Press Release

Gatwick's ready teddy for Easter


11 April 2006

This Easter BAA Gatwick is delighted to offer a new unique service for children travelling with teddy bears who hold their own passports. Passing through the airport’s security channels, teddy bears can present their passports for stamping. A specially designed stamp will ensure that the teddies are ready to start their holidays.

The teddy bear passport scheme was devised by Airport Security Supervisor Roland Sims, whose daughter Ella was one of the first to present her bear’s passport for stamping.

“I am really pleased that my Dad came up with this brilliant idea. It means that I can travel with my teddies, Bella and Rebecca every time we go on holiday. Bella and Rebecca can also collect lots of stamps in their passports.”

Over the Easter holiday, BAA Gatwick is set to welcome over 400,000 passengers over the four day Easter holiday. Saturday will be the busiest day with nearly 110,000 travellers passing through the airport. The Canary Islands remain popular with Tenerife being the top destination over Easter, while the ski season keeps Geneva busy at number two.

Orlando (3) is the most popular long haul destination, with Malaga (4), Edinburgh (5), Barcelona (6), Alicante (7), Faro (8), Arrecife (9) and Barbados (10) all proving popular with those looking for a quick break or a longer sunshine holiday.

Gatwick’s Welcome Hosts students will once again act as mobile information teams in both the North and South Terminals, helping airport users to find their check-in zone, onward travel connections, information and directions around the airport.

In addition the Day Before Check-in for passengers using selected airlines operating from the South Terminal, has been extended as a result of the successful trial last year. The service gives passengers flying with Thomsonfly, Excel Airways, MyTravel and Thomas Cook Airlines, on flights which leave between midnight and 09:00, the chance to check-in for their flights between 16:00 and 22:00 on the previous evening. Day Before Check-in is of particular benefit to local travellers and those staying in the area the night before their trip. It will reduce the time passengers need to spend at check-in, giving them the freedom and flexibility to go straight to the Departure Lounge when they arrive for their flight.

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