If you see the WCOB airline code on an airline booking, it relates to an onboard wheelchair. WCOB is a Special Service Request, or SSR, code used to indicate that a passenger needs an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline.
An onboard wheelchair is different from the wheelchair used to move through an airport. It is a narrow chair designed for use inside an aircraft cabin, where an ordinary wheelchair is usually too wide to fit through the aisle.
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This guide explains what WCOB means, who may need it, how to request it and how the code differs from WCHR, WCHS and WCHC.
Aircraft facilities and airline procedures vary. Tell your airline exactly what assistance you need before travelling rather than relying on an SSR code alone.
What Does the WCOB Airline Code Mean?
The WCOB airline code means that an onboard wheelchair is required. Industry guidance describes WCOB as an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline. The WCOB code communicates that a passenger may need access to the aircraft’s narrow onboard wheelchair during the flight. It can be used alongside other wheelchair SSR codes that describe the passenger’s assistance needs when moving through the airport and boarding the aircraft.
WCOB therefore does not replace codes such as WCHR, WCHS or WCHC. It communicates a different requirement.
For a wider overview of disability-related abbreviations and codes, read my airline and airport disability codes guide.
What Does SSR Mean?
SSR stands for Special Service Request. Airlines use SSR codes in reservation systems to communicate particular services, assistance needs and equipment information.
The WCOB SSR code is one of several wheelchair-related SSR codes. Others describe whether a passenger can use aircraft stairs, whether assistance is required to the cabin seat and what type of personal wheelchair or mobility aid is being transported.
An SSR code is operational information rather than a medical diagnosis. It helps airlines plan for the type of help a passenger will need to travel with them.
What Is an Onboard Wheelchair?
An onboard wheelchair is a narrow mobility chair designed to move through the confined aisle of an aircraft. A passenger’s personal wheelchair or a standard airport wheelchair is generally too wide for the aircraft aisle. The onboard chair allows a passenger who cannot walk through the cabin to be moved along the aisle when appropriate assistance is available.
You may also hear an onboard wheelchair described as an aisle wheelchair or onboard aisle chair. Terminology varies between airlines and accessibility guidance.
Who Might Need the WCOB Airline Code?
The WCOB airline code may be relevant to a passenger who cannot independently walk through the aircraft cabin and may need the onboard wheelchair during the flight. For example, someone may need an onboard wheelchair to reach an accessible toilet where the aircraft has appropriate facilities and where the airline’s procedures allow this assistance.
The WCOB SSR code itself does not explain every aspect of the passenger’s mobility or transfer needs. Tell the airline whether you can transfer, stand, take a few steps or need additional physical assistance.
Is the WCOB Airline Code the Same as an Aisle Chair?
The terms are closely related. An onboard wheelchair is a narrow chair designed to fit through the aircraft aisle, and passengers may hear it called an aisle chair. The WCOB airline code indicates that the passenger with this code applied to their booking needs to use the onboard wheelchair.
However, it is useful to be specific when speaking to an airline. A passenger may need an aisle chair during boarding to reach their seat, during the flight to move around the cabin, or both. Explain when you need the equipment rather than assuming that asking for “an aisle chair” communicates the complete requirement.
The WCOB Airline Code vs the WCHC SSR Code
The WCOB airline code and the WCHC code can appear together because they describe different parts of a passenger’s assistance needs.
WCHC means wheelchair to cabin seat. The WCHC code is used for a passenger who needs wheelchair assistance all the way to the aircraft cabin seat.
WCOB means wheelchair needed onboard. The WCOB airline code communicates the requirement for an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline.
A passenger who cannot walk through the cabin may therefore have WCHC recorded for boarding assistance and WCOB to indicate that an onboard wheelchair is also required. The airline should record the combination of assistance that accurately reflects the passenger’s needs.
The WCOB SSR Code vs the WCHR Airline Code
WCHR means wheelchair-ramp. The WCHR SSR code describes a passenger who needs wheelchair assistance for longer airport distances but can generally climb aircraft stairs and walk to the cabin seat.
WCOB instead refers to an onboard wheelchair. The WCOB airlien code is used to indicate that a passenger needs to use the airlines onboard wheelchair during the flight.
The two codes answer different questions: The WCHR airline code describes a level of mobility assistance around the airport, while WCOB identifies a need for wheelchair equipment on board the aircraft.
Read my airline disability codes guide for more detail on how wheelchair assistance codes work.
The WCOB Code vs The WCHS Code
WCHS means wheelchair-steps. The WCHS code generally describes a passenger who cannot climb or descend aircraft steps but can make their own way to and from the cabin seat once they are on the same level.
WCOB means wheelchair onboard. The WCOB airline code does not describe whether the passenger can use aircraft stairs. It records a need for an onboard wheelchair.
This is why more than one SSR can be needed to describe a passenger’s complete assistance requirements.
