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.

Americans Would Rather Work Than Travel

A new Bankrate study shows that more than half of American workers choose not to use all the paid vacation days they’re entitled to. Surprised?

Alaska Air, Delta to Cut Ties. Who’s the Biggest Loser?

On May 1, Alaska Air and Delta will end their longstanding frequent-flyer and code-sharing relationship. Here’s how the change will affect you.

A New ‘Best Hotel Program’ List Might Surprise You

According to USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the best hotel loyalty program is Choice Privileges. Surprised? Don’t be.

Good to Know: Best and Worst Days for Holiday Travel

This holiday travel period is expected to be the busiest ever. Here are the worst days to be on the road, plus some tips to minimize the hassle and stress.

Alaska Air Upgrades Mileage Program, Signals Bright Future

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Alaska Airlines announced several positive changes to its Mileage Plan program this week. Good news, but it gets even better…

The World’s Largest Airport Will Cost $36 Billion

When a planned $32 billion expansion is completed, Dubai’s airport will handle 200 million passengers a year, and accommodate 100 Airbus A380s at a time.

Southwest Promises Three Times More Bandwidth for Inflight Wi-Fi

Tired of slow inflight WiFi, or worse, no inflight WiFi at all? Southwest has you covered, with more and better onboard connectivity coming in 2017.

New Promotions from Marriott, Starwood, Ritz-Carlton: Double Points

Between January 16 and April 15, members of the Marriott, Starwood, and Ritz-Carlton programs can earn double points for stays at participating hotels.

Win a 7-Night Trip to Britain, with London and Leeds Tours

Enter this sweepstakes to win a seven-night trip for two to Great Britain, including air, hotels, some meals, tours of Masterpiece Theater locations.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Alaska-Virgin America Merge, Creating 5th Largest U.S. Airline
• DOT Again Raises Specter of Inflight Phone Calling
• Shopping Alert: Earn JetBlue Points for Amazon

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.