Can You Take a Pillow On a Plane TSA Rules 2024

According to a survey on Expedia, more than 28% of passengers bring their cozy neck pillows on a plane to help them sleep and feel relaxed during a flight.

But can you take a pillow on a plane?

You can bring both neck and bedroom pillows on a plane and through the security checkpoint without any restrictions, most airlines will not count small pillow as a carry-on item.

To be honest, my Bcozzy neck travel pillow never lets me down, it is always around my neck, and I only remove it when the flight attendants announce that we’re about to touch down.

Keep reading to learn more about traveling with head pillows.

Let’s dive right in.

gray travel neck pillow
can you bring a pillow on a plane/ Courtesy of Amazon

Can Pillows Go Through TSA?

Pillows are considered safe items so all types of pillows are good to go through the TSA security checkpoint.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

Screenshot from tea website

Does a Pillow Count As a Personal Item Or a Carry-on?

Most airlines claimed that small items such as coats and head pillows are free to bring on board the airplanes and they will not be counted toward your carry-on or a personal items.

But in case you have a large pillow, and you think the airline will count it as part of your luggage, you can simply place it inside your bag and take it out once you board the airplane.

This is also a smart way to free your hands, avoid charges and get some sleep on your flight.

Fact: In the Middle Ages, pillows were seen as a luxury, and King Henry VIII even banned them for most people, except pregnant women. Fortunately, pillows became popular again in the 16th century.

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Can I Bring a Full Size Pillow On a Plane?

If you are traveling with a small pillow, most airlines won’t worry about it.

But a full size pillow may be a little larger in size, and some airlines will count it as a piece of luggage.

But the best way to make sure that your full size pillow will make it on board is to measure your pillow dimensions.

For example, this full size pillow measures 26″ x 20″ inches, which exceeds the standard size for personal items on most US airlines like United, American Airlines and Delta.

Therefore, any airline below these dimensions will treat it as a piece of luggage.

If you are traveling internationally you can use this airlines luggage calculator for other airlines like Qantas, Ryanair and Jet2.

Can You Bring a Pillow And a Blanket On The Plane?

A pillow always goes hand in hand with a blanket.

Most airlines permit you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.

And In addition to the two pieces you can also bring small other items, like a jacket, a newspaper, a blanket, and a pillow.

But as I mentioned above you should always keep in mind the size of your pillow and blanket especially when combined together.

Read also: Can You Keep Airline Amenity Kits?

Pillows Carry-on RestrictionsChecked Baggage Restrictions
Full size pillowAllowed (may exceed carry-on size)Allowed
Neck pillowAllowed Allowed
Acupressure pillowAllowed Allowed
Tempur Pedic pillowAllowed Allowed
Glow Pet PillowAllowed Allowed
Sciatica back pillowAllowed Allowed
Pregnancy pillowAllowed (may exceed carry-on size)Allowed
Nursing pillowAllowed Allowed
Boppy pillowAllowedAllowed
Inflatable travel pillowAllowedAllowed
this table displays guidelines on carrying different types of pillows in both carry-on and checked baggage

How Do You Travel With a Pillow?

How to properly wear a travel pillow?

Incase you have an extra travel pillow or you don’t plan to use your pillow, you can either stow it inside your carry-on bag or place it in your checked luggage.

But if you intend to use it, you can hold the pillow in your hand as you board the airplane, alternatively, you can position the pillow around your neck for added comfort.

It’s a matter of personal preference and comfort.

Here is a useful tip that I find helpful on long flights.

Placing the pillow on the tray table offers extra support if you prefer to lean forward and snooze.

This is a handy tip if you like sleeping in a slightly inclined position and you dot have any issues whit stomach sleeping.

Give it a shot this time: place your travel pillow on the tray table and rest your head on top of it.

Related: 09 Best Things to Bring On a Plane For Entertainment

What Is The Best Travel Pillow To Help You Sleep on a Plane ?

MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-002
Image courtesy / Amazon

This MLVOC Travel pillow scored 4.3 out of 5 stars and 30,514 ratings on Amazon, designed to better fix your neck when flying, prevents head from falling in sides or forward, relieves neck pain during travel.

