Gate agents work at the boarding gates of airports, assisting passengers in boarding their flights and in disembarking their flights.

Airport staff roles are divided into several specific titles in 2026, depending on their station. The staff members you meet at the ticket counter and the boarding gate are officially known as Customer Service Agents (CSAs) or Gate Agents. Those who manage the logistics of boarding, check flight manifests, and coordinate with the flight deck are often called Operations Agents. Outside on the tarmac, the personnel who guide planes, handle baggage, and manage cargo are known as Ramp Agents. Additionally, you may encounter Provisioning Agents, who stock the aircraft with food and supplies, or Freight Agents, who manage commercial shipments. While passengers often use the catch-all term "ground crew," the 2026 aviation industry utilizes these precise titles to designate the high-stakes division of labor required to keep a major hub running on schedule.