WCHR, WCHS, WCHC: Aviation Wheelchair SSR Codes Explained

Q: What does WCHR stand for?

WCHR stands for Wheelchair Ramp. It is an IATA SSR code used for passengers who can walk short distances and climb or descend aircraft stairs, but need wheelchair assistance for long distances inside the airport.

Q: What does WCHS stand for?

WCHS stands for Wheelchair Steps. It is an IATA SSR code used for passengers who cannot climb or descend aircraft stairs but can walk short distances inside the aircraft cabin with minimal assistance.

Q: What does WCHC stand for?

WCHC stands for Wheelchair Cabin. It is an IATA SSR code used for passengers who are completely immobile and cannot walk at all. They require wheelchair assistance at all times and an aisle chair to reach their aircraft seat.

Q: How do I book a wheelchair SSR in Amadeus?

In Amadeus, wheelchair SSRs are booked using the format SR WCHR, SR WCHS or SR WCHC followed by the relevant segment. For example: SR WCHR for segment 1. The SSR is sent to the airline via the PNR.

WCHR vs WCHS vs WCHC: Wheelchair SSR Codes Explained for Travel Agents

📅 Updated: October 2026 ⏱ 7 min read ✈️ GDS HUB Editorial

WCHR, WCHS and WCHC wheelchair SSR codes in airline reservation systems explained for travel agents — WCHR vs WCHS vs WCHC — IATA wheelchair SSR codes compared

In the aviation industry, the codes WCHC, WCHR, and WCHS are Special Service Request (SSR) codes defined by IATA. They are used in airline reservation systems to indicate the type of wheelchair assistance a passenger requires.

Understanding the difference between these codes is essential for travel agents, airport staff, and airline employees to ensure smooth passenger handling and proper service.

Good to know: All three codes start with WCH — which stands for WheelCHair — and the last letter indicates the passenger’s mobility level: R for Ramp, S for Steps, and C for Cabin.

1) WCHR – Wheelchair Ramp

🟢 Lowest Mobility Restriction

♿ WCHR – Wheelchair Ramp

Meaning: The passenger can walk short distances and can climb or descend aircraft stairs, but needs a wheelchair for long distances inside the airport.

WCHR Features

Can walk short distances
Can use aircraft stairs independently
Needs wheelchair assistance from check-in to the gate
Does not require assistance inside the aircraft cabin

Best for: Elderly passengers or travellers with limited walking endurance.

2) WCHS – Wheelchair Steps

🟡 Medium Mobility Restriction

♿ WCHS – Wheelchair Steps

Meaning: The passenger cannot climb or descend aircraft stairs but can walk short distances inside the aircraft cabin.

WCHS Features

Needs wheelchair assistance within the airport
Requires help when boarding or disembarking (stairs or ramp)
Can walk to their seat inside the aircraft with minimal assistance

Best for: Passengers with mobility limitations who cannot use stairs.

3) WCHC – Wheelchair Cabin

🔴 Highest Mobility Restriction

♿ WCHC – Wheelchair Cabin

Meaning: The passenger is completely immobile and cannot walk at all. Full assistance is required.

WCHC Features

Needs wheelchair assistance at all times
Cannot walk or use aircraft stairs
Requires aisle chair assistance to reach the aircraft seat
Needs help during boarding and deplaning

Best for: Fully immobile passengers or those with severe physical disabilities.

Quick Comparison Table

The difference between WCHR, WCHS and WCHC depends on the passenger’s mobility level.

Code	Meaning	Can Walk Short Distances?	Can Use Aircraft Stairs?	Needs Aisle Chair?
WCHR	Wheelchair Ramp	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
WCHS	Wheelchair Steps	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
WCHC	Wheelchair Cabin	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes

Simple rule of thumb:
WCHR → Can walk, can use stairs, needs help for long distances only.
WCHS → Can walk, cannot use stairs, needs help boarding.
WCHC → Cannot walk at all, needs full assistance.

How to Book Wheelchair SSRs in GDS

Once you have identified the correct code, add the SSR to the PNR using the appropriate command in your GDS.

Amadeus

AMADEUS · SR WCHR SR WCHR For segment 1. Use SR WCHS or SR WCHC as needed.

Galileo

GALILEO · SI SI.MS*WCHR Airline code is mandatory. Replace MS with the operating carrier.

