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.

The Trump Effect on Travel: Some Early Indicators

Whatever it turns out to be, the Trump Effect on travel is certain to be profound. A new Kayak report provides some early clues as to what we can expect.

Free Uber Rides from the Airport. Happy Holidays!

Through December 31, Uber customers can get two free rides from the airport, worth up to $65 apiece, when charging the rides to an American Express card.

Another ‘World’s Best Airline’ List, with a Surprise Winner

AirlineRatings’ list of the world’s top 10 airlines includes the usual suspects, including Singapore, Lufthansa, ANA. The winner, however, may surprise you.

Warren Buffett Is Buying Airline Stocks. Why That’s Bad News for Travelers

For decades, Warren Buffett, one of the world’s savviest investors, warned against investing in airlines. In his change of heart lies a lesson for travelers.

United’s New Bare-Bones Class Makes Economy Look Good

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United has taken bare fares beyond bare; the airline’s new Basic Economy product should be called Nasty Fares.

Will Alaska Airlines Downgrade Its Mileage Program?

New moves by Alaska may portend a change to a mileage program that will disproportionately reward the company’s most profitable customers.

The AARP Discount: Spend $12 to Save Up to $400 on Flights

AARP members can receive a discount of up to $400 on roundtrip British Airways flights from the U.S., booked by January 31 and begun by March 31. Tally ho!

From InterContinental Hotels: Up to $100 Back After 3 Nights

Between December 1, 2016, and February 15, 2017, IHG Rewards members can earn a gift card worth up to $100 after two stays totaling at least three nights.

Win a 4-Day Trip to Saint Lucia for 2

Enter this sweepstakes to win a four-night trip to Saint Lucia, including accommodations at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and $2,000 in gift cards.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• $15 for 4 Extra Inches of Legroom? Yes, Please!
• 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2017
• 21 Things Flight Attendants Hate About You

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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