For those travelling with a disability, the right kind of support at the airport and on the plane can make all of the difference. Here is a guide to using the special assistance support service at Beijing Capital Airport.
What is “special assistance”?
In the context of airports and airlines, “special assistance” (also sometimes called “PRM assist” where PRM means Persons with Reduced Mobility or a Special Service Request) refers to support services offered to travellers who require help beyond the standard passenger experience. This may include, for example:
- wheelchair support or escorting from check-in to boarding gate and/or arrival.
- help with luggage, security lines, immigration/customs for passengers with mobility limitations.
- assistance for travellers with hearing or vision impairment, cognitive or hidden disabilities.
- accompaniment through the airport when the passenger cannot fully manage all the steps alone.
- provision of accessible facilities (ramps, elevators, adapted toilets) and specialised guidance or staff support.
The aim is to make travel through large airports less stressful, more predictable, and safer for passengers whose needs go beyond the usual “walk through, check-in, security, board” scenario.
Learn more: Getting help at the airport if you have a disability
Who can use special assistance?
Generally, special assistance is available for travellers who:
- Have a mobility impairment (use a wheelchair or walking aid, or cannot walk long/have difficulty).
- Are blind or partially sighted; deaf or hard of hearing.
- Have a cognitive impairment, neurodivergent condition, or other disability that means navigating the airport independently is challenging.
- Are elderly and may require help moving through the airport.
- Travelling with medical equipment or power chairs that need handling/transport.
- Sometimes families with young children and certain sensory‐needs children may also use these services (depending on airport/airline policy).
In practice you must request this in advance — either through the airline at booking or via airport/assist service. The service is typically free when booked through the airline for a disability or mobility need, but it must be requested. The airline will add a code to the passenger booking which reflects their disability or illness and they support they may require during their trip.
Read: Airport and airline codes and what they stand for
What special assistance at Beijing Capital Airport looks like
At PEK, the accessible travel infrastructure and special assistance services are in place and improving. A few highlights:
- The airport is equipped with accessible amenities: ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, adapted telephones.
- For mobility‐challenged travellers: wheelchair assistance is available; staff support from arrival to gate or for connecting flights is possible.
- For other types of impairment: for example, those with a vision impairment may find tactile guides, attentive staff; those with hearing impairment may have visual alert systems.
Because PEK is large (multiple terminals: T1, T2, T3) and transit/connection can involve long distances, early request for assistance is especially important.
Our experience of special assistance at PEK
Our personal experience with special assistance at Beijing Capital Airport was during two layovers there in September 2025:
Layover 1: transit when flying from Edinburgh to Bangkok, roughly 4 hours in Beijing PEK
Layover 2: 4 day layover in Beijing city
Both times, we were met off of the plane by someone who had a wheelchair for my oldest child. This was what Hainan Airlines booked for us after discussing our needs and adding the DPNA code to our booking. During the short layover on our way to Bangkok, the assistant was in a rush and walked way ahead with my son in the wheelchair while I tried to get my youngest two to hurry up. He made comments about needing to be fast because he already had another call to go and help someone else. He helped us through the security check and then we told him he could leave us where we were as we had many hours to wait and only about a 2 minute walk to the gate from there. When it was time to fly, a new assistant met us before the passengers boarded and helped us make our way to the plane first so we could get situated.
Explore: Everything you need to know about laying over in Beijing
On the second layover we did (returning from Bangkok to Edinburgh via Beijing), we were again met at the plane and taken, with the wheelchair, right through immigration, security and out to the taxi rank. We spent a few days in Beijing and when we returned to the airport and checked in they had the special assistance staff member meet us at check in with a wheelchair. They then helped us through security and right to the gate. The person was very helpful and kept double checking that we had all of the passports back because she had taken my son through with his and just wanted to make sure we had everything. We were escorted onto a bus that took us to the plane and the assistant boarded the plane with us, helping with luggage and finding the seats.
How to book / request special assistance at PEK
Here are steps you can follow to make sure you’re covered:
- At time of booking your flight: Indicate mobility or assistance requirement. Use the airline’s “special assistance” or “PAX with reduced mobility (PRM)” option if one exists. If not, you should call the airline to explain your needs and have assistance added to your booking.
- Confirm at least 48 hours ahead (or as required by the airline) that assistance is arranged. One third‐party site says for PEK you should inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
- On arrival at airport: Look for the dedicated PRM/assistance counter or desk (often at arrivals and departures). Let them know you have requested the service. Some airlines will call the assistance team when you check-in to come and meet you.
- On transit flights: If you are connecting through PEK (i.e., arriving and then departing from another terminal or flight), make sure the assistance is arranged for the connection — this may involve moving between terminals via airport people movers etc.
