Cognitive, Behavioural, Developmental or Psychiatric Conditions

Travel can cause stress, and there can be additional challenges if the traveller has a cognitive, behavioural, developmental, or psychiatric condition. While preparation may not address all concerns, the following information may help you manage any stress or anxiety related to your voyage.

• Try to anticipate possible stressors ahead of time to help you better cope on your travel day. Consult your physician regarding your physical and mental health history as it is important to discuss how your body will be impacted by travel. Carry a list of your medications and/or always carry your medications in their bottles, professionally labelled by the pharmacy.
• To mitigate stress on the day of your voyage, plan to arrive at the terminal well in advance of your departure time to get through the pre-boarding steps such as check-in and security. BFL recommends that guests arrive no later than 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Be sure to plan for extra time to get to the terminal to account for unplanned events such as traffic, road work, and weekend/holiday business.
• Using noise-cancelling headphones or soothing music on your voyage (permitted only outside of safety briefing) may help alleviate stresses.
• Pack your favourite snacks and have them accessible to you in the cabin to act as a distraction if you are prone to being agitated or anxious. Food items, like all items, must meet restrictions for security screening. There are no restrictions on food items on vessels travelling within Canada; however, fruits and vegetables taken on board The CAT must be consumed onboard or discarded before disembarking.
• Have a plan in the event you have an unplanned health-related event or emergency.
• Travel with medical and trip insurance.
• Get help immediately if you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, very angry, or if you want to hurt yourself or someone else.
• Your attendant should proceed through the security checkpoint first. You may then follow. This reduces the chance that you and your attendant will be separated.