Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of April 15, 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.

Is This the ‘Golden Age of Flying’?

According to Airlines for America, the organization that is paid to represent the interests of U.S. airlines, this is the “golden age of flying.” Agree?

Major Airline Discontinues Phone-Booking Fees. Really!

Effective today: no more fees for Delta bookings made by phone or at a ticket counter. Surprise!

When It Comes to Airports, Smaller Is Better

According to a new study by Phoenix Marketing, airport size and traveler satisfaction are generally inversely related. In other words: Smaller is better.

Airlines Face Antitrust Scrutiny, Again

The Big Three legacy airlines have quietly changed their pricing policy for multi-city trips. And yes, the new policy makes such trips more expensive.

Starbucks Offers Fast Track to Gold in New Program

Starbucks is making it a bit easier to earn rewards in its new spend-based frequent-drinker program. But only for a limited time.

Starwood Points Now Transfer to Virgin America

Points earned in the loyalty program of Starwood hotels can now be converted into points in the loyalty program of Virgin America. Good; but sad, too.

New InterContinental Promotion: ‘At Least’ 65,000 Bonus Points

InterContinental Hotel Group’s new promotion features bonuses for both the member’s own IHG Rewards account and to share with other program members.

InterContinental Discounts Award Stays in Mexico, L. America, the Caribbean

With a 50 percent discount, IHG Rewards members can make their points go farther when redeeming for award stays in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Win a Trip to London with Business-Class Air

Enter the PureWow “2016 London Trip” sweepstakes by May 14 for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to London, including business-class air.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Alaska-Virgin America Merger Begets Sadness, Skepticism
• Airline Complaints Highest in 15 Years. Why?
• Marriott Wins Bidding War, Will Merge with Starwood

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.