Today marks the launch of a brand-new initiative to help make family holidays even easier this summer, by putting an end to the heartbreak of lost toys.
The airline and package holiday provider are teaming up with Life360, the family connection and safety app, to offer free Teddy Trackers for easyJet customers flying off on their holidays.
The trackers easily fasten to children’s favourite companions, making them easier to keep track of at all times, via the Life360 app.
Over 370,000 families are set to jet off during what will be easyJet and easyJet holidays’ biggest ever summer, meaning hundreds of thousands of children and their beloved companions will be taking to the skies.
The initiative has launched after research commissioned revealed the scale of toy transit anxiety among British families, as nearly 4 in 5 parents (78%) say their child’s favourite toy travels with them on most, if not every, family holiday.
With Life360 reporting that over 40,000 toys have been actively tracked in the last 12 months around the world through its Tile trackers, easyJet and easyJet holidays are stepping in to help, making it easier than ever for families to claim a complimentary tracker and travel stress-free.
Almost two thirds (65%) of UK parents surveyed say their child has lost a favourite soft toy or comforter while on holiday. While over half of savvy parents (55%1) travel with a backup teddy in case of emergency, kids aren't easily fooled: 81% of parents whose child lost a favourite toy said their child spotted the fake.
Losing a favourite toy takes a real toll on kids: 31% of families who recently lost one say bedtime became much harder, with children taking an average of six weeks to mourn their cuddly friend.
To stave off a tantrum, 29% of parents immediately bought a replacement toy online and hoped their child wouldn’t notice, while just over a quarter (26%) created a story to try and explain the sudden disappearance. Over half of parents (55%1) confessed they would go so far as to change their plans while away, to retrieve the missing companion.
Almost half of parents (49%) whose child has lost their favourite toy report that airline and hotel staff have also been key to helping them reunite with lost toys over the years. easyJet Captain Matthew Clutterbuck is among those who have gone the extra mile by launching an appeal to reunite teddy bear Shackleton with its owner, after it was left onboard a flight to Luton.
easyJet Captain, Matthew Clutterbuck 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. That's why I was so passionate about helping reunite Shackleton with his family, and why we're delighted to support families with our new Teddy Trackers.
“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.”
The research also highlights just how important these companions are, with 33%1 of parents saying their child's favourite toy is considered a member of the family. So much so, almost 2 in 5 parents (37%) said the toy regularly appears in family photos, and 33%1 talk about it as if it was a real person.
Among the nation's most-loved companions, stuffed bunnies take the number one spot as the most commonly lost toy (26%), followed by traditional teddy bears (25%), and action figures or dolls (15%). The top toy names reported are Bunny, Teddy, Fluffy, and Billy.
Stuart Wright 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."
Tom Rizzo, GM International at Life360, said: "We are incredibly excited to be partnering with easyJet right in the middle of the busy summer holiday season, helping families to avoid teddy-related disasters. By slipping a Life360 Tile tracker onto a soft toy, the fear of losing it disappears.
“Whether a beloved bear is left behind at security or vanishes under a poolside sunbed, parents can pinpoint its location in seconds using the Life360 app. Best of all, the Tile is theirs to keep, meaning families will never have to worry about a lost furry companion on future adventures.
easyJet and easyJet holidays Teddy Trackers will be available this summer for easyJet customers flying from London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. The teddy tracker is free at the easyJet bag drop from 31st July (while stocks last).
