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.

‘World’s Greatest Flyers,’ American Wants YOU!

American’s new ad campaign claims its flyers are the world’s greatest, and challenges you to join their ranks. Smart marketing, or a turn-off?

One Day, 2 New Airline Presidents, 1 Mystery

This week, two of the world’s largest airlines got new presidents. What’s less clear is how, why, and what changes travelers can expect from the changes.

Reliable Air Transportation: How, and When?

As if cramped, uncomfortable flights weren’t stressful enough, recent service disruptions have called airlines’ reliability into question. Is there hope ahead?

Delta Ups Award Prices with No Notice. Again

Not for the first time, Delta has raised prices for award flights, with no advance notice to members of its SkyMiles program.

From Choice Hotels: 1 Free Night After 2 Stays

Choice Hotels’ free-night-after-two-stays promotion may be the most generous of the hotel bonuses currently on offer.

Marriott’s New MegaBonus Promotion: Something for Everyone

Between September 15 and January 15, Marriott Rewards members can earn 5,000 bonus points after two stays or 10,000 bonus points after every 10 nights.

New Hyatt Promotion: Lottsa Points After Lottsa Nights

Between September 1 and November 30, Hyatt Gold Passport members can earn a hefty 75,000 bonus points, but only after logging a hefty 25 paid nights.

Hilton’s New Promotion Is Double Points

Between September 1 and December 31, Hilton HHonors members can earn double points for every stay at every hotel in the HHonors portfolio.

Win a 5-Night Trip for 2 to Maui

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a five-night trip for two people to Maui, including hotel, a chef-curated private dinner, $900 to cover airfare, and a subscription to AFAR Magazine.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• ‘A First Class Upgrade Every Time’? C’mon!
• The Best U.S. Mileage Program, and the Worst
• 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.