People behind your flight

Gate agent

Meet Daniel Whitfield, an illustrative character. Manages boarding: checks boarding passes and IDs, handles seat changes and standby, makes announcements and closes the flight.

Before the flight

Confirms the aircraft is ready, the crew is present and the passenger list is up to date.

During the flight

Boards passengers in groups, reconciles the passenger count and communicates with the cabin and the ramp.

After the flight

Gives the final numbers to the captain and load controller, and closes the door.

Works closely with

Coordinates with cabin crew, ramp, dispatch and the captain.

Good to know

• Gate agents are often rebooking passengers while boarding another flight.
• The final count must match the load sheet.

Meet Daniel in Gate 41

Related questions

• Do I need a passport, and who checks it?
• Reading your boarding pass
• How do airport screens work?
• Why do we board in groups?

An illustrative composite character. Roles, titles and procedures differ between airlines, airports and countries.