Miles & Points: The Week's Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of September 12, 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.



Can Sensory Deprivation Upgrade Coach Flying?



Airbus's antidote to the discomfort of flying in coach: Induce an out-of-body experience for the duration of the flight. Could suspended animation be next?



Southwest: Free to Move Outside the Country



Southwest has begun its expansion into international markets with flights to Mexico and the Caribbean. Next up: Costa Rica. And after that…?



Earn More When Dining at Starwood Restaurants



Through December 30, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn triple points when dining at participating hotel restaurants Mondays through Thursdays.



Virgin America Refreshes Inflight Menus



The airline deemed "Best Domestic Airline for Food" by Travel + Leisure has a brand new menu.



Southwest's New Look Dials Up the Luv



Southwest's new logo and aircraft livery are more than a simple refresh, writes Tim Winship.



Starwood's Fall Bonus: Double, Triple Points



Between September 15 and December 15, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn double points for stays of two or more weeknights, and triple points for weekend stays.



Save 25% on Carlson Hotel Award Nights



Through November 30, Club Carlson members can redeem 25 percent fewer points for award stays at participating Carlson hotels in North, South, and Central America.



Carlson's Fall Bonus: 3,000 Points



Between September 8 and November 16, Club Carlson members can earn 3,000 bonus points for every stay booked through the Club Carlson mobile app.



Win a Three-Night Culinary Trip to L.A.



Enter the "Culinary Trip to L.A." sweepstakes by September 26 for a chance to win a three-night trip to Los Angeles for two, including air and hotel.

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