If you see the STCR airline code on an airline booking or medical travel form, it means the passenger is travelling on a stretcher. The STCR code is a Special Service Request, or SSR, code used by airlines to identify this specific travel requirement. You can learn more about the SSR codes in my guide.
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Stretcher travel requires much more advance planning than ordinary airport special assistance. The airline needs to confirm that the aircraft and route can accommodate the stretcher, and medical clearance may be required. For more about airport special assistance, read my guide to getting help at the airport if you have a disability or medical condition.
What Does The STCR Airline Code Mean on a Flight Booking?
The STCR airline code means a stretcher passenger. IATA lists STCR as the SSR code used when a passenger is travelling on a stretcher. A SSR code is information added to an airline reservation to tell the airline that a passenger has a particular service or assistance requirement. You may not always see the code yourself, but airline, airport and ground-handling staff can use SSR information when preparing for the journey.
You can find the STCR airline code alongside other accessibility codes in my guide to airline and airport disability codes.
When Is the STCR Airline Code Used?
The STCR code is used when a passenger needs to travel lying on a stretcher rather than sitting in a standard aircraft seat. This can be necessary for some passengers travelling for medical reasons, after an illness or injury, or when their medical condition means they cannot safely remain seated for the flight.
The code does not tell you the passenger’s diagnosis. It tells the airline about the practical requirement for stretcher transport.
You can use the PRM Assist app to book airport assistance, but I would recommend following this up with a call to the airline to explain the help you need in detail.
Does STCR Mean Ordinary Wheelchair Assistance?
No. The STCR airline code is different from the wheelchair assistance SSR codes used for passengers who need help moving through the airport or boarding an aircraft.
| SSR code | What it means |
|---|---|
| STCR | Passenger travelling on a stretcher. |
| WCHR | Passenger needs wheelchair assistance for distance but can manage steps and reach the aircraft seat. Learn more about the WCHR code in my guide. |
| WCHS | Passenger cannot manage aircraft steps but can make their own way to and from the cabin seat. Find out more about using the WHCS code in my guide. |
| WCHC | Passenger needs wheelchair assistance to and from the cabin seat Read up on the WCHC code in my dedicated guide. |
| WCOB | Passenger requires an onboard wheelchair supplied by the airline. Learn more about using the WCOB airline code. |
| MEDA | Medical case where airline medical clearance may be required. Learn more about flying as a medical case with the MEDA code. |
A passenger travelling on a stretcher may have more than one relevant SSR code when different services are required. The airline decides which codes need to be entered after assessing the passenger’s circumstances.
Does a STCR Passenger Need Medical Clearance?
Medical clearance may be required for stretcher travel. This is separate from ordinary disability assistance where a passenger simply needs help through the airport. IATA’s current SSR guidance identifies the STCR airline code for stretcher travel and MEDA for cases where airline medical clearance may be needed. An airline may therefore ask for medical information before agreeing to carry a passenger on a stretcher.
The exact process depends on the airline. For example, British Airways states that medical clearance may be needed for passengers travelling for medical reasons or treatment, following recent illness, hospitalisation, injury or surgery, or when certain medical equipment or oxygen is required on board.
Do not assume that adding the STCR SSR code to a booking means the passenger has automatically been approved to fly. Stretcher transport normally needs direct confirmation from the operating airline.
Why Stretcher Travel Needs Advance Arrangement
An airline cannot simply place a portable stretcher in an aircraft aisle. The carrier needs to confirm that stretcher transport can be provided on the particular aircraft and flight and make the necessary arrangements inside the cabin. This can involve several teams, including reservations, medical clearance, airport handling, cabin operations and ground transport. The passenger may also need an appropriate escort or medical attendant, depending on their condition and the airline’s requirements.
Airline rules are not identical. Some carriers may not offer stretcher transport on every route or aircraft type. Notice periods, required documentation, escort rules and charges can also vary significantly.
How Far in Advance Should You Request Using the STCR Code?
Contact the operating airline as early as possible. Do not rely on the normal notice period for routine airport assistance because stretcher transport can require considerably more preparation. The airline will tell you its deadline and what documentation is required. As one example of how policies can differ, China Southern Airlines states that stretcher requests should be made as early as possible and no later than 72 hours before departure, with later requests accepted only when arrangements are available.
