LEGL is an airline Special Service Request (SSR) code used when a passenger is travelling with their left leg in a cast. It helps the airline identify a temporary mobility or medical-related circumstance that may affect seating, movement through the airport or other travel arrangements.
The LEGL airline code does not, by itself, describe how much help the passenger needs. Someone with a leg cast may be able to walk independently, while another passenger may need wheelchair assistance through the airport.
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For an overview of the wider system, see our guide to airline disability codes and SSR codes.
What Does the LEGL Airline Code Mean?
The LEGL airline code means that the passenger is travelling with their left leg in a cast.
The code gives the airline information about the passenger’s circumstances so staff can consider whether any additional arrangements are required.
Having LEGL on a booking does not automatically mean that the passenger needs a wheelchair, cannot walk or requires assistance all the way to the aircraft seat.
Is the LEGL Airline Code a Special Assistance Code?
LEGL is part of the airline SSR system and relates to a passenger travelling with a leg in a cast. However, it should not be confused with codes that describe a specific level of wheelchair assistance.
The passenger’s actual mobility matters. A cast can affect people very differently depending on its size, the injury, whether weight can be placed on the leg and how far the passenger can comfortably walk.
What Is the Difference Between LEGL, LEGR and LEGB?
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LEGL | Left leg in a cast |
| LEGR | Right leg in a cast |
| LEGB | Both legs in casts |
These codes identify which leg or legs are in casts. They do not replace other SSR codes that may be needed to record wheelchair assistance or other arrangements.
To learn more about the other codes relating to having a leg, or legs, in a cast please refer to my dedicated guides: the LEGR code and the LEGB code.
Does the LEGL Code Mean You Get Wheelchair Assistance?
No. The LEGL airline code does not automatically mean that wheelchair assistance has been arranged. If walking through the terminal, using stairs or reaching the aircraft seat will be difficult, tell the airline what you can and cannot manage. A separate wheelchair assistance code may be appropriate.
Airlines commonly use WCHR, WCHS and WCHC to describe different levels of wheelchair assistance. The correct code depends on the passenger’s mobility rather than simply on the presence of a cast.
Can the LEGL Airline Code Be Used With Other SSR Codes?
Yes. More than one SSR code can be recorded when different codes are needed to describe different parts of a passenger’s circumstances. For example, LEGL can identify the left-leg cast while a wheelchair code records the level of mobility assistance required. This gives airline and airport staff more useful information than relying on the cast code alone.
Will You Need Medical Clearance as a LEGL Passenger?
Using the LEGL airline code does not automatically mean that medical clearance is required. Whether an airline asks for medical information or imposes additional conditions depends on its policy and the passenger’s circumstances. If the cast is recent, your injury is complex or you are unsure whether you are fit to fly, contact the airline before travelling. Ask specifically about its rules for flying with a plaster cast or other leg cast and whether any medical documentation is required.
If an airline considers your situation a medical case requiring special arrangements, a different code such as MEDA may also be relevant. You can read our guide to the MEDA airline code for more information.
I have personally flown with a broken foot – although it was in what they describe as a moon boot rather than a cast. I was given a doctors letter with recommendations for the airline to make certain adjustments to help me fly safely. Some of the recommendations were:
- a self-administered injection for a few days before flying to avoid blood clots
- to be given a seat in the extra leg room spaces
- airport assistance including the use of a wheelchair and being transported in the airport buggy where appropriate
- use of the ambulift where appropriate
Having the letter from the doctor made a huge difference to arranging this airport support – most of which I was totally unaware even existed at the time. The doctors letter also covered me and explained what medications I was travelling with and why I needed them. If you are planning to travel with medication, my guide explains what to include on a doctors letter so you can get it right the first time.
Flying With a Newly Applied Cast
Airline requirements for newly applied casts can vary. Do not assume that havingthe LEGL airline code recorded on your booking means every medical or safety requirement has been met.
Contact your airline before travel and explain when the cast was applied and what type of cast you have. Follow the airline’s current instructions and seek advice from your treating healthcare professional about whether you are medically fit to fly.
Does the LEGL Airline Code Guarantee Extra Legroom?
No. The LEGL SSR code identifies that the passenger’s left leg is in a cast; it should not be treated as a guarantee of extra legroom, an empty neighbouring seat or a particular seat location.
If the cast prevents you from bending your leg normally or creates a specific seating requirement, discuss this with the airline before the flight. Ask what seating arrangements are possible and whether any additional booking arrangements are needed.
What Assistance Does Someone Using the LEGL Code Need?
The assistance required depends on the individual passenger rather than the LEGL airline code itself.
- Help covering long distances through the terminal.
- Wheelchair assistance if walking is difficult or painful.
- Assistance where aircraft stairs are used.
- Suitable seating if the cast restricts normal leg movement.
- Additional time when boarding or leaving the aircraft.
If you need practical support at the airport, our guide to getting help at the airport as a disabled traveller explains more about arranging assistance.
What Should You Tell the Airline?
Do not rely on the four-letter code alone. Tell the airline about the practical effect of the injury and cast. Explain whether you can walk through the terminal, manage stairs, transfer independently, bend your leg and walk from the aircraft door to your seat. Also mention any mobility aid you will bring. If you are travelling with medical equipment you may be entitled to travel with medical luggage or mobility equipment for free.
This information helps the airline determine whether LEGL is sufficient or whether additional assistance needs to be recorded.
What Should You Do if LEGL Appears on Your Booking?
If you are travelling with your left leg in a cast and recognise the code, check that any other assistance you need has also been arranged. If you do not have a left-leg cast or do not understand why the LEGL code appears on the booking, contact your airline and ask it to check the passenger record.
It is better to resolve incorrect or incomplete assistance information before arriving at the airport.
LEGL Airline Code Summary
- LEGL means the passenger is travelling with their left leg in a cast.
- LEGR refers to the right leg, while LEGB refers to both legs.
- LEGL does not automatically arrange wheelchair assistance.
- A separate SSR code may be needed if you require mobility assistance.
- LEGL does not guarantee extra legroom or a particular seat.
- Check your airline’s current rules for travelling with a cast before flying.
LEGL Airline Code FAQs
What does LEGL stand for on a flight booking?
The LEGL airline code is the SSR code used when a passenger is travelling with their left leg in a cast.
Does LEGL mean wheelchair assistance?
No. If you require wheelchair assistance, the airline may need to record a separate wheelchair SSR code based on how much mobility support you require.
What is the difference between LEGL and LEGR?
LEGL refers to the left leg being in a cast. LEGR refers to the right leg being in a cast.
What does LEGB mean?
LEGB is used when a passenger is travelling with both legs in casts.
Does the LEGL SSR code guarantee extra legroom?
No. If your cast creates a specific seating requirement, contact your airline and ask what seating arrangements can be made.
Should I contact the airline before flying with a leg cast?
Yes. Airline rules for casts can vary, particularly for recently applied casts. Contact the airline before travel to check its current requirements and arrange any mobility or seating assistance you need.
Understanding what the LEGL airline code means can help you recognise why the code has been added to a flight booking and what arrangements may need to be made before travelling. LEGL indicates that the passenger is travelling with their left leg in a cast, which may affect seating, mobility and boarding arrangements. Contact the airline as early as possible to discuss the cast, any additional space or assistance you require, and whether the airline has specific rules or medical requirements for passengers flying with a recent injury or cast.
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.
- 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
- What does BSCT mean?
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 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 WCHR mean?
- What does WCLB mean?
- What does WCBD mean?
- What does WCOB mean?
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