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.

These Are America’s 10 Best Airports. And 10 Worst

According to this J.D. Power study, the airport experience is improving. Still, there are better and worse airports, and it’s good to know which are which.

Alaska-Virgin America Merge, Creating 5th Largest U.S. Airline

The merger of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America closed today, making Alaska the fifth largest U.S. airline. Here’s what we know, and what we don’t know.

For Your Un-Bucket List: the World’s 10 Most Corrupt Countries

Here are the world’s 10 most corrupt countries, according to Transparency International. You’ve been warned!

17 Hours on a Plane? Holy Deep Vein Thrombosis!

At 17-hours long, impressive if you’re an airline geek. Scary otherwise.

New IHG Promotion Promises ‘at Least 30,000 Bonus Points’

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The latest InterContinental promotion is a series of highly personalized promotions that run the gamut, from stingy to eye-popping. Worth checking out.

Hilton Extends Double/Triple-Points Offer

Through January 31, 2017, Hilton HHonors members can earn double points for Hilton stays, or triple points if those stays are booked via the Hilton app.

Choice Hotels Offers Double Points for Winter Stays

Between December 15, 2016, and February 9, 2017, Choice Privileges members can earn double points for every stay, up to a maximum of 30,000 bonus points.

Flash Sale: Delta Award Tickets to Asia

Delta has announced a 48-hour flash sale on award travel between the U.S. and select cities in Asia. Snooze you lose!

Enter This Sweepstakes to Win ‘Starbucks for Life’

Enter this sweepstakes to win free Starbucks for 30 years. That’s an eye-opening $56,575 worth of caffeination.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Alaska-Virgin America Merge, Creating 5th Largest U.S. Airline
• DOT Again Raises Specter of Inflight Phone Calling
• Shopping Alert: Earn JetBlue Points for Amazon

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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