2012-11-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — As thousands prepare to go abroad for Christmas, with an estimated 30,000 people flying with British Airways on Christmas Day alone, the airline is stocking extra gifts for its busiest shopping month on board. This includes the launch of an exclusive charity donation card, created by Turner Prize nominated artist Tracey Emin.
It seems that last minute Christmas shopping is not just resigned to the high street – research found that nearly a third (32 per cent) of people would consider buying their Christmas gifts on board flights. While a further 17 per cent of those travelling will forget to pack a present accidentally leaving it at home, with the hard-done by brother-in-law being the person we are most likely to forget!
Peter O’Shea, British Airways on-board retail executive said: “December is our busiest month for on board shopping. Customers like to chose from our carefully selected gifts and benefit from a wide range of travel exclusives and tax-free purchases. Many also like the convenience of buying on board, as it means less to carry in their luggage.”
In time for the festive season, British Airways is launching a charity donation card. Designed by Tracey Emin, the monoprint entitled ‘Feeling Safe’ features a pair of Doves entwined on a branch, with a third bird watching over them. It is available on board flights and online at www.highlifeshop.com from Monday 3 December. Retailing at just £5, all money goes towards Flying Start – the airline’s charity partnership with Comic Relief.
Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive, Comic Relief said: “Tracey’s beautiful cards make a great present for any time of year, and the money goes far. For five pounds Comic Relief can fund the vaccination of a child in Africa against five of the deadly diseases, or a hot meal for a homeless person living on the streets of the UK. It’s a wonderful, thoughtful present and collectors item all in one.”
In the run up to Christmas, the airline’s in-flight retail team have pulled together a list of the top gifts, for last minute shoppers to buy on board and online this season:
For someone special
*Comic Relief Donation Card (£5)
Turner prize nominated artist Tracey Emin designed the artwork entitled ‘Feeling Safe’. Every penny goes towards Flying Start, the airline’s charity partnership with Comic Relief, which helps to transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.
For the little ones
Arty Globe Activity Set (£20)
London magically appears – on a postcard and in a puzzle! Playfully created by Hartwig Braun the set comprises of six colour-and-create-postcards with 18 pencils and a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle, presented in a practical, light tin box.
For the Fashion Forward
LuLu Guinness Foldaway Lips tote (£29)
Practical meets fashion with this slim nylon tote. As an added bonus, it folds away into a neat zip-up lips pouch.
For the ex-pat!
Godiva Souvenir of London chocolates (£15)
A delightful souvenirof London, enclosing 15 exquisite Belgian chocolates.
For him or her
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino (£100)
Tom Ford’s reinvention of the classic Eau de Cologne with its crisp citrus oils, surprising floral notes and amber undertones. Suitable for men and women
For good times
Baileys (£10)
The worlds number one liqueur; it can be enjoyed many ways, over ice, blended, shaken in cocktails and even in lattes.
*Available online only in December at www.highlifeshop.com
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British Airways, Stocking up, up and away for Christmas