George Hobica

George Hobica is founder of AirfareWatchdog.com, an airfare alert and listings website.

A Loophole Lets These Foreign Airlines Offer Savvy Travelers Some Appealing Flights

A Loophole Lets These Foreign Airlines Offer Savvy Travelers Some Appealing Flights

George Hobica | January 7, 2019

Airline flights usually have to begin or end in the airline’s home country. But there’s a big loophole that can save smart flyers lots of money.

Foreign Discount Airlines Are Often a Bad Deal

Foreign Discount Airlines Are Often a Bad Deal

George Hobica | December 10, 2018

The potential cost of flying on a foreign discount airline goes way beyond inconvenience and annoying fees.

5 Ways to Get Through Airport Security Faster

5 Ways to Get Through Airport Security Faster

George Hobica | November 13, 2018

Waits longer than three hours at security checkpoints have occurred at Chicago’s O’Hare…Miami International Airport…and New York City’s John F.…

Sneaky Ways Airlines Are Tricking You Now

Sneaky Ways Airlines Are Tricking You Now

George Hobica | November 8, 2018

What’s a bigger hassle these days than traveling on an airplane? Trying to get a good deal and accurate pricing…

Sneaky Airline Fees Trip Up Frequent Fliers

Sneaky Airline Fees Trip Up Frequent Fliers

George Hobica | September 18, 2018

So-called carrier-imposed fees vary widely among airlines and can cause your airfare to soar.

New Airline Fare Blocks Overhead Bins

New Airline Fare Blocks Overhead Bins

George Hobica | June 30, 2017

Be aware of carry-on luggage restrictions for a new airline fare. American Airlines and United are offering "basic class" discount…

Scammers are Stealing Frequent-Flier Mile Donations

Scammers are Stealing Frequent-Flier Mile Donations

George Hobica | June 7, 2017

Scammers are offering to help people donate unused frequent-flier miles or hotel rewards points to charity. The scammer's e-mail or…

New Multicity Airfare Trap

New Multicity Airfare Trap

George Hobica | June 21, 2016

New rules from American, Delta and United often make it much more expensive to book a multicity trip. Previously the…

New Airfare War Benefits Travelers

New Airfare War Benefits Travelers

George Hobica | February 18, 2016

American Airlines has begun matching ultra-low fares offered by discount carriers Spirit and Frontier on certain routes—particularly routes to popular…

Airline Upgrades Disappearing—But Not for You

Airline Upgrades Disappearing—But Not for You

George Hobica | August 13, 2015

Airline travelers—particularly those who fly enough to earn elite status—used to have a reasonable chance of getting bumped up to…

Thieves at the Baggage Carousel
Travel

Thieves at the Baggage Carousel

George Hobica | January 28, 2015

Airports and airlines are reducing baggage-carousel security to save money, increasing the risk for theft. Thieves often can simply take…

Beware the New Frequent-Flier Rules

Beware the New Frequent-Flier Rules

George Hobica | June 30, 2014

How to Get the Most for Your Miles Now Airlines are altering rules for frequent-flier programs—to the detriment of many…

Keep Your Valuables Safe When Traveling
Travel

Keep Your Valuables Safe When Traveling

George Hobica | June 21, 2012

At airports: Travelers should wait until they are just about to go through the scanner before putting anything valuable into…