Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of September 4, 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.

Coming Soon to a Hotel Near You: Nuisance Fees

Following the airlines’ lead, hotels are increasingly sneaking in surcharges for services that cost little or nothing to provide, like early check-in or smoke-free rooms.

Who Decides Whether to Allow Inflight Cell Calls?

Last year’s brouhaha surrounding the issue of inflight cellphone calls is being revived with a recommendation to the DOT that the decision be left to the airlines.

Delta Will Pay for Delayed Flights

These days, Delta is all about running a tight ship, betting that operational excellence is the key to winning market share and boosting profits. Now they’re promising to pay for delays.

Hilton, Uber Get Together (But No Points)

Hilton has taken a small step toward embracing the sharing economy with its newly announced partnership with ride-share service Uber.

Starwood’s Fall Promotion Is Double Points

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Between October 1 and December 20, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn double points for stays of two or more nights, plus an extra 500 points for stays of three or more nights.

Join the Mile High Club? There’s an App for That

Looking to hook up on the road? A new app, Lounger, could be just the ticket.

Earn Double, Triple Points with Hertz

Between September 8 and December 15, members of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program can earn double points for the first qualifying rental and triple points for all subsequent rentals.

Alaska Air Discounts Award Travel Up to 60%

Members of Alaska’s Mileage Plan can redeem up to 60 percent fewer miles for award flights booked by September 9 and completed between September 9 and December 16.

Win a Trip on Virgin America’s First Hawaii Flight

Enter the Virgin America “Make Your Hawaiiscape” sweepstakes by September 30 for a chance to win a trip for two on Virgin America’s inaugural Hawaii flight, including air and accommodations.

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

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