We’ve partnered with a clinician to share practical travel planning tips and resources for passengers living with a brain injury.
Before you travel
Travelling with a brain injury can come with unique considerations, from managing energy levels and navigating busy environments to preparing for unexpected changes. A little extra planning can make the journey feel more manageable.
- Start with shorter or supported trips before longer/solo ones.
- Consider your personal needs, including:
- Fatigue
- Communication (e.g., language or cultural barriers)
- Memory challenges
- Sensory sensitivities (e.g., local climate)
- Mobility requirements (e.g., personal equipment, local transportation)
- Medications
- Personal care items
- Contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance to let them know about the supports that you need.
- Build in extra rest time between connections, check-in, security, and boarding.
- Make checklists of your needs, and create a travel binder with your key details (itinerary, emergency contacts, medical information, copies of documents).
- Use travel supports, such as airline or gate tracker tools, translation services, reminder apps and offline maps.
- Work with a travel agent to arrange support for your touchpoints in advance.
- Review airport layouts, transportation options, or destination accessibility details ahead of time. Here are some step-by-step directions from MagnusCards to navigate our airport.
At the airport
Airports can be busy, fast-paced environments with long lines, gate changes, announcements, and unexpected delays. You might also encounter cultural, language, or technological differences.
To make your experience easier:
- Travel during times of day that align with your energy levels where possible.
- Allow buffer time for check-in, security, and connections.
- Use apps that can help you reduce wait time through US or Canadian customs.
- Bring sensory supports such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or calming aids if helpful.
- Keep essential items accessible in your carry-on, including medications, chargers, comfort items, copies of important documents, and medical supplies.
- Have back-up options, like printed boarding passes.
- Stay hydrated and plan meals to prevent fatigue.
- If you can, travel with a companion.
- When you arrive at Pearson, take a sunflower lanyard so staff know that you might need a bit of extra help.
- Ask airline and airport staff in advance if you need support with boarding, navigation, or washroom access.
- Save your energy with Pearson's in-terminal shuttle.
At your destination
Travelling doesn't stop once you land. Upon your arrival, you may face some challenges, like fatigue, jet lag, crowds, noise, and differing levels of accessibility.
Here are some helpful considerations for navigating unknown environments:
- Plan lighter rest days between activities.
- Confirm accessibility details for hotels, transportation, and attractions in advance. Work with travel agents to choose accessible transport, hotels, and excursions.
- Use reminders, checklists, or digital tools to stay organized.
- Keep snacks, water, medications, and comfort items nearby throughout your trip.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Need additional support?
If you require extra assistance while travelling through Pearson, explore our accessibility services and travel support resources.
Have your ticket booked and want to tour our airport, from security to the gate, before your travel? Check out our travel rehearsal program.