Miles & Points: The Week’s Best Frequent Flyer 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.

The Two Faces of Delta

Delta was in the news twice this week. And the two stories would seem to be of two very different companies.

And the Award for Best Award-Seat Availability Goes to …

In a new study, Southwest was ranked first for award-seat availability, while Delta and US Airways tied for worst.

Faster, Cheaper In-Flight Wi-Fi on the Horizon?

Slow inflight Internet connection? There may be a fix in the pipeline, courtesy of the same federal government that brought you the TSA.

More on the Costs of the 787 Grounding

As affected airlines compute the costs associated with the three-month 787 grounding, Boeing could be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Spirit Goes No-Toll-Free “to Better Assist You”

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Spirit has replaced its toll-free number with a toll-charge number. The airline claims the change is good for its customers. Really?

The Price of Consolidation: $200 Change Fees

Within a week, United’s $200 change fee was adopted by three other airlines. In today’s consolidated industry, that’s enough to establish the standard.

After 787 Debacle, FAA on the Hot Seat Again

Boeing wasn’t the only organization to take a significant PR hit as a result of the 787’s battery malfunctions and the resulting worldwide grounding of all 50 of the in-service planes. The FAA had, after all, certified the aircraft, including the lithium-ion battery and related systems that failed.

Marriott’s Popular MegaBonus Returns, Renamed

Between May 15 and September 2, Marriott Rewards members can earn a free night at a Category one through four hotel after the second paid stay, up to three free nights after six stays.

Win a Nine-Day Trip to Spain for Two, Including First-Class Air

Enter the Dole Taste of Spain sweepstakes by August 13 for a chance to win the grand prize: a nine-day trip for two to Spain, including first-class air, hotel accommodations, tours and excursions, some dinners, and $10,000 spending money.

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