Recap: The Week’s Biggest Travel 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.

Better Credit Card Terms? Just Ask!

It’s easier than most consumers realize to get credit-card companies to lower interest rates and waive fees. Here’s the trick.

PreCheck Travelers Unhappy with Long Security Lines

A newly released survey of frequent flyers found that almost half of PreCheck enrollees were dissatisfied with the trusted-traveler program.

Airline Electronics Ban Slammed as Inept and Ineffective

In the past week, the leaders of two established air-travel organizations have issued scathing critiques of the current ban on carry-on electronic devices.

Where to Go: the 10 Best Cities for Business Travel

According to On Call International, Detroit is the best U.S. business city, based on five factors considered important to travelers. Agree or disagree?

Delta Offers ‘More Miles with Partners’

Through June 30, Delta SkyMiles members can earn a one-time 1,000-mile bonus for every new mileage-earning transaction with SkyMiles’ non-airline partners.

Sign Up and Fly to Earn 5,000 Alaska Air Bonus Miles

Alaska Airlines’ loyalty program is one of the industry’s best. Yet another reason to join: a 5,000-point bonus for new members who fly by September 30.

Major Cruise Line Will Bypass Acapulco Over Violence

Citing security concerns, Holland America has eliminated Acapulco from eight cruise itineraries during 2017 and 2018. So, is Acapulco safe?

New Hyatt Promotion: Double Points from April 1

Between April 1 and June 30, World of Hyatt members can earn double points for the second and subsequent stays.

Win a 9-Day Adventure Tour of Costa Rica for 2

Enter to win a nine-day trip to Costa Rica, including airfare, accommodations, some meals, hiking, river rafting, kayaking, zip line, and biking.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Future of Virgin America, Revealed (and Richard Branson’s Reaction)
• The 10 Most Dangerous Countries for U.S. Travelers
• New Airline Offers More Cheap Seats to Europe

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.