1.2

• Aviation
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

1.2 Explain how to check in passengers 

To demonstrate your understanding of the passenger journey, you must explain:

• How to check in a passenger using SSR codes for example – special dietary requirements.

• Explain how to check in a PRM pax with a wheelchair powered battery.

www.aviationjobsearch.com

Special Service Request (SSR) codes 

Special Service Requests (SSRs) are used by airlines to capture information about special meal requests, special baggage handling requests, unaccompanied minors, and disabled passengers, among other things. (airports-worldwide)

Some SSR codes are used across the air travel industry, and some are airline-specific.

SSR codes

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Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM)

The definition of passengers with reduced mobility is understood to be:

any person whose mobility is reduced due to physical disability (locomotory or sensory) intellectual impairment, age, illness or any other cause of disability and who needs some degree of special accommodation or assistance over and above that provided to other passengers.

This requirement will become apparent from special requests made by the passengers and/or their family or by a medical authority or reported by airline personnel or industry-associated persons (travel agents, etc.). 

The level of assistance required by the airport and/or the air carriers can vary depending on the different needs that people have when traveling by air.  (IATA)

Wheelchair batteries 

The batteries that power wheelchairs and mobility aids are considered as dangerous goods when transported by air. Inadvertent operation of battery-powered mobility aids can cause friction or electrical load which could lead to a fire. These batteries and some other dangerous goods that are permitted for carriage by passengers, can be transported safely by air provided that certain safety requirements are met. 

The requirements are detailed in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, which are based on the ICAO Technical Instructions. 

Check in procedure 

• The approval of the airline is required for battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids used by passengers. At least 48 hours prior to travel or at the time of booking, the user of the wheelchair must notify the airline via the website or call centre they have a wheelchair for the hold. 

• The PSA will clarify with the pax the type of battery attached to the wheelchair to ensure it is disconnected, as batteries are a fire risk. They also tag the wheelchair with the pax details.

 

You must provide the airline with the following information:

• reference number
  
• flight details and date
  
• passenger name
  
• device type, make and model
  
• length, height and width
  
• weight in kilograms (kg)
  
• battery type (and watt hours for lithium batteries)
  
• details of how to inhibit the circuits and isolate the battery to prevent the mobility aid from inadvertently turning on during the flight

www.caa.co.uk

www.iata.org

1.2 Structure 

• Introduction to check in.  Describe role and duties.
• How to check in a passenger using SSR codes for example – special dietary requirements.
• Explain how to check in a PRM pax with a wheelchair powered battery.
• Conclusion 
• Bibliography