Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of January 23, 2015)

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.

Can an Airline Loyalty Program Be ‘Too Popular’?

According to a story in the South China Morning Post, Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo program has become “too popular.” That’s bad news for the program’s members.

Foreign Travel? There’s an App for That

Frommer’s calls its new smartphone app “the essential international travel companion.” With an impressive list of features, it lives up to the hype.

United Upgrades Inflight Meal Service

Beginning on February 1, first- and business-class travelers flying on United within North America will get an upgrade, inflight food-wise.

Yelp Dubs BBQ Joint the Country’s Best Restaurant

Copper Top BBQ, in Big Pine, CA, (population: 1,756) is the best restaurant in the United States. So says Yelp, in its quirky roundup of the country’s 100 best dining spots.

New Citi Card Transfer Partner: Virgin Atlantic

With the addition of Virgin Atlantic, holders of Citi ThankYou Premier, Citi Prestige, and Citi Chairman credit cards may transfer ThankYou points for miles or points in 11 programs.

$99 Helicopter Transfers to JFK, Newark Airports

From Manhattan to JFK or Newark airports in less than 10 minutes.

Earn 10,000 Bonus Points for Radisson Stays

Through December 31, 2015, Club Carlson members can earn 10,000 bonus points per night when booking the MEGAPTS rate at around 100 Radisson hotels in North and South America.

70,000-Point Bonus for IHG Credit Card Sign-Ups

Between January 22 and March 31, new IHG Rewards Club Select credit card customers will receive a 70,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 during the first three months.

Win a Trip for Two to Madrid or Barcelona

Enter the Red Diamond “International Dream Trip” sweepstakes by March 31 for a chance to win a seven-night trip for two to either Madrid or Barcelona, including air and hotel.

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