DPNA is a Special Service Request (SSR) code used by airlines for a passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability who requires assistance during their journey. You may see the DPNA code added to an airline booking when requesting support for an autistic passenger or someone with another developmental, cognitive or intellectual disability.
DPNA does not describe exactly what assistance an individual passenger needs. Those needs can vary considerably, so it is important to explain the specific support required when contacting the airline. This could include help navigating the airport, additional guidance through different stages of the journey or other assistance appropriate to the passenger. Our guide to getting help at the airport explains more about airport assistance and what help you can ask for.
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In this guide, we explain what the DPNA code means, who it may be used for, how to request it and what you should know when arranging special assistance for a flight.
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. Our guide to SSR codes lists out more of the common airline codes and what they stand for. You can also download a copy of the airline codes list for free from our guide.
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.
The DPNA Airline Code
One key SSR code is the DPNA code, 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 passenger 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. For more travel advice if you have autism, our guide to travelling with autism has a whole bunch of guides to get you started.
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 the DPNA code on your reservation, you alert every part of the travel chain (booking agents, airport staff, flight crew) that you may need some accommodations to be able to travel comfortably. To learn more about the types of accommodations that are available, our guide to airport assistance for passengers with hidden disabilities breaks it all down.
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, we 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. You can book airport assistance with the airline or use the PRM assist app. I always recommend that you contact your airline either way because just adding the DPNA code does not explain to the airline what type of help you may actually need.
When the DPNA assistance code 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, using DPNA assistance 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 the DPNA Code 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 “Aad 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, explain to them the type of help you need when navigating the airport and boarding the plane. They will add or request that the airline adds the most appropriate SSR code to the passenger booking.
- Call the airline if needed: If you’ve already booked or the form didn’t include any option to add the DPNA code, phone the airline’s disability services line. Give them your booking reference and ask them to take note of your needs and the support you require to get through the airport, security and then to board the plane. The airline will decide which SSR codes are most appropriate for you, and for those with a hidden disability but no mobility concerns this will likely be the DPNA airline code. Airlines have no fee for this and doing it early is best, in the UK the recommendation is to give the airline at least 48 hours notice to arrange the appropriate support you need.
- Verify before travel: Confirm with your airline that the DPNA code appears on your ticket or itinerary. When you check in or board, remind staff that you have added the DPNA SSR code and request any assistance you may need. 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 for the airport assistance team on your day of travel. 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 instead of using the Sunflower Lanyard.
- 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 if you do not need this extra support. 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.
DPNA Airline Code Meaning FAQ
What is DPNA in full form in aviation?
DPNA stands for Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance. It is an internationally recognised airline assistance code used to indicate that a passenger may need additional support due to conditions such as autism, learning disabilities or cognitive impairments.
What is the meaning of DPNA at the airport?
At the airport, DPNA signals to staff that a passenger may need extra assistance beyond standard mobility support. This can include help with navigating the airport, understanding processes like security and boarding, or receiving clearer communication.
What does DPNA mean on a boarding pass?
If DPNA appears on a boarding pass, it means that special assistance has been requested and approved for that passenger. Airport and airline staff will be aware that additional support may be needed throughout the journey, including check-in, security, boarding and arrival.
Is autism DPNA?
Yes, autism is one of the most common reasons a DPNA code is used. The code is specifically designed for passengers with intellectual or developmental conditions, including autism, who may benefit from extra support when travelling.
How do I get a DPNA code?
You can request a DPNA code by contacting your airline after booking your flight. It is usually added to your booking under special assistance or medical needs. Some airlines also allow you to add it during booking.
What does “1 bag DPNA” mean?
“1 bag DPNA” usually means that the passenger has DPNA assistance added to their booking along with an allowance for one additional or specified bag, often related to medical or support needs.
Unsure which code you should use?
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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.
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 our 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
- Download a free, printable checklist for MEDA passengers to complete before they fly
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- 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
- 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
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Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With Our Guides
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