Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of March 25, 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.

This Week, American Devalues AAdvantage

On March 22, American’s new AAdvantage award chart takes effect, the first in a two-step devaluation of the oldest and largest airline loyalty program.

For Sale: Virgin America?

Bloomberg is reporting that Virgin America is looking to sell itself. Which raises the question: If the buy is another airline, which one would be a good fit?

A New Option for Alaska Air Miles – PreCheck Fee Payment

In a first for a U.S. airline loyalty program, Alaska Airlines is offering Mileage Plan members the option to redeem miles to pay for TSA PreCheck.

State Department Travel Advisory: ‘Be Safe’

While we’ve heard similar warnings before, the State Department’s latest European travel advisory should be taken seriously.

Surviving a Plane Crash: There’s an App for That

A new smartphone app teaches users how to survive a range of flight emergencies. It’s also pretty entertaining.

The World’s 10 Best Airports

The world’s best airports? A new Skytrax report ranks the top 100, including some surprises alongside the perennial favorites.

New Hyatt Promotion Is a Win for Frequent Travelers

Between April 1 and June 30, Gold Passport members can earn up to 75,000 bonus points for Hyatt hotel stays.

The 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of hotel booking sites? Frommer’s has you covered, with its new list of the best of the bunch.

Win a Trip to California Wine Country for 2

Enter the Clos Du Bois “Spring in Sonoma” sweepstakes by April 26 for a chance to win a trip for two to Sonoma, including air, hotel, and $700 spending money.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• SeaWorld’s Killer Whale Program to End – Can Zoos Survive?
• The Uber Dilemma: To Tip, or Not to Tip
• The Best Mileage Program for Average Travelers: Alaska Air’s

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.