Just in time for the holidays, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) employees offer tidings of joy and their advice for seamless travel this busy holiday season, including some little-known tricks of the travel trade.

What's new for the holidays: It's no secret that things have changed in the airline industry, especially over the past year. US Airways wants to remind travelers of new policies that may apply to their travel plans. Not all airline policies are exactly the same, and when flying with US Airways, travel information can always be found online at www.usairways.com . Below are some highlights to keep in mind:

Secure Flight: On Oct. 1, US Airways joined other airlines and began requiring additional personal information when customers book tickets. Secure Flight is a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program which has been implemented as an added security measure. When making a reservation, passengers will be asked to provide the following Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) to US Airways:Name as it appears on government-issued I.D. when travelingDate of BirthGenderRedress Number (if applicable to the customer)

Additional information and updates about Secure Flight can be found at the TSA's Web site, www.tsa.gov .

Baggage Fees: If traveling within the U.S., to the Caribbean, Latin America, or Canada, US Airways charges $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second when pre-paid online, plus a $5 surcharge for each checked bag paid for at the airport. Hint: Save $5 per bag and pay for them online. Customers who have pre-paid for their bag online, can take it to an agent at the airport to receive their bag tags. For especially generous gift givers or grateful gift receivers, a third checked bag (through the ninth checked bag) will cost $100 per bag.Carrying extra weight (in your luggage, not around your midsection!): Checked bags weighing in excess of 50 pounds, bags between 71 and 99 pounds as well as oversized bags, those that are 62 to 80 inches around (take a measuring tape and wrap it completely around your bag to measure), are subject to additional fees. Complete policy information can be found at www.usairways.com .Traveling overseas? Trans-Atlantic passengers can check their first bag for free. If checking a second bag, passengers will pay $50 online. Remember, if paying for a second bag at the airport, a $5 surcharge will apply.Ask an Expert: Baggage Service Specialist Vicky Notle Vollrath (home base: Phoenix), keeps this secret in her carry-on bag: "When checking your bag, make sure that it is checked all the way to your destination and not just to your connecting city. Visually look at the bag tag being put on your bag and know your final destination three letter city code." Hint: Before handing over their bags to an agent, customers should check that the airport code on their bag tags match the code on their boarding passes.Checking in: Curbside check-in is available at many US Airways locations for a $2 fee plus the fee to check a bag.Choice Seats: Want to be one of the first off the plane to see your family? US Airways offers the option to purchase some of the most popular seats in coach class during the check-in process. Fees range from $5 to $30 per flight segment.The US Airways MarketPlace(TM): US Airways now offers an upgraded onboard menu in our coach cabin with food, snacks and beverages available for purchase. Premium snacks, fresh meals, well-known 'pick-me-up' beverages, award winning Stirrings Cocktails, as well as beer and wine, are a refreshing way to re-energize before heading over the river and through the woods. Customers needing to rest up before sitting down to dinner with extended family might want to consider purchasing a Power-Nap Sack(TM) for an in-flight snooze. US Airways accepts cash on all flights and Visa, MasterCard and American Express on some flights for in-flight purchases.

Check-in early: Visit www.usairways.com to save time at the airport. The US Airways Web site provides automated check-in options, including the ability to pre-print boarding passes up to 24 hours prior to departure time. Customers taking advantage of Web check-in also receive a higher boarding priority.

Ask an Expert: Station Analyst Jimmy Young (home base: Charlotte, N.C.), knows how to use the extra time at the airport he saves by checking in early to relax in one of Charlotte airport's infamous white rocking chairs or do some last-minute shopping: "Head to the Atrium in the center of the terminal to enjoy our airport's signature white rocking chairs, great views of the airfield, live piano music and a variety of dining choices. If you need to pick up a unique gift, check out The NASCAR® Shop, which is also located in the Atrium."

Check flight status: US Airways provides three automated ways to make sure our customers' flights are on-time before they leave for the airport.

1. Customers can receive instant flight status information through their text-enabled mobile devices by texting their flight number to TEXTUS (839887) to receive real-time flight information.