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DPNA assistance

Disabled Passenger with intellectual or developmental disability Needing Assistance

DPNA logo

We are regularly asked how assistance can be requested for a flight. Below you can read everything about the DPNA procedure and what it entails.

 

​​​​European Commission Regulation​

 

​In 2006, the European Commission issued a regulation stating the following: The regulation prohibits airlines from denying passenger reservations or boarding on the basis of reduced mobility or disability*.

 

Free assistance should also be guaranteed to passengers under this Regulation to enable them to use air transport on an equal basis with other passengers.

 

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* Disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility: persons whose mobility when using transport is limited as a result of a physical (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary) disability, an intellectual disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability, or as a result of age, and whose situation requires that they receive appropriate attention and that the services provided to all passengers are adapted to them.

 

Responsibility for implementation assistance

 

​The responsibility for implementing this assistance lies with the airports. At Schiphol and Brussels this assistance is provided by Axxicom. They arrange the physical handling of the assistance. To qualify for this assistance, it is very important to request the desired assistance in time, you do this from the airline or travel agency. In the case of DPNA assistance, it is very important that you clearly indicate what assistance you require when applying. Explain the situation well so that Axxicom is aware of what is being asked of them. An application must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.

 

Seatplan and PIL (Passenger Information List)

 

​​If you check in online you can use the seat plan to choose your seats. However, please note that this is not a 100% guarantee. Circumstances may arise that require changes, for example due to an aircraft change. Then it is also important that the crew knows that you are a DPNA passenger or traveling with a DPNA passenger, so they will prevent you from being separated. The advantage of a DPNA application is that it also appears on the so-called PIL, which is a passenger list on which special applications are included. Because autism often has no external characteristics, it is important for the crew to know where the person in question is sitting, a Sunflower lanyard is an aid in this regard.

 

The Axxicom assistance desk

 

​If you are going to travel and have checked in, go to the Axxicom counter in the departure hall (at least 2 hours in advance), report there and you will be assigned to an assistant who will take you to the plane. You can board first at the gate. After all, there will not be anything immediately noticeable on board, if everything goes well the crew does not have to do anything, unless you have indicated special wishes.

 

Summary of procedure

 

  1. ​You book your trip with a travel agency or airline
     

  2. You request DPNA assistance for the person in question and state very clearly what you want.
     

  3. If you check in for your flight at home, go to the baggage drop-off at Schiphol and then to theAxxicom counter. You can also go to the Axxicom desk if you require assistance with check-in if you have not already done so at home.
     

  4. Axxicom will take you to the gate

 

What forms of assistance are available:

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  • Option 1: (CODE: WCHR) Passenger requires assistance (departure & arrival) at the airport to the boarding gate

 

  • ​Option 2: (CODE: WCHC) Passenger requires assistance (departure & arrival) at the airport and a lift up/down to/from the aircraft seat

 

  • ​Option 3: (CODE: WCHS) Passenger requires assistance (departure & arrival) at the airport and up/down the stairs.

 

  • ​Option 4: (CODE: BLND) Blind passenger requires a walker (departure & arrival) through the airport to the aircraft seat and a separate safety briefing from the cabin crew.

 

  • ​Option 5: (CODE: BDGR) Passenger travels with a guide dog and requires a walking frame (departure & arrival) at the airport to the aircraft seat and separate safety instruction from the cabin crew

 

  •  Option 6: (CODE: BLDP) Passenger is blind or visually impaired but does not require assistance (traveling alone or accompanied)

 

  • ​Option 7: (CODE: DPNA) Passenger has an intellectual disability, but is independent and can understand and follow the safety instructions. In the case of children, they are in the company of a supervisor/parents but require assistance (departure & arrival) at the airport to the boarding gate.

 

  • Option 8: (CODE: DEAF) Passenger is completely deaf and requires a separate safety briefing on board the aircraft

 

  • ​Option 9: (CODE: PETC) Passenger travels with guide dog - does not require special assistance

 

  • ​Option 10: (CODE: OXYG) If a passenger requires therapeutic oxygen during the flight, he/she must book and pay for this service at least 7 days before departure by contacting Special Reservations.​

 

The DPNA is a tool and can make your journey easier. Preparation is also very important here. A golden tip is to thoroughly go through the entire process in advance, from leaving home to boarding the plane. This can be done, for example, by making a booklet with pictograms and photos. Or use the route map upon arrival at the airport. Have you already read the E-Book 'Flying with Autism'? Here you will find all kinds of tips, experiences and useful tools to properly prepare for the trip. Available in the web shop.

 

In principle, the DPNA code works the same worldwide. It is useful to check the website of the airport abroad to see whether information is available about assistance. You can request assistance for there and back

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