I'm a flight attendant - these are the best times to travel if you want to avoid price hikes AND delays

A flight attendant has revealed the best time of the day to catch a plane - as well as the best months to travel to avoid delays and price hikes. 

Bernice Padilla, 29, has been a flight attendant for six years and has travelled to 44 countries on thousands of flights. 

The travel expert, from Dallas, Texas, has now shared her invaluable insight about both booking a holiday and packing appropriately.

She began by recommending people book holidays for the 'shoulder seasons' - which are May or September - to get the best deal.   

A flight attendant has revealed the best time of the day to catch a plane - as well as the best months to travel to avoid delays and price hikes 

Bernice Padilla, 29, has been a flight attendant for six years and has travelled to 44 countries on thousands of flights 

The travel expert, from Dallas, Texas, has now shared her invaluable insight about both booking a holiday and packing appropriately 

Bernice explained: 'May and September are great months to travel as they're before and after peak summer here in the US.

'You have less crowds and more affordable prices but the weather is still nice.

'Every country has their specific shoulder season so I recommend doing some research before booking.'

She also urged holiday-goers to book the earliest flight possible because these are much less likely to encounter a delay.

'I always take the earliest flight possible so there are fewer delays. If there are any delays it ends up being a domino effect.

'Say there is a delay in California due to the weather then my flight here can't take off until that flight takes off.

'Everything trickles down, whereas if you fly early your plane will be there from the night before.'

Elsewhere, the frequent flier revealed that Europe is a hot destination for American travelers in the US but said people should try to book holidays in places that are 'overlooked.'

She began by recommending people book holidays for the 'shoulder seasons' - which are May or September - to get the best deal 

She also urged holiday-goers to book the earliest flight possible because these are much less likely to encounter a delay 

Elsewhere, the frequent flier revealed that Europe is a hot destination for American travelers in the US but said people should try to book holidays in places that are 'overlooked' 

She said: 'Everyone loves to go to London, Rome, Paris and Barcelona.

'I think there are a lot of great places people can go to that are overlooked.

'I am going to Argentina in a few weeks, for example, I think it is good to book places that aren't as popular with tourists.

'Even people are still wanting to visit Europe there are so many places that aren't as popular like Albania and countries on the coast.'

But Bernice's tips did not stop there because, when it comes to packing, she recommended people travel light with just carry-on luggage.

If that is not possible, Bernice lives by using compression cubes.

She said: 'I still have a problem with overpacking but I try not to overpack as much.

'What I do recommend is trying to travel with a carry, especially in the summer.

'If that is not possible, I always travel with compression cubes, that way you can fit more into your suitcase.