Baggage porters and bellhops handle luggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels.

Baggage porters

Baggage porters deliver luggage to and from hotel rooms using a hand truck. Porters often set up rooms for conferences and meetings. They escort guests to their rooms when the bellhop is busy.

Porters are in charge of luggage storage rooms. Guests sometimes store their luggage after they check out of their rooms. Porters fill out baggage claim checks and give them to guests. In addition, they assist guests in packaging and shipping parcels.

Porters may also help travelers at:

• Airports
• Train stations
• Bus depots

Porters check luggage in at these locations. They may also help direct travelers to luggage claims and security check points.

Bellhops

Bellhops escort newly-arrived guests to hotel rooms. They assist guests with small luggage. They explain specific features about the room, such as how to operate the television. They provide information about hotel facilities and local points of interest.

In some hotels bellhops deliver messages and room service as well as pick up laundry for cleaning. They call taxicabs and courtesy vans for guests and may park their cars. They may also supply guests with travel information, such as bus routes, schedules, and rates.

Bellhops maintain the security of the hotel. They may visit the rooms of guests who are making too much noise. They watch for thieves and may discourage people who are not guests from loitering around the hotel.