easyJet’s teddy tracker is being lanunched (Image: EASYJET)
easyJet is launching free teddy trackers for kids – as research reveals almost two thirds of children have lost a favourite soft on holiday.
The airline and package holiday provider is teaming up with Life360 to offer the Teddy Trackers to customers, as cuddly rabbits took the number one spot as the most commonly lost toy (26%).
Hot on their heels were traditional teddy bears (25%) and action figures or dolls (15%).
The trackers easily fasten to children’s favourite companions, making them easier to keep track of at all times, via the family connection and safety app Life360.
More than 370,000 families are set to jet off with easyJet and easyJet holidays this summer, meaning hundreds of thousands of children and their beloved companions will take to the skies.
The initiative launched today [July 27] after research commissioned revealed the scale of toy transit anxiety among British families.
A whopping 78% of parents say their child’s favourite toy travels with them on most, if not every, family holiday.
Life360 reports more than 40,000 toys have been actively tracked in the last 12 months through its Tile trackers, and now easyJet and easyJet holidays are stepping in to help.
It’s 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 more than half of savvy parents (55%) travel with a back-up teddy in case of emergency, kids aren’t easily fooled.
Of those quizzed, 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, with 31% of families who recently lost one saying 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 a quarter (26%) created a story to try and explain the sudden disappearance.
More than half of parents (55%) 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 reported 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 his owner after being left onboard a flight to Luton.
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 familiarity, comfort 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 toys can always find their way home.”
The research also highlights just how important these companions are with 33% of parents saying their child’s favourite toy is considered a member of the family.
So much so, almost two-fifths (37%) said the toy regularly appears in family photos, and 33% talk about it as if it was a real person.
The top toy names reported are Bunny, Teddy, Fluffy and Billy.
Stuart Wright at easyJet holidays said: “We know it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference to a family holiday.
“For many children a favourite comfort toy or teddy 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’re incredibly excited to be partnering with easyJet right in the middle of the busy summer holiday season and 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 July 31, while stocks last.
