Airline Wheelchair Codes (SSR) | Amadeus Wheelchair Commands

Complete reference of wheelchair Special Service Request (SSR) codes and their Amadeus commands for airline reservations.

This airline wheelchair codes reference provides a list of Special Service Request (SSR) codes used to request wheelchair assistance and special handling services in airline reservations.

Find common wheelchair SSR codes such as WCHR, WCHS, WCHC, WCBD, WCBW, WCEC, WCER, and WCES — along with their corresponding Amadeus commands and service descriptions. This reference is useful for travel agents, airline professionals, ticketing specialists, and GDS users handling passengers who require wheelchair assistance during their journey.

📋 Wheelchair SSR Codes Table

How to Use Wheelchair SSR Codes in Amadeus

To request wheelchair assistance for a passenger, use the appropriate SSR wheelchair code according to the passenger’s mobility requirements. The simplest format is:

For greater precision — for example, to specify the airport and passenger — extend the command:

• SR – Special Service Request command
• WCHR – The wheelchair SSR code
• -CAI – The airport where assistance is required (Cairo in this example)
• -P1 – Passenger 1 (use -P2, -P3 for other passengers)

For a passenger who needs assistance at both the departure and arrival airports, add two separate entries — one per airport. Then save the PNR with ER to transmit the request to the airline.

Understanding WCHR vs WCHS vs WCHC

The three most commonly used wheelchair codes describe different levels of mobility — choosing the correct one is critical to ensure the passenger gets the right level of assistance:

• WCHR – Passenger can walk short distances and use stairs, but cannot cover long distances inside the airport. Airline provides a wheelchair to/from the gate, but the passenger boards on foot.
• WCHS – Passenger cannot use stairs, but can walk to the cabin seat. Airline provides a wheelchair to the aircraft door and assists with boarding via lift or ramp.
• WCHC – Passenger is completely immobile. Airline provides full assistance from check-in to the cabin seat, using an aisle chair where necessary.

Advance Notice and Confirmation

Airlines recommend requesting wheelchair assistance at least 48 hours before departure, especially for WCHS and WCHC — which require ground staff and special boarding equipment. After saving the SSR with ER, the airline returns either a HK (confirmed) or UN (unable to confirm) status. If the status is UN, contact the airline directly to resolve the request before departure.

Wheelchair assistance via the standard SSR codes is generally free of charge on all commercial airlines, in compliance with international accessibility regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wheelchair SSR code?
A four-letter Special Service Request code used to request wheelchair assistance during air travel. The most common codes are WCHR, WCHS, and WCHC.

What is the difference between WCHR, WCHS and WCHC?
WCHR is for passengers who can walk short distances and use stairs. WCHS is for passengers who cannot use stairs. WCHC is for passengers who are completely immobile.

How do I request a wheelchair in Amadeus?
Use the SR command followed by the wheelchair SSR code and airport or passenger reference. For example: SR WCHR-CAI-P1.

Is wheelchair assistance free of charge?
Yes — standard wheelchair assistance is free of charge on all commercial airlines, as required by accessibility regulations.