'I'm a travel agent - this is the best time of day to book flights'

A travel export has revealed the best way to book flights in order to secure the best price. Travel agent Lucy Hart has spent over a decade helping clients plan holidays and says there's actually an optimal time of day to book flights, which could save you hundreds. She always tells clients to book at a specific hour and day of the week, and has revealed the biggest mistake travellers make when hunting for a deal.

Lucy revealed: "The best time to book flights is early in the morning - ideally between 5am and 9am. That's when airlines often refresh their booking systems and re-release discounted seats that didn't sell the day before." Some airlines also run limited-time promotions overnight, so check first thing in the morning as prices might've dropped.

Flight prices also fluctuate constantly due to demand and availability as airlines hike up prices when they know the most people are looking to book tickets.

Lucy said: "Most people check prices after work, around 6pm or 8pm - which is actually the worst time to book. Airlines know people are online then, so prices tend to rise."

The travel agent explained that airline pricing algorithms respond to search behaviour, so the cost of a ticket will fluctuate depending on the time of day.

She added: "It's all about supply and demand. If you search during off-peak hours - early morning or just after midnight - you're more likely to catch those cheaper fares before everyone else."

Lucy also advised booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and urged travellers to avoid Fridays and weekends altogether.

She said: "Airlines often release fare discounts early in the week, and by midweek you'll usually find the widest choice of lower fares.

"Fridays and weekends are when most people start browsing for holidays - so prices tend to climb. Booking midweek and early morning gives you a much better shot at landing a deal."

One of the biggest booking mistakes Lucy sees is waiting too long to commit as they think prices might drop, but in reality they could actually increase.

Prices can increase by as much as £150 within 48 hours, especially on budget carriers, she added.