Families flying with easyJet this summer can collect a free Teddy Tracker at bag drop desks in four UK airports from Friday, July 31, while stocks last. The airline is preparing for its biggest ever summer season, with more than 370,000 families due to fly with easyJet and easyJet holidays.
The tracker, made by Life360 Tile, clips onto a teddy or other treasured toy and can be located via a smartphone app if it gets left behind. easyJet said the trackers are reusable and can be used long after families return from their break.
Where to pick up a free Teddy Tracker
The free devices will be available from easyJet bag drop desks at:
- Manchester
- London Gatwick
- Belfast
- Edinburgh
Why easyJet launched Teddy Trackers
Airline-commissioned research found 87% of parents worry about losing their child's favourite toy while travelling, while 97% said they would feel more relaxed if they could keep track of treasured belongings. Nearly four in five (78%) said that must-have soft toy comes on most or every holiday.
The survey also suggests 65% of parents have experienced their child losing a favourite teddy or comforter while away. More than half (55%) said they pack a spare, but 81% of children noticed when the "replacement" was brought out. Parents said children typically took around six weeks to get over losing a treasured companion.
Some admitted they would go to great lengths to avoid the upset. Almost three in 10 (29%) said they bought a replacement online straight away in the hope their child wouldn't realise, while 26% made up a story to explain what happened. More than half (55%) even said they would change holiday plans to retrieve the missing toy.
Stuffed rabbits were named as the most commonly lost holiday toy, followed by traditional teddy bears, then dolls or action figures. Popular toy names included Bunny, Teddy, Fluffy and Billy.
What easyJet said
Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: "We know that it's often the little things that make the biggest difference to a family holiday. For many children, a favourite teddy or comfort toy is an important part of the journey and losing it can be upsetting at what should be an exciting time.
"That's why we've launched Teddy Trackers, giving families extra peace of mind while they're away. Creating brilliant holiday experiences is at the heart of what we do, and we're delighted to be offering another simple way to make family holidays as smooth and stress-free as possible."
EasyJet captain Matthew Clutterbuck, who previously helped reunite a teddy called Shackleton with its owner after it was left on board one of the airline's flights, said: "We know that a child's favourite toy is much more than something that can be packed in a suitcase – it's often their constant companion on every adventure, providing comfort, familiarity and reassurance throughout their journey.
"Whether it's a well-loved teddy or another treasured companion, we hope our Teddy Trackers offer parents extra peace of mind, helping ensure these special items can always find their way home."
