Best Marriott Hotels for Your 35k Starpoints, Top Airline Picks, Free Meals in Domestic Economy and More

March 18, 2017

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4 min read

Best Marriott Hotels for Your 35k Starpoints, Top Airline Picks, Free Meals in Domestic Economy and More

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Each Saturday, we round up news stories that you may have missed from the week before, including several that already appeared on The Points Guy, and some more that we haven’t covered yet. If you’re an avid TPG reader, scroll down for the new stuff. Here’s the top miles, points and travel news you may have missed this week:

Starpoints transfer to Marriott Rewards at a 1:3 ratio, which opens up fantastic options at some Marriott properties worldwide.

5 of the Best Marriott Hotels for Redeeming Starpoints

Both the personal and business version of the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express are offering welcome bonuses. Find out how to maximize the points you earn from signing up at several fantastic Marriott properties around the world.

Find out how TPG readers ranked the nation's major airlines.

The Poll Results Are In: Readers Share Their Best and Worst US Airlines

After we published our first annual study of the best and worst airlines in the United States, we wanted readers to weigh in. We received several thousand votes, and the results show both similarities and differences to our survey.

Be sure to book these awards to Singapore before the KrisFlyer changes goes into effect.

6 KrisFlyer Awards to Singapore to Book Before March 23

If you're planning on booking an award flight to Singapore, these are the six you should lock in before the changes to the KrisFlyer program go into effect on March 23.

Economy passengers on some AA transcontinental flights will soon receive free meals.

American is Bringing Free Meals to Economy on Some Domestic Flights

Beginning May 1, American will offer coach passengers complimentary meals on transcontinental flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).

Earn 5% cash back (or 5x points) on grocery store and drugstore purchases with the Chase Freedom card this quarter.

Enroll in Chase Freedom's Q2 Bonus: 5% Cash Back at Grocery Stores and Drugstores

If you have the Chase Freedom card (No longer open to new applicants), register now to earn 5% cash back (or 5x points if you also have an Ultimate Rewards-earning card) on purchases at grocery stores and drugstores.

President Trump unveiled his budget plan for 2018 earlier this week.

How the Trump Budget Could Impact Travel

Here's how President Trump's proposed for budget for 2018 could impact travelers.

Delta has raised fees for flyers wishing to make same-day changes or want to fly standby.

Delta Increases Same-Day Standby and Flight Change Fees by 50%

This week, Delta raised fees for passengers wishing to make same-day changes or to fly standby. The carrier now matches rivals American Airlines and United in charging $75 for each request — a 50% increase over the old $50 fees.

In other news...

Can Alitalia become a profitable airline?

Alitalia Details Plan to Cut Costs in an Effort to Achieve Profitability

Italian flag carrier Alitalia has never been known for its stellar financial performance, but the airline has shared plans to cut costs dramatically in hopes of finally achieving profitability. The airline plans to reduce the size of its fleet of aircraft, make cuts in the food and drinks it offers passengers and more.

Southwest Details First 737 MAX 8 Routes

Southwest is expected to take delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on October 1. The first flights will begin that same day between major cities in Texas.