Miles & Points: The Week's Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of December 13, 2013)

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.

Who Will Make the Call on Inflight Phone Calls?

The prospect of planeloads of chattering yahoos has triggered an outpouring of impassioned pushback against inflight cell calls. But how will the matter be decided?

Choice Hotels’ Winter Promo: 3,000 Bonus Points

Between December 12, 2013, and February 19, 2014, Choice Privileges members can earn 3,000 bonus points after every two stays at Choice family hotels.

Little Change After American, US Air Merger

Although American and US Airways closed their merger today, nothing has changed for customers of the two airlines. And very little will change in the next month.

Alaska-Delta Bonus Battle Moves to Salt Lake City

Between June 9, 2014, and August 1, 2014, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn double award miles and double elite-qualifying miles on five Salt Lake City routes.

Bonus Miles for American’s A321 Transcon Flights

Between January 7, 2014, and March 31, 2014, AAdvantage members can earn up to 15,000 bonus miles for roundtrip flights between New York and Los Angeles.

Alaska Air to Add New Elite-Qualifying Partners

On January 15, 2014, Alaska Air’s loyalty program gets a value boost, when the miles earned for five current Mileage Plan partner airlines begin counting toward elite status.

Airbus Study: Coach-Class Comfort Matters

A new study by aircraft manufacturer Airbus has clear implications for the airlines: Upgrade your coach seating, or suffer the financial consequences.

Singapore Awards Disappear from United’s Website
Beginning today, MileagePlus members who want to check award availability or use their miles to book awards on Singapore Airlines will have to call United reservations.

Win a Royal Caribbean Cruise for Two

Enter the Woman’s World Spring Vacation sweepstakes by December 27, 2013, for a chance to win a seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise for two.

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

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