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.

Laptop Ban Lifted for Middle East Flights to U.S.

The controversial laptop ban, in place since March, was lifted this week for all nine affected airlines and 10 Middle East airports.

Hilton Follows Marriott with Harsher Cancellation Policy

Hilton will follow Marriott in imposing a 48-hour cancellation policy beginning July 31. The harsher rule can now be considered the industry standard.

Spirit, the Airline Everyone Loves to Hate, Is the Future of Flying

Spirit is the country’s most reviled airline. And there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that it’s the future of air travel.

Here Are the 10 Airlines that Charge the Most Fees

Five U.S. carriers are among the top 10 in charging travelers extra fees for checked bags, assigned seats, and the like. Here’s the list …

Should You Book Directly with the Hotel? It’s Complicated

Where are you most likely to get the best deal when booking hotel stays: with the hotel or via an online travel agency? It depends.

Save 35% on Award Nights at Starwood Resorts

Through March 5, 2018, Starwood Preferred Guest members can redeem 35 percent fewer points for award stays in suites at 11 participating hotels and resorts.

JetBlue Will Match Your Status in Other Airline Programs

As it did last summer, JetBlue is offering elite members of other airline programs an opportunity to have that status matched in JetBlue’s TrueBlue program.

Travel Etiquette – What Would You Do If … ?

A new survey probes travelers’ attitudes toward a range of dilemmas likely to be encountered in the course of a trip. Patience and restraint rule!

Win an 8-Day Trip to Italy, Including $1,000 Spending Money

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a choice of one of three eight-day Italy packages, each including air, hotel, train passes, and $1,000 spending money.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• These 20 Countries Have the Fastest Wi-Fi Speeds
• You Can Borrow Delta Miles to Fly Today and Pay Them Back Later. Should You?
• How to Fly for (Almost) Free Using Credit Card Points

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.