Assistance for disabled people at the airport

In theory, all airlines offer transportation services for people with disabilities, but in reality, airport staff provide the majority of the assistance. This article aims to familiarize you with globally standardized procedures and codes, which ideally should be consistent worldwide.

On one of our flights departing from Warsaw, an airport assistance staff member recommended the use of global codes when requesting assistance for disabled individuals at the airport. Based on our experience, utilizing these codes proves to be the most effective approach. These codes maintain universality and clarity across different locations, making them invaluable to know as they genuinely simplify the process. Personally, I encountered a situation during a departure from the Beijing airport where, in a straightforward manner during the briefing, I communicated, “I am unable to walk. I require assistance to reach my seat on the plane.” Simple, right? The attendant acknowledged my understanding. However, upon reaching the gate, I found an oversized wheelchair prepared for me, as detailed in the post “Beijing, or a different world.” Had I been aware of these codes at that time, the outcome might have been different. 🙂

WCHC, WCHR, BLND—what is it about?

Let’s delve into the details without further ado. When reserving a ticket or at least 48 hours prior to your intended departure, it’s crucial to notify the airline about the assistance you’ll require. It’s noteworthy that for the return journey (in the case of a round-trip ticket), reporting assistance is unnecessary (though a gentle reminder at check-in is advisable). Simply indicating the need for help during the initial request covers all segments of the journey.

1. WCHR (Wheelchair Ramp): This designation is assigned to passengers needing a wheelchair to navigate the airport, from the boarding gates to the aircraft during departure, and from the plane to the gates upon arrival. This assistance focuses on aiding passengers through the airport but expects self-reliance once on the plane. It suits individuals with walking difficulties who can manage boarding and seating independently.
2. WCHC (Wheelchair Cabin): Reserved for passengers requiring assistance with their wheelchair within the terminal, to the aircraft steps during departure and arrival, as well as help in boarding and disembarking. Unlike WCHR, support extends to reaching their seat on the plane. This code is applicable to users of specific wheelchair types: WCBD (battery-powered wheelchair with non-spillable battery), WCBW (wheelchair powered by lead or leaking batteries), and WCMP (hand-powered wheelchair).
3. WCHS (Wheelchair Stairs): pertains to passengers needing help carrying the wheelchair through the airport to the aircraft steps during departure and arrival, including assistance when ascending and descending the aircraft stairs. Similar to WCHR, aid is provided until boarding and disembarking, but passengers manage these actions independently.
4. BLND (Blind): This code caters to blind passengers requiring assistance from the terminal entrance to their seat on the plane. Additionally, cabin crew delivers a specialized flight safety briefing, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the airport journey.
5. BDGR (Blind with Guide Dog): Similar to BLND, this code applies to blind passengers accompanied by a guide dog, ensuring comparable assistance throughout the travel process.
6. PETC (Traveling with Guide Dog): This classification is for passengers traveling with a guide dog, necessitating no specific assistance.
7. BLDP (Blind or Visually Impaired, No Special Assistance): Designates blind or visually impaired passengers who don’t require special aid, facilitating support in emergencies rather than defining assistance at every airport stage.
8. DPNA (Independent with Intellectual Disabilities): This marking refers to independent passengers with intellectual disabilities, needing extra aid through the airport terminal to the boarding gate. It encompasses conditions such as school developmental disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Down syndrome.
9. DEAF (Completely Deaf): Applicable to entirely deaf passengers requiring separate safety instructions onboard. These passengers can independently traverse the airport to their seat on the plane.
10. OXYG (Oxygen Assistance): Identifies travelers requiring oxygen supplied by airlines during the flight. Due to its complexity, you should make arrangements for this service by getting in touch with the airline directly at least 7 days before your departure. It’s recommended to communicate with the chosen airline before ticket purchase and trip planning due to carrier-specific restrictions.

Assistance for disabled people at the airport: summary

Utilizing a specific code instead of elaborating on our situation makes the journey considerably more straightforward, as demonstrated. It’s crucial to recognize that accurately specifying our needs ensures peace of mind, enabling airport employees and aircraft staff to offer the necessary assistance in any situation. The use of codes by airlines is not an attempt to complicate our lives; quite the opposite.

Here are a few key points describing the practical aspects of airport assistance for disabled individuals from my perspective:

1. I am consistently identified by the code WCHC.
2. Reporting the need for assistance requires arriving at the airport a bit earlier, with specific times varying by carrier. Contacting the airlines in advance is recommended.
3. An assistant typically meets us near the check-in gate, guiding us throughout the entire process. While the assistant can push a wheelchair, it’s not mandatory, and some individuals, like myself, navigate the terminal independently.
4. The assistant escorts us through priority gates not because a disabled person cannot wait but to ensure timely boarding before passengers without assistance.
5. Disabled individuals board first (or last for some low-cost airlines like Wizzair and Ryanair, for reasons unknown), not to claim priority but to facilitate a smoother boarding process for all passengers. Upon disembarking, disabled individuals are usually the last to leave.
6. On-board trolleys are available at every airport, with a lighter version included on long-haul flights. They serve various purposes, such as reaching the restroom or, in my case, disembarking at Beijing Capital International Airport.
7. It’s important to note that a traveling companion can accompany a disabled individual throughout the airport journey and boarding, and they cannot refuse this service.
8. Most airlines have regulations regarding the maximum number of disabled individuals allowed on board during a flight, so it’s advisable to consider this when planning trips and confirm with the airline.

In conclusion, for those requiring assistance at the airport, using the specified codes when communicating with staff significantly streamlines the process and enhances overall ease during travel.

This information aims to clarify the aspects of airport and in-flight assistance for disabled individuals, fostering smoother and more enjoyable travel experiences. Flying is truly enjoyable, and there’s nothing to fear!