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.

‘A First Class Upgrade Every Time’? C’mon!

The headline trumpeted “a first class upgrade every time.” Could the article deliver on that heady promise?

Is the ‘Best Travel Rewards Card’ the Best Credit Card for You?

The newly launched Sapphire Reserve Visa card from Chase is being hailed as the best travel-rewards card ever. But it may not be the right card for you.

Is It Time to Reconsider Your Hotel Loyalty?

According to a just-released study, the loyalty programs of the traditional hotel powerhouses have lost ground to smaller, newer programs. Time for a change?

Hotel Tipping – Do You or Don’t You?

There’s no consensus among hotel guests as to whether to tip housekeepers and other hotel employees. What’s your opinion?

Now at Aloft Hotels: Voice-Activated Rooms

At Aloft hotels, turning on the lights and turning down the heat starts with a voice command: “Hey, Siri!” The future is now.

The Best Rental-Car Promotion: National’s ‘One Two Free’

National Car Rental’s recurring “One Two Free” promotion has been a perennial winner. This year’s version is even better than last year’s.

New InterContinental Promotion: ‘at Least 35,000 Bonus Points’

Between September 6 and December 15, IHG Rewards members can earn “at least 30,000 bonus points upon completion of all offers presented.” Worth a look.

Take Off: The World’s Shortest Airline Flights

For most travelers, who must endure the discomfort of flying coach, shorter flights are always to be preferred over longer ones. Here are the very shortest.

Win a 4-Night Trip for 4 to Oslo, Norway

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a four-night trip for two people to Oslo, Norway, including air and hotel.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Best U.S. Mileage Program, and the Worst
• Your Next Uber Ride May Be in a Driverless Car
• Hotel Booking: How to Get the Best Deal

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.