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Recap: The Week’s Biggest Travel Stories and Best Deals

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.

Airlines Mistreat Us, and We Keep Coming Back for More

Calls to boycott United following a string of incidents of passenger mistreatment haven’t dented the airline’s profits. Do travelers simply not care?

This Airline Has the Best Frequent Flyer Rewards

According to the latest U.S. News & World Report study, the best airline loyalty program is Alaska Air’s Mileage Plan. Yes, but …

Alaska Air’s New Double-Miles Promotion Is a Winner

Between September 1, 2017, and February 28, 2018, Mileage Plan members can earn double miles on around 50 Alaska Airlines routes. Nice!

Earn a Free Wyndham Night After 2 Stays

Through October 31, Wyndham Rewards members can earn enough bonus points for a free night after two completed stays paid for with Masterpass.

Are These the Best Hotel Loyalty Programs?

Is Marriott Rewards the best hotel loyalty program? U.S. News says it is, but the survey’s ratings criteria raise doubts about the results.

Earn a $25 Gift Card for Your Next Best Western Stay

Through September 30, Best Western Rewards members who complete an eligible hotel stay can earn a $25 Best Western Travel Card. Check the details, though.

FAA Will Consider Legroom Minimum for Coach Seats

In the coming months, the FAA will review a petition from a flyers’ rights group to establish minimums for coach-seat legroom and width. Here’s hoping.

Win a 7-Day Caribbean ‘Stargazing’ Cruise for 4

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-day Caribbean cruise for four people.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

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.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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