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.

The Top 10 Travel Loyalty Stories of 2011

It was an eventful year for travelers who collect airline miles and hotel points. Tim Winship takes a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Southwest Matches American’s Elite Mile Promotion

Between December 22, 2011, and January 31, 2012, Rapid Rewards members will earn double elite-qualifying points for all Southwest flights.

That makes Southwest the second airline to offer double elite points. Next?

Choice Hotels Doubles the Points for Winter Stays

Through February 29, 2012, Choice Privileges members can choose to earn double points or points plus airline miles for every qualifying stay at Choice hotels.

Double points are a solid if unspectacular bonus, but the rest of the promotion’s terms are eminently consumer-friendly.

Win a Four-Night Trip for Two to London

Enter the “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” sweepstakes by January 26, 2012, for a chance to win a trip for two to London, including airfare and four nights’ hotel accommodations.