Wage watchers: how much does an airport customer service agent earn?

Airport customer service agent Gertjan Vos, 24, from Antwerp talks about what he earns and how he spends it.

What do you do for a living?

I have two part-time jobs, both as a passenger service agent – one for American Airlines, the other for Aviapartner. I check passengers in, do the boarding and stand at the gate. I liaise with flight crews too. Aviapartner provides this service for carriers who don’t have personnel based at Zaventem. At American Airlines I work for the company itself, and I do a few extra tasks, such as transferring people to other flights.

What do you think of your salary?

I earn €1,200 at American Airlines and €1,500 at Aviapartner, both after tax  and including bonuses. 

Those two combined, plus overtime, make up a decent salary. Other people manage to get nearly a full-time wage on a part-time job by working a lot of overtime and working nights and Sundays. I don’t bother, because I have two jobs.

Would you change jobs if the money was better?

If I could keep working at the airport then yes. I really like what I do. I love the interaction – and listening to people’s travel stories.

Do you save?

I have a pension plan. I got one before I even had a job. What I’ve got left at the end of the month, I pay into a savings account. 

What does the biggest part of your salary go towards?

Paying the mortgage, and food.

What do you resent paying for?

Travelling. With American Airlines I travel for free. That’s an advantage. Also, things like fancy mobile phones and watches.

What do you gladly pay for?

Going out, buying DVDs and eating out.

What would you do if you came across a pot of money?

I’d put it aside, to pay my taxes for example. And maybe treat myself to a really nice hotel when I travel. I earn enough money, I’m not short of anything. I’m a happy man.

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