Recap: The Week’s Biggest Stories and Best Deals

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.

How NOT to Survive an Airline Crash

In the chaos following an airline crash, even the savviest travelers often succumb to their worst inclination, putting their own and others’ lives at risk.

What Is the Best Travel Rewards Card? (2016 Edition)

Every travel card is different and while some cards might rack up miles for some, they might not works so well for others. Here’s our 2016 guide to figuring out the best travel rewards card for you.

Spirit Upends Loyalty Marketing with New Mileage Promotion

A thumb in the eye of other airlines, Spirit’s new promotion turns mainstream marketing on its head. “The less you spend, the more miles you will get.”

The Day AAdvantage Died

Effective August 1, AAdvantage awards miles based on spend, signalling the end of a relatively lucrative chapter in the history of travel-rewards programs.

Southwest Pilots to the Airline’s CEO: ‘You’re Fired!’

Undermining the airline’s reputation for cordial labor relations, Southwest’s pilots have called for the resignations of the company’s top two managers.

Earn Double, Triple Points for Club Carlson Stays

Through October 31, members of the Club Carlson program can earn double or triple points for eligible stays at more than 1,000 hotels.

Award Discounts for AAdvantage Credit-Card Customers

AAdvantage members who hold program-linked credit cards can save up to 30 percent when booking award travel to selected destinations.

United Ups Frequent-Flyer Fees, Ditches Round-the-World Awards

United this week announced four upcoming changes to its MileagePlus program. One is a positive; the other three are setbacks.

Sweepstakes: What Would You Do with 1 Million United Miles?

Enter the United Airlines “Billion Mile Giveaway” sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 100 grand prizes of 1 million MileagePlus miles each.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Hotel Booking: How to Get the Best Deal
• JetBlue Will Be First to Cuba
• Domestic Airfares Lowest Since 2010. But…

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.