Families flying with easyJet can bag a free gadget to help stop children’s favourite teddies and comfort toys disappearing on holiday.

The airline is handing out complimentary ‘Teddy Trackers’ at four UK airports this summer after research found that losing a beloved cuddly toy can leave children distraught – and parents scrambling to rescue the family holiday. The free devices, made by Life360 Tile, attach to a teddy or favourite toy and allow parents to track it using a smartphone app if it goes missing.

The giveaway comes as easyJet and easyJet holidays prepare to fly more than 370,000 families during what the company says will be its biggest-ever summer season.

The trackers will be available, while stocks last, from easyJet bag drop desks from Friday, July 31, at the following airports:

The promotion follows research commissioned by the airline which found that 87% of parents worry about losing their child’s favourite toy while travelling, while 97% said they would feel more relaxed if they could keep track of treasured belongings.

Nearly four in five (78%) parents said their child’s favourite toy comes on most or every family holiday. The survey also found that 65% of parents have experienced their child losing a favourite teddy or comforter while away.

For many families, replacing it is far from straightforward. More than half (55%) admit they pack a spare teddy just in case, but 81% of children whose favourite toy went missing quickly spotted the substitute.

The emotional fallout can last for weeks, with parents saying children typically took around six weeks to get over losing a treasured companion. Parents also admitted to going to extraordinary lengths to avoid holiday heartbreak.

Almost three in 10 (29%) said they immediately bought a replacement online hoping their child would not notice, while 26% invented a story to explain the toy’s disappearance.

More than half (55%) said they would even change their holiday plans to retrieve a missing cuddly companion.

Stuffed rabbits emerged as Britain’s most commonly lost holiday toy, followed by traditional teddy bears and dolls or action figures. The most popular names for treasured toys included Bunny, Teddy, Fluffy and Billy.

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.

“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 said he had previously helped reunite a teddy called Shackleton with its owner after it was left on board one of the airline’s flights.

He 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.

“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.”

The reusable trackers are being supplied by Life360 and can continue to be used long after families return from their holidays.