Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent Flyer Deals

Following is our regular summary of the 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.

Air Travel Is Improving, Right?

A new report from the DOT shows improvement in on-time arrivals and baggage handling. Does that mean that air travel is finally getting better?

Only in Australia: Elite Miles for Free Flights

Members of Virgin Australia’s loyalty program will soon be able to earn elite-qualifying miles not just for paid flights but for award flights as well.

Coming Soon: Redeem Alaska Miles for Emirates Flights

Beginning January 16, Mileage Plan members can redeem their miles for Emirates flights.

Major Overhaul Coming for Priority Club’s Award Chart

Beginning on January 18, the number of points required for free Priority Club nights will vary by individual hotel, not brand, and be classified by “price category.”

Qatar Airways to Partner with American, oneworld

Beginning in February, American and Qatar Airways will codeshare on each other’s flights to and beyond Dohar and within the U.S.

Do Travel Loyalty Programs Still Matter?

Loyalty programs continue to frustrate, confuse, and under deliver, but there’s still hope.

Boeing’s New Dreamliner Is Smokin’ (Literally)

Boeing’s new Dreamliner has come in for scrutiny after safety-related incidents, most recently a fire on a Japan Airlines 787 at Boston’s Logan Airport.

FAA Will Scrutinize Boeing Dreamliner Issues

Following a series of safety-related incidents, the FAA today announced it would subject Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner to an unusual round of post-launch scrutiny.

Bulk Up on United Miles and Lose the Fat

If your New Year’s resolutions include getting back into tip-top physical shape, you can earn 2,000 United miles by joining one of 10,000 U.S. fitness centers.

American Merger Decision Promised “Within Weeks”

In a memo to employees, American chief Tom Horton promised that a decision about the airline’s future would be taken “within weeks.”

Carlson’s Winter Bonus Is Among the Best

Through March 15, members of Carlson’s Club Carlson program can earn triple points for stays at all Radisson, Radisson Blu, Country Inn & Suites, Park Plaza, and Park Inn hotels.

Win a Trip for Two to the Charleston International Film Festival

Enter the Charleston International Film Festival sweepstakes by March 1 for a chance to win a trip for two to Charleston, including air and five nights’ hotel accommodations.

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