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.

$35,000 for Unlimited Biz-Class Flights to London, Paris. Deal?

Could you justify spending $35,000 for a year’s worth of unlimited business-class flights between New York and London or Paris? If so, La Compagnie has a deal for you.

JetBlue’s Latest Play for Virgin America Flyers: Matched Points

JetBlue is offering yet another incentive for Virgin America flyers to switch their loyalty: matched points.

New Booking Site Rewards Travelers for Their Flexibility

Turn your travel flexibility into cash. Well, not cash actually: gift cards. That’s the value proposition of Upside, a new travel site from the founder of Priceline.

Earn 500 United Miles for a Visa Checkout Purchase

MileagePlus members can earn a one-time bonus of 500 miles for creating a new Visa Checkout account and making a purchase of $5.00 or more.

DOT on Frequent Flyer Programs: ‘Nothing to See Here’

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After a long, hard look, the DOT concluded that frequent flyer programs are just fine, thank you very much. Consumers may disagree.

How United Plans to Boost ‘Incremental Value’ by $3.1 Billion

United’s new CEO, Oscar Munoz, has a plan to bring his airline’s financial and operational performance in line with the competition. Is the plan a viable one?

Save 25% on United Award Flights to Europe

Between June 20 and June 28, MileagePlus members can book restricted United coach award flights to Europe for 25 percent fewer miles, for travel between August 23 and March 31.

From Red Roof Inn: a Free Night After 3 Stays

Through August 31, members of Red Roof Inn’s RediCard program can earn a free night after three paid stays.

Win a 5-Day Trip for 2 to London

Enter the Hamptons Lane “Discover Historic London” sweepstakes by July 15 for a chance to win a five-day trip for two to London, including air from New York, hotel, a $500 gift certificate redeemable for art at 20×200, and a Tarts & Pies box from Hamptons Lane.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Alaska Air Might Keep Virgin America Brand, Operations. Really?
• Delta Says ‘Forget the Price, Buy the Experience.’ Should You?
• Hey, Millennials, What’s with You and Travel Agents?

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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