Recap: The Week Travel Stories and Best Bargains

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

If it was a notably bad deal — or a great deal — by an airline, hotel, or car rental loyalty program, you can read all about it here , and plan your travel so.

How Much Would You Pay to Have an Empty Seat Next to You?

Just how much would you pay to have the trainer seat? Middle East carrier Etihad Airways is going to learn.

Uber Changes Course, Adds Tipping Option to App

Uber this week did the unthinkable: The planet’s dominant rideshare company reversed its long-held no-tipping policy. Great for motorists; less for riders.

Airfare Transparency Imperiled by New Legislation

Included in the FAA reauthorization bill is a provision to gut the airfare transparency principle, jeopardizing consumers’ ability to price-shop flights.

A Free Flight on Spirit Air — Is That Any Way to Celebrate a Birthday?

But is the airline punishing the stunt?

You Can Borrow Delta Miles to Fly Now and Pay Them Back Later. Should You?

Delta SkyMiles members may borrow frequent-flyer miles to use and pay the miles back afterwards. Sounds great, but there is an important caveat.

Earn 3,000 JetBlue Points for New Amazon Prime Memberships

For registering to Amazon Prime for a $ 99 annual subscription, during July 6, JetBlue TrueBlue members could earn 3,000 bonus points.

United’s New Award Pricing: Everything You Need to Know

United will create modifications to policies and its own MileagePlus award prices. Here’s what you can do, and what you need to know.

Carlson’s Summer Bonus: a Free Friday Night After two Stays

Carlson’s winter and spring promotions were one of the hotel sector’s most generous. The company’s summer offer is good.

Acquire a 4-Day Visit to Copenhagen for 2

Enter to win a trip for two to Copenhagen, Denmark, including hotel, airfare, Copenhagen and brewery tours, dinner in the Carlsberg beer museum.

Someone has to win this particular trip? Might as well be you.