Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent-Flyer Deals (Week of July 18, 2014)

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’ Rising Fees Befuddle and Infuriate Flyers

Although the overall trend is clear, not all airlines are equally oppressive when it comes to the current fee-for-all. There are more and less egregious gougers.

Kimpton Rebrands, Refreshes Points Program

Kimpton, apparently recognizing that its InTouch program was too weak to offset the hotel group’s size disadvantage, has refreshed and relaunched the program as Karma Rewards.

This Is the World’s Best Airline…

As it has since 1999, airline ratings service Skytrax has published the results of its 2014 World Airline Survey, ranking more than 200 of the world’s airlines from best to worst.

Just How Uncomfortable Can Air Travel Get?

Even as many of the world’s airlines invest in cushy lie-flat seats for their business- and first-class cabins, the comfort levels in coach are declining. And it could get worse.

From Best Western: Another Rate, Another Bonus

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Through September 1, Best Western Rewards members can earn 1,500 bonus points for every stay booked at the AAA/CAA rate, or 1,000 bonus points for stays booked at other rates.

Earn 2,000 Bonus United Miles for Online Shopping

Through August 31, MileagePlus members can earn 500 bonus miles for every $125 spent at MileagePlus Shopping, up to a maximum of 2,000 bonus miles after spending $500.

Starwood Resort Stays for 35% Fewer Points

As it did last year, Starwood is offering award nights at six resorts for 35 percent fewer Starpoints.

Virgin America Will Match Status of Four Airlines

Got status? If so, and it’s with American, Delta, Southwest, or United, Virgin America will match it in the Elevate program for 90 days.

Win Free Hotel Rooms for Life

Enter the Radisson for Life sweepstakes by August 17, 2014, for a chance to win the grand prize: five free Radisson room nights per year, for up to 58 years.

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