Miles & Points: The Week's Best Frequent Flyer Deals

Following is our regular summary of the best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week.

If it was a good deal—or a notably bad deal—from an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here, and plan your travel accordingly.

Big Southwest Bonus on Chicago-California Flights

Southwest is offering double Rapid Rewards points—both redeemable points and elite-qualifying points—for Chicago-California flights through March 31, 2012.

If you're a Southwest loyalist, this offer pushes Southwest to the top of the list for travel on the targeted routes. Assuming, of course, that Southwest's fares are competitive with American and United's, both of which are offering comparable bonuses.

British Airways Credit Card's Dining Discount

Through December 31, British Airways Visa credit cardholders will receive a $50 credit for charging meals at New York restaurants with a star rating from the 2011 Michelin Guide.

A discount at pricey New York eateries? Ordering!

Does a 50% Discount Make Delta Miles a Buy?

Through December 31, SkyMiles members who use a Delta SkyMiles credit card issued by American Express to buy miles will earn a 100 percent bonus on the purchased miles.

A 50 percent discount on SkyMiles is nice. Is it enough?

United Matches American's Elite Bonus on Chicago Flights

Through January 31, 2012, MileagePlus and OnePass members can earn double redeemable and elite-qualifying miles between Chicago and Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orange County.

As incentives go, double elite-qualifying miles are particularly desirable. And since both American and United have plenty of flights on the targeted routes, they'd be the logical choices even without the bonus.

American Sweepstakes Features 150,000-Mile Prize

Wanna get away? Enter American Airlines' sweepstakes by December 15 for a chance to win 150,000 American AAdvantage miles or 150,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles.

Somebody has to win, right?