• Increased security measures at airports mean delays in the airport.
• Aging traffic control system leads to delays.
• Air traffic congestion means delays on the tarmac and late departures and arrivals.
• Increased fares, fuel and baggage fees, including the emergence of a charge for the first checked bag, added to compensate for rising costs, are unpopular with consumers.
• Increased FAA scrutiny can lead to flight cancellations for inspections.
• The open skies agreement that deregulated flight between the U.S. and 27 EU countries, which took effect April 1, will increase competition by allowing EU airlines to fly between any point in Europe and the U.S. (not just from their home countries).  The second phase of the agreement, scheduled for 2010, will allow foreign airlines to fully own and operate airlines in the U.S.
• Competition may lead to consolidation of airlines, which will reduce flights and drive up prices.
• Aggressive merger talks create questions among consumers and unrest among employees.

1. “Target your markets with precision accuracy.  We are taking this time to reach out to the travelers with whom we really want to build and maintain a relationship.  Of course we are marketing directly to our frequent flyers, who travel with us often.  But we are also reaching out to other more specific markets as well, where we have something of value to offer.  For example, we’re working to reach ethnic groups who are looking for international travel options to specific countries, and to alternative lifestyle travelers who have the affinity and means to fly as long as they feel comfortable.
2. “Work closely with your industry association.  We are fortunate in the airline industry to have great PR pros at our trade organization, and we work side by side with them regularly.  They can take the lead on a number of issues, ranging from regulatory and consumer satisfaction to operation and weather-related issues.  This is a real benefit for us, because we don’t have to carry the full weight of every problem on our brand alone.
3. “Don’t forget to focus on the positive.  The airline industry is such an operations-heavy business that it’s very easy to get swept up in the crisis of the day, and end up being only reactive to those problems.  But it’s important to step back regularly and be sure you are telling your good stories as well.  For example, we can focus on upgrades to terminals, and improved amenities we’re offering to travelers, and what the latest fare deals have to offer.  We try to proactively ‘change the conversation’ that is going on in the media and public environment, from being about XYZ and our responses to those, to talking about ABC and what we have to offer.  It’s crucial for our brand and the image and strength of our company as a whole to do this, even as we respond to the crisis or challenge of the day.”

• You specialize in a skill that is transferable and you want to move into another industry.
• You want to move to a larger organization.
• You are looking for a better company.
• You see more future upward mobility at the new company.
• You notice that your current company is top heavy and you want more room at the top somewhere else.
• You want to take over a responsibility in which you have only dabbled.
• You want to switch from corporate headquarters to the field, or vice versa.
• You want to change from corporate to agency, or vice versa.
• You want to relocate or need to since your spouse's job is being relocated.  

Even during tough economic times, you should think of your professional development.  A strategic lateral move can open many doors for your career in the short and long term.