In a world where digital screens dominate our daily lives, EasyJet is taking action to help families reconnect. The airline’s new initiative, called ‘Airplane Mode’, aims to encourage families to use their summer holidays as an opportunity to step away from their devices and engage with each other in a meaningful way.
The Digital Divide: A growing problem for modern families
Recent research commissioned by EasyJet shows a worrying trend: over two-thirds of parents (68%) say it is increasingly difficult to find quality time with their family. Personal devices, social media, and busy schedules are inhibiting real connections. This phenomenon is having a serious impact on family relationships and well-being.
The survey, which surveyed 2,000 British parents and children aged 11 to 17, paints a disturbing picture of families’ digital lives. While parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend on social media (69%), they themselves are not immune to the situation. In fact, 71% of parents admit to spending too much time on their phones, while 60% admit to spending too much time on social media.
Particularly worrying is that almost 24% of children know more about their favourite influencers than they do about their own parents, highlighting the growing role of digital media in young people’s lives and the ongoing disconnection from parents. A report by Parliament’s Education Select Committee reinforces this trend, revealing a 52% increase in children’s screen time.
Holidays are an opportunity to reconnect
Despite digital challenges, almost 70% of parents (69%) consider the summer holidays to be the best opportunity to bond with their children. The need for quality family time is now more urgent than ever. The research shows that on average, families take two holidays a year when their children are aged 6 to 18. Almost 48% of parents plan to take more holidays this year than last year, with the main reasons being the need to spend more time together (52%), improving well-being (42%), and reconnecting with family and friends (40%).
This recognition of the importance of family time has led to the implementation of the ‘Airplane Mode’ initiative by EasyJet.
‘Airplane Mode’: A Fun and Digitally Connected Experience for Families
At the heart of the initiative is a family card game, designed to help parents and children connect in a fun and meaningful way. The game includes questions from a range of categories, including people, places, work, and school, as well as charades-style challenges and instructions to share tips and meaningful experiences. The aim is simple: to encourage conversations, create unforgettable memories, and get families talking about issues that are important to them.
The game is part of EasyJet’s wider campaign to promote a ‘digital detox’ during the summer holidays. From 9 July, thousands of copies of the game ‘Airplane Mode’ will be available for free at selected EasyJet airports across the UK, including London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast (while stocks last). The initiative is aimed at families travelling for their summer holidays, with the hope of encouraging them to interact more and strengthen their connection while travelling.
The need for important conversations
EasyJet’s research also shows that 85% of families fear that they are not having enough conversations about the important issues affecting young people today. This concern is compounded by the fact that 45% of children would like to be more present with their family, while 68% say that spending more time with their family improves their mood and well-being. These results reinforce the need for initiatives like “Airplane Mode,” which encourage open and honest communication between parents and children.
Support from Experts and Public Figures
The campaign has received widespread support from experts and celebrities. Kenton Jarvis, CEO of EasyJet, stressed the importance of family-friendly initiatives that make travel more enjoyable and easier for parents. “The summer holidays are one of the few times of the year that families get to spend time together without the usual distractions,” said Jarvis. “It’s the perfect opportunity to put away the devices and enjoy some quality time together.”
Katie Piper, a well-known presenter, activist, and mother, also praised the initiative. “The ‘Airplane Mode’ initiative is a great reminder for families to use the summer holidays as an opportunity to reconnect and get to know each other better,” she said. She stressed the need for “real connections,” as well as the importance of experiencing the joy of being present with our families.
Tanith Carey, a child development expert and author of books for parents, highlighted the importance of the initiative. While mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, she warned: “As new research shows, it’s all too easy to let our phones disrupt our connection with our children.” She praised the initiative as “a great opportunity for families to reverse this trend and strengthen their bonds.”
A Digital Detox for Stronger Family Bonds
The “Airplane Mode” initiative is not just a game—it’s an invitation for families to step away from their devices and truly connect. In a world full of digital distractions, EasyJet’s campaign provides an opportunity to free ourselves from the constant noise of notifications and focus on what really matters: quality time with our loved ones. By encouraging meaningful conversations and shared experiences, EasyJet hopes to help families create unforgettable memories during their summer holidays, while providing a much-needed disconnect from the digital world.
