MEDA — Medical Case

What MEDA Signals

MEDA is the IATA Special Service Request (SSR) code marking a passenger with a medical condition that may affect their fitness to fly or that requires special handling by airline staff. Unlike a general accessibility code, MEDA specifically triggers a medical clearance process — the airline's medical or ground-handling team reviews the passenger's condition before travel is confirmed, rather than simply noting a preference.

The Medical Clearance Process

A MEDA case is typically initiated when a passenger, their doctor, or a travel agent discloses a condition that could be affected by flight — recent surgery, a communicable condition, oxygen dependency, a fracture, pregnancy complications, or a psychiatric condition, among others. Most airlines require a MEDIF (Medical Information Form), completed by the passenger's treating physician, describing the condition, fitness to fly, and any in-flight requirements (supplemental oxygen, a stretcher, an accompanying medical escort). The airline's own medical department or contracted medical review service then issues clearance, conditional clearance (with requirements attached), or a decline.

What Happens After Clearance

Once cleared, the MEDA flag stays attached to the booking so that check-in agents, gate staff and cabin crew are all aware a passenger may need particular attention — whether that's priority boarding, a specific seat assignment, help stowing medical equipment, or simply crew awareness in case the condition becomes relevant in flight. This is the same underlying logic as DEPU and other SSR codes: one flag, visible everywhere the booking is touched, rather than information that has to be relayed manually and can get lost.

MEDA vs Related Codes

MEDA is one of several passenger-condition SSR codes. STCR specifically flags a stretcher case requiring rows of seats to be removed or reconfigured. WCHR/WCHS/WCHC flag different levels of wheelchair assistance (to the aircraft door, to the seat, or full carry assistance) and are mobility codes rather than medical-clearance codes — a passenger can need WCHR without ever triggering a MEDA review. MEDA is reserved for cases where the underlying medical condition itself, not just mobility, needs airline sign-off before travel.

Practical Note

Passengers with a relevant medical condition are generally advised to contact the airline well before departure — MEDIF review and clearance can take several business days, and a same-day disclosure at the airport risks a denied boarding decision made without the information needed to clear it safely.