Roundup: TSA’s holiday flying tips; cheap LAX-Australia airfares; New York deals

Good morning, travelers, and get ready for crowded skies. Today, Dec. 19, and Dec. 27 will be the two busiest flight days for the winter holidays, says the Air Transport Assn., which expects jets to take off at or near capacity. Get to the airport early, and check the TSA website for holiday travel tips. Did you know the TSA regards snow globes as liquids banned from carry-ons, and that flying with pies and cakes may subject you to extra screening? As Santa says: You better watch out.

In other news:

Australia fares go south: Great news for Los Angeles fliers and anyone who connects through here: Airfares on the notoriously pricey LAX-Sydney route are falling by nearly 50%, from around $1,500 for July round trips to $890, reports Times staffer Peter Pae. That’s because Delta Air Lines and V Australia (be sure you’re on the “USA” version of the website), a new airline started by billionaire Richard Branson, will add the route next year.

V Australia, whose Dec. 15 launch was delayed by labor strikes at Boeing, will begin flying LAX-Sydney on Feb. 27, using Boeing 777-300ER jets (above) , and Delta will begin in July. Move over, Qantas and United; you’ve got company.

New York in winter: Big Apple visitors who want to save a buck should bookmark two dates: Dec. 23 and Jan. 5. That’s when NYC & Company, which markets tourism there, plans to post information on two money-saving deals. The Third Night promotion, going up Dec. 23, gives you a third night free at nine luxury hotels, including London NYC, Trump International Hotel & Tower and the Waldorf Towers. And starting Jan. 5, you’ll be able to make reservations for $24.07 lunches and $35 dinners at more than 250 top restaurants for Restaurant Week, Jan. 18-23 and Jan. 25-30. New this year: You can get the deal on Sundays too.

Have a great weekend!

— Jane Engle, assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor

Photo: V Australia’s new 777-300ER jet at Boeing’s factory in Washington. Credit: V Australia

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This entry was posted on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 8:22 am by Jane Engle and is filed under Airline travel, Asia, Business Travel, California, Deals, Frequent Flier, Gay, Global, Good Morning, Hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury Travel, New York, News, Tips & Advice, Pacific & Australia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.