Which term is used for a passenger who can walk inside the plane and up and down stairs, but needs a wheelchair for long distances in the airport?

• A. WCHR
• B. WCHS
• C. WCHC
• D. INF

Answer: (A)

In aviation mobility codes, each label describes how much help a passenger needs with walking and with getting around the airport versus the aircraft. The scenario you described—someone who can walk inside the plane and go up and down stairs, but needs a wheelchair for long distances in the airport—matches the label for a passenger who can walk for short distances (inside the aircraft and on stairs) but requires a wheelchair for longer terminal distances. That’s the WCHR category.

This differs from others in the system: some indicate a need for a wheelchair throughout the journey or for most movements, while others are used for those who don’t require a wheelchair at all or who are infants. The important idea is the mix of walking ability and where the wheelchair is needed, and the described mix fits WCHR most closely.