If you are ever wondering which airline to choose or which will accept you, your disability and / or your wheelchair, know that you have rights and that a European regulation relates to them concerning air travel for people with disabilities and reduced mobility .

 

You have the right to travel by plane with any European air carrier or using a European airport, without increasing the price and benefiting from assistance services tailored to your specific needs. However, certain conditions are imposed and may differ depending on the company or the flight, for justified safety reasons, accompanying the person concerned, the size of the aircraft and the doors ...

 

How Airlines Differentiate Types of Passengers with Reduced Mobility

 

An international code system is used by airlines to determine the type of assistance required for people with reduced mobility.

 

• WCHR: passenger who can walk and use the stairs but who needs a wheelchair for travel in the airport or between the plane and the terminal.

 

• WCHS: passenger who can walk but who needs assistance on the stairs and a wheelchair for travel in the airport and between the terminal and the door of the plane.

 

• WCHC: passenger unable to walk and who needs to be accompanied in a wheelchair to his seat on the plane.

 

• BLND: visually impaired or blind passenger, with or without guide dog.

 

• DEAF: hearing impaired or deaf passenger.

 

• DPNA: passenger with an intellectual or behavioral disability.

 

• MAAS: passenger in need of assistance and not belonging to any other category.