By James Wilkinson

United Airlines has placed one of the year’s most expensive travel periods on sale, with festive season prices to Los Angeles starting from under $2000 return including taxes.

United has launched a festive season sale

United Airlines general manager Australia and New Zealand, Alison Espley, said the sale fares were part of a commitment from the airline to provide competitive fares on the trans-Pacific route.

“The lure of a white Christmas continues to appeal to our Australian customers and we are delighted to offer such competitive fares to the US east coast during the peak school holiday period,” he said.

Economy class prices include: Sydney to Los Angeles return from $1610 plus taxes of $319; Sydney to San Francisco return from $1610 plus taxes of $319; Sydney to New York return from $1750 plus taxes of $319; Melbourne to Los Angeles return from $1610 plus taxes of $302; Melbourne to San Francisco return from $1610 plus taxes of $342; and Melbourne to New York return from $1750 plus taxes of $308.

This offer is available for ticketing until October 30, 2009 and for departures from December 10, 2009 to January 16, 2010.