easyJet’s Airplane Mode Initiative is giving families a fresh reason to look forward to their holidays this summer, encouraging them to put down their phones and reconnect with one another in meaningful ways. As screen time and social media continue to dominate daily life, easyJet is taking action to help families embrace real conversation, shared experiences and valuable bonding time from the moment they board their flight.
The initiative, supported by well-known figures like Katie Piper and child development expert Tanith Carey, is centred on a new conversation-sparking card game being handed out for free at UK airports. This innovative approach tackles some of the most pressing challenges parents face today: finding genuine quality time with their children, cutting through digital distractions and talking about the issues that really matter.
Why easyJet Launched Airplane Mode
In a world where smartphones and social media seem impossible to escape, easyJet decided to act after research revealed that over two-thirds of parents say finding quality time with their family is becoming harder. Busy schedules, personal devices and online distractions all make it difficult for families to truly connect, even when they’re technically together. easyJet recognised that the summer holiday is one of the rare moments when families have time away from work and school to focus on each other—and saw an opportunity to make those moments count even more.
To address this, the airline surveyed 2,000 British parents and children aged 11 to 17. The findings were eye-opening: 69% of parents worry about the effects of social media and screen time on their kids, while 71% admit they probably use their own phones too much as well. Even more strikingly, 24% of children say they know more about their favourite influencers than they do about their own parents.
But there is good news: 69% of parents see holidays as the best chance to connect with their children. With that insight, easyJet created the Airplane Mode Initiative to help families seize that opportunity.
Introducing the Airplane Mode Card Game
At the heart of easyJet’s campaign is a new card game designed to get families talking from the moment their trip begins. Thousands of packs will be given out for free this summer at airports including London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. The game is packed with conversation-starting questions and challenges that help break the ice and encourage deeper discussions—even around difficult topics that families sometimes avoid.
Some of the categories in the game include:
- People: Share stories about friends, family and role models
- Places: Talk about favourite destinations and dream trips
- Work and School: Reflect on challenges and achievements
- Charades and Challenges: Fun prompts that encourage laughter and creativity
- Advice and Reflections: Meaningful prompts to share life lessons
This game is more than just entertainment; it’s a tool designed to help families start conversations they may not even realise they need to have, and to share experiences in a way that builds stronger, healthier relationships.
The Impact of Digital Distraction on Family Life
easyJet’s research aligns with wider societal concerns about children’s screen time. A UK Parliamentary Education Committee report highlighted a 52% increase in children’s screen time, with one in four young people showing smartphone use patterns consistent with behavioural addiction. In easyJet’s own survey, 85% of families admitted that being less connected means they worry they’re not talking enough about important issues facing young people today.
Many parents want to do more to help their children navigate challenges like body image, self-worth and online pressures, but starting those conversations can feel difficult or awkward. That’s where the Airplane Mode game aims to help: by offering playful prompts that open the door to these deeper, more meaningful exchanges in a relaxed holiday environment.
Child development expert Tanith Carey explains that even though phones have become essential travel companions, it’s all too easy for them to interrupt the vital connections parents have with their kids. According to her, using games to ask questions and share stories can help parents and children alike to see each other in new ways—and remind them that quality time together is truly valuable.
Expert Advice for Reconnecting on Holiday
Tanith Carey has provided practical advice for families looking to make the most of their holiday time together:
- Ask thoughtful questions: Simply asking questions you may not have considered before can build powerful connections. It shows your children that you value what they have to say.
- Teach life skills through play: Games help children articulate their thoughts and see things from new perspectives, encouraging empathy and self-awareness.
- Model sharing: When parents share their own experiences, they teach children how to open up, listen and learn from others.
- Start your trip with a shared activity: Playing a game as soon as your journey begins signals that spending quality time together is a priority from the outset.
- Make every moment count: Remember that some of the most precious family memories are made on holiday. Put the phone away unless you need it for essentials like travel plans or photos.
Carey stresses that parents can create a sense of safety and trust simply by being present, listening without judgment, and encouraging their children to express themselves freely.
Voices Supporting the Initiative
The Airplane Mode Initiative has found strong advocates in high-profile figures who know firsthand the importance of family connection. Writer, activist and TV presenter Katie Piper is one of the leading supporters, describing the initiative as a perfect reminder for families to use the summer holiday to deepen their connections. She highlights the importance of real conversations, self-reflection and being truly present with loved ones—even if it takes conscious effort to set devices aside.
easyJet has also collaborated with wellness advocates and content creators like Jaycie Fry and Will Ainslie. Both have shared voice notes reflecting on their own experiences of family connection. Jaycie talks about how important it is to discuss even the tough topics as a family and encourages young people to believe in their ability to overcome challenges. Will shares his views on positive masculinity and being open with family members about emotions and personal growth.
In addition to these voices, easyJet pilots and cabin crew have contributed their own reflections, offering authentic insights about balancing travel, work and family life, and the importance of staying connected even in a busy world.
Holidays: A Unique Opportunity for Families
Ultimately, easyJet’s Airplane Mode Initiative is about recognising the unique role that holidays play in family life. According to their research, families with children aged 6 to 18 typically take two holidays a year—and nearly half of parents plan to take even more this year. The top reasons? Spending quality time together, boosting wellbeing and reconnecting with family and friends.
For many families, these trips are more than a break from routine—they’re a chance to reset relationships, create lasting memories and remind each other of what truly matters. The Airplane Mode game is designed to support exactly that goal, encouraging families to talk, laugh and reflect together from the very start of their journey.
easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis says the initiative reflects the airline’s broader commitment to making flying more family-friendly. By giving out thousands of the new games at UK airports, easyJet hopes to turn the often-stressful process of getting to the gate into an opportunity for bonding and shared fun. As Jarvis puts it, the summer holiday is one of the few times in the year when families are together without the usual distractions—making it the perfect moment to put away devices and enjoy meaningful time together.
With over 6,000 packs of the Airplane Mode game being handed out this summer (while stocks last), easyJet is making it clear that sometimes the best travel accessory isn’t a new gadget—it’s a simple, thoughtful way to bring families closer together.
