Travelling as a group often makes flight disruptions even more stressful. When a flight is delayed or cancelled, group travellers are frequently unsure who can claim compensation, how claims should be submitted, and whether travelling together affects their rights.
A common misconception is that only the person who made the booking is entitled to claim EU261 compensation. This is not correct. Under EU passenger rights law, compensation rights belong to each individual passenger, not to the booking holder or the group as a whole.
This means that even when travelling on the same reservation, every eligible passenger has their own right to compensation. In this article, we explain how EU261 applies to group travel and how to successfully claim compensation for multiple passengers.
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Does EU261 Apply to Groups?
Yes. EU261 applies to each eligible passenger individually, even when travelling as part of a group. Passenger rights under EU law are personal, which means they are not tied to a booking reference, group size, or who paid for the tickets.
EU flight compensation is per passenger, not per reservation.
EU261 compensation is paid per affected passenger, not per booking or per group. This means that:
- each eligible passenger is entitled to their own compensation amount, and
- the total EU261 compensation increases with the number of affected passengers
For example, if four passengers on the same booking experience a qualifying delay, each passenger can claim compensation, rather than the group receiving a single payment.
Group size does not reduce entitlement. Travelling as a family, with friends, or in a large tour group does not limit or reduce compensation rights. Airlines cannot lower or cap compensation because passengers are travelling together.
As long as EU261 conditions are met, each passenger remains fully entitled, regardless of how many people are in the group.
Required Documents for EU261 Compensation Group Claims
When claiming EU261 compensation for a group, having the right documents ready can make the process much faster and smoother.
- A copy of the booking confirmation that shows the flight number and date, the passengers included in the booking and the original itinerary
- Boarding passes are useful but not always required. If available, they help prove that the passengers checked in and that they were present for the flight
- Passenger names and contact details, individual contact details (email or address)
Contact details for every passenger are needed because each passenger has an individual right to compensation, even when claims are submitted together.
Can One Person Claim for the Whole Group?
In many cases, one person can submit EU261 compensation claims on behalf of a group, but there are important conditions to be aware of. EU261 rights are individual, which means each passenger must authorise the claim, even if one person handles the process.
One person can manage a group claim when:
- all passengers agree to the claim being submitted on their behalf
- the claimant provides the required details for each passenger
- proper authorisation is given (such as a power of attorney)
This is common for families, couples, or friends travelling together, and it allows the claims to be handled together rather than separately.
Each passenger may need to submit their own claim when:
- the airline does not accept group submissions without individual authorisation
- required consent documents are missing
Most airlines require clear proof that a claim is being made with the passenger’s permission. This usually includes:
- written consent or authorisation
- a signed power of attorney allowing representation
- identification details to confirm the passenger’s identity
Without proper authorisation, airlines may refuse to process a claim, even if the passenger is clearly entitled to compensation.
Why Do You Need a Power of Attorney for a Flight Compensation Claim?
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows a passenger to authorise another person or a flight compensation company to act on their behalf when dealing with an airline.
In flight compensation cases, it gives the authorised representative the legal right to communicate with the airline and pursue the claim.
The power of attorney must be signed by the passenger whose compensation is being claimed. Friends or family members cannot sign it for another adult. The only exception is for children, where a parent or legal guardian may sign on their behalf.
In most cases, signing a power of attorney is mandatory when someone else is handling the claim. Without it, the airline may refuse to process the compensation request, even if the passenger is entitled to compensation.
The process is usually simple and fully digital. The document can be signed online using a phone, computer, or tablet, with no paperwork required.
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