Travelling with disabilities can present unique challenges, but understanding the various airline disability codes can significantly ease the process. These SSR codes are used globally to identify specific assistance needs and ensure that travellers receive appropriate support. Here’s a comprehensive guide to these codes and their meanings:
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Wheelchair Assistance Codes
These wheelchair SSR codes describe how much physical assistance a passenger requires, regardless of whether they are travelling with their own wheelchair. They do not identify the type of wheelchair or mobility aid being used. Instead, they tell airport staff how independently a passenger can move and what level of assistance should be provided.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| WCHR | Learn more about the WCHR SSR code in my dedicated guide | Wheelchair required for long distances. Passenger can climb stairs and walk to their seat. |
| WCHS | Find out more about using the WCHS code in my guide | Passenger cannot use aircraft steps but can walk to their seat. |
| WCHC | Read more about the WCHC wheelchair travel code in my guide | Passenger requires assistance all the way to the aircraft seat. |
| WCOB | My dedicated guide to the WCOB code explains more about this code | On-board aisle wheelchair requested during the flight. |
These are the most commonly used wheelchair assistance codes and are recognised by airlines around the world. If you are travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility aid, you may also have an additional code describing the equipment itself.
Wheelchair and Mobility Aid Codes
These SSR codes identify the type of wheelchair or mobility aid being transported, rather than the assistance the passenger requires. They help airlines understand what type of wheelchair is travelling, including whether it is manual or powered and, if powered, what type of battery it uses so it can be handled safely.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| WCMP | Learn more in my manual wheelchair code guide for travellers | Manual wheelchair. |
| WCBD | Learn more about the WCBD airline code in my dedicated guide | Dry-cell battery wheelchair. |
| WCBW | Find out more in my guide dedicated to breaking down the WCBW code | Wet-cell battery wheelchair. |
| WCLB | Learn more in my guide to the WCLB airline SSR code | Lithium battery wheelchair. |
| WCLX | Read up on the WCLX SSR code in my detailed guide | Removable lithium battery wheelchair. |
It is common for passengers to have both a wheelchair assistance code and a wheelchair equipment code. For example, someone might travel with both WCHC and WCLB, indicating that they require full wheelchair assistance and are travelling with a lithium battery-powered wheelchair.
Temporary Mobility and Cast Codes
These airline disability codes are used when a passenger is travelling with one or more legs in a cast. These codes help airlines understand that a passenger’s mobility may be temporarily reduced and that additional seating arrangements, medical clearance or airport assistance could be required.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LEGL | My dedicated guide to the LEGL code explains more about this code | Left leg in a cast. |
| LEGR | Read more about the LEGR assistance code in my dedicated guide | Right leg in a cast. |
| LEGB | Find out more about travelling using the LEGB code in my guide | Both legs in casts. |
Whether a passenger needs additional assistance depends on their individual mobility rather than the cast alone. Some passengers with these codes may also be assigned a wheelchair assistance code such as WCHR, WCHS or WCHC if t hey require help moving through the airport.
Hidden Disability and Additional Assistance Codes
Not every passenger who requires support has a visible physical disability. These IATA SSR codes are used to identify travellers who may need extra assistance because of a medical condition, developmental disability, cognitive impairment or other circumstances that make travelling independently more difficult.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DPNA | Learn more about the DPNA code in my dedicated guide | Passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability requiring assistance. |
| MAAS | Find out more about travelling using the MAAS code in my guide | Meet and Assist service. |
| NOEX | My dedicated guide to the NOEX code explains more about this request code | Passenger must not be seated in an emergency exit row. |
| MEDA | I have a guide that breaks down the MEDA code in detail | Medical case requiring special arrangements. |
Some of these codes, such as DPNA and MEDA, describe the passenger’s needs, while others, such as NOEX, are operational instructions used by the airline. They are often used alongside other assistance codes rather than on their own.
Visual and Hearing Assistance Codes
These IATA codes identify passengers who are blind, visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing. They help airport and airline staff understand what type of communication or guidance may be required throughout the journey.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BLND | Read more about the BLND travel code in my guide | Blind or visually impaired passenger. |
| DEAF | Find out more information about the deaf or hard of hearing code in my dedicated guide | Deaf or hearing impaired passenger. |
The assistance provided varies between airlines but may include guidance through the airport, alternative methods of communication, boarding assistance and help understanding important flight announcements or safety information.
Animal Travel Codes
Airlines use several SSR codes to identify passengers travelling with animals. These IATA SSR codes distinguish between service animals, emotional support animals and pets travelling in the cabin, helping staff apply the correct policies and make the appropriate arrangements before the flight.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SVAN | Learn more about the SVAN code and who it applies to in my guide | Service animal. |
| PETC | Read more about the PETC travel code in my guide | Pet travelling in the cabin. |
| ESAN | My dedicated guide to the ESAN code explains more about this animal code | Emotional support animal (where accepted). |
Policies surrounding assistance animals and emotional support animals vary significantly between airlines and countries. Always check your airline’s latest requirements before travelling, as eligibility and documentation rules may differ.
