Imagine this scenario: an economy in crisis with more unemployed workers than before, fewer people traveling for business or a vacation, heightened fears about potential exposure to viruses, and rising fuel costs. Unfortunately, this is the current state of the U.S. airline industry and passengers should not expect for it to get better anytime soon.

While attending a global transportation conference this week, executives from several major airlines gave their outlook on the next year for the airline industry, as detailed in an Associated Press article on Yahoo! News.

With advance bookings down, airlines will have to cut capacity and/or increase ticket prices, fees and fuel charges in order to tackle these issues. Both Delta, and American Airlines discussed cutting capacity domestically and internationally while Southwest will start to eliminate unprofitable flights. Overall for passengers, this means fewer flights, fewer seats and potentially, paying more for an airline ticket.

One good bit of news: airlines will continue to offer fare sales to help attract passengers. Stay with Airfarewatchdog and don't miss out on some great airfare deals.