Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of January 29, 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.

Fat Purse? Spirit Will Charge You to Carry It Onboard

Spirit’s latest ploy to separate flyers from their dollars is a niggling change to the maximum allowable dimensions for fee-free carry-on bags.

The 10 Best U.S. Hotels, Including Some Bargains

The nightly rates at the top-10 U.S. hotels in the new survey by U.S. News run the gamut, from budget-busting to budget-friendly.

Book IHG Award Nights at Any of 171 Hotels for Just 5,000-Points

Beginning on January 25, IHG Rewards members can book award nights for 5,000 points at 171 participating hotels, for stays through April 30, 2016.

Hilton Debuts Fab New Midscale Brand, Tru

Hilton’s newest brand, Tru, will compete in the midscale market, with per-night rates in the $90 – $100 range and a millennial-friendly look and feel.

Air Passenger Study: Flyers Happy to Pay for Upgrades. Really?

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While a new study by APEX concludes that airline passengers place a premium on inflight comfort, flyers remain unwilling to pay extra for upgrades.

JetBlue Cuts Legroom, Doubles Down on Distraction

With its first-ever fleet reconfiguration, JetBlue has elected to add more seats to its planes. Do bigger seat-back TVs compensate for less legroom?

How Did American Become the World’s Most Profitable Airline?

American’s record financial performance is great news for the company’s shareholders. For the traveling public, not so much.

The 100,000-Mile British Airways Credit Card Bonus Is Back

One of the most generous credit-card bonuses ever is making a comeback, although you’ll have to spend more to earn the full 100,000 miles.

Win a 7-Night Trip for 2 to the Bahamas

Enter the SmartSource.com “New Year, New You” sweepstakes by February 29 for a chance to win a seven-night trip to the Bahamas, including air, hotel, and on-premise meals.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Delta Plans to Displace Elites with Paying Passengers in First Class
• My #1 Travel Resolution for 2016
• Major Hotel Chain Nixes AARP Discount

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.