Martin Lewis urges people who flew out of UK this summer to claim £520

The Money Saving Expert newsletter this week has thrown the spotlight on the issue of delayed and cancelled flights - and possible compensation.

Martin Lewis has urged people who flew abroad this year to check whether they can claim £520. The Money Saving Expert newsletter this week has thrown the spotlight on the issue of delayed and cancelled flights - and possible compensation.

ITV star Mr Lewis wrote: "The summer holidays are sadly already starting to feel like a distant memory. Yet if you were one of many whose flight didn't go to plan, don't push it out of your mind until you've checked whether you're due £100s. This isn't just for the summer just gone, you can often go back years.

"And while we've long explained that regulations mean you're often due COMPENSATION on top of a refund if your flight was delayed or the airline cancelled, now we've added a new guide, showing how you may also be owed money even if you choose to cancel or miss a flight. Let's fly through both..."

READ MORE Martin Lewis issues update on Ofgem rule change which could cut bills by £100

He said: "Flight delayed by 3hrs+ or airline cancelled it? You could be due £500+. Many are unaware of their legal right to up to £520 per person compensation if the airline is at fault, ON TOP of any refund, alternative flight or food reimbursement."

Celia emailed three weeks ago, telling MSE: "My Heathrow to Barcelona flight was cancelled at 9pm the day before due to 'operational constraints'. We were put on the next flight. I used your tool, and have received an email today confirming a successful claim totalling £440 for me and my son. Thank you very much, I am delighted."

These rules apply to any UK or EU 'regulated' flight within the last six years (five in Scotland). For DELAY compensation, the flight must have arrived over three hours late. For CANCELLATION compensation, what counts is when it was cancelled and how late or early the alternative flight was.

You're ONLY due compensation if it was the airline's fault