The person at an airport, train station, or hotel who's paid to help with your luggage is a porter. It's also the name of a train employee who assists passengers traveling in sleeper cars. The word porter comes from the Latin portatorem, one who carries.

The general term for a person employed to carry luggage for travelers is a porter. However, the specific title often changes based on the setting and the region. In a hotel, this person is most commonly called a bellhop or a bellman, derived from the historical practice of ringing a bell at the front desk to summon them. In a high-end hotel, the person managing the entire luggage and entrance operation might be the concierge or a head porter. At an airport, a porter who assists passengers with their bags at the curb or baggage claim is often called a skycap (a term primarily used in North America). If you are at a train station, they are sometimes referred to as a redcap, named for the distinctive red hats traditionally worn by railroad porters. On a mountain expedition, such as a trek up Kilimanjaro or in the Himalayas, the local experts who carry gear and supplies are also known as porters. Regardless of the title, it is customary to offer a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for their physical labor and assistance.