When starting a new career as Cabin Crew you will be required to learn a lot of new information – part of this will be learning the different passenger codes.
Cabin Crew are required to learn the aviation terminology used in the industry. As Cabin Crew you will need to understand and use passenger codes when referring to the different passengers onboard the aircraft. This is especially important for passengers who may require additional assistance or support during the flight. You will also need to understand them during boarding and when reading the passenger list. This will allow you to know which passengers on board require further assistance.
Passenger codes – reduced mobility
WCHR – Wheelchair (R for ramp). The passenger can walk up and down stairs and move around the cabin, but needs a wheelchair or assistance for longer distances, such as between the terminal and the aircraft.
WCHS – Wheelchair (S for steps). The passenger cannot use stairs but can walk short distances, such as to and from their seat. They will need a wheelchair to move between the terminal and the aircraft, and help boarding.
WCHC – Wheelchair (C for cabin seat). The passenger is completely immobile and needs a wheelchair and assistance at all times, from arrival at the airport to being seated on the aircraft, and may need an aisle chair to reach their seat.
Other passenger codes
Passenger codes are also required for other passengers who will require the assistance of Cabin Crew during the flight. These include:
BLND – This passenger code is used to describe a blind passenger.
DEAF – This is used for a passenger who is deaf or deaf without speech.
UMNR – An unaccompanied minor. Cabin Crew are required to watch over children who are travelling without a parent or guardian on board the aircraft.
INF – An infant.
MAAS – Meet and Assist. This is used to describe passengers who require the help of Meet and Assist who help passengers with restricted mobility move to and from the aircraft.
MEDA – This is used to describe a passenger who has medical needs. For example, passengers who have a medical condition or allergy that Cabin Crew need to know about during the flight. E.g. if a passenger has a severe nut allergy then Cabin Crew can prevent passengers from buying nuts and make an announcement for passengers to not eat any during the flight. Passengers with significant medical conditions may need to complete a medical information form (MEDIF) before travelling.
NERV – A nervous flyer.
VIP – Very important person.
DPNA – A disabled passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability who needs assistance, such as a passenger with autism or dementia.
STCR – A stretcher passenger.
WCMP / WCLB – The passenger is travelling with their own manual (WCMP) or lithium battery-powered (WCLB) wheelchair.
It is important for Cabin Crew to understand the different passenger codes so that they understand who is onboard the flight and what assistance they will need.
Passenger codes: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about aviation passenger codes.
What are passenger codes in aviation?
Passenger codes are short codes, standardised by IATA, that airlines use on booking records and passenger lists to show which passengers need special assistance, such as wheelchair users, unaccompanied minors or passengers with medical needs.
What is the difference between WCHR, WCHS and WCHC?
WCHR passengers can manage stairs and walk in the cabin but need help over long distances. WCHS passengers cannot manage stairs but can walk to their seat. WCHC passengers are completely immobile and need help all the way to their seat.
What does UMNR mean?
UMNR stands for unaccompanied minor – a child travelling without a parent or guardian, who is looked after by airline staff and cabin crew.
What does DPNA mean on a flight?
DPNA refers to a disabled passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability who needs assistance, for example passengers with autism, learning disabilities or dementia.
Why do cabin crew need to know passenger codes?
Passenger codes help cabin crew identify who needs extra help during boarding, the flight and an emergency evacuation, so they can provide the right assistance and keep everyone safe.
Passenger codes: further reading
If you found this article helpful, you may also like these articles:
- What are meal codes?
- IATA airport codes explained
- What is a pre-flight briefing?
- What is accessible tourism?
