An airport has launched a “teddy tag” scheme to ensure cuddly toys aren’t lost this Christmas.
Parents travelling through London Luton Airport can register a cuddly toy's name, flight number, and contact details, so any left behind can be quickly “reuni-TED” with their owner.
It was launched after research into 800 parents, of children aged up to nine, found 70% would do whatever they felt necessary to retrieve a lost cuddly toy.
And 33% would consider a misplaced comforter or toy “irreplaceable” if they were to go astray.
Clare Armstrong, head of guest experience at London Luton Airport, said: “We understand that travelling during the Christmas period can be a taxing time for parents, and losing a child’s toy can cause real upset.
“This year alone, we have collected approximately 200 toys, comforters, and teddies that have been left behind by families – and whilst we have happily been able to reunite some of these toys with their owners, it is always a difficult process.
“The Teddy Tag system means that it is now easier to reunite children with their favourite toys, taking the stress out of the process should a teddy get misplaced on the journey.”
The scheme launched on December 19th, and Teddy Tags will be available to collect for free at check-in and information desks, as well as wider security gates, as part of the airport’s family-friendly offering.
It is also hosting a toy reunion page on its website, with images of unclaimed teddies and toys alongside information about where they were found, and how passengers can arrange to have them sent home.
For parents of kids who have a favourite children’s toy or comforter, 86% agree that making sure the cherished item is packed is one of the top priorities when travelling.
Keeping children and family members entertained was considered the biggest challenge of family travel, and almost half of parents (45%) rely on treasured toys and comforters to keep the kids happy while on the move.
However, of those respondents, 49% have had a beloved teddy, toy, or blanket go AWOL en route.
When the loss is discovered, 47% are willing to canvas the area, asking strangers if they have spotted the lost item.
Failing that, one in three (32%) would create a post on social media to get the word out – and 35% would go as far as to get the police involved.
Of those parents of children who have lost a toy or comforter in-transit, 52% admitted the absence of the item impacted their holiday in a negative way.
Although a crafty 44% polled, via OnePoll, were able to replace the item with a new version – without their child noticing the difference.
Jo Christie, 33, whose seven-year-old daughter Meilia lost her teddy, Kaydog, recently during a family holiday, said: “I love the idea of the Teddy Tags and the airport’s commitment to returning lost toys.
“It really is a nightmare for parents to lose a cherished family toy at any time of year, but especially at Christmas when the pressure is on for everything to be perfect.
“Kaydog represents our real dog that sadly passed away. The ashes are actually inside the locket around Kaydog’s neck, so she’s extra special to my little girl.
“We will definitely be picking up a Teddy Tag for Kaydog next time we travel, as she does seem to have a habit of getting lost.”
