A Times Radio host recommended using a travel agent to listeners of his midday show, but suggested that it felt old-fashioned.

Political journalist and stand-up comedian Matt Chorley was interviewing Times and Sunday Times Head of Travel Claire Irvin at the time.

They were discussing TUI’s recent claims that the days of the £44 flight were over, and Claire was suggesting alternative ways to save money on travel.

Her suggestions including booking flights as soon as they go on sale, six months in advance; travelling early in the morning or late at night; and flying mid-week.

Claire also said booking two singles instead of return flights might be cheaper, especially when travelling to Europe, and she said recently added destinations were often cheaper than established routes.

She also recommended flying to ‘second cities’ or ‘kind of nearby destinations’ adding: “If you have a look at a map, it might cost you less to go to a cheaper airport and then get a taxi, it’s all work, you could also ask a travel agent,” to which Matt responded: “We love a travel agent, I know it feels like being in the 1950s….”

Claire agreed: “We love a travel agent too and they can often be cheaper,” and Matt added: “They will say that thing where it [a second city] might look a long way but actually we know that’s a quick train ride into there [desired destination].”

Matt tweeted a year ago that his radio show attracted 300,000 listeners every week, making it Times Radio’s biggest show. You can listen to his comments on travel agents here.