WCOB, WCHR, WCHS and WCHC at a Glance
| Code | General meaning |
|---|---|
| WCHR | Wheelchair assistance for airport distances; passenger can generally use stairs and reach the cabin seat. |
| WCHS | Passenger cannot use aircraft stairs but can generally reach the cabin seat after accessible boarding. |
| WCHC | Passenger needs wheelchair assistance all the way to the cabin seat. |
| WCOB | Passenger requires an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline. |
The codes should be treated as tools for communicating assistance needs, not as a substitute for a detailed conversation when your requirements are more complex.
Does WCOB Mean You Can Take Your Own Wheelchair Into the Cabin?
No. The WCOB airline code refers to an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline. It does not mean that your personal wheelchair will necessarily be stored or used in the passenger cabin. Personal wheelchairs and mobility aids have separate handling arrangements. Airlines may use other SSR codes to identify the type of mobility aid being transported, including manual and battery-powered wheelchairs.
If you travel with your own wheelchair, give the airline the information it requests about dimensions, weight, battery type and safe handling. You might be interested in learning more about medical luggage if you have to fly with mobility aids or medical equipment.
Other Wheelchair Equipment Codes
The WCOB airline code should not be confused with codes describing a passenger’s own wheelchair. Common examples include:
- WCMP – manual wheelchair or mobility aid.
- WCBD – wheelchair or mobility aid with a dry or non-spillable battery.
- WCBW – wheelchair or mobility aid with a wet or spillable battery.
- WCLB – wheelchair or mobility aid with a lithium-ion battery.
Battery-powered mobility aids can require advance information and preparation for safe air transport. Never guess the battery type. Check the manufacturer’s documentation and provide accurate details to the airline.
How to Request the WCOB Airline Code
Contact your airline’s accessibility or special assistance team and explain that you need access to an onboard wheelchair during the flight. You do not need to know the code WCOB before contacting the airline. Describe what you need the chair for and when you will need it.
Useful information can include whether you can transfer independently, whether you can stand or take a few steps and whether you need assistance reaching an onboard toilet. The airline will determine the best code to match your needs.
You can also use the PRM Assist app to make special assistance requests, but I recommend you still follow this up with a call to your airline to explain your needs in detail.
How Much Notice Should You Give for WCOB?
IATA guidance states that airlines may require advance notice when an onboard wheelchair is needed. Its published guidance recommends 48 hours’ notice for WCOB, although the standard description notes that this notice is recommended rather than universally required.
In practice, contact the airline as early as possible. Availability can depend on aircraft type and route, and advance communication gives the airline time to confirm what equipment and assistance will be available.
Is an Onboard Wheelchair Available on Every Aircraft?
Do not assume that every aircraft has identical onboard accessibility equipment. Availability and facilities can depend on the aircraft type, route and rules applying to the flight. Some airline guidance specifically states that confirmation of an onboard wheelchair depends on aircraft type and route.
Ask the airline to confirm the arrangements for the specific flights in your booking, including connecting sectors operated by another carrier.
Can You Use the WCOB to Reach the Toilet?
An onboard wheelchair can help a passenger move along the aircraft aisle, including towards a toilet where the aircraft layout and facilities make this possible. However, the presence of an onboard wheelchair does not mean the toilet itself is fully accessible or that cabin crew can provide every form of personal care or lifting assistance.
Ask the airline about the toilet facilities on your aircraft and what cabin crew can and cannot assist with. This is particularly important on a long flight when you cannot independently walk to the toilet.
Learn more about travelling with mobility restrictions in my dedicated travel guide.
Will Cabin Crew Lift or Transfer You?
Do not assume that requesting the WCOB airline code means that cabin crew will provide manual lifting, toileting or other personal care. Airlines have safety rules and limits on the physical assistance crew can provide. It is unlikely that cabin crew will be able to help you with any personal hygiene tasks and if you need this type of help you should consider travelling with a companion.
If you need help transferring between your seat and the onboard wheelchair, explain this before travelling and ask exactly what assistance is available. You may need to travel with a companion who can provide personal assistance that airline staff are not able to give.
What Happens if the Aircraft Changes?
Airlines sometimes change aircraft for operational reasons. Because onboard wheelchair availability and cabin accessibility can depend on aircraft type, check your assistance arrangements again if you are notified of a significant flight or aircraft change.
Also reconfirm the WCOB airline code is added to your new booking after rebooking caused by a cancellation or missed connection. Special service requests should be checked whenever an itinerary changes.
WCOB on Connecting Flights
Make sure the onboard wheelchair requirement is recorded for every flight on which you need it. This is particularly important on itineraries involving different airlines. Equipment, aircraft and assistance procedures can vary between carriers even when all flights appear on the same booking.
Ask each operating airline to confirm what support will be provided on its aircraft.
Does WCOB Replace Airport Wheelchair Assistance?
