If you have seen the WCMP airline code on a flight booking or while arranging accessible air travel, it is a Special Service Request (SSR) code used when a passenger is travelling with a manual wheelchair.
If you’d like to see what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give my Instagram a follow @autismfamilytravelguide
The WCMP airline code identifies the passenger’s own wheelchair or mobility aid. It does not, by itself, describe how much wheelchair assistance the passenger needs through the airport. That is an important distinction because a traveller can have WCMP recorded for their manual wheelchair and also have another SSR code, such as WCHR, WCHS or WCHC, to describe the assistance they need during the journey.
What Does the WCMP Airline Code Stand For?
WCMP means a manual-powered wheelchair or mobility aid. IATA uses WCMP for a passenger travelling with a manual wheelchair, and its guidance recommends reserving the code for manual chairs without a powered assistive device.
Airlines may also need the wheelchair’s weight and dimensions so ground teams know how it can be handled and loaded safely.
You can find WCMP alongside other mobility-related codes in my guide to airline and airport disability codes.
Is WCMP an Assistance Code or a Wheelchair Equipment Code?
The WCMP airline code is primarily used to identify the type of wheelchair or mobility aid travelling with the passenger.
It is different from wheelchair assistance codes such as WCHR, WCHS and WCHC. Those codes describe the level of help a passenger needs at the airport and while boarding or leaving the aircraft.
This means two travellers could both have WCMP on their bookings but need very different assistance. One may be able to walk independently through the airport after checking in the wheelchair, while another may need full wheelchair assistance to the aircraft.
The WCMP airline code may be what you apply to the passenger booking of someone who uses a disability pushchair. I have a guide to travelling with a disability pushchair that can help you organise your next trip. My “this pushchair is a wheelchair” luggage tag might also be of interest to you.
What Is the Difference Between WCMP and WCHR, WCHS or WCHC?
The simplest way to understand the difference is that WCMP describes the wheelchair, while WCHR, WCHS and WCHC describe the passenger’s mobility assistance needs.
- WCMP – passenger is travelling with a manual wheelchair or manual mobility aid.
- WCHR – passenger needs a wheelchair for airport distances but can use steps and make their own way to and from the cabin seat.
- WCHS – passenger cannot use aircraft steps but can make their own way to and from the cabin seat.
- WCHC – passenger requires the highest level of wheelchair assistance, including help to or from the cabin seat.
A passenger can therefore have WCMP and one of the wheelchair assistance codes on the same booking.
All Airline Wheelchair Codes in Compairson
Here’s a comparison table that includes the four standard IATA wheelchair assistance codes along with the wheelchair battery/equipment codes that airlines use.
| Code | What It Means | Passenger Mobility | Wheelchair or Mobility Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCHR | Wheelchair Required – Ramp | Can walk independently and climb aircraft steps but needs a wheelchair for longer distances within the airport. | May or may not be travelling with a mobility aid. |
| WCHS | Wheelchair Required – Steps | Cannot use aircraft steps but can walk to and from the cabin seat once on the aircraft. | May or may not be travelling with a mobility aid. |
| WCHC | Wheelchair Required – Cabin | Requires the highest level of assistance, including help to and from the aircraft seat. | May travel with or without a wheelchair or mobility aid. |
| WCMP | Wheelchair – Manual Passenger | Travelling with a manual wheelchair or other manual mobility aid. | Manual wheelchair or manual mobility aid. |
| WCBW | Wheelchair – Battery Wet | Travelling with a powered wheelchair that uses a wet-cell (spillable) battery. | Powered wheelchair with a wet-cell battery. |
| WCBD | Wheelchair – Battery Dry | Travelling with a powered wheelchair that uses a dry-cell (non-spillable) battery. | Powered wheelchair with a dry-cell battery. |
| WCLB | Wheelchair – Lithium Battery | Travelling with a powered wheelchair that uses a lithium-ion battery. | Powered wheelchair with a lithium battery. |
| WCOB | Wheelchair – On Board | Passenger requires an on-board aisle wheelchair to move between the aircraft seat and the toilet during the flight. | Refers to the need for an on-board wheelchair rather than the passenger’s own mobility aid. |
Key Difference Between These Wheelchair Codes
- WCHR, WCHS and WCHC describe the level of assistance the passenger needs.
- WCMP, WCBW, WCBD and WCLB describe the type of wheelchair or mobility aid the passenger is travelling with.
- WCOB identifies passengers who need an on-board aisle wheelchair during the flight, regardless of which other wheelchair assistance codes apply.
When Should WCMP Be Added to a Booking?
The WCMP airline code should be used when a passenger is travelling with their own manual wheelchair or qualifying manual mobility aid.
When arranging your booking, tell the airline that you are bringing a manual wheelchair. The airline may ask for information such as:
- the wheelchair’s width, height and length;
- its weight;
- whether it folds;
- whether any parts are removable;
- whether it has a power-assist attachment; and
- how you would like it returned at your destination.
The exact questions vary by airline and aircraft type. Providing accurate measurements can help the airline assess whether the chair can be loaded safely.
Does WCMP Apply to Every Manual Wheelchair?
IATA recommends that the WCMP airline code is reserved for manual wheelchairs without a powered assistive device. This matters because many manual wheelchairs now use power-assist attachments or add-on motors. If your chair has a powered component, tell the airline exactly what is fitted and what type of battery it uses. A battery-related mobility aid code may be more appropriate depending on the equipment.
Do not assume that a wheelchair is automatically treated as WCMP simply because it can also be pushed manually.
What Other Wheelchair Equipment Codes Are Used by Airlines?
