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.

Would You Board a Self-Flying Plane?

While they’ll be longer in coming than driverless cars, pilotless planes are almost certain to be a part of the future travel landscape. Ready or not …

New IHG Rewards Club Promotion: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points

Between September 1 and December 31, IHG Rewards Club members can earn “at least 30,000 bonus points” for completing a series of targeted tasks.

Earn More Delta Miles for Airbnb Stays

Through October 31, SkyMiles members can earn a 2,000-mile bonus and a $25 discount for their first Airbnb stay, and triple miles for subsequent stays.

Labor Day Weekend Travel Forecast: Full Flights

Industry experts are predicting 16.1 million travelers will fly during the Labor Day weekend.

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Earn American AAdvantage Miles for Dining

Earning miles for dining isn’t as lucrative as it used to be, but it still has its place in the mileage-earner’s toolbox.

Hilton Wants YOU to Get a Passport!

Is passport ownership the key to happiness? Hilton thinks so, and wants you to act accordingly.

Airlines Mistreat Us, and We Keep Coming Back for More

Calls to boycott United following a string of incidents of passenger mistreatment haven’t dented the airline’s profits. Do travelers simply not care?

Win a Food Trip to Italy, Including a Truffle Hunt

Here’s how to win a free trip to Corleone, Italy, including air, accommodations, olive-oil tasting, an al fresco farm dinner, truffle hunting, and a tour.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Most Travelers Won’t Pay Extra to Avoid This Seat on the Plane
• You Can Borrow Delta Miles to Fly Today and Pay Them Back Later. Should 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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