Travel Roundup: MGM Mirage backs CityCenter, Hawaii's Rail Transit, Ryanair Battles Birds and More

MGM Mirage and partner Dubai World commit to $1.6 billion for Las Vegas Strip project -- MGM Mirage and Dubai World seem determined about the MGM Mirage CityCenter project. Both joint-venture partners agreed to back the Las Vegas Strip project even if they can't get outside financing. The CityCenter project, a $9.2 billion mixed-use development, is slated for next year. It will feature the Aria Resort & Casino, along with other hotels such as the Harmon Hotel and Mandarin Oriental, spas, condos and shopping and entertainment districts. [Source: Travel Weekly]

Hawaii votes for passenger trail -- Hawaiian voters approved a $4.5 billion rail transit project that will span 20 miles in Oahu from East Kapolei to Ala Moana. Residents will pay taxes to fund the system expected to be completed in 2018. Votes fell along geographic lines with those residents amid teeming traffic voting for the project in droves while those nearer downtown Honolulu and Waikiki were less enthusiastic about the project. [Source: Honolulu Advertiser]

Birds cause Ryanair flight to emergency land in Rome -- Officials confirmed that a Frankfurt Ryanair flight made an emergency landing in Rome after birds hit the aircraft Monday. The 166-passenger, Boeing 737 jet was repeatedly hit by "bird strikes" before being sucked into the engine as the plan tried to land. Three passengers and two members of the flight crew were taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries. [Source: AP/Houston Chronicle]

United offers online discount on first pieces of checked baggage -- United Airlines is offering customers a 20 percent discount on first checked bag fees when paid on united.com between today and Jan. 31, 2009, a whopping $3 savings. The airline also reported that it canceled its proposed second-bag fee increase, so the fee remains $25 one-way. [Source: United]

Photo of the Aria Resort & Casino under construction courtesy of MGM Mirage