Job Description
Southwest Airlines relies on ramp agents to handle aircraft operations, loading baggage and cargo to ensure flights depart on time, benefiting passengers by maintaining safe, efficient ground services. This hands-on role involves outdoor tasks that support the airline's commitment to on-time performance.
Southwest Airlines operates a major domestic carrier, providing passenger and cargo services across numerous routes. The company focuses on reliable transportation with a seniority-based bidding process for schedules.
Agents load, unload, service aircraft, handle baggage, cargo, mail via belt loaders, air start units, lift trucks, push back tugs, using belt loaders and push carts in hangars and runways. They complete cabin cleaning with vacuums, wipes, and supplies; warehouse freight weighing items against forms; transmit data via radios and computers. Interactions include co-workers, operations agents, and shippers; challenges involve working in weather conditions, lifting 70 pounds regularly, and meeting 90% training average under time pressure.
This part-time position pays $20.03 per hour plus overtime and shift premiums. Based at MDW with shifts of 6.5 hours over 5 days after 4-6 weeks training; requires a valid state motor vehicle license and SIDA badge. Benefits include free flights, retirement plan matches up to 10%, health insurance, profit-sharing, dental, vision, life insurance; union-driven schedules include early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays.
Responsibilities
- Provide friendly service and positive relationships with customers and co-workers
- Responsible for success of Company
- Provide legendary Customer service to travelers, cargo, baggage services
- Guide, direct Company Aircraft receive record baggage, air freight, mail, materials
- Handle loading, stowing, unloading baggage, cargo, airmail, air freight, ballast
- Submit Cargo Bin Loading Slip electronically or manually
- Pick up, deliver transport cargo and baggage between aircraft and storage
- Prepare records for deliveries
- Safeguard baggage, cargo, airmail, freight from weather, loss, theft, damage
- Use jetway stairs for checked items to aircraft bin
- Review cargo forms for accuracy and correctness
- Perform interior aircraft cabin cleaning by hand, sweeping upholstery, cleaning windows, galleys, containers
- Maintain inventory of literature, refuse containers, commissary items
- Operate aircraft interior stocking with supplies
- Operate motorized equipment such as belt loaders, air start units, lift trucks, push back tugs, bag cart, lavatory cart, de-icers
- Manually push pull carts and containers
- Work in runways, hangars, freight facilities indoors outdoors
- Expose to weather, jet noise, fumes, dirt for extended periods
- Complete forms and paperwork per procedures, enter data into company system
- Provide friendly service to Co-workers and Customers
- Routine contact with delivery agents, shippers
- Meet physical ability requirements
- Perform duties of Provisioning Agent
- Perform other job duties as directed
Requirements
- Prior assessment evaluations must be at least 90% or better
- Communication and guest experience skills
- U.S. citizenship or work authorization without sponsorship
- Valid state motor vehicle license
- Ability to obtain SIDA badge and meet airport requirements
- Must be able to lift and move items of 70 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds on raised surfaces
- Ability to bend, kneel, crawl, climb, work in cramped spaces
- Maintain prescribed uniforms per company standards
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet company attendance standards