Landside
Landside refers to all areas of an airport that are accessible to the public before security checkpoints. This includes parking lots, passenger pick-up and drop-off areas, ticket counters, check-in areas, and rental car facilities. It's the opposite of "airside," which refers to secure areas past security checkpoints. When someone works in landside operations, they help manage the flow of passengers, visitors, and vehicles in these public areas to ensure smooth airport operations.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Landside operations team of 15 staff members at major international airport
Reduced Landside congestion by implementing new traffic flow patterns
Coordinated Landside facilities maintenance and renovations while maintaining regular operations
Typical job title: "Landside Operations Managers"
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Where to Find Landside Operations Managers
Professional Networks
Industry Organizations
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a major traffic congestion situation during peak holiday travel?
Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss coordinating with local law enforcement, implementing emergency traffic plans, utilizing digital signage systems, deploying additional staff, and communicating with stakeholders including airlines and ground transportation providers.
Q: What experience do you have with landside facility expansion projects?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience managing construction projects while maintaining normal operations, coordinating with contractors, ensuring minimal disruption to passengers, and implementing effective communication strategies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you manage relationships with ground transportation providers?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience working with taxi companies, ride-share services, shuttle operators, and ensuring compliance with airport regulations while maintaining good service levels.
Q: What strategies have you used to improve passenger flow in check-in areas?
Expected Answer: Should explain experience with queue management, peak hour staffing, signage improvements, and working with airlines to optimize check-in processes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the key components of landside operations?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify main areas like parking facilities, ground transportation, passenger drop-off/pick-up zones, and explain basic passenger flow concepts.
Q: How would you handle a customer complaint about parking facilities?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate customer service skills, knowledge of complaint handling procedures, and understanding of when to escalate issues to senior management.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of airport operations
- Customer service experience
- Basic traffic management
- Facility monitoring
Mid (2-5 years)
- Staff supervision
- Ground transportation coordination
- Emergency response procedures
- Contractor management
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Project management
- Stakeholder relations
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with customer service or public relations
- Lack of knowledge about airport safety regulations
- Poor understanding of traffic management principles
- No experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders
Related Terms
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