British Bearways: Teddy bear abandoned in Heathrow lounge reunited with nine-year-old owner in Dubai by BA crew – who photographed his ‘adventurous’ home
British Airways recently rebranded as British Bearways after it reunited a nine-year-old boy with his beloved teddy bear, Postman Bear, after he was accidentally left behind in a British Airways airport lounge.
The cherished teddy bear was discovered in the British Airlines‘ Club Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and was taken on a thrilling airport adventure, before an emotional reunion with nine-year-old Alex at home in Dubai.
After arranging a new flight and boarding pass for Postman Bear, members of the BA team gave the teddy bear the ‘VIP treatment’ with a ride in an airport buggy to ‘catch up’ with the Cabin Crew Operations team in the Crew Report Centre.
Postman Bear was then taken to meet the cabin crew on his new flight to Dubai and was pictured ‘patiently’ waiting for his flight at the gate. He was seen drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying ‘the amazing view of the plane’ as he waited to board.
The adventurous bear’s journey to the airport was recorded in a travel diary by Ed Tumath, customer manager at British Airways. He sent the holiday snaps to Postman Bear’s family to reassure owner Alex.
British Airways recently transformed into British Bearways when it reunited nine-year-old Alex with his beloved teddy bear, Postman Bear (above, with Alex). The cherished teddy bear was discovered in the British Airways Club Lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5
Postman Bear (pictured above) had a thrilling airport adventure before being reunited with Alex in Dubai
After landing in Dubai, cabin crew took Postman Bear to the arrivals hall to reunite him with Alex and the rest of the family. It was a ‘bear-like, happy reunion’.
Stuart, Alex’s parent, said: ‘My son had left his teddy bear – which has huge sentimental value as he’s had it since he was born – in the British Airways lounge before the flight. We noticed it as the plane doors were closing so there was nothing we could do at that point.
‘This was very stressful for my son who uses the teddy bear as a calming aid, especially when flying. This was incredibly stressful and we feared that his beloved teddy bear would be lost forever.
‘While on the flight I went to a couple of Facebook groups to ask for help in finding the teddy bear. A member of the group contacted Ed who came to his aid. I managed to communicate with Ed during the flight and got a photo of the teddy bear being found which calmed my son down.
Postman Bear was photographed ‘patiently’ waiting at the gate for his flight. After landing in Dubai, cabin crew took Postman Bear to reunite with Alex and the rest of the family in the arrivals hall for a ‘bear-y happy reunion’
The bear was photographed enjoying ‘a beautiful view of the plane’
‘Not only did Ed do his utmost to find the teddy bear, but he communicated well the entire time. He really cared about the situation and worked so hard to get the teddy bear back.
‘He arranged for the teddy to board a flight to Dubai a few days later and a crew member returned the teddy to us. Not only did Ed excel in his caring communication, he even provided some photos of the teddy’s journey, which my son will cherish forever.
‘My son was so relieved – words cannot express how grateful we are to Ed for his kind act and dedication in returning the teddy bear to us. I have been flying with BA for years – this is by far the best experience I have ever had and I am overwhelmed by Ed’s efforts.
“Sometimes amazing people do incredible things and show so much kindness along the way… these things matter. This meant the world to my family and me, and we will be forever grateful.”
