"I'm a flight attendant - this is how to avoid delays and save money"

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

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

When it comes to booking a holiday, Bernice recommends people book holidays for the 'shoulder seasons' - May or September to get the best deal.

She also revealed getting the earliest flight possible means you are far less likely to encounter a delay.

Packing light using compression cubes is her top tip for avoiding hold luggage - keeping costs down and reducing the risk of a missing suitcase.

Bernice, from Dallas, Texas, said: "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."

When it comes to travelling Bernice said that holiday-goers should book the earliest flight possible to avoid any delays.

Bernice said: "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."

Bernice said that Europe is a hot destination for American travellers 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."

When it comes to packing Bernice said she recommends people travel with 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."

Flight attendant's top travel items:
- Take reusable water bottle
- Take a sweater or blanket
- Take a pen to fill out any forms that might be needed when you arrive
- Pack noise-cancelling head phones
- Take a portable charger