What is the DPNA code? - Autism Family Travel Guide

When someone travels with a disability, they can get support at the airport and on the plane while they travel by making a special service request, also known as asking for special assistance. The airline will apply a code to their booking which details the type of help and support they need so that all of those who come across the passenger are aware of the help they need.

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Passenger Assistance Codes (SSR)

Airline and airport codes exist for so many reasons. One important reason that airlines use codes for is Special Service Request (SSR) codes to flag passengers’ assistance needs. When a traveller books help, the airline adds an SSR (disability) code to the ticket record so airport and flight crews are alerted. I should mention that you may not always see the code on your ticket, but it may flag up when your boarding pass is scanned by the airline staff. These SSR codes ensure the right support (like wheelchairs or special handling) is provided. Common SSR examples include WCHR/WCHS/WCHC for various wheelchair needs and BLND or DEAF for vision/hearing impairments. I have created a list of all of the airline and airport disability codes I could find, and you can download it for free for your reference.

One key SSR code is DPNA, which stands for “Disabled Passenger Needing Assistance” though some airports will use the description “Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance.” The DPNA code is important for travellers with autism – as if your diagnosis is autism without a mobility impairment then this is very likely to be the code that fits your situation best.

Wheelchair codes (WCHR, WCHS, WCHC): Indicate mobility assistance (ramp, stairs, or aisle chair needed).
Sensory codes (DEAF, BLND): Flag hearing or vision impairments.
DPNA: Used for hidden or cognitive disabilities (autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities).

Passengers should request the appropriate SSR codes at booking (only some airlines allow you to add special assistance or declare a disability during booking) or shortly after. What this does is add codes like DPNA in advance, which lets staff plan and assign helpers in time. If you cannot add the code during booking, you should call the airline or contact their special assistance team to ask them to add the DPNA code. Advance notice is important because it allows the airline to plan for the assistance you need. Assistance services or disabled seating on the plane can become fully booked, which means if you leave it too late to book then you may have to rearrange your flight to another time or date.

These posts may be helpful:

Understanding the DPNA Code

“DPNA” is the code used across the airline industry to indicate a passenger has a hidden disability (which is not better covered by another disability code) and may be in need of assistance.. In practice, this includes many autistic travellers or those with other cognitive needs. By including DPNA on your reservation, you alert every part of the travel chain (booking agents, airport staff, flight crew) to be ready with accommodations. For instance, Emirates explains that DPNA is “a code…applied to your booking…for customers with cognitive or hidden disabilities to communicate requirements” to airlines and airports. In other words, DPNA is the airline industry’s way of signalling that extra support should be provided to make the trip smoother for neurodivergent passengers.

Important: Using the Sunflower Lanyard is not enough when it comes to getting special assistance at the airport. If you do not know what the Sunflower Lanyard is, I have a post that explains it here. The Sunflower Lanyard is a fantastic tool, and it is recognised at so many airports worldwide… but it is not an official request for help at the airport or on the plane. This gets book with a specialist service (in the UK the company OCS seems to carry out special assistance in the airport). They need an official booking to be able to organise and supply the services you need to travel safely. You can book it with the airline or use the PRM assist app.

When DPNA is noted, staff understand that the traveller may not have a visible disability and might benefit from patient, flexible assistance. Airlines around the world are increasingly training crews for such needs. Some carriers even describe their cabin crews as specially trained to help passengers with autism or sensory sensitivities, such as Emirates. In practice, DPNA can translate into accommodations like one-on-one guidance, adapted boarding and safety briefings, or understanding if the passenger needs extra time and space. It is recognised by all airlines who are a member of the IATA.

How to Add DPNA to Your Booking

To ensure you get these benefits, you must add DPNA to your booking. Here’s how:

Use the airline’s “special assistance” option: When booking online, look for an option to request special assistance or to report a disability. For example, American Airlines’ website has an “Add special assistance” section on the passenger details page, and I also found that you can do this with Ryanair and British Airways. If you see an option for a cognitive/developmental disability (or for autism), select it. If booking through a travel agent, explicitly tell them to put the DPNA code on your ticket.
Call the airline if needed: If you’ve already booked or the form didn’t include DPNA, phone the airline’s disability services line. Give them your booking reference and ask them to add DPNA (Disabled Passenger Needing Assistance) to your reservation. Airlines have no fee for this and doing it early is best. The general recommendation is to do it at least 48 hours before you intend to fly.
Verify before travel: Confirm that DPNA appears on your ticket or itinerary. When you check in or board, remind staff that you have DPNA. This ensures gate and crew are aware and can make needed arrangements (like seating you with family or providing extra hand-holding through the airport).

What Assistance Does DPNA Provide?

Using the DPNA code unlocks a range of autism-friendly travel aids. Exact services vary by airline and airport, but commonly include:

Pre-boarding & navigation: Airlines often let DPNA-tagged passengers board early so you can get settled without the usual rush. Airport teams can also guide you through security, immigration or between gates, but often the airport recommends that you book special assistance with wheelchair service to ensure you get an escort. Many families with autism find this heads-up very helpful. Alerting staff in advance means they can reserve time and space for these needs.
Hidden-disability programs: Many airports now participate in a “hidden disabilities” (or “sunflower”) program. You can request a lanyard or card that discreetly signals you might need extra patience and help. The Sunflower Lanyard is a voluntary way to indicate you might require understanding or assistance. It helps ground staff know to give you extra time without having to explain at every step. In Spain, you need to apply for the Aena Hidden Disabilities Badge.
Trained crew & in-flight help: Cabin crew on aware airlines are trained to assist autistic passengers. They may offer accommodations like noise-cancelling headphones, low-traffic seating areas, or taking extra time to explain safety instructions clearly. Crews can provide individual briefings if loud announcements cause anxiety. Some airlines have tools (like visual storybooks or sensory kits) to make boarding and flying more comfortable for neurodivergent travellers, but I am yet to find one of these rare gems.
Safety assistant & companion seating: For passengers who may need one-on-one support to comply with safety rules, airlines often allow a travel companion (sometimes called a “safety assistant”) to have their seat reserved beside the passenger who needs their help, for free. This is usually an extra cost. In any case, airline staff will generally do their best to seat an autistic passenger with their caregiver or family group, so you can help each other during the flight.

By booking with the DPNA code, autistic travellers and families gain important peace of mind. The code connects you with an international network of airline policies and trained people ready to help. Remember: DPNA doesn’t give extra privileges beyond assistance (you’ll still need the same passport, visa and ticket fare as any traveller), but it does make the airport and flight experience more supportive. Ultimately, adding DPNA to your reservation lets you focus on the trip itself while the airline handles the rest.