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.

Southwest Will Be Chase Ultimate Rewards Partner

In early 2012, holders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card will be able to exchange their Ultimate Rewards points for Southwest Rapid Rewards points.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is already one of the most robust of the multi-purpose rewards cards. The addition of Southwest as a transfer partner further solidifies its position atop the category.

American Doubles the Elite-Qualifying Miles

Between December 13, 2012, and January 31, 2012, AAdvantage members can earn double elite miles on all American and American Eagle flights.

See why American’s new promotion is less than compelling than it seems.

Win 1 Million Rewards Points from Marriott

Enter the “Marriott Rewards” Facebook sweepstakes by December 31 for a chance to win the grand prize: 1 million Marriott Rewards points.

New Site Tries to Show Gifts-for-Miles Options

RewardingYourself.com is a clever concept, purporting to show options for using frequent flyer points to buy gifts.

Nice idea, but the site’s promise is left unfulfilled.

From Hyatt: Gold Passport Points for Dining

Hyatt is rolling out a new benefit for Gold Passport members: the ability to earn and redeem points at Hyatt restaurants and spas, even when you’re not a registered hotel guest.

This is the sort of program enhancement that leaves you wondering why it isn’t a standard feature of all hotel programs.