LEGB is an airline Special Service Request (SSR) code used when a passenger is travelling with both legs in casts. It tells the airline about a temporary mobility or medical-related circumstance that may affect how the passenger moves through the airport, boards the aircraft and sits during the flight.
LEGB does not, by itself, describe the exact level of assistance required. A separate wheelchair or medical SSR code may also be needed to record the passenger’s practical support requirements.
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For an overview of the wider system, read our guide to airline disability codes and SSR codes.
What Does the LEGB Airline Code Mean?
The LEGB airline code means that the passenger is travelling with both legs in casts. The code identifies the presence of casts on both legs. It does not tell airline or airport staff whether the passenger can walk, use stairs, transfer independently or reach their aircraft seat without assistance.
Those practical needs should be explained separately so the correct assistance can be arranged.
Is the LEGB SSR Code a Special Assistance Code?
LEGB is part of the airline SSR system and is used for a passenger with both legs in casts. It is grouped with temporary mobility and cast codes, but it is not the same as a wheelchair assistance code.
A passenger’s assistance should be based on what they can and cannot manage. With both legs in casts, substantial mobility support may be required, but the LEGB code alone does not define that level of support.
What Is the Difference Between LEGB, LEGL and LEGR?
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LEGB | Both legs in casts |
| LEGL | Left leg in a cast |
| LEGR | Right leg in a cast |
These codes tell the airline which leg or legs are in casts. They do not replace other codes used to describe wheelchair assistance, medical clearance or another support requirement.
To learn more about the other codes relating to having a leg, or legs, in a cast please refer to my dedicated guides: the LEGL code and the LEGR code.
Does LEGB Mean You Get Wheelchair Assistance?
No. Having the LEGB airline code applied to your booking by itself does not specify a level of wheelchair assistance. If the passenger cannot walk through the terminal, use aircraft stairs or reach their seat independently, the airline may need to record an additional wheelchair assistance code.
Common wheelchair assistance codes include WCHR, WCHS and WCHC.
Can the LEGB Airline Code Be Used With Other SSR Codes?
Yes. Airlines can record more than one SSR code because each code may describe a different part of the passenger’s needs. The LEGB code identifies that both legs are in casts. A wheelchair code can then describe how much physical assistance is needed. If the passenger is considered a medical case requiring special arrangements, another code may also be relevant such as MEDA.
This is why it is important to describe your actual mobility and support needs rather than simply asking for the LEGB airline to be added.
The LEGB Airline Code and WCHC Code Explained
WCHC is used when a passenger requires wheelchair assistance all the way to their aircraft seat. It is therefore different from LEGB which describes a passenger with both legs in casts.
A booking containing LEGB + WCHC communicates two pieces of information: the passenger has both legs in casts, and they require full wheelchair assistance to the seat.
Not every passenger with LEGB will necessarily have WCHC, so the airline should record the wheelchair code that reflects the passenger’s actual mobility.
Will You Need Medical Clearance With LEGB?
LEGB does not automatically mean that medical clearance is required. Airline policies and the passenger’s circumstances determine whether medical information or approval is needed. If the casts are recent, the injuries are complex or you are unsure whether you are fit to fly, contact the airline before travelling. Ask about its current rules for flying with casts and whether it requires medical documentation or clearance.
If the airline treats the journey as a medical case requiring special arrangements, the MEDA code may also be relevant. Our MEDA airline code guide explains that code in more detail.
Flying With Newly Applied Casts
Airlines can have specific requirements for passengers travelling with recently applied casts. Do not assume that the LEGB code being recorded on a booking means all medical and safety requirements have been satisfied.
Contact your airline before travel and tell them when the casts were applied and what type of casts you have. Follow the airline’s current requirements and seek advice from your treating healthcare professional about whether you are medically fit to fly. You may need a doctors letter to prove to the airline that the doctor considers you fit to fly.
Does Using LEGB Guarantee Extra Legroom or Extra Seats?
No. The LEGB airline code identifies that both legs are in casts. It should not be treated as a guarantee of extra legroom, an empty neighbouring seat, additional seats or a particular seat location.
If the casts prevent the passenger from bending their legs or sitting in a standard seat position, contact the airline before booking or as soon as possible afterwards. Explain the seating requirement and ask what arrangements are available.
What Assistance Might a Passenger Using LEGB Need?
The appropriate assistance depends on the passenger’s individual mobility and the nature of the casts. Possible requirements can include:
- Wheelchair assistance through the terminal.
- Help where aircraft stairs would otherwise be required.
- Assistance transferring or reaching the aircraft seat.
- Suitable seating arrangements where leg movement is restricted.
- Additional time for boarding and leaving the aircraft.
If you need airport assistance, our guide to getting help at the airport explains the wider assistance process for disabled travellers.
What Should You Tell the Airline?
Tell the airline what the passenger can and cannot do rather than relying on the LEGB code alone. Explain whether the passenger can walk any distance, use stairs, transfer independently, bend either leg and move from the aircraft door to their seat. Mention crutches, a wheelchair or any other mobility aid that will travel with them.
If the casts create a particular seating problem, explain that clearly as well. The airline can then determine what assistance, seating and SSR codes are appropriate.
What Should You Do if LEGB Appears on Your Booking?
If you are travelling with both legs in casts and recognise the code, check that any additional wheelchair, medical and seating arrangements you need have also been recorded.
If you do not have both legs in casts or do not know why the LEGB code has been added, contact the airline and ask it to check your passenger record.
It is better to correct incomplete or inaccurate assistance information before arriving at the airport.
LEGB Airline Code Summary
- LEGB means the passenger is travelling with both legs in casts.
- LEGL refers to the left leg and LEGR refers to the right leg.
- LEGB does not itself specify wheelchair assistance.
- A separate code such as WCHR, WCHS or WCHC may be needed to describe mobility support.
- LEGB does not automatically guarantee extra legroom or additional seats.
- Check the airline’s current requirements for flying with casts before travel.
LEGB Airline Code FAQs
What does LEGB stand for on a flight booking?
LEGB is the SSR code used when a passenger is travelling with both legs in casts.
Does LEGB mean wheelchair assistance?
No. LEGB identifies both legs in casts. A separate wheelchair SSR code may be needed to record the level of mobility assistance required.
What is the difference between LEGB and LEGL?
LEGB means both legs are in casts. LEGL means only the left leg is in a cast.
Can LEGB and WCHC appear together?
Yes. LEGB can identify both legs in casts while WCHC records that the passenger requires full wheelchair assistance to the aircraft seat.
Does LEGB guarantee extra seats?
No. If the casts prevent the passenger from using a standard seating position, contact the airline to discuss what arrangements are required and available.
Should I contact the airline before flying with both legs in casts?
Yes. Airline rules for casts and medical clearance can vary. Contact the airline before travel to check its current requirements and arrange the mobility and seating support you need.
Understanding what LEGB means can help you prepare for the additional considerations involved when flying with both legs in casts. The LEGB airline code allows the airline to record this information and plan appropriate assistance, seating and boarding arrangements where necessary. Because travelling with both legs in casts can significantly affect mobility and seating requirements, contact the airline well in advance to discuss airport assistance, additional space, medical clearance and any restrictions that may apply to your journey.
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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Continue Learning Airline Wheelchair Codes
There are several airline wheelchair assistance codes used to help airports and airlines understand your mobility needs before you travel. Learning what these 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 WCHR mean?
- What does WCLB mean?
- What does WCBD mean?
- What does WCOB mean?
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