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.
Delta Plans to Displace Elites with Paying Passengers in First Class
Delta’s bet that it can increase profits at the same time it undermines the loyalty of its most profitable customers is likely to end badly for all concerned.
Parking Fees Coming to Vegas? Bet on It!
Reversing a decades-old citywide policy, MGM Resorts will soon begin charging parking fees at its many Las Vegas hotels.
The Worst Hotel-Program Expiration Policy, Fixed
Choice Privileges points expire after just two calendar years, even if there’s subsequent account activity. That changes next month, for the better.
Marriott Puts Some Mega Back in Its MegaBonus Promotion
Between February 1 and May 15, all Marriott Rewards members can earn a free night at a Category 1 – 5 Marriott after two stays. There’s more, but it’s complicated.
Beginning today at 8:00 a.m., travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport will be able to book Uber rides to their homes or hotels.
Earn Double Points for Virgin America Flights
Between January 19 and February 29, members of Virgin America’s Elevate program can earn double points on select routes.
Stay at 2 Carlson Brands to Earn 5,000 Bonus Points
Between January 18 and March 31, Club Carlson members can earn a one-time 5,000-point bonus for completing stays at any two of Carlson’s six hotel brands.
Win a 6-Day ‘Downton Abbey’ Tour for 2 to Great Britain
Enter the WGBH “Downton Abbey” sweepstakes to win a six-day trip for two to Great Britain, including air, hotel, and tours of Downton Abbey filming sites.
Somebody has to win, right? Might as well be you.
More from SmarterTravel:
- My #1 Travel Resolution for 2016
- These New Coach-Class Seats Are Actually Comfortable
- 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.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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