Airlines use different SSR codes to identify powered wheelchairs and the type of battery fitted. Common examples include:
- WCBD – wheelchair or mobility aid with a non-spillable, nickel-metal hydride or dry battery.
- WCBW – wheelchair or mobility aid with a wet-cell battery.
- WCLB – wheelchair or mobility aid with a lithium-ion battery.
- WCMP – manual-powered wheelchair or mobility aid.
These codes help airlines identify handling and safety requirements. Battery-powered mobility aids can require extra preparation, so airlines may ask for advance notice and battery information.
Does WCMP Mean the Airline Will Provide a Wheelchair?
No. WCMP tells the airline that the passenger is travelling with their own manual wheelchair. If you need an airport wheelchair or mobility assistance as well, make that clear when you book. The airline may add WCHR, WCHS or WCHC depending on what support you need.
If you need an onboard wheelchair during the flight, that is a separate request. IATA uses WCOB for an onboard wheelchair provided by the airline.
Can WCMP Be Used Together With WCHS?
Yes. For example, a passenger might travel with their own manual wheelchair and also be unable to use aircraft steps. In that situation, the WCMP airline code can identify the wheelchair while WCHS identifies the assistance needed for stairs and airport distances.
What Happens to a Manual Wheelchair at the Airport?
The process varies by airport and airline. In many cases, passengers can remain in their own wheelchair through much of the airport and transfer to an airport or aisle chair closer to boarding. At other airports, arrangements may differ because of local procedures or aircraft access.
Ask where your wheelchair will be taken from you and where it will be returned. If staying in your own wheelchair until the aircraft door is important, say so when arranging assistance and confirm it again at the airport.
You may also want to remove loose or detachable items such as cushions, side guards, bags or other accessories if the airline allows you to keep them in the cabin. Check the airline’s baggage rules because cabin storage limits still apply.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Wheelchair Damage?
Wheelchairs are essential mobility equipment, so it is sensible to give ground staff clear handling information.
Before travelling, consider:
- taking photographs of the wheelchair before check-in;
- removing loose accessories where practical;
- labelling removable parts;
- providing simple handling instructions;
- showing staff where the chair can safely be lifted;
- making sure airline staff know if the chair folds; and
- checking the chair as soon as it is returned.
If you find damage, report it to the airline or its ground-handling team as soon as possible and follow the airline’s claims procedure.
Do You Need to Know the WCMP Airline Code Yourself?
No. You should be able to tell the airline that you are travelling with your own manual wheelchair and let staff record the correct SSR code.
Knowing the WCMP airline code can still be useful when checking your booking. It can help you confirm that the airline has recorded the wheelchair itself, rather than only the assistance you need in the terminal.
The WCMP Airline Code and Airport Special Assistance
Travelling with a manual wheelchair can involve both equipment handling and personal assistance. These should be discussed separately with the airline.
Tell the airline what mobility aid you are bringing and also describe what you can and cannot do during the airport and boarding journey. That might include whether you can walk short distances, use stairs, transfer independently or need an aisle chair.
You may also see the broader term PRM, meaning Person with Reduced Mobility. My guide to what PRM means for disabled travellers explains how that term is used in accessible transport. You can also read my guide to getting help at the airport so see what kind of help is available and what to expect on the day of travel.
FAQ About The WCMP Airline Code
What does WCMP mean on a flight booking?
The WCMP airline code means the passenger is travelling with a manual-powered wheelchair or mobility aid.
Is WCMP an IATA code?
Yes. WCMP is an IATA Special Service Request code used to identify a passenger’s manual wheelchair or mobility aid.
Does the WCMP airline code mean I need wheelchair assistance?
Not necessarily. WCMP identifies the wheelchair you are travelling with. Your airport assistance needs are recorded separately using codes such as WCHR, WCHS or WCHC where appropriate.
Can the WCMP airline code be used for a power-assist wheelchair?
IATA recommends reserving WCMP for manual chairs without a powered assistive device. If your wheelchair has a motor or power-assist attachment, tell the airline about the equipment and battery so the correct handling code can be used.
Does the airline need my wheelchair measurements?
It may. IATA guidance notes that the weight and dimensions of a manual wheelchair may be specified. Airlines can also ask for measurements to confirm that the chair can be safely loaded on the aircraft.
Can I have WCMP and WCHC on the same booking?
Yes. The WCMP airline code can identify your own manual wheelchair while WCHC describes a requirement for full wheelchair assistance to and from the cabin seat.
Understanding what the WCMP airline code means can help you request the right support and avoid confusion when travelling with a manual wheelchair or other manual mobility aid. Letting your airline know about your wheelchair well before you fly gives them time to make the necessary arrangements and helps ensure your equipment is handled correctly. Before your next journey, check your airline’s accessibility policy and continue exploring our guides to airline wheelchair assistance codes so you can travel with greater confidence and know exactly what to expect at every stage of your trip.
Continue Learning About Airline Codes
The WCMP airline code is just one of several Special Service Request (SSR) codes airlines use to record a passenger’s medical, disability or assistance needs. Other codes can indicate different wheelchair types or assistance, reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, travelling with an assistance dog, or other support requirements. There are even codes for which type of meal you want to order and many other codes used within the airport and by airlines.
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
Continue Learning Airline Wheelchair Codes
WCMP is just one of several airline wheelchair assistance codes used to help airports and airlines understand your mobility needs before you travel. Learning what the 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 WCLB mean?
- What does WCBD mean?
Continue Planning Your Travels With Autistic Kids
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
You can click on each image to go directly to the guide for that topic.
