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.

FCC Set to Ban Inflight Calls for Good

The FCC is considering an order that would effectively ban inflight phone calling on U.S. airlines. Finally!

Is Tipping Coming to Uber?

Love the no-tipping feature of Uber? Enjoy it while you can; it’s about to disappear, first in New York and then everywhere else.

Will the Government Make Air Travel Great Again?

Scores of Washington lawmakers have called out United for its mishandling of a bumped passenger. Will the scrutiny result in meaningful improvements?

Spirit Is 3rd Airline to Ditch Cuba Flights

Beginning on June 1, Spirit will become the third airline to pull out of the Cuba market altogether, joining Frontier and Silver Airways.

As ‘Best Airline’ Surveys Emerge, Is There a Consensus Winner?

Is there one carrier that can claim, indisputably, the title of “Best U.S. Airline”? A look at five surveys suggests there might be a consensus winner.

Use Your AAdvantage Credit Card to Book Discounted Award Flights

If you have an AAdvantage credit card issued by Citibank or Barclays, you can book selected American award flights for fewer miles.

Book Award Stays at 100 InterContinental Hotels for Just 5,000 Points a Night

Beginning on April 24, IHG Rewards members can book award nights for 5,000 points at 100 participating hotels, for stays between April 24 and July 31.

Free Plane Tickets, Anyone? JetBlue Is Giving Away 1,000 of Them

JetBlue is giving away 1,000 free-flight vouchers. Here’s how to get yours.

Here’s How You Could Win a 4-Night Trip to Oslo, Norway

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win a four-night trip for two to Oslo, Norway, including roundtrip air and hotel accommodations.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Don’t Want to Fly United? Here’s How to Redeem Your Miles
• Better Credit Card Terms? Just Ask!
• With No Notice, Delta Ups Award Prices. Again

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.