Heathrow Express has new statistics on their passengers and how losing a beloved bear can cause chaos.

They have also launched a new programme to support parents and their trips.

Many families take to the skies and carry out travel plans via the 15-minute direct London Heathrow service.

18% of families stated that a child’s missing bear has caused missed travel connections, and a further 26% have spent half an hour searching for the toy.

12% also stated that the loss caused turmoil and ruined trips away. Some have had to claim the toy is on holiday (10%) or visiting the teddy hospital (5%), while parents have told a white lie (34%) to try to ease the issue.

Parents have then needed to buy a replacement bear (29%) and spent much more money on it.

Some have stated that they paid for a replacement bear to be shipped internationally (7%), while 11% dirty bears to make them look like the original.

Passengers can now benefit from a partnership with ‘Operation Teddy Rescue’, enabling families to be directed to a single location to check whether the bear has been found.

Rescued teddies will be cleaned and returned to their owners where possible, giving families a better chance of finding their lost toys.

Those that fail to reunite will be rehomed to a good cause.

Any teddy looking for a home will be featured on Heathrow Express’ social media.

“Travelling with children can be full of joyful highs and tumultuous lows – and we know how much little comforts, like a favourite teddy, can make the journey more bearable and special.

“Our research shows the incredible lengths parents will go to keep those smiles shining, and I will never forget the wonderful railway staff that reunited me with my teddy Robert at Birmingham International station many moons ago. That’s why this year we’re launching our lost-bear initiative to help reunite families with their much-loved travel companions.

“We’re proud to offer a reliable, family-friendly service that parents can count on to make at least one part of the journey smooth and stress-free. And if a few well-loved bears find their way home in the process this Christmas – even better.”

Aoife Considine, Business Lead at Heathrow Express