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.

New Southwest Perk for Elites: Free Priority Standby

This week, Southwest added one more perk to the short list of benefits available to its elite members: free standby status on alternative flights.

Travelers Sue to Block Alaska-Virgin America Merger

As the merger of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America left many travelers bemoaning the disappearance of Virgin, a lawsuit was almost a foregone conclusion.

Is Uber a Force for Good, or for Evil?

Uber is either society’s savior or society’s scourge; conflicting reports support dueling narratives. Uber, pro or con: How say you?

Warning: These Are the World’s 10 Busiest Airports

Depending on your point of view, busier airports are either a blessing or a curse. For better or worse, here are the 10 busiest.

Earn Up to 30,000 Bonus American Miles for Europe Flights

Through December 11, AAdvantage members can earn up to 30,000 bonus miles for Europe flights on American, British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia.

New Hyatt Bonus: 500 Points for Mobile-App Bookings

Hyatt Gold Passport members can earn a one-time 500-point bonus for stays booked via the Hyatt mobile app and consumed by November 30.

Earn Up to 10,000 Bonus Points with AccorHotels

Through December 26, members of AccorHotels’ Le Club program can earn up to 10,000 bonus points for qualifying stays.

Best Western’s Fall Bonus Offer: 1,000 Points Per Stay

Through November 20, Best Western Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points for every eligible Best Western stay booked on the company’s website or mobile app.

Win an 11-Day Italy Tour for 2

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: an 11-day Italy tour for two people, including air, hotels, tours, and a cooking class.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• FAA Warns on Exploding Cellphones
• Hotel Booking: How to Get the Best Deal
• ‘A First Class Upgrade Every Time’? C’mon!

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.