Frequent Flyer tips

With around 450 properties, mostly in the U.S., and a narrow focus on the budget segment of the travel market, Red Roof Inns isn’t for everyone. But if it is for you, this offer makes the chain’s low rates that much more attractive.

Best Western isn’t known for its generous loyalty-program promotions. Its most recent offer was for a $25 gift card after two qualifying stays. Not a game-changer for most.

American’s AAdvantage program was the first modern travel-loyalty program, and for most of the years since its launch in 1981 it was not only the largest but also arguably the best of the airline mileage programs.

Alaska and Virgin America are two great airlines that consistently deliver low fares and an outstanding customer experience. By bringing them together, we are creating the premier airline for people who live anywhere on the West Coast.

Never mind the high-profile battle to acquire Starwood, featuring competing multi-billion-dollar offers from Marriott and a Chinese investment group. Starwood’s marketing machinery remains in high gear, just this month churning out a bonus offer for the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card and a discount on award stays at Caesars Resorts in Las Vegas.

Members of JetBlue’s TrueBlue program now have another points-earning option: Icelandair flights.

In an industry that often seems intent on treating its customers with callous disregard, Alaska Airlines enjoys an enviable reputation for doing the opposite. Much of that acclaim is due to its loyalty program, Mileage Plan, which among other features boasts an outsized roster of airline partners available for earning and redeeming miles.

Ever-ready to stick a thumb in the eye of other airlines, Spirit’s latest promotion turns mainstream loyalty marketing on its head. Instead of awarding more miles for higher-priced tickets—as has become the norm, with the proliferation of spend-based schemes—Spirit is offering a mileage bonus that increases as the airfare decreases. “The less you spend, the more miles you will get.”

InterContinental Hotel Group’s next points promotion, dubbed Accelerate, begins next month.

The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard is the high-end credit card linked to American’s AAdvantage program. High end as in a $450 annual fee.

How satisfied are travelers with the airlines?

Following is our regular summary of the latest travel news and best frequent traveler promotions reviewed during the past week.

In the weeks-long bidding war for Starwood, Anbang’s latest offer was demonstrably superior to Marriott’s, at least in the short term. And it appeared that Marriott was standing pat, hoping that Starwood shareholders would buy the argument that a Marriott-Starwood tie-up could deliver better returns over the long term.

Oh, how the hotels want you to book direct with them, on their websites, via their smartphone apps, or by phone!

Over the past several years, Choice’s recurring promotional offer has been 8,000 points after two stays.

So far, this fall’s hotel promotions have been mostly unimpressive. Starwood’s is no exception.

Got United miles? If so, this newly announced sale on award flights means those miles will be worth more for many flights.

When it comes to making elite status in its Rapid Rewards program a must-have status for high-frequency flyers, Southwest is at a considerable competitive disadvantage. With no first-class seats or airport lounges, there’s just not much that Southwest can offer super-loyalists in exchange for their business.

American Airlines is on a roll, and not in a good way.

It was almost exactly a year ago that JetBlue announced that Amazon Prime members could stream Amazon video inflight. At the time, the two companies also promised that the partnership would be expanded to allow TrueBlue members to earn points for Amazon purchases sometime in 2016.

With revenue-based earning and high-priced awards, it’s not easy to get good value from Delta’s SkyMiles program. Periodic award sales, like this one, offer a welcome opportunity to tilt the value equation back in favor of the consumer.