Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of February 26, 2016)

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.

Airlines Have Already Attempted 5 Price Hikes in 2016

Even as fuel costs plunged and profits soared, U.S. airlines have attempted to raise fares no fewer than five times in 2016. Ouch!

Flyer Complaints Increased by 30% in 2015. Worst: Spirit

Airline passengers filed 30 percent more complaints with the DOT in 2015. Of 13 U.S. carriers, Spirit was by far the most complained about.

Virgin America Offers Bonuses for Friend Referrals

Through March 31, members of Virgin America’s Elevate program can earn 500 bonus points for referring new members, up to 2,500 points for five referrals.

Lawmaker Targets ‘Deceptive Hotel Fees’

In a welcome bid for honest advertising, Senator Claire McCaskill has introduced a bill to force hotels to include resort fees in their advertised prices.

Do Uber Drivers Hate Uber?

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Uber and its drivers are increasingly at odds over pay and working conditions. That friction could stall or even reverse the company’s growth.

Starbucks Copies Airlines, Devalues Loyalty Program

Starbucks, the world’s largest purveyor of coffee-based beverages, has announced plans to award loyalty points based on spend. Sound familiar?

Earn 75,000 Hilton Points with No-Fee Visa Card

New customers for the Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature card can earn 75,000 bonus HHonors points after charging $2,000 within three months.

‘Layover with a Local’ Is KLM’s New Stopover Service

KLM’s newly announced Layover with a Local program pairs flyers on that airline making connections in Amsterdam with city residents.

Win a 5-Day Trip for 2 to the Coachella Music and Arts Festival

Enter the Cupcake Vineyards “Treat Today” sweepstakes by March 15 for a chance to win a five-day trip for two to the 2016 Coachella Music Festival.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• American Ups the Ante for Premium Airport Lounges
• Airlines to Harried Flyers: ‘Relax, Have a Pretzel’
• Hilton’s New Direct-Booking Discount Comes with Caveats

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.