Ground Stewardess Jobs: Salary and Career Facts

Explore the career requirements for ground stewardesses. Get the facts about education requirements, job duties, and salary information to determine if this is the right career for you.

What Is a Ground Stewardess?

A ground stewardess may also be known as a passenger service agent or airline customer service agent. Their duties involve checking in passengers prior to their flight. They also weigh luggage, check the size of carry-on luggage to ensure it fits the airline's guidelines and check baggage for transfer to the aircraft. They may also assist passengers with lost luggage or help them transfer to a connecting flight. They issue boarding passes to passengers and direct them to the security screening area that leads to their boarding gate.

Degree Required	High school diploma required by most employers, college degree often preferred
Job Duties	Provide customer service, check and handle bags and tickets, assist with flight booking and boarding
Job Outlook (2020-2030)	13% (for all reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks)*
Median Wage (2020)	$39,430 (for all reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks)*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Duties Will I Have as a Ground Stewardess?

Some airlines may have designated employees for specific duties such as baggage check, baggage claim, boarding and tickets. However, these are often duties associated with the ground stewardess or passenger service agent role. One of your main focuses as a ground stewardess is providing quick and friendly customer service to traveling passengers. From lost bags to missed connections, you handle customer complaints and issues in order to keep lines moving and passengers happy. You may answer questions regarding seat availability, schedules, fees and cancelled or delayed flights. Additional duties may include:

Checking tickets at ticket counter and gate
Providing boarding passes
Checking baggage upon arrival
Placing tags on bags
Booking new flights
Verifying passenger information

What Education Do I Need?

Education and training requirements vary by occupation in the industry. Because ground stewardesses may take on several roles, the employing airline determines what degrees, experience and training are needed. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that most airlines require a high school education but prefer at least some college (www.bls.gov). Additionally, the BLS states that many airlines prefer candidates with previous sales and customer service experience because the role requires extensive contact with the public and well-developed communication skills. Once hired, you will receive formal training on computer software, company-specific processes and more.

How Much Could I Earn?

The BLS reported that reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks earned a median salary of $39,430 as of May 2020.

Job growth for these professionals is projected to increase by 13% from 2020 to 2030, due in part to the increasing use of automated ticketing services.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

The work that ushers, ticket takers, lobby attendants and railway conductors perform is similar to the work that ground stewardesses do. Ushers, ticket takers and lobby attendants work in places like movie theaters, live theaters or other performance venues. They check patrons' tickets for an event and direct them to their seats. A high school diploma is typically all that's required for these positions.

Railway conductors check the tickets of rail passengers. They may direct them to their seat or rail car and may also assist with baggage. Railway conductors learn through on-the-job training and may need to be certified.