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

Is Frontier the New Spirit Airlines?

Most consumers would say the world needs fewer airlines like Spirit and Ryanair, not more. Frontier Airlines begs to differ.

Reminder: Frequent Flyers Have No Rights

A recent court decision confirms what you may already have suspected: As a member of a frequent-flyer program, you have no rights.

Triple JetBlue Points for San Francisco Flights

Through September 2, TrueBlue members can earn triple points for JetBlue flights between San Francisco and either Austin or Ft. Lauderdale.

Who Will Pay for the 787’s Grounding?

The three-month grounding of their Boeing 787s will cost two Japanese airlines $110 million. Should Boeing compensate them? What about the FAA?

From US Airways: Another Buy-Miles Bonus

For the month of May, Dividend Miles members can earn up to a 100 percent bonus when purchasing US Airways miles for their own accounts or as gifts for others.

DOT Fines Southwest for Stiffing Complainers

Southwest, the airline that hangs its hat on its affable, customer-friendly demeanor, has failed to respond quickly and fully to its customers’ complaints, according to the DOT.

United’s New Change Fees and You

United’s new change fees are usurious and clearly bear no relationship to the real cost of actually changing a customers’ tickets. Does anyone care?

Carlson Award Changes Are Good News

Carlson is bucking the stick-it-to-’em trend among hotel programs with just-announced award changes that are a refreshingly net positive for Club Carlson members.

Boeing’s 787 Is Airborne Again. Should It Be?

Boeing’s troubled 787 Dreamliner has resumed scheduled flights, following approval by the FAA of the plane’s redesigned battery system. Was the FAA’s review rushed?

Starwood’s New Promotion: Double Points

Between May 1 and July 31, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn double points for stays at more than 1,000 participating hotels.

Win a Four-Night Trip to Iceland for Two

Enter the Icelandic Glacial Experience Iceland sweepstakes by May 31 for a chance to win the grand prize: a six-day trip for two to Iceland, including air and hotel.

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

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