Miles & Points: The Week's Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of October 10, 2014)
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.
Is Your Hotel Blocking Your Internet Access?
So, is your hotel blocking your access to a WiFi hotspot? It's not likely. But as a settlement reached last week between the FCC and Marriott shows, it's possible.
Delta Eliminates Upgrades on Cheapest Fares
From February 1, 2015, elite members of Delta's SkyMiles program will no longer be entitled to space-available upgrades when traveling on Basic Economy (booking class E) fares.
Coming to a Marriott Near You: Wireless Charging
By the end of this month, guests at 29 Marriott hotels will be able to charge their cellphones, laptops, or tablets wirelessly, in the hotels' lobbies.
Delta Increases Elite Qualification Requirements
More bad news for Delta loyalists: To earn elite status for 2016, SkyMiles members will have to spend 20 percent more during 2015.
American's Top Fliers Get Cadillac Service
American, once the self-described "something special in the air," is teaming up with something special on the ground, Cadillac, to ferry high-value flyers between gates.
Delta to Nix Round-the-World Awards in 2015
Want to cash in your Delta miles for a round-the-world trip? You'll have to do so before the end of the year, because they will no longer be available from January 1, 2015.
Southwest Credit Card Bonus: 50,000 Points
Southwest has upped the sign-up bonus for its Rapid Rewards Premier credit card to 50,000 points. Because there's no published end date on the offer, it could be ratcheted back at any time.
Earn Bonus Points for Virgin America Flights
Between October 6 and December 19, members of Virgin America's Elevate program can earn up to triple points for all Virgin America flights.
Win Trips for Two to Cancun or Boston
Enter the Southwest "Halloween Frightseeing" sweepstakes by October 31, 2014, for a chance to win a four-night trip for two to Cancun or Boston, including air, hotel, and more.
Somebody has to win, right? Might as well be you.