George Hobica
Latest Articles
An expert shares tips for saving big bucks on airfares and hotels
I’ve been analyzing airfares and hotel rates for most of my working life. (Sad, right?) But at least I’ve learned a thing or two -- or three. Here’s my most...
Are $49 flights to Europe too good to be true?
“Fares from $49!” (Or any suspiciously low eye-catching price.) We’ve all seen airline sales that appear too good to be true. Are they? Cheap seats are like any scarce commodity:...
Traveling with your dog doesn't have to be dangerous
United Airlines was back in the news this week, and not because the skies have become friendlier. In fact, if you’re man’s best friend, there’s nothing to wag about. After...
Flying to Europe has never been cheaper
There’s never been a better time to fly to Europe — or anywhere, for that matter — on the cheap. These days, New Yorkers can take advantage of service on...
The surprising summer trips even cheapskates can afford
With the US dollar strong and airline competition stronger (thanks, viral videos), now is the time to snag amazing airfares and take advantage of favorable exchange rates. Here are five...
Yule save big! Unwrap these Christmas travel deals
Is it too late to book a deal for Christmas and New Year's? No. This year more than ever, consider Europe, Mexico or a cruise — or be willing to fly...
How to get money back after your next flight delay
Delta’s computer outage last month left thousands of passengers stranded worldwide. Over the past couple of years, Southwest, American and United have had similar problems, causing untold financial losses for...
The important fallout of Brexit if you're traveling to Europe
The British people have voted — and that means important implications for travelers headed across the pond. The immediate effect? American visitors will pay less for travel to and within Europe...
How to beat summer's airport security line hell
You’ve probably already heard horror stories about unusually long TSA security lines at airports, which may only get worse as the summer travel crush begins. The TSA claims they’ve fixed...
Tips for trips on the 100th anniversary of the National Parks system
Whenever anyone asks me about my favorite trips or places to visit, I always answer with two words: “National Parks.” And when they ask me where to stay I always...
How to find cheap plane tickets during a peak time
Summertime and the living is easy, or so goes the song — but finding cheap airfares only gets harder, especially for weekend travel and the peak period between late June...
This simple trick can save you hundreds of dollars on flights
When searching for airfares, too many consumers put on blinders when choosing an airport to fly from or to. But that can be costly. Let’s say you need to fly...
This one trick can save you up to 80 percent on air travel
You already know that there’s no “magic” day or time of year to find the lowest possible airfares, right? But there are days to actually fly when it’s much cheaper....
Why airlines can bump Andie MacDowell from her seat — and you, too
It’s in their contracts of carriage: When you buy airfare, airlines do not “guarantee” a particular seat, schedule or flight. And airlines can be pretty persnickety about whom they fly...
How to score last-minute holiday vacation deals
Is it too late to book somewhere for Christmas and New Years? Not if you’re willing to pay whatever the cost; but what if you’re looking for a (relative) deal....
It's never been cheaper to fly to the Caribbean
It has never been as cheap, adjusted for inflation or otherwise, to fly to the Caribbean. But thanks to Southwest Airlines and JetBlue adding new routes, fares are unlike anything...
5 easy ways to score late-summer travel deals
Use the right sites When searching for flights, use flexible travel dates — and be open to changing your destination in order to save. Most airlines (American/US Airways are the...
4 strategies for taking on Florida's crazed beach season
Nearly 100 million travelers visit Florida each year. It’s a big state and all sorts of visitors come here for all sorts of reasons: theme parks, golf, beaches and, of...
A carrier-by-carrier guide to premium economy
In the beginning, air travel was egalitarian, classless — and, well, classy. Everyone sat in identical seats. In the 1950s, they resembled your dad’s La-Z-Boy: luxuriously padded, with footrests. In...
Top tips for battling blizzard-related travel snafus
First, some general advice to make weather delays less likely to cause problems: Take nonstop flights if possible, but if you must connect, then schedule your flight via a warmer-weather...