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 Use Loyalty Points for PreCheck

Carlson hotels is offering Club Carlson members the option of redeeming an eye-popping 65,000 Gold Points to cover the cost of PreCheck. Thanks but no thanks.

Redeem Southwest Points for PreCheck Enrollment

Through August 22, Rapid Rewards members can cash in 9,000 points for an $85 PreCheck membership. Deal or no deal?

Havana Flights Approved for 8 Airlines, from 10 U.S. Airports

The Department of Transportation this week gave its approval for eight airlines to operate new nonstop flights to Havana from 10 U.S. airports.

From Virgin America: 50% Bonus Points Through August 31

Between July 6 and August 31, Virgin America Elevate members can earn 50 percent more points for Virgin flights on all routes.

Travel + Leisure Picks the World’s Best Airlines

More than 200,000 Travel + Leisure readers voted for the world’s best domestic and international airlines. See if you agree with their choices.

Hyatt Is Latest to Adjust Prices for Free Nights

Just a week after Hilton announced decidedly benign changes to its award pricing, Hyatt is doing the same.

Delta Discounts CLEAR Memberships for SkyMiles Members

Delta is now offering discounted and free annual CLEAR memberships to members of its SkyMiles program.

Free PreCheck for JetBlue Elites

JetBlue is giving TrueBlue elite members the gift of time and peace of mind: free enrollment in the TSA’s PreCheck trusted-traveler program.

Win a 6-Night Tour of India for 2

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: six-night tour of India for two, including air, hotels, meals.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• 75,000 Points – Best-Ever Bonus for This Hilton Credit Card
• Coming to a Chipotle Near You: Free Burritos
• Hey, Millennials, What’s with You and Travel Agents?

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.