Qualifications
Calling all future Albert Einsteins of the world: you've finally found your career, and it's in baggage handling. A Ph.D. is mandatory. You'll need to have graduated from a top school. Not just Ivy League either—we're talking Oxford or Stanford here. And hopefully you graduated in the top ten percent of your class. Otherwise, there's not a chance you'll even be considered for this position.
Yeah, okay. Not really.
All you'll need is a high school diploma, and to be at least twenty-one years old (source). Okay, and you'll need a valid driver's license for all that bag-driving you'll be doing in between all that bag carrying.
Oh, speaking of bag carrying, you have to be in real good physical condition, so your airline may require you to pass a strength test. Right, and you'll definitely also need to pass a drug test and background check before they give you your security pass.
So it's a little more complicated than being able to lift stuff well, though that too is a skill you'll need to possess. You can get an extra boost above the competition if you've got some past customer service experience as well, because the only thing better than a baggage handler is a baggage handler who actually treats other people like people and not baggage.
We realize that's ridiculous to ask, but trust us—if people actually like you, they'll want to give you more money.