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.

Flyers Vote ‘No’ on American-US Airways Merger

The success of the American-US Air merger ultimately depends on the goodwill of the traveling public. But polls show that most flyers are opposed to the tie-up. Uh-oh!

Southwest Upgrades Offer to Include Elite Points

Between February 20 and May 15, members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program will earn double points and double tier-qualifying points for all credit-eligible Southwest flights.

Up to 3,000 American Bonus Miles from Budget

Between February 21 and April 30, AAdvantage members can earn up to 3,000 bonus miles for qualifying Budget rentals at U.S. airport locations.

Starwood Announces Award-Price Changes for 2013

Beginning on March 5, award prices at around 48 Starwood hotels will decrease while prices at more than 200 hotels will increase. It could be worse.

Upcoming Hilton Changes Are the Worst Ever

Award-price increases set to take effect on March 28 may be onerous enough to cause travelers to reevaluate their loyalty to Hilton’s HHonors program.

Why Is American’s Outgoing Chief Smiling?

American chief Tom Horton will be paid $20 million for completing a merger he fought hard to avoid.

Who knew failure could be so rewarding!

Study: Airline Credit Cards No Longer the Most Rewarding

A new study claims that co-branded airline rewards cards often deliver inferior value compared to bank cards linked to the issuers’ own rewards programs.

Earn Double Credits for AirTran Flights

Between February 14 and May 15, members of the A+ Rewards program will earn double credits for all credit-eligible AirTran flights booked through AirTran.

Win One Million Hilton HHonors Points

Enter the Hilton Hotels Million Point Giveaway sweepstakes by April 22 for a chance to win one of three grand prizes of one million Hilton HHonors points each.

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

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