Sabre

SABRE · 3WCHR 3WCHR1 1 = segment number. Replace with 3WCHS1 or 3WCHC1 as needed.

Related reading: For more details on adding special service requests, see our guide on Amadeus Lesson 11: Special Meals & Wheelchair Requests (SSR).

Conclusion

The difference between WCHR, WCHS, and WCHC depends on the passenger’s mobility level:

WCHR → Can use stairs, needs help for long distances only.
WCHS → Cannot use stairs, but can walk short distances.
WCHC → Cannot walk at all and requires full assistance.

Selecting the correct SSR code according to IATA standards ensures proper wheelchair service, passenger safety, and smooth airport operations.

If you work in aviation or travel agencies, understanding these codes is essential for accurate booking and professional service delivery.

Pro tip: When in doubt, always ask the passenger specific questions — “Can you climb stairs?” and “Can you walk to your seat inside the aircraft?” — before selecting the code. Using the wrong code can cause delays at the airport and put the passenger at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between WCHR, WCHS and WCHC?

WCHR (Wheelchair Ramp) is for passengers who can walk short distances and use stairs but need a wheelchair for long distances inside the airport. WCHS (Wheelchair Steps) is for passengers who cannot use aircraft stairs but can walk short distances inside the cabin. WCHC (Wheelchair Cabin) is for fully immobile passengers who cannot walk at all and require full assistance including an aisle chair to reach their seat.

What does WCHR stand for?

WCHR stands for Wheelchair Ramp. It is an IATA SSR code used for passengers who can walk short distances and climb or descend aircraft stairs, but need wheelchair assistance for long distances inside the airport.

What does WCHS stand for?

WCHS stands for Wheelchair Steps. It is an IATA SSR code used for passengers who cannot climb or descend aircraft stairs but can walk short distances inside the aircraft cabin with minimal assistance.

What does WCHC stand for?

WCHC stands for Wheelchair Cabin. It is an IATA SSR code used for passengers who are completely immobile and cannot walk at all. They require wheelchair assistance at all times and an aisle chair to reach their aircraft seat.

How do I book a wheelchair SSR in Amadeus?

In Amadeus, wheelchair SSRs are booked using the format SR WCHR, SR WCHS or SR WCHC followed by the relevant segment. For example: SR WCHR for segment 1. The SSR is sent to the airline via the PNR.

How do I book a wheelchair SSR in Galileo?

In Galileo, wheelchair SSRs are booked using the SI format with the airline code. For example: SI.MS*WCHR or SI.EK*WCHC. The airline code is mandatory in the Galileo SSR format.

How do I book a wheelchair SSR in Sabre?

In Sabre, wheelchair SSRs are booked using the 3SSR format. For example: 3WCHR1 or 3WCHC1 where 1 is the segment number. You can add free-text remarks with 3WCHR1/PASSENGER NEEDS ASSISTANCE.

Why is it important to select the correct wheelchair SSR code?

Selecting the correct wheelchair SSR code ensures proper wheelchair service is provided at the airport, prevents boarding delays, ensures the passenger’s safety, and complies with IATA standards. Using the wrong code can cause operational problems at check-in, during boarding, or at the destination airport.

📚 Related Guides

Amadeus Amadeus Lesson 11: Special Meals & Wheelchair Requests (SSR) GDS Guide How to Add Contact Details in Amadeus, Galileo & Sabre GDS Guide How to Add Passport Data in Amadeus, Galileo & Sabre GDS Guide How to Add a Frequent Flyer in Amadeus, Galileo & Sabre Galileo How to Add Passenger Types in Galileo GDS Compliance What Causes ADM in Airlines — Full Guide for Travel Agencies

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🏷 Tags: ssr

Complete Guide to WCHC, WCHR and WCHS in Aviation

1) WCHR – Wheelchair Ramp

♿ WCHR – Wheelchair Ramp

WCHR Features

2) WCHS – Wheelchair Steps

♿ WCHS – Wheelchair Steps

WCHS Features

3) WCHC – Wheelchair Cabin

♿ WCHC – Wheelchair Cabin

WCHC Features

Quick Comparison Table

How to Book Wheelchair SSRs in GDS

Amadeus

Galileo

Sabre

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Tags

📚 Related Guides

Master Wheelchair SSR Codes in a Safe Simulator

Amadeus vs Sabre vs Galileo: Which GDS to Learn?

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