The added adjustable rope lock, you can adjust the angle and the size of the pillow randomly, meeting different neck size requirements, choose to provide support and comfort where you need it.

VISHNYA Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Full Neck Chin Support

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Image courtesy / Amazon

This travel pillow scored 3.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Made by VISHNYA and designed According to travelers needs and requirements.

This chin supports a travel pillow. have high-quality memory cotton, can be stored, matching eye-catching earplugs, lightweight design.

Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, Dark Blue

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-003
Image courtesy / Amazon

A standard but amazing Pillow For Travel: unlike anything on the market, this patented, newly released and improved version has a built-in removable insert so you can adjust the thickness of the pillow based on your personal preference and sitting positions, preventing your head from being pushed forward.

INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-004
Image courtesy / Amazon

The surface of the cloth is like a honeycomb, which is more breathable,dry. Not easy to deformation, no pilling, 100% washable.

SAIREIDER Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane Sleeping 100% Memory Foam Adjustable Travel Pillows

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-005
Image courtesy / Amazon

Low Price for High Value: You could get a complete set of very comfortable and great quality travel pillow, eye-mask, ear-plugs and storage bag under a low price.

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support for Travel

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-006
Image courtesy / Amazon

Provides Custom Support – Unlike most traditional airline travel pillows, this twistable travel pillows contour to almost any shape and position you want to provide you personalized support and pain relief.

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow – Airplane Neck Rest & Plane Accessories

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-007
Image courtesy / Amazon

No Longer Struggle with Uncomfortable Airline Seats: Made from 100 percent premium memory foam, this neck pillow adapts to your shoulders and neck to support and minimize the discomfort caused by intolerable airplane seats

World’s Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow, Charcoal

Can I Take a Pillow On a Plane-008
Image courtesy / Amazon

I wore this on a recent 6 hour flight. I had the most bizarre dream on the plane, which I directly attribute to this pillow, a passengers said about this Travel pillow.

Ultimate NeckSnug Sleep Kit – 100% Memory Foam Travel Pillow

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Image courtesy / Amazon

Another Amazing pillow to guarantee sleep by ensuring no light, no noise and no ‘head dropping’.

COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow, Remarkable Head Chin Neck Support

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Image courtesy / Amazon

A bonus Travel pillow for kids can be used on Airplane, or a car .

A travel pillow that can fix your kids’ neck, relieves neck pain during travel. Bilateral Thickened and widened, full support inside rear, thin in the neck pillow back so that it can prevent head from falling forward. Great for Baby Kid Childs Toddlers from 1~12 Years Old.

Best Travel Pillows to Help You Sleep on a Plane ? / Comparison Table

Product NameAmazon ratingBrand Material
VISHNYA Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Full Neck Chin Support 4.6 out of 5 starsVISHNYAMemory foam
MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow 4.5 out of 5 stars MLVOCMemory foam
Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, Dark Blue 4.4 out of 5TravelMateMemory foam
INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow 4.4 out of 5 INFANZIA Cotton
SAIREIDER Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane Sleeping 100% Memory Foam Adjustable Travel Pillows 4.5 out of 5SAIREIDERMemory foam
Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support for Travel 4.3 out of 5Dot&DotMemory Foam with Cotton Cover
Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow – Airplane Neck Rest & Plane Accessories 4.4 out of 5Everlasting ComfortMemory foam
World’s Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow, Charcoal 4.6 out of 5World’s BestPolyester & Polyester Blend
Ultimate NeckSnug Sleep Kit – 100% Memory Foam Travel Pillow 4.4 out of 5TravelSnugsMemory foam and polyester
COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow, Remarkable Head Chin Neck Support 4.5 out of 5COOLBEBECotton

Final Thoughts On Taking Pillows On a Plane.

You can literally bring any type of pillows on a plane as long as it is within your airline’s baggage policy.

In case your pillow is above your airline personal item so it can’t be stored under the seat in front of you can either place it inside your bag, or opt for another small pillow.

If you are planning to take a large full size pillow, stow it inside your bag, because it may be treated as an additional bag.

We hope this helps.

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