easyJet and easyJet holidays have launched a new initiative designed to make family holidays less stressful by helping children keep track of their favourite soft toys while travelling.

In partnership with family safety app Life360, the airline and holiday provider are offering complimentary Teddy Trackers to customers travelling this summer. The trackers attach to children’s favourite toys and can be monitored through the Life360 app, making it easier for families to locate treasured companions if they go missing.

The initiative comes as easyJet and easyJet holidays prepare for their biggest summer season ever, with more than 370,000 families expected to travel.

Research Reveals Toy Travel Anxiety

The campaign follows research commissioned by easyJet and easyJet holidays, which found that 78% of British parents say their child’s favourite toy accompanies them on most or every family holiday.

According to Life360, more than 40,000 toys have been actively tracked worldwide over the past year using its Tile tracking devices.

The survey also revealed that:

• 65% of parents said their child has lost a favourite soft toy or comfort item while on holiday.
• 55% travel with a backup toy, although 81% admitted their children recognised the replacement.
• Children typically take an average of six weeks to recover emotionally after losing a favourite toy.
• 55% of parents said they would change their holiday plans to retrieve a missing toy.

Beloved Family Members

The research highlights the emotional importance of children’s comfort toys. One-third of parents said their child’s favourite toy is considered a member of the family, while 37% said the toy regularly appears in family photographs. Another 33% admitted they speak about the toy as though it were a real person.

Stuffed bunnies were found to be the most commonly lost toys (26%), followed by teddy bears (25%) and dolls or action figures (15%). Among the most popular toy names were Bunny, Teddy, Fluffy and Billy.

Helping Families Travel With Peace of Mind

Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said the initiative reflects the company’s focus on making family holidays easier.

“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 lost teddy bear named Shackleton with its young owner after it was left onboard a flight to London Luton, said cherished toys are an important source of comfort for children throughout their journeys.

Available at Four UK Airports

Free Teddy Trackers will be available from 31 July for easyJet customers departing from London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. Families can collect a complimentary tracker at easyJet bag drop desks while supplies last.

Tom Rizzo, General Manager International at Life360, said the partnership aims to eliminate the worry of losing a child’s favourite toy. Once attached, parents can quickly locate the toy using the Life360 app, whether it has been left behind at the airport, misplaced at a hotel or lost during a family holiday.