Recap: The Week’s Biggest Stories and Best 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.

Pilots Union Calls Out American Air’s Safety

The president of American Air’s pilot union this week accused the airline of pressuring pilots to operate flights according to rules that compromise safety.

For Newark Flyers, Help Is on the Way!

With new flights coming from Southwest, JetBlue, Virgin America, and Alaska Air, United’s stranglehold on Newark airport will end later this year.

JetBlue Will Be First to Cuba

JetBlue will launch new flights between the U.S. and Cuba on August 31, the first airline to offer scheduled service between the two countries in 50 years.

Domestic Airfares Lowest Since 2010. But…

Does it feel like 2010 all over again? As far as domestic airfares go, it is. Or so the DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics would have us believe.

JetBlue Sees Europe ‘as a Great Opportunity’

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JetBlue wants to expand its premium Mint service to more routes, and not just within the U.S. The airline sees opportunity in new Europe flights as well.

Checked-Bag Fees to Increase on Some American Flights

Today, with no advance notice, American added or increased the fees charged for checked bags on a number of Latin America and Caribbean routes.

Earn Double Points at Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio Hotels

Between August 1 and October 31, Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn double points for stays at any of Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio hotels.

Book Award Nights at IHG Hotels for Only 5,000 Points

Beginning on July 25, IHG Rewards members can book award nights for 5,000 points at 138 participating hotels, for stays through October 31, 2016.

Win a 7-Day Virgin Islands Cruise for 2

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the two grand prizes, including a seven-day Virgin Island cruise for two.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Hotel Booking: How to Get the Best Deal
• No U.S. Airlines Among the World’s 20 Best
• Is the U.S. Losing Cachet as a Tourist Destination?

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.

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