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.

JetBlue Offers More Mint Service (But No More $399 Fares)

JetBlue’s premium lie-flat Mint service is killing it. Which, according to the law of the marketplace, means there’ll be more of it, at higher prices.

The 10 Airlines Most (and Least) Likely to Bump You

Whether you’re looking to get bumped or to avoid it, it pays to know which airlines are more likely to bump flyers, and which are less likely to do so.

Timeline for the Termination of Virgin America’s Elevate Program

As part of the two airlines’ merger, Virgin America’s Elevate program will be replaced with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan on January 1, 2018.

Earn Up to 100,000 Miles for the British Air Credit Card

It is again possible to earn 100,000 bonus miles by signing up for the British Airways Visa credit card, but you’ll have to charge $20,000 to do it.

Flash Sale: 20% Discount on JetBlue Awards

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Got JetBlue points? For a very limited time, you can redeem them for award travel at a 20 percent discount from normal prices.

Carlson Hotel Bonus Is This Season’s Most Generous

Bonus points for spring hotel stays? Carlson has ’em in spades. Check out the details and book your stays accordingly.

Earn More Miles with Shopping Bonuses from Alaska, United

For a limited time, members of the Alaska and United loyalty programs can earn bonus miles for online purchases at more than 800 merchants.

InterContinental’s Spring Bonus: Up to 35,000 Bonus Points

Between April 16 and May 15, IHG Rewards members can earn up to 35,000 bonus points for two or more qualifying hotel nights.

Caribbean Anyone? Win a 7-Day Cruise on the Norwegian Escape

Enter this sweepstakes to win a seven-day Caribbean cruise for two, including a $500 American Express gift card and Margaritaville merchandise.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Better Credit Card Terms? Just Ask!
• The Future of Virgin America, Revealed (and Richard Branson’s Reaction)
• The 10 Most Dangerous Countries for U.S. Travelers

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.

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