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.

Alaska-Virgin America Merger Begets Sadness, Skepticism

Flyers, employees, and investors are downbeat about the merger, and the disappearance of Virgin America as a going concern in particular.

American Nixes No-Fee 24-Hour Reservations Hold

American has begun phasing out its notably customer-friendly practice of allowing travelers to hold a reservation for 24 hours before paying for it.

Airline Quality Improves, Even as Complaints Rise

Can travelers’ complaints increase even as the airlines deliver more reliable service? Apparently so, according to a new study.

The 10 Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Business Travel

A new Business Travel News report pegs the prices to visit each of the country’s 100 largest cities. Bargains can be found at the bottom of the list.

Alaska Air Buying Virgin America? Say It Ain’t So!

Alaska Airlines today announced its acquisition of Virgin America. Will the combination turn out to be a Cinderella fable, or a Frankenstein horror story?

Airlines Squeeze Flyers. Congress Says ‘OK’

With market forces pushing airlines to pack coach cabins ever tighter, and no meaningful pushback from Congress, there’s no joy for cramped flyers.

Airline Complaints Highest in 15 Years. Why?

The airlines have upped their game, registering improvements in delayed flights, mishandled bags, and denied boarding. So why aren’t flyers happier?

JetBlue Luring Fretful Virgin America Flyers with Free Flights

JetBlue is targeting Virgin America flyers dismayed by the prospect of the Alaska Airlines takeover with a free-flight giveaway.

Win a Disney Cruise and Resort Stay for 4

Enter the “Dream Come True” sweepstakes by May 6 to win a four-night cruise aboard the Disney Dream ship, plus three nights at the Walt Disney World Resort.

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

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and almost that long writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

This article first appeared on SmarterTravel.com, where Tim Winship is Editor-at-Large.