Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of September 29, 2014)

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.

Frequent Flyer Programs to Get Fed Scrutiny

Alan Grayson — a frustrated frequent flyer, and a member of the House of Representatives — has requested a DOT review of the airlines’ mileage programs. About time!

Will Inflight Phone Calls Soon Be Banned?

A bipartisan group of 77 House members this week co-signed a letter urging a ban on such calls.

Frequent Flyer Program Hacked. Is Your Info Safe?

If hackers can breach the customer-data systems of Target and Home Depot, they can probably find a way into your loyalty-program’s server. How secure is your information?

American, El Al to Sever Mileage Ties

From November 1, American and El Al will no longer be mileage-program partners. That means AAdvantage members will no longer be able to earn or redeem miles on El Al flights.

The DOT Weighs in on Regulating Legroom

In the wake of the recent debate on reclining seats and the Knee Defender, will the government step in and establish minimum requirements for legroom and seat width?

Got $8,000? This Is the Most Expensive Domestic Flight in the U.S.

The single most expensive domestic flight currently available for sale, first class on American, between Los Angeles and New York, costs $8,000. Deal or no deal?

Airline to Raise Bag Fees for Holiday Flights

A major U.S. airline says it will increase checked-bag fees for customers flying over the holidays. Bah humbug!

Earn Up to 125,000 Bonus Miles for Europe Flights

Through January 10, 2015, AAdvantage members can earn up to 125,000 bonus miles for flights to Europe in first or business class on American and its oneworld partner airlines.

Win a Trip for Two to Chile and the Antarctic

Enter the Columbia Sportswear TurboDown to South America sweepstakes by September 30 for a chance to win a 15-day trip for two to southern Chile and the Antarctic Peninsula.

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