Passenger service agents keep travelers moving smoothly

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Approximately 1,200 passengers a month pass through the 728th Air Mobility Squadron's passenger terminal. Without the dedicated service of the squadron's passenger service agents, travelers would not make it to their final destinations comfortably or safely, if at all.

While many Team Incirlik members identify passenger service agents with Space-Available travel, those transiting on the Patriot Express are not the squadron's only customers.

"We don't just handle Space-A, but also space-required passengers PCSing or going TDY and troops coming from and going to Manas (Air Base, Kyrgyzstan)," said Tech. Sgt. Salvador Flores, 728th AMS NCO in charge of passenger service.

Ensuring the right people are on the right aircraft is only part of the job for the passenger service agents.

"Not only do we do passenger operations, but we perform all of the baggage, servicing and security details as well," said Airman Robert Gilligan, 728th AMS passenger service agent.

"One of the most important things we do is ensure travelers have the proper documentation and are authorized to fly," said Sergeant Flores. "Also the security of everybody on the aircraft depends on us. We are the only entity between those individuals and getting on the aircraft."

From checking passengers as they enter the terminal to screening luggage, the passenger service agents provide the same level of security found at civilian airports.

"It's just like any terminal in the world," said Airman Gilligan. "We follow the same rules. We're concerned with the safety and security of all our passengers."

In addition to putting together passenger manifests and performing security and baggage details, the passenger service agents also service the aircraft.

"We make sure that once they get in the air, they have everything they need," said Airman Gilligan.

While the passenger terminal is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., passenger service agents are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"I get to be part of the mission, be on the front line, sweating in the sun," said Airman Gilligan. "We work long and hard, and when something comes up, were standing by ready to help."