Miami: Fly from LAX for just $79 each way on Continental and United

Get ready for the first airfare bargain of the new year. United and Continental are showing fares starting at $79 each way from Los Angeles to Miami on selected days. But you need to book it by 5 p.m. PST Monday.

The deal: United and Continental, which merged last year, offer the low fares based on round-trip purchase. This deal made TravelZoo’s Top 20 last week, which is how I found it. To get the $79 plus tax fare, start by going to either airline’s website and checking the dates that it applies.

When: The deal is available until 5 p.m. PST so act quickly if you want a seat. This handy Fly.com calendar shows the dates when the lowest prices currently are available: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some Saturdays.

Tested: I checked on both United’s and Continental’s websites and found round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Miami available at the lowest rate. However, the flights were not nonstop. For example, flying from Los Angeles on Feb. 1 to Miami on Continental, I had the choice of stopping in Houston or Denver on the outbound flight and stopping at Houston on the return flight. Total cost with tax: $199.

Contact: United Airlines, (800) 864-8331; Continental Airlines, (800) 523-3273