Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of November 1, 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.

Flying the Friendly Skies Will Cost You More United Miles

In a significant devaluation of its MileagePlus program, United today announced a wide range of price increases for award flights set to take effect on February 1, 2014.

New IHG PointBreaks List Features 210 Hotel Deals

Beginning on November 1, IHG Rewards members can book award nights for 5,000 points at 210 participating hotels through January 31.

Earn Quadruple JetBlue Points Through December 31

TrueBlue members can earn quadruple points for all JetBlue flights purchased by November 13 and flown by December 31.

New Membership Rewards Transfer Partner: Emirates

Members of the American Express Membership Rewards program have a new option for redeeming their Rewards points: Transfer them 1:1 for miles in the Emirates Skywards program.

Qatar Is New Oneworld Airline Partner

The oneworld global airline alliance has a new member: Qatar Airways. And for a limited time, members of American’s AAdvantage program can earn double miles for Qatar flights.

With Mediator, American Merger Chances Improve

In a win for those who support American’s merger with US Airways, the two airlines have agreed to negotiate with the Justice Department under the auspices of an arbitrator.

Airbus Chides Airlines on ‘Crusher Seats’

With the seat-of-the-pants experience of air travel is at all-time lows, Airbus is calling on the airlines to adopt wider seats in coach.

Shop Online for Up to 1,500 Bonus United Miles

Through November 11, MileagePlus members can earn up to 1,500 bonus miles when making purchases through the MileagePlus Shopping portal.

Win an 11-Day Trip for Two to Malaysia, Thailand

Enter the Friendly Planet Travel “Exotic Malaysia and Thailand” sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two on Friendly Planet’s Exotic Borneo and Bangkok tour.

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