Ground Handling Checklist

Use this Ground Handling Audit Checklist to assess processes such as check-in, document and baggage verification, boarding, special assistance, flight close-out.

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Ground Handling Checklist



Check-in Counter Readiness

1. Check-in counters are staffed and agents are in position before the check-in desk opens for the flight.


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2. All check-in systems and departure control terminals are powered on and functioning correctly.


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3. Baggage tag printers are loaded with the correct tag stock and printing without errors.


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4. Baggage scales are calibrated and displaying accurate readings.


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5. Required signage is displayed at the counter, including baggage allowance and prohibited items notices.


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6. A baggage sizer or gauge is available at the counter for carry-on verification.


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7. Boarding pass stock and any required manual forms are available at the counter.


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8. Queue management stanchions and lane dividers are correctly positioned.


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Passenger Document And ID Verification

1. Agents verify each passenger's government-issued photo ID or passport against the booking.


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2. Boarding passes are checked for the correct flight, date, and passenger name before baggage is accepted.


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3. Visa and entry requirements for the destination are confirmed for international passengers prior to check-in.


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4. Travel documents flagged by the system as requiring additional checks are referred to a supervisor before processing continues.


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5. Passengers presenting unrecognized or damaged travel documents are referred to a supervisor immediately.


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6. Unaccompanied minors are identified at check-in and their documentation and escort arrangements are verified.


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Baggage Acceptance And Tagging

1. Each bag is weighed and the weight recorded in the departure control system before a baggage tag is issued.


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2. Baggage tags are applied securely and the destination code is confirmed against the passenger's itinerary.


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3. Agents ask the required dangerous goods security questions before accepting any bag for carriage.


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4. Passengers confirm their bag has been under their control and has not been left unattended since packing.


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5. Bags showing signs of damage, leakage, or insecure fastening are assessed before acceptance and a limited release tag is issued where applicable.


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6. Fragile or valuable items declared by the passenger are processed in accordance with carrier policy.


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7. Bags accepted for transfer flights are tagged through to the final destination and the connection confirmed in the system.


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Excess And Oversized Baggage Handling

1. Passengers with baggage exceeding the permitted weight or size allowance are advised of applicable fees before bags are accepted.


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2. Excess baggage charges are collected and a receipt is issued before the bag is tagged.


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3. Oversized or odd-sized items (sporting equipment, strollers, musical instruments) are tagged and routed to the correct handling area.


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4. Items that cannot travel in the hold due to size or content restrictions are clearly communicated to the passenger with alternative options provided.


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Gate Readiness

1. Gate agents are in position and the gate area is set up before boarding is due to commence.


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2. Flight information display screens at the gate are showing the correct flight number, destination, and boarding time.


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3. The boarding area is clear of obstruction and queue lanes are set up for priority and general boarding.


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4. Hand baggage labels and limited release tags are stocked and accessible at the gate.


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5. Communication with the ramp team and load control is confirmed before boarding begins.


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6. The gate is confirmed as the correct assigned gate for the flight in the departure control system.


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Boarding Process

1. Pre-boarding is offered to passengers requiring additional time or assistance before general boarding begins.


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2. Boarding follows the correct sequence for the carrier (priority, zone, or row-based) as briefed.


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3. Each boarding pass is scanned or verified and the passenger is accepted in the departure control system before proceeding to the aircraft.


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4. Photo ID is re-verified at the gate for flights or routes requiring secondary document checks.


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5. Gate agents monitor the boarding lane for passengers attempting to board out of sequence or without a valid pass.


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6. Boarding counts are tracked against the passenger manifest throughout the boarding process.


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7. Any boarding pass that fails to scan or returns an error is referred to a supervisor before the passenger is permitted to board.


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Cabin Baggage Compliance

1. Cabin baggage is visually assessed for size compliance as passengers enter the boarding lane.


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2. A bag sizer is used to verify non-compliant items before a gate-check decision is made.


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3. Passengers with oversized cabin bags are offered a gate-check bag tag and the bag is collected before the aerobridge or steps.


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4. Gate-checked bags are logged and the count is communicated to load control for weight and balance purposes.


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5. Dangerous goods screening questions are asked again when a bag is gate-checked that was not checked in at the counter.


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6. Passengers are not permitted to carry more than the carrier's permitted number of cabin items onto the aircraft.


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Special Assistance And Vulnerable Passengers

1. Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance are identified and a wheelchair and agent are confirmed as available before boarding begins.


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2. Passengers with reduced mobility are pre-boarded and seated before general boarding commences.


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3. Unaccompanied minors are escorted from the check-in handover point to the aircraft and handed directly to cabin crew with required documentation.


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4. Passengers travelling with medical equipment or medications requiring special handling are confirmed as cleared by the carrier prior to boarding.


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5. Agents are aware of any passengers on the flight with special service requests and the relevant arrangements are in place.


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6. Passengers who appear unfit to travel due to intoxication, illness, or distress are referred to a supervisor before boarding is permitted.


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No-show And Offload Procedures

1. The final boarding count is compared against the number of passengers accepted in the departure control system before the gate is closed.


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2. Any passenger checked in but not boarded is confirmed as a no-show and their hold baggage is identified for offloading.


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3. Offloaded bags are physically located and removed from the aircraft hold before departure clearance is given.


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4. The offload is recorded in the departure control system and communicated to load control and the captain.


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5. Passengers offloaded for security or operational reasons are processed in accordance with carrier policy and relevant authorities are notified where required.


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Flight Close-out

1. Final passenger count is confirmed and matches the manifest before the flight is closed in the departure control system.


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2. All required flight documents (passenger manifest, dangerous goods declarations, special load notifications) are compiled and handed to the captain or cabin crew before departure.


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3. The gate is closed and secured once the last passenger has boarded.


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4. Departure control system is closed out for the flight and all boarding records are saved.


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5. Any incidents, irregularities, or service failures during check-in or boarding are documented before the agent leaves the gate.


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6. Equipment used at the gate (scanners, printers, stanchions) is returned to the correct storage location after close-out.


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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