For many families, a child's stuffed toy is as essential as a passport when heading on holiday. Losing it can turn a joyful trip into a tearful ordeal. This summer, easyJet is rolling out a practical solution: free Bluetooth-enabled tile trackers designed to be attached to teddy bears, bunnies, or any other comfort object.
The airline has partnered with Life360, a location-sharing app, to offer these 'teddy trackers' at bag-drop counters in four UK airports: London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast. Starting July 31, while stocks last, families can pick up a tracker, attach it to the toy, download the app, and connect via Bluetooth. If the stuffed friend goes missing, the app can help locate it within Bluetooth range.
Stuart Wright, customer director at easyJet holidays, said: '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.'
Why a tracker matters
A survey of over 1,000 parents with children under ten, commissioned by easyJet, found that 55% would alter their holiday plans to retrieve a lost stuffed companion. The most common comfort object in 2026, according to the poll, is a stuffed bunny (26%), followed by teddy bears (25%), and action figures or dolls (15%). Popular names include Bunny, Teddy, Fluffy, and Billy.
The initiative comes as European airlines face increasing pressure to improve passenger experience, particularly for families. New EU rules on passenger rights are giving carriers 12 months to implement changes, and easyJet's move aligns with broader efforts to reduce travel stress. The tracker program is a low-tech but thoughtful addition, especially during peak summer months when airports are crowded and children are more likely to misplace items.
While the trackers rely on Bluetooth rather than GPS, meaning they only work within a limited range (typically up to 30 metres), they can still help parents locate a toy left behind in a departure lounge, hotel room, or rental car. For families travelling to destinations like Spain, which is bracing for its third heatwave of the summer with temperatures up to 45°C, the last thing they need is a meltdown over a missing teddy.
EasyJet's move also reflects a growing trend among European carriers to offer practical, family-friendly perks. Other airlines have introduced amenities like priority boarding for families or free seat selection for children, but the teddy tracker is a novel approach that directly addresses a common pain point.
The trackers are available only at the four UK airports listed, but easyJet operates across Europe, serving destinations from Berlin to Barcelona. Families flying from other hubs may need to rely on their own solutions, though the airline has not ruled out expanding the program.
For now, parents heading through Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, or Belfast this summer can grab a tracker and travel with a little more peace of mind. As Wright put it, 'Creating brilliant holiday experiences is at the heart of what we do.'