Oxygen and Medical Equipment Codes
Passengers who require oxygen or specialised medical equipment during a flight may have one or more of these airline codes added to their booking. They help airlines prepare any approved equipment, confirm that medical devices meet safety requirements and ensure the passenger receives the appropriate support.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PPOC | Read more about the PPOC travel code in my guide | Portable Oxygen Concentrator. |
| OXYG | | My dedicated guide to the OXYG code explains more about this code | Airline-provided oxygen required. |
| STCR | Find out more about using the STCR code in my guide | Passenger travelling on a stretcher. |
Many of these requests require advance notice, and some airlines may ask passengers to complete medical forms or provide documentation before they travel. Contact your airline as early as possible if you think one of these codes may apply.
Seating and Other Assistance Codes
Some airline SSR codes are used to communicate seating requirements or operational instructions rather than describing a passenger’s disability or medical condition. These codes help airlines allocate suitable seating and ensure safety regulations are followed.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EXST | My dedicated guide to the EXST code explains more about this request code | Extra seat required. |
| NOEX | Read more about the NOEX travel code in my guide | Exit-row restriction. |
For example, NOEX does not indicate that a passenger has a disability. Instead, it tells the airline that the passenger must not be seated in an emergency exit row. It is often added alongside another assistance or medical code when a passenger would be unable to assist during an emergency evacuation.
Other SSR Codes Worth Considering
There are a few more airline disability codes or medical-related codes you may come across
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| NRPS | Read more about the NRPS travel code in my guide | Non-reclining passenger seat requested (used by some airlines). |
| BSCT | My dedicated guide to the BSCT code explains more about this code | Bassinet request (not disability-related but assistance-related). |
| CBBG | Find out more about using the CBBG code in my guide | Cabin baggage occupying a seat (often used for medical equipment or musical instruments). |
| OXYG | I have a guide that breaks down the OXYG code in detail | Airline oxygen. |
| PPOC | Learn more about the PPOC portable oxygen code in my guide | Portable Oxygen Concentrator. |
| MEDA | Read up on the MEDA medical clearance code in my detailed guide | Medical clearance case. |
Can a Passenger Have More Than One Airline Assistance Code?
Yes. Many passengers have more than one Special Service Request (SSR) code on their booking. Different codes describe different aspects of the assistance required, such as the level of mobility support, the type of wheelchair being transported or any medical equipment being carried. For example, a passenger travelling with a lithium battery-powered wheelchair who requires assistance all the way to the aircraft seat may have both WCHC and WCLB on their booking. Using multiple codes helps airlines prepare the correct equipment, allocate suitable seating and ensure staff understand the passenger’s individual needs throughout their journey.
Common Airline Code Combinations
Realistically, one SSR code might not be enough to cover the type of support or assistance a passenger may need while also describing their wheelchair or other non-medical concerns. In this case, you may see a combination of airline disability codes added to the passenger booking.
Examples:
| Combination | What it Means |
|---|---|
| WCHC + WCBD | Passenger needs full wheelchair assistance and is travelling with a dry-cell powered wheelchair. |
| WCHC + WCLB | Full assistance plus a lithium battery wheelchair. |
| DPNA + SVAN | Passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability travelling with a service animal. |
| MEDA + PPOC | Passenger requiring medical clearance and travelling with a portable oxygen concentrator. |
| LEGB + WCHC | Passenger with both legs in casts requiring full wheelchair assistance. |
| NOEX + WCHS | Passenger cannot use stairs and must not be seated in an exit row. |
These codes are known as SSR codes, which stands for special service request codes. All (IATA) international airlines should recognise these codes as it is a globally recognised system used to identify the level and type of assistance a passenger will need.
There is also a 3 letter code, which is generic to describe a passenger with reduced mobility. It is PRM. The PRM code is a general code used in Europe (and sometimes beyond) for passengers with reduced mobility. It covers a broad range of assistance needs, including help with boarding, disembarking, and moving through the airport. It is not a code that is applied to a booking but it’s a code that recognises a group of people who need help and airports and airlines typically know what it is and what it means if someone uses it.
I’ve made a free PDF of these airline disability codes and SSR codes for you to download and keep, simply click here to buy (for free).
Understanding these airline disability codes can help passengers with disabilities better communicate their needs to airlines and airport staff, ensuring a smoother travel experience. It’s always a good idea to notify the airline of any special requirements well in advance of travel to allow for proper arrangements. With the right support, air travel can be made accessible and comfortable for everyone.
Continue Learning About Airline Codes
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.
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