The under-used boarding pass code that thousands can request for extra airport help
WHILE boarding pass codes normally strike the fear of god into holidaymakers, there is one code that could actually be very helpful.
Any passengers with “an intellectual or developmental disability” will be able to get a special code added onto their boarding pass.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) uses Special Service Requirement (SSR) codes to alert airline staff about a passenger’s potential needs.
According to Fodor’s Travel, there are multiple codes that are used to flag certain needs, including a code for a passenger with a broken leg and another for wheelchair users.
Other SSR codes let cabin crew members know if a passenger is blind or deaf.
Meanwhile, a Disabled Passengers with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing (DPNA) code can be used by a passenger with “an intellectual or developmental disability”.
While SSR codes are normally very specific, the DPNA code covers a wide range of disabilities, including Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and other types of neurodivergence.
Boarding passes with a DPNA code let members of gate staff and flight attendants know that a passenger may need additional support, including being able to board the plane early, to help them have a safe flight.
Despite being used by airlines all over the world, a recent survey by Travelport found that the DPNA code is only used by about 0.0015 per cent of passengers.
Holidaymakers can get a DPNA code added onto their booking by contacting the airline they’re flying with before their scheduled departure.
They should not need to declare exactly why they need the code added onto their boarding pass.
Passengers can added more than one SSR code onto their boarding pass, if they have multiple needs.
There are plenty of boarding pass codes passengers won’t want to see, including SSSS, which stands for “Secondary Security Screening Selection.”
This code means a passenger has been selected for extra checks at security, which can include a pat down, swab and more bag checks.
Holidaymakers who spot this code on their boarding pass will need to get to airport security with plenty of time to avoid missing their flight.
And if your seat number is 0, it might mean you won’t make your flight.
While most people will be able to see any number from 1 up to 40 for seat numbers, 0 means you have not been allocated a seat.
This might mean the flight is overbooked, so could find yourself being bumped to another flight.
Travel Creator James Scoffin told Sun Travel: “They give you a seat allocation of 0 on your boarding pass, which means you have checked in, but not actually been given a seat.”
Despite mobile boarding passes increasing in popularity, there are some airports in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Albania that only accept boarding passes that are printed.
Everything you need to know before boarding a plane
- Is it illegal to be drunk on a plane?
- How to get special treatment on board
- Top trick to help you survive a plane crash
- How do I cancel an EasyJet flight?
- How to know if you need to check your passport
- How high do planes fly?
- Can I bring cigarettes to the UK from abroad?
- Can I take ecigs and cigarettes in hand luggage?
Make sure you don’t post pictures of your boarding pass online either, as hackers could use the data to access your data and even cancel your flight.
And you shouldn’t throw it away as soon as you land – as you could miss out on a number of discounts.