Special assistance (also known as PRM – passengers with reduced mobility) is the support provided by airports and airlines to help passengers who need extra help getting through the airport and onto the aircraft. This includes people with physical disabilities, reduced mobility, sensory needs, hidden disabilities and older passengers who may struggle with walking long distances or navigating busy environments.
At Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, special assistance is provided under EU law (Regulation EC 1107/2006). This means you have the right to receive help free of charge, and you cannot be refused travel simply because of a disability or reduced mobility unless there is a genuine safety reason.
The service typically covers the entire airport journey from arrival at the terminal, through check-in and security, to boarding the aircraft, and again in reverse when you land.
Who can use special assistance
Special assistance is available to a wide range of passengers, not just wheelchair users. You can request it if you or your child needs extra support for any reason.
This includes:
- Wheelchair users
- Passengers who cannot walk long distances
- People who cannot use stairs
- Visually impaired or blind passengers
- Hearing impaired passengers
- Passengers with autism, ADHD or other cognitive or developmental conditions
- Elderly passengers who need extra help
If you are unsure whether you qualify, a good rule is this: if getting through the airport independently would be difficult, stressful or unsafe, you can request assistance.
Read: Getting help at the airport as a disabled person
How to request special assistance at Bologna Airport
To use special assistance at Bologna Airport, you need to request it in advance. The most important step is doing this when you book your flight.
You can request assistance through:
- The airline directly
- A travel agent
- A tour operator
- PRM Assist app
The request should be made at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before your flight. The airline will then pass this information to Bologna Airport so the correct support can be arranged.
When you arrive at the airport, go to the special assistance desk in the check-in area on the ground floor or use one of the designated call points if available. From there, staff will assist you through the airport.
Bologna Airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours 30 minutes before departure so there is enough time to provide the service properly.
Learn more: Bologna Airport special assistance info
What support is available at Bologna Airport
Bologna Airport offers a range of facilities and services designed to make travel easier.
These include:
- Wheelchairs for use in the airport
- Assistance staff to escort you through check-in, security and to your gate and also help with your luggage and pushing a wheelchair
- Support with boarding and disembarking the aircraft, including use of an ambulift if needed and a minibus or car to get to the plane
- Accessible lifts with Braille buttons and audio announcements
- Hearing loop systems at information desks
- Reserved parking spaces close to the terminal
- Dedicated assistance desk in the terminal
The airport also highlights a specific project called Autism – A journey across the airport, which is designed to help reduce stress and improve understanding of the airport environment for autistic travellers.
Understanding disability and assistance codes
When you request special assistance, airlines use standard codes to describe the type of help you need. These are often called SSR codes and are used across airports worldwide.
Some common examples include:
- WCHR – you can walk but need help getting through the airport
- WCHS – you cannot use stairs
- WCHC – you cannot walk and need full assistance
- BLND – blind or visually impaired
- DEAF – deaf or hard of hearing
- DPNA – passenger with intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance
Learn more: Airport and airline codes and what they mean
These codes are important because they tell the airport exactly what kind of support to prepare. For example, whether you need a wheelchair, a lift to board the aircraft, or additional staff support.
If you are travelling with a child or have hidden disabilities, the DPNA code is particularly relevant and often overlooked. It is worth making sure this is added to your booking if needed.
PRM Assist app
PRM Assist is a mobile app designed to help passengers manage their assistance requests and track their journey through the airport.
Explore: What is PRM Assist?
With the app, you can:
- Add your flight details
- Request assistance
- Receive updates about your assistance status
- View useful travel information such as gates and timings
It can be helpful for keeping everything in one place and giving you more visibility over what is happening on the day.
However, it is important to understand that the app does not replace requesting assistance through your airline. You should always make the official request first and then use the app as an extra tool if available.
Read: Requesting special assistance with Ryanair and easyJet
As with any app, it is not perfect and may not work with every airline or booking reference, so always have a backup plan.
Practical tips for using special assistance at Bologna Airport
- Request assistance as early as possible. Last-minute requests can still be supported, but you may experience delays.
- Be specific about your needs. Instead of just saying “wheelchair”, explain exactly what support is required.
- Arrive early. Bologna recommends at least 2 hours 30 minutes before departure for assisted passengers.
- Check both departure and arrival assistance. Make sure help is arranged at both ends of your journey.
- Keep your booking details accessible. You may need to show confirmation or explain your assistance request.
- Allow extra time even with assistance. While the service is designed to help, there can still be waiting periods.
- If travelling with an autistic child, prepare them in advance. Bologna’s autism project can help you explain what to expect.
Why this matters
Airports can be overwhelming, unpredictable and physically demanding. Special assistance exists to remove as many of those barriers as possible and make travel accessible to everyone.
At Bologna Airport, the system is structured and supported by law, but it works best when you understand how to use it properly. Requesting assistance early, clearly explaining your needs and arriving prepared can make a huge difference to how smooth your journey feels.
For families travelling with autistic children or anyone with additional needs, this support can be the difference between a stressful experience and a manageable one.
