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.

Is It Time to Put the Kibosh on ‘Hidden Fees’?

A new report from the National Economic Council calls out the airline and hotel industries for their hidden fees.

Not a Misprint: Europe Flights for $69, Available Now

From today, WOW air is offering $69 fares between Los Angeles or San Francisco and Bristol, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, via the airline’s Reykjavik hub. Wow!

Fly on the Iconic B747 Jumbo Jet? Yes, but Time Is Running Out

If you want to fly a B747 jumbo jet operated by a U.S. carrier, today you have only two choices; and the clock is ticking.

JetBlue: ‘Only Airline with Free, High-Speed Wi-Fi at Every Seat’

JetBlue’s combination of relatively roomy coach-class seats and free inflight Wi-Fi make the airline a compelling choice, even at slightly higher prices.

On Alaska Airlines, e-Chatting Is Now Free

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For the next year, Alaska Airlines passengers can use the airline’s inflight Wi-Fi to send and receive unlimited texts for free. Chat on!

Earn Up to 100,000 Bonus Points for Carlson Hotel Stays

Between January 9 and March 31, Club Carlson members can earn up to 100,000 bonus points for eligible stays.

Delta Adds 7 More Seattle Flights

Continuing its expansion at Alaska Air’s hometown airport, Delta today announced nonstop service between Seattle and seven new destinations.

Should Flight Attendants Be Armed?

Unruly passengers have become an increasingly pressing problem for the airlines. Is arming flight attendants with stun guns the answer?

Win a ‘Dream Trip’ for 2 Worth $10,000

Enter this sweepstakes for a chance to win a dream trip for two worth $10,000, to be planned by a Travel + Leisure A-List agent.

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

More from SmarterTravel:

• Earn Triple Miles for All British Airways Flights
• Americans Would Rather Work Than Travel
• This New ‘Best Hotel Program’ List Might Surprise 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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