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

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and 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.

The 10 Worst Airlines for Fees

Nuisance fees are on the rise, up 19.6 percent in 2012. Spirit and Allegiant are among the worst offenders.

More US Air Miles for Hotel Stays, Car Rentals

Through July 31, Dividend Miles members will earn a 50-percent bonus when earning miles for hotel stays and car rentals with program partners.

Southwest Points for Sale: Buy or No-Buy?

Southwest this week announced the newly added ability to gift or transfer Rapid Rewards points, and its first-ever discount on purchased points. Buyers should proceed with caution.

Delta Weakens SkyTeam with New Mileage Policies

Beginning on September 1, travelers can no longer assume that the current Delta bonuses will be uniformly awarded for flights on SkyTeam partner airlines.

Hyatt Bets Big on Vegas with MGM Tie-Up

Later this month, members of Hyatt’s Gold Passport program will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at 12 MGM hotels in Las Vegas.

Will Anyone Buy United’s Fee-Free Bag Subscriptions?

United’s new subscription services seem to be aimed at market segments best described as the gullible and the deluded.

Airline Profit Woes Signal Worse Times Ahead for Flyers

According to an industry trade group, the keys to airline success are fuller planes and more fees. That’s bad news for the traveling public.

MGM Hotel Stays Now Earn Southwest Points

Members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program can now earn points for stays at MGM hotels.

Win an Abercrombie & Kent 10-Night Tour for Two

Enter the Abercrombie & Kent Tailor Made Journey sweepstakes by July 31 for a chance to win a custom trip for two to Europe, Africa, or Asia, including a $10,000 travel credit.

Somebody has to win, right? Might as well be you.

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