- Bring documentation if needed: Mobility device details, medical information (if relevant), flight booking reference for assistance.
- Arrive early: Even with assistance, large airports require extra time. The assistance will help you navigate but you still need to allow for check‐in, security, possible queues.
- Confirm equipment issues: If you are bringing a powered wheelchair or mobility device, check airline/airport policies on battery, weight, etc. This step is especially important for PEK airport because China has strict rules about how you can travel with batteries.
PRM Assist
The PRM Assist app is a mobile application designed to help travellers with reduced mobility manage their airport assistance bookings and journey more easily. Key points:
- It allows you to request reduced mobility services from participating airports globally — so you may book assistance in advance via your smartphone.
- Features include: booking tracking (confirmation stamps when airport/airline receives your request), storing bookings in one place, viewing departure/terminal/gate information, sometimes real‐time waiting time data via beacon technology.
- It aims to give greater transparency and control: you know the request has been accepted (so you’re not relying solely on the airline).
- Tip for families or travellers with multiple needs: If you are travelling with a child with a sensory issue, or extra equipment, you may still use the app but also call the airline/airport to ensure the type of assistance is appropriate (not just standard wheelchair push).
- Caution: Not all airports/airlines may integrate with the app fully; always double‐check. And for a very large airport like PEK, early engagement is wise.
Learn more: What is PRM Assist?
Understanding disability codes
Airports/airlines use standard codes to indicate passenger assistance requirements. These codes help staff understand what assistance is needed, and ensure the correct service is arranged. Here are some common ones (industry‐wide):
- WCHR: Wheelchair Ramp – passenger can walk a short distance but needs wheelchair for rest of distance.
- WCHS: Wheelchair to/S from seat – passenger cannot walk at all, needs wheelchair, but can manage own seat.
- WCHC: Completely dependent – passenger needs wheelchair and assistance into/out of seat.
- DEAF: Passenger is deaf/hard of hearing and may need visual alerts or assistance.
- BLND: Blind or visually impaired – will need escort or assistance navigating.
- DPNA (in some regions): A code that indicates “Disabled Person Needing Assistance” – used to access certain services/priority at airports (e.g., queue-jumping or special assistance).
- For example, families flying with neurodivergent children often use DPNA to request assistance and additional support.
- MEDA: Passenger is carrying medical equipment / needs medical supervision.
For a full list, head to my post about airport and airline codes.
Why these matter:
- The code you supply at booking is attached to your PNR (Passenger Reservation Number). Staff see it and know “this passenger requires wheelchair to gate” etc.
- It influences how much time you’ll be allowed, whether you’ll get push from the aircraft door, whether priority x-ray or boarding is offered.
- If the code is wrong (or missing), you might be offered a generic assistance service which may not match your exact needs (for example, you might need escort from check‐in to gate plus extra waiting time).
- When flying internationally (through airports such as PEK) it’s extra important, because distances are long, signage may be different, or language may be a barrier but the codes are global and recognisable anywhere you travel.
Always confirm with the airline that your code is properly noted (and any extra / special equipment or requirements beyond the standard code are communicated).
Tips for travelling through PEK with special assistance
Because PEK is a very large airport, with multiple terminals, transfers, long walking distances, you should:
- Arrive extra early.
- If arriving or departing via Terminal 3, note that sub‐concourses (T3C, T3D, T3E) may require moving between levels or via shuttle.
- Make sure your airline has your assistance request well ahead of time. Never assume the airport staff will pick it up without a request.
- For families travelling with a child who has sensory/communication differences (or autism, ADHD etc) and mobility or sensory needs: talk to the airline ahead of time about extra support, maybe pre-boarding, reduced queueing, quiet waiting spaces. The broader “special assistance” umbrella may cover more than just mobility.
- Bring a small summarised note of your needs (especially if language is a barrier). At an international airport you may encounter staff whose English is more limited.
- Locate and use accessible restrooms, elevators, and information counters.
- If you use your own mobility device (power chair, class 2 or 3), check how it will be handled at check-in and transfer; some airports require you to disconnect battery etc.
- For transit: If you are landing and connecting onward, check that your assistance covers the connection, and that your next flight has sufficient connection time (since assistance may take longer).
- Consider using apps (like PRM Assist) or airline apps to track your booking, but don’t rely solely on them.
Travelling through Beijing Capital International Airport with special assistance doesn’t have to be daunting — if the right preparations are made. Whether you or your child require wheelchair support, visual or hearing assistance, cognitive support, or a combination of needs, the key is to book early, use the correct assistance code, confirm with your airline and arrive with everything documented. The PRM Assist app can add control and transparency. At PEK, accessible facilities are available, and the airport supports a range of special assistance services — just ensure you’re covered for your specific requirements.
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