Online booking options for people with wheelchairs

If you use a wheelchair for mobility and wish to book online, most types of wheelchair assistance can be requested as part of your online booking.

If the kind of assistance you require is not covered by the options below, please contact the Air New Zealand contact centre to ensure your booking is made with the necessary supporting documentation.

Below are the options you may choose from, when making an online booking. Please note that selection of one of these options will remove the option to Seat Select online while booking. Seating will be arranged based on the Special Service Request selected.

Please note that if you require a wheelchair to your seat (WCHC option) seating will be prearranged in a seat that enables transfer into / out of the seat either using transfer equipment or if you are able to self transfer. There is no charge for this seat allocation and we will seat your travelling companions / safety assistant if applicable in a seat next to / adjacent to your seat. If you would like to discuss any seating requirements specific to your needs please contact us.

Wheelchair Special Service Request (SSR) Codes

  1. SSR WCHR - Unable to walk long distance, can use stairs and walk to seat
    You are able to walk short distances but require assistance getting to and from the aircraft. you must be able to ascend and descend stairs. If you are not able to ascend and descend stairs please select the "Wheelchair: unable to walk long distance or use stairs, can walk to seat" option.

  2. SSR WCHS - Unable to walk long distance or use stairs, can walk to seat
    You are able to walk short distances but require assistance getting to and from the aircraft and are unable to ascend or descend aircraft steps. You must be able to walk to your seat once onboard.

  3. SSR WCHC (See different options below)
    You use a wheelchair for mobility and may require a manual upper body lift or the use of an onboard aisle chair, to get to or from your seat on the aircraft. There are five options to choose from.
    1. WCHC SELF RELIANT - completely immobile, can self-transfer to seat
      You are completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and are able to self transfer between an aircraft wheelchair and aircraft seat. A lower body lift can be provided by Air New Zealand staff if required.
      If you require assistance onboard with personal hygiene, eating and/or medical services you will be required to travel with a safety assistant.
    2. WCHC WITH SAFETY ASSISTANT - completely immobile, travelling with own safety assistant to perform lift
      You are completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and are unable to self transfer between an aircraft wheelchair and aircraft seat. A lower body lift can be provided by Air New Zealand if required.
      Your safety assistant must be able to perform an upper body lift to transfer you to/from your seat and all onboard needs including assisting with personal hygiene, eating and/or medical services.
    3. WCHC NO SAFETY ASSISTANT - (Only available for direct flights to/from/via the USA) - completely immobile, travelling without a safety assistant
      You are completely reliant on a wheelchair for mobility and are unable to self transfer between an aircraft wheelchair and the aircraft seat. Air New Zealand staff will provide reasonable assistance during your transfer into and out of your seat however you must be able to physically assist in your evacuation in the case of an emergency.
    4. WCHC NON TRAVELLING SAFETY ASSISTANT (Available Domestic only) - completely immobile, providing own safety assistant at each airport to perform lift
      As an alternative to having a safety assistant travel with you, you are permitted to arrange your own safety assistant at each domestic airport to perform an upper body lift to transfer to you and from your seat.
      This option is not available to you if you require assistance inflight with personal hygiene, eating and/or medical services.
    5. WCHC EAGLE LIFTING DEVICE - completely immobile, require lifting device (Available at selected airports for Jet Services only)
      For travel on jet services at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin the Eagle lifting device can be requested. All other airports and non jet aircraft require a safety assistant to perform an upper body lift. When using the lifting device, the wearing of shorts or long trousers is recommended for privacy and comfort.
      We will need at least 72 hours' notice to access an Eagle lift from our ground handlers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. If you are unable to provide 72 hours' notice we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate you.