order to hold this type of job, you should be at last 18 years old.

Passenger Service Agents

You can be a younger teen and work as a passenger service agent. These workers help passengers who have special needs or disabilities. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and be able to lift at least 50 pounds on a routine basis. The starting salary is low, but the job is an airport job that will give you the necessary experience.

Airport Retail, Restaurant, and Car Rental Jobs

Food Store and Concession Openings

You can work at various food stores and concessions at airport locations as well. Generally, the jobs cover such roles as food prep, retail associate, or stocking agent.

Restaurant Openings

Workers are needed at quick service restaurants at airport locations too. Applicants can apply to be a cook, cashier, server, dishwasher, barista, bartender, or host. While most places require that you be at least 18, you may be able to obtain a job, for instance, as a dishwasher in a restaurant or stocker in a store if you are younger.

Car Rental Agents

If you are 18 years old or older, you can also apply at the car rental companies located inside or across from the airport terminal. Take down the names of the companies and apply at their websites.

Develop Your Skillset

So, if you are interested in snagging an airport job, it is best to develop the skills and background needed for a particular job if you are now under the age of 18. For instance, if you wish to work as a reservations agent, then now is a good time to work in a public-contact job and develop your computer skills. You might begin by applying for a retail or restaurant job as a stocker or busser. Take courses in school that will lay the foundation to land a specific job as well.

Maintaining Realistic Expectations

If you are younger and are eager to work at an airport facility, you need to be realistic about your prospects. The best opportunity you have is to apply as a passenger service agent. That way, you can, at least, get exposure to an airport environment.

Ask about Volunteer Openings

Also, as indicated, you may also try applying at one of the stores or restaurants at an airport location. If you are too young to apply, ask about volunteer opportunities in the airport terminal. For example, volunteers are often needed at information desks to answer passenger inquiries.

Now that you know what jobs can be secured at an airport facility, you can work at preparing yourself for a certain position. How do you plan to prepare for your job search? What jobs interest you the most?