Other airlines may require different notice periods, so always check directly with the carrier operating your flight rather than using another airline’s deadline as a general rule.
Will a Stretcher Passenger Need a Medical Escort?
Possibly. Whether an escort is required depends on the passenger’s medical needs and the airline’s rules. An airline may require a doctor, nurse, paramedic, caregiver or another suitable accompanying person. The type of escort can depend on whether medical care or monitoring is needed during the journey.
Do not assume cabin crew can provide nursing care. Tell the airline exactly what assistance the passenger will need during the flight so it can advise what arrangements are necessary.
What Information Might the Airline Ask For?
The airline may ask for detailed information before confirming stretcher transport using the STCR airline code.
Depending on the carrier and passenger, this could include:
- The passenger’s medical condition and whether it is stable for air travel.
- Why the passenger must travel on a stretcher.
- Medical clearance or a medical information form completed by a doctor.
- Whether oxygen is required during the flight.
- Any medical equipment needed on board.
- Whether a medical or non-medical escort will accompany the passenger.
- Ground ambulance or transfer arrangements at departure and arrival.
- Contact details for relevant medical professionals or services when required.
The questions will vary. Follow the operating airline’s instructions rather than sending medical documents that have not been requested.
Is the STCR Airline Code the Same as the MEDA Code?
No. The STCR airline code and the MEDA code describe different things.
STCR means stretcher passenger. The STCR airline code identifies that the passenger is travelling on a stretcher.
MEDA means a medical case. The MEDA airline code relates to a medical case where airline medical clearance may be required.
Depending on the situation, the airline may use both codes or other SSR information to describe the passenger’s requirements accurately. IATA specifically advises that MEDA should not be used simply because a disabled passenger needs ordinary assistance or handling. Disability alone does not mean someone is a medical case.
Is the STCR Airline Code the Same as an Air Ambulance?
No. The STCR SSR code can refer to stretcher transport on a commercial passenger flight when the airline offers and approves the service. An air ambulance is a separate specialist medical transport service using an appropriately equipped aircraft and medical team.
Which option is suitable depends on the passenger’s condition, medical needs, route and whether a commercial airline can safely accommodate them. This decision should be made with the relevant medical professionals and transport providers.
Does STCR Guarantee the Airline Will Accept the Passenger?
No. An SSR code records a service request or requirement. It should not be treated as proof that all medical, operational and payment arrangements have been completed.
Before travelling, obtain confirmation from the operating airline that the stretcher request has been accepted, any required medical clearance has been completed, the necessary escort arrangements are in place and you understand the check-in and ground-transfer procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the STCR Airline Code
What does STCR stand for in aviation?
STCR is the airline Special Service Request code for a stretcher passenger. It tells the airline that the passenger needs to travel on a stretcher.
Is the STCR SSR code a disability code?
STCR is an SSR code describing a stretcher travel requirement. A passenger may or may not also be disabled. The code describes the service needed rather than a diagnosis.
Can I add the STCR code when booking online?
Stretcher travel normally requires direct contact with the airline because medical and operational arrangements need to be checked. Follow the operating carrier’s process rather than relying on a standard online assistance request.
Does STCR mean I need MEDA too?
Not automatically. STCR describes stretcher travel, while MEDA relates to medical assistance or clearance. The airline will decide which SSR codes are appropriate for the passenger’s circumstances.
Can every airline carry a stretcher passenger?
No. Availability depends on the airline, route, aircraft and operational requirements. Contact the operating airline before making plans around a particular flight.
Does an STCR passenger have to pay for extra seats?
Stretcher transport can involve additional space and charges, but pricing varies by airline and route. Ask the operating airline for a full quotation and confirmation of what is included.
The key thing to remember is simple: STCR means the passenger is travelling on a stretcher. It is not a general wheelchair or hidden-disability assistance code. Because stretcher travel can involve medical clearance, cabin configuration, escorts and ground arrangements, contact the operating airline as early as possible and wait for confirmation before relying on the booking.
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
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