In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, finding quality time to connect as a family can feel like a challenge.
A recent survey commissioned by easyJet reveals that 68% of parents believe it’s becoming harder to spend meaningful time with their children due to the distractions of personal devices, social media, and hectic schedules.
To address this, easyJet has launched an innovative campaign called Airplane Mode, designed to help families reconnect during the summer holidays.
Partnering with writer, presenter, and mum Katie Piper, as well as child development expert Tanith Carey, the airline is introducing a free family card game to spark conversations and create lasting memories from the moment families board their flights.
The Impact of Technology on Family Time
The easyJet survey, which included 2,000 British parents and children aged 11 to 17, highlights growing concerns about the effects of technology on family relationships.
A staggering 69% of parents worry about the impact of social media and excessive screen time on their children. Interestingly, 71% of parents admit they also spend too much time on their phones, with 60% acknowledging excessive use of social media.
The research also uncovered a surprising statistic: nearly a quarter (24%) of children know more about their favourite online influencers than their own parents.
Despite these challenges, the survey shows that holidays are a golden opportunity for families to reconnect. Nearly seven in ten parents (69%) say vacations are the top occasion for bonding with their children.
Families typically take up to two holidays per year when children are between ages 6 and 18, and 48% plan to take more family trips this year compared to last.
The main reasons? Spending quality time together (52%), improving well-being (42%), and reconnecting with loved ones (40%).
Introducing the Airplane Mode Card Game
At the heart of the Airplane Mode initiative is a family-friendly card game designed to encourage meaningful conversations.
The game features a variety of conversation prompts across categories like people, places, work, and school, along with fun charade-style challenges and opportunities to share advice and personal experiences.
Available for free to families flying with easyJet during the summer holidays, over 6,000 packs will be distributed at UK airports, including London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast, starting July 9 (while supplies last).
The game aims to help families put down their devices and engage with one another from the start of their holiday.
By fostering open dialogue, the initiative tackles the survey’s finding that 85% of families worry they’re not having enough conversations about important issues facing young people today.
Additionally, 45% of children express a desire to be more present with their families, and 68% say spending time together boosts their mood and well-being.
Voices of Inspiration
The Airplane Mode campaign is supported by a range of voices sharing their insights on connection and well-being. Katie Piper, a well-known advocate for wellness, has contributed voice notes reflecting on her own experiences of overcoming disconnection.
She emphasizes the importance of using holidays to build stronger family bonds. “The Airplane Mode initiative is a brilliant reminder for families to make the most of their summer holidays to reconnect,” Piper says.
“The card game is a fun way to spark conversations, and I hope it encourages families to dive into deeper discussions about life’s challenges.”
Child development expert Tanith Carey, who collaborated with easyJet to develop the initiative, highlights the role of technology in family dynamics.
“Giving children phones by secondary school is now a rite of passage, but it’s easy for devices to disrupt the vital connection we have with our kids,” Carey explains.
“This card game is a fantastic tool to reverse that trend and strengthen family bonds from the moment the holiday begins.”
The campaign also features contributions from wellness advocates and content creators Jaycie Fry and Will Ainslie. Fry encourages families to tackle difficult topics together, reminding young people that they can overcome challenges.
Ainslie shares thoughts on positive masculinity, emphasizing the strength in being open and authentic. easyJet pilots and cabin crew have also joined in, sharing voice notes on topics like self-worth and body image—issues parents are eager to discuss with their children.
The Importance of Holidays
Holidays are more than just a break from routine; they’re a chance to create cherished memories. The easyJet survey underscores that families see vacations as a key time for bonding, free from the distractions of daily life.
Kenton Jarvis, easyJet’s CEO, says, “Our research shows summer holidays are a rare moment when families can enjoy quality time without the usual interruptions.”
With the Airplane Mode game, we hope to help families relax, reconnect, and make unforgettable memories from the moment they board our flights.”
A Step Toward Stronger Bonds
The Airplane Mode initiative is a creative and timely response to the challenges of modern family life. By combining the joy of travel with a focus on meaningful connection, easyJet is helping families make the most of their time together.
Whether it’s through a lively card game or heartfelt conversations inspired by advocates like Katie Piper, the campaign encourages families to put down their phones and rediscover the joy of being present with one another.
As families jet off this summer, easyJet’s Airplane Mode initiative offers a simple yet powerful way to strengthen bonds, create lasting memories, and start the holiday on the right note.
So, next time you board an easyJet flight, grab a card game, switch off your devices, and let the conversations begin.
