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.

Putting a Price Tag on Airline Service Disruptions

Recent service breakdowns at Delta and Southwest have disrupted the lives of thousands of travelers, at great expense to the carriers themselves.

Hey Big Spender, Redeem Those Travel-Rewards Points Now!

Hoarding loyalty points and miles is a sucker’s bet. While that’s obvious, a new survey shows that most consumers do it anyway. Stop!

Premium Inflight Entertainment Now Free on American

American Airlines coach customers can now distract themselves with free premium TV shows, movies, music, and movies on most domestic flights.

Are You the Hotel Guest from Hell?

Check this list of the 10 worst types of hotel guest to be sure you’re not on it.

Save 20% on United Award Flights

MileagePlus members can save 20 percent when booking coach-class awards for roundtrip travel within the U.S. and Canada between August 23 and December 15.

Fly Virgin America to Earn 999 Bonus Points

Through September 30, members of Virgin America’s Elevate program can earn 999 bonus points after one qualifying flight segment.

Save 50% on InterContinental Award Stays in L. America, the Caribbean

IHG Rewards members can save 50% when redeeming points for award stays at 20 hotels in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Lyft Is New Partner in Starbucks Rewards Program

Combining caffeine and commuting, members of the Starbucks loyalty program can now earn points for using the Lyft ridesharing service.

Win a 7-Night Beer Cruise Between Amsterdam and Brussels

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-night beer cruise between Amsterdam and Brussles, including air, tours, and tastings.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Hotel Booking: How to Get the Best Deal
• United Ups Frequent-Flyer Fees, Ditches Round-the-World Awards
• How NOT to Survive an Airline Crash

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.