Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of January 8, 2016)

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.

Are Friendlier Skies Ahead After Spirit Shakeup?

Spirit, the “airline everyone loves to hate,” has a new CEO. While customer satisfaction is likely to improve, there’s a downside as well.

Now for Sale at United: Economy Plus Extra-Perk Bundles

If United’s Economy Plus extra-legroom seating isn’t plus enough, United now offers Travel Options, two bundles of extra perks available on most flights.

U.S. Airlines Are Highly Ranked in New Safety Review

AirlineRatings.com has just published its latest lists of the 20 safest full-service airlines and the 10 safest low-cost airlines. See how your airline fared.

Fidelity Drops Amex for 2% Cash-Back Card

Fidelity will henceforth offer its popular 2% cash-back credit card as a Visa-branded card.

JetBlue Starts New Year with Double Points Promotion

Through February 29, members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue program can earn double elite-qualifying base points for all JetBlue flights.

Starwood’s Winter Promotion Features Double Points, Something Extra

In what could be its final systemwide bonus offer before merging with Marriott, Starwood’s new promotion features double points, and a little something extra.

Rumors Fly as Malaysia Airlines Restricts Checked Bags

Beleaguered Malaysia Airlines is once again raising eyebrows in the travel and business communities.

InterContinental Hotels’ Winter Bonuses: Extra Miles or Extra Points

For the next four months, members of the IHG Rewards program have their choice of two new systemwide promotions: IHG points or airline miles.

Win a 7-Night Trip for 2 to New Zealand

Enter the Rodale “New Year New You” sweepstakes by January 31 for a chance to win a trip for two to New Zealand, including air and hotel.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Year’s 10 Biggest Travel Stories
• These New Coach-Class Seats Are Actually Comfortable
• For One Uber Rival, It’s the End of the Road

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.