No. The WCOB SSR code specifically relates to an onboard wheelchair. If you also need assistance through the airport, that requirement needs to be recorded appropriately.
Depending on your mobility, you may also require WCHR, WCHS or WCHC. These codes help communicate whether you need wheelchair assistance for airport distances, cannot use aircraft stairs or require assistance all the way to the cabin seat.
My guide to getting help at the airport decribes the broader topic of airport assistance for disabilities and I also have a guide specific to those with hidden disabilities who need to use airport assistance.
Questions to Ask the Airline Before Flying Using WCOB
- Is an onboard wheelchair available on my aircraft?
- Has WCOB been recorded on every flight where I need it?
- What assistance can cabin crew provide when using the onboard wheelchair?
- Can the onboard wheelchair be used to reach the toilet?
- What are the accessibility features of the toilet on my aircraft?
- Can staff assist with transfers, or will I need a companion to provide that support?
- Do I also have the correct WCHR, WCHS or WCHC assistance recorded?
- What happens to my personal wheelchair during the flight?
A WCOB Pre-Flight Checklist
| WCOB Travel Checklist | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Contact the airline as early as possible. | ☐ |
| Explain that you need an onboard wheelchair and why. | ☐ |
| Describe your transfer and mobility needs clearly. | ☐ |
| Confirm WCOB for every relevant flight sector. | ☐ |
| Check whether the aircraft has an onboard wheelchair. | ☐ |
| Ask about accessible toilet facilities if you may need them. | ☐ |
| Confirm the limits of cabin crew assistance. | ☐ |
| Make sure separate airport wheelchair assistance is recorded if required. | ☐ |
| Provide details of your own mobility aid where applicable. | ☐ |
| Reconfirm assistance after any flight, route or aircraft change. | ☐ |
FAQs About the WCOB Airline Code
What does WCOB stand for?
WCOB is the SSR code for an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline. It indicates that the passenger requires access to the aircraft’s narrow onboard wheelchair.
Is WCOB an aisle wheelchair?
WCOB refers to an onboard wheelchair, which is a narrow chair designed to move through the aircraft aisle. It may also be described as an onboard aisle wheelchair or aisle chair.
Is WCOB the same as WCHC?
No. WCHC describes assistance to the aircraft cabin seat. WCOB records the need for an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline. A passenger can require both.
Does WCOB mean my own wheelchair goes in the cabin?
No. WCOB refers to an onboard wheelchair supplied by the airline. Personal wheelchairs and mobility aids have separate transport and stowage arrangements.
How early should I request WCOB?
IATA guidance recommends giving 48 hours’ notice for an onboard wheelchair request. Contacting the airline as early as practical is sensible because availability can depend on the aircraft and route.
Can I use an onboard wheelchair to go to the toilet?
An onboard wheelchair can be used to move along the aircraft aisle where the airline and aircraft facilities allow. Ask in advance about the toilet layout and what assistance cabin crew can provide, as the wheelchair itself does not make every aircraft toilet accessible.
Understanding what WCOB means can help you check that the correct onboard wheelchair assistance has been recorded for your journey. The WCOB code indicates that an onboard aisle wheelchair has been requested, which may be needed by passengers who cannot walk through the aircraft cabin independently. If you require an onboard wheelchair, contact your airline in advance to confirm that the WCOB airline code has been added to your booking and to discuss exactly what assistance you will need when boarding, during the flight and when disembarking.
Continue Learning About Airline Codes
The WCOB airline code is just one of several Special Service Request (SSR) codes airlines use to record a passenger’s medical, disability or assistance needs. Other codes can indicate different wheelchair types or assistance, reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, travelling with an assistance dog, or other support requirements. There are even codes for which type of meal you want to order and many other codes used within the airport and by airlines.
Understanding these SSR codes can make it easier to check that the right assistance has been added to your booking. You can explore my guides to airline SSR disability codes to learn what the different codes mean, when they are used and what support you may need to arrange before you fly.
- Airline and airport codes and what they mean
- Download a copy of all of the airline SSR disability codes for free
- Airline meal codes explained
- Download a list of all of the airline meal codes for free
- Learn which airline meal codes are for travellers with allergies
- What does DPNA mean?
- Download a free, printable checklist for MEDA passengers to complete before they fly
Continue Learning Airline Wheelchair Codes
WCOB is just one of several airline wheelchair assistance codes used to help airports and airlines understand your mobility needs before you travel. Learning what the other wheelchair codes mean can make it easier to request the correct assistance, avoid misunderstandings and ensure your mobility equipment is handled appropriately. Explore our complete guides to airline wheelchair and special assistance codes to understand which code is right for your journey.
- Learn more about the codes airports and airlines use
- Find out about the different disability codes used by airlines
- What does WCLX mean?
- What does WCHC mean?
- What does WCHR mean?
- What does WCLB mean?
- What does WCBD mean?
Continue Planning Your Travels With Autistic Kids
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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