Leave your lilo at Luton

Unsplash image of pink flamingo lilo - Vicko Mozaro

The BBC reports that Luton has set up a lilo reuse scheme at the ‘simplest and friendliest’ airport to encourage those returning from their holiday this year to donate unwanted inflatables to other travellers heading out for their week in the sun. But do they make it back that far?

It’s a lovely idea but with one flaw. The article states that “each summer, holidaymakers leave millions of tonnes of plastic waste at their destinations, with inflatables one of the most frequently discarded items” - apparently 54 million unwanted inflatables are abandoned each year, equating to 21 million tonnes.

In truth, many if not most are likely purchased at their destination, and then left there - sacrificed for suitcase space driven by the carry-on culture (airline luggage restrictions and charges, not the 1970s films).

For these sorts of schemes to be successful, the drop-off and pick-up staging would be better organised at the desired destination rather than the starting point, with massive faff reduction. If they were really cute, airlines or holiday companies could even offer a ‘lilo rental fee’ in their options, partnered with destinations and marketed as hassle-free travel.

You rent towels, bed linen, high chairs, buggies and cars. Why not pink flamingo lilos? Mind you, inflatables are seventh on the list of most abandoned holiday items, so perhaps the focus should be on sandals, shades and sun-hats…

Here’s the BBC story. And here’s the detail on Luton Airport’s website. We’re ridiculously happy there’s now a picture of an inflatable pink flamingo on our website.

For more information, please contact us