Recap: The Week’s Biggest Travel 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.

Warning: Your Credit Card Score Is About to Change

A new credit-rating model could dramatically alter how your credit score is calculated by card issuers. And if you carry multiple cards, you could come under increased scrutiny.

World’s Largest Airline Will Add Seats, Reduce Legroom

American, the world’s largest airline, plans to add more coach seats to some planes, reducing legroom to as little as 29 inches. Ouch!

Congress Warns Airlines: Do Better, or Else

Following several high-profile customer-service breakdowns, the airlines faced intense scrutiny from skeptical lawmakers.

Your Vacation Style Depends on Your Age

What’s your vacation style: relaxing by the pool, or morning-to-night activities? A new study suggests your age may provide a clue.

Save 50% on IHG Award Nights in Latin America and the Caribbean

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IHG Rewards members can save 50% on award stays at 25 hotels in Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Book by May 7, for stays through June 30.

Best Western Stays Earn 1,000 AAdvantage Miles

Through July 2, Best Western Rewards members who opt to earn airline miles for their stays can earn 750 bonus American AAdvantage miles for every qualifying stay.

Stay Twice at Choice Hotels to Earn a Free Night

Between May 11 and July 31, Choice Privileges members can earn 8,000 points after two stays, enough for a free night at more than 1,500 Choice hotels.

United Airlines Has a Plan to Fix Its Public Image

As part of its campaign to regain customers’ trust after a recent P.R. debacle, United today committed to improving the flight experience 10 ways.

Win a Culinary Tour of Oregon Wine Country

Enter this sweepstakes to win a four-day trip to Oregon, including air, hotel, wine dinner, Wine Hopper tour, private vineyard tour and tasting, cheese tasting, gift card.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Are U.S. Travelers Satisfied with These Airlines?
• Will the Government Make Air Travel Great Again?
• Don’t Want to Fly United? Here’s How to Redeem Your Miles

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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