Hidden disability (DPNA)

DPNA-assistance can be requested for disabled persons with intellectual or development disability or similar type of difficulty (e.g. Alzheimer's, Downs Syndrome, autism, dementia, cognitive impairment or other learning difficulties), but who are still self-reliant, independent and capable of taking care of all their physical needs onboard the aircraft.

DPNA service can also be arranged, when a passenger is temporarily disabled, e.g. has broken arm and cannot carry anything.

Passenger with confirmed DPNA service will receive assistance at the airport of departure, at the transfer airport and at the airport of arrival.

Passenger with DPNA assistance should be able to take care of the following:

  • to manage independently while waiting at departure gate
  • personal care during the flight, such as eating and taking medicine
  • personal care in the toilet
  • lift her/himself in or out of the seat
  • reach an emergency exit unaided
  • communicate with the crew on safety matters
  • unfasten the seat belt
  • retrieve and fit a life jacket
  • fit an oxygen mask

If the passenger is not able to manage above mentioned tasks, and constant supervision is required, then they must travel with an own escort.

Due to the sensitive and sometimes complex information of the disability, we recommend customers to use the special assistance form for the assistance request.

For the time being, DPNA can be added to the booking only by Finnair, please fill in the special assistance form latest 48 hours before departure or contact Agent Help Desk for further assistance.

OSI-line can be added at the time of booking: 

OS AY PSGR CAN TAKE CARE OF HIM/HERSELF DURING FLT 

Note! Adding OSI-line is possible in NDC if your service provider has implemented that capability. If adding OSI-line is not available in your booking tool, our Agent Help Desk can add it for you.

Add SSR DPNA-code in the reservation at the time of booking and explain the nature of disability (for example Alzheimer, autism) in the description field. This applies also to codeshare flights.  

Example of the SSR request: 

SR DPNA - AUTISM/S2-3/P1

Add confirmation that the customer is able to take care of personal needs during the flight in OSI-line: 

OS AY PSGR CAN TAKE CARE OF HIM/HERSELF DURING FLT 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Sunflower Lanyard is an initiative designed as a subtle way of indicating that someone has a non-visible disability and may require extra assistance.

The lanyards, which are bright green in colour and decorated with an easily recognisable sunflower design, are entirely voluntary and indicate to staff that the customer may:  

  • need more time to process information or more time to prepare themselves at check-in, boarding or getting off the aircraft
  • need clearer verbal instructions, as it can be difficult to understand facial expressions or body language
  • need help reading departure boards or signs
  • benefit from more information on what to expect before, during and after their flight

If passenger needs assistance e.g. getting through the airport security check, please request SSR DPNA service or ask passenger to submit the special assistance form.

If departing from Helsinki Airport, passenger can find the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards from the Finnair check-in desk marked with the universal accessibility icon. 

Individuals with hidden disabilities are equally entitled to use the services designed for people with reduced mobility, the same way as those with visible disabilities. This includes using the dedicated accessible check-in desks and the option for boarding the aircraft among the first.