easyJet has confirmed it will be offering free Teddy Trackers to families flying from four UK airports this summer, in a move designed to reduce the anxiety of losing a child's favourite toy during a holiday.
The complimentary trackers are available for easyJet customers departing from London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast airports. The initiative comes as the airline and its tour operator arm, easyJet holidays, are set to take more than 370,000 families on holiday over the season.
Research highlights parents' fears
New research revealed that 87% of parents fear losing a child's favourite toy while travelling, while 97% said they would be more relaxed knowing they could keep track of the items their children love most. The figures underline the importance of the new scheme for family travellers.
Life360, the company behind Tile trackers, has reported that more than 40,000 toys have been actively tracked in the last 12 months around the world using its devices. This suggests that lost soft toys are a common problem for families on the move.
How the free trackers work
Families can claim a complimentary Life360 Tile tracker at the airport, attach it to their child's teddy or comfort toy, and use the Life360 app to locate it if it goes missing. The tracker is theirs to keep, so it can be used on every future trip.
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."
He added: "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."
Captain's support for the scheme
easyJet Captain Matthew Clutterbuck, who previously helped reunite a young passenger with a lost teddy named Shackleton, 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," he continued. "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."
Life360 partnership details
Tom Rizzo, General Manager International at Life360, explained: "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," Rizzo continued. "Best of all, the Tile is theirs to keep, meaning families will never have to worry about a lost furry companion on future adventures."
Where to collect a Teddy Tracker
The service is operating this summer at London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast airports. EasyJet customers are encouraged to pick up a tracker before departure and attach it to their child's favourite toy.
The launch is part of easyJet holidays' ongoing commitment to smoothing the family travel experience. By tackling a common source of holiday worry, the airline hopes to help parents and children enjoy their time away without the distress of a missing teddy.
