Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of August 2, 2013)

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.

Delta Doubles Down on West Coast with New Shuttle

Beginning on September 3, Delta will replicate its East Coast shuttle on the West Coast, with 14 daily flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

With Creditor Vote, American-US Air Merger Closer

American’s creditors have overwhelmingly approved the airline’s plan to merge with US Airways and emerge from bankruptcy. For better or for worse …

Get Up to a 100% Bonus for Purchased US Air Miles

For the month of August, Dividend Miles members will receive a bonus of up to 100 percent of the miles purchased for their own accounts or as gifts for other Dividend Miles members.

Best Value for Miles: Premium Flights

A new study from IdeaWorks found that premium awards to Europe or Asia delivered more than 5 cents-per-mile, versus just over 1 cent-per-mile for coach awards.

How to Reduce Health Care Costs? Travel!

The high cost of medical care in the U.S. is leading increasing numbers of Americans to travel overseas for better-priced medical procedures. Here are the top destinations.

Consumer Reports Rates the Airlines

Consumer Reports’ July issue includes a survey of U.S. airlines, including a ranking of the best (Virgin America) and worst (Spirit).

This Weekend: InterContinental Nights for 50% Fewer Points

As it does the first weekend of every month, InterContinental Rewards Club is offering a 50 percent discount on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday award nights at selected hotels.

Win a Trip to the Austin City Limits Festival

Enter the BlackboardEats Austin City Limits Music Festival sweepstakes by August 11 for a chance to win the grand prize: a trip for two to the Austin City Limits Festival.

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