Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of April 1, 2016)

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.

Marriott Wins Bidding War, Will Merge with Starwood

The weeks-long bidding war to acquire Starwood Hotels ended abruptly late today, with Marriott the apparent winner.

Is Virgin America’s New Logo a Hoax?

The day before April Fools’ day, Virgin America unveiled a new logo. Please connect the dots.

Southwest Partners with Rideshare Service

Members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program can now earn bonus points for their first Lyft ride.

Virgin America Will Match Your Elite Status

If you’ve already earned elite status with American, Delta, Southwest, or United, Virgin America will match that status, for three months.

Hilton Deepens Ties with Uber

Hilton HHonors members can now order an Uber straight from the HHonors app.

Virgin America May Be Close to a Merger Deal

Credible rumors are circulating that Virgin America is in serious discussions regarding a merger with either JetBlue or Alaska Airlines.

Alaska Air’s Bad Day – Highlights and Lowlights

This week, Alaska Airlines’ likability quotient (and its mileage program) took a hit. A big hit.

Airline Employees Behaving Badly

In the past week, three instances of airline-employee misbehavior have made the national news. All the miscreants were flight-crew workers, responsible for flyers’ safety.

Win a Trip to Dublin, Ireland, for 2

Enter the Pernod Ricard “St. Patrick’s Day” sweepstakes by April 30 for a chance to win one of six trips for two to Ireland, including air and hotel.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• State Department Travel Advisory: ‘Be Safe’
• This Week, American Devalues AAdvantage
• SeaWorld’s Killer Whale Program to End – Can Zoos Survive?

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.