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.

No U.S. Airlines Among the World’s 20 Best

In a new survey ranking the world’s 100 best airlines, the highest-ranked U.S. carrier was Virgin America, at 25th overall.

Congress Set to Approve Bill to Improve Security Screening, Require Refunds for Mishandled Bags

Congress this week was expected to pass a bill which, in addition to extending authorization of the FAA, improves airport security and passenger rights.

New J.D. Power Study Reveals What Hotel Guests Really Want

What really matters to hotel guests? According to a new study, they want free WiFi, free breakfast, and free parking.

Hotel Booking: How to Get the Best Deal

These money-saving tips will help you earn how to always get the best deal on every hotel booking.

JetBlue to Expand Mint Service to 4 New Cities

When the expansion is complete, JetBlue’s premium Mint service will be featured on more than 70 flights per day, to 12 destinations.

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Why United’s $412 Million Write Down Is Good for Flyers

How much is United’s monopoly at Newark airport worth? According to the airline: $412 million.

TripAdvisor Adds User Reviews to Flight Search

TripAdvisor’s new flight reviews give travel consumers a fuller picture of what various airlines offer, and how well or badly they perform.

Coming to American AAdvantage: More Credit Card Choices

Good news for consumers: American is set to become the only U.S. airline offering co-branded credit cards from two different banks.

Delta Award Sale: ‘8,000+ Routes on Sale Through July 18’

Through July 18, SkyMiles members can book award travel for fewer miles on 8,000 Delta flights, for travel between August 23, 2016, and February 10, 2017.

Win a 7-Night MasterChef Caribbean Cruise for 2

Enter this week’s featured sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-night MasterChef cruise for two, including air and a $650 check.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• How NOT to Use Loyalty Points for PreCheck
• Havana Flights Approved for 8 Airlines, from 10 U.S. Airports
• 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.

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