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?
Here is the short answer:
You can bring both neck and bedroom pillows on a plane and through the security checkpoint without any restrictions. Most airlines will not count a 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 neck pillows and what to except at the airport.
Let’s dive right in.
Can Pillows Go Through TSA?
Pillows are considered safe items, so all types of pillows can go through the TSA security checkpoint.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA official website.
Does a Pillow Count As a Personal Item Or a Carry-on?
Most airlines state that small items such as coats and head pillows can be brought on board free of charge and will not be counted toward your carry-on or personal item allowance.
However, if you have a large pillow and you think the airline might 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 up your hands, avoid extra baggage fees, and sleep more comfortably on your flight.
Funny 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 be concerned.
However, a full-size pillow is larger in size, and some airlines may count it as a piece of luggage.
To ensure your full-size pillow makes it on board, measure its dimensions. For example, a standard full-size pillow measures 26″ x 20″, which exceeds the personal item size limit on most U.S. airlines like United, American Airlines, and Delta.
If you are traveling internationally, you can use an airlines luggage calculator to check policies for carriers like Qantas, Ryanair, and Jet2.
Can You Bring a Pillow And a Blanket On The Plane?
A pillow often goes hand in hand with a blanket.
Most airlines permit you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. In addition to these two pieces, you can also bring other small items, like a jacket, a newspaper, a blanket, and a pillow.
However, as 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 Restrictions | Checked Baggage Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Full size pillow | Allowed (may exceed carry-on size) | Allowed |
| Neck pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Acupressure pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Tempur Pedic pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Glow Pet Pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Sciatica back pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Pregnancy pillow | Allowed (may exceed carry-on size) | Allowed |
| Nursing pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Boppy pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
| Inflatable travel pillow | Allowed | Allowed |
How Do You Travel With a Pillow?
If you have an extra travel pillow or don’t plan to use it, you can either stow it inside your carry-on bag or place it in your checked luggage.
If you intend to use it, you can hold the pillow in your hand as you board the airplane or position it 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 provides extra support if you prefer to lean forward while sleeping.
This is a handy tip if you like sleeping in a slightly inclined position and don’t have any issues with stomach sleeping.
Give it a shot next time: place your travel pillow on the tray table and rest your head on top of it.
What Is The Best Travel Pillow To Help You Sleep on a Plane ?
MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow
This MLVOC Travel Pillow scored 4.3 out of 5 stars with 30,514 ratings on Amazon.
Designed to better support your neck when flying, it prevents your head from falling to the sides or forward and relieves neck pain during travel.
With an adjustable rope lock, you can modify the pillow’s angle and size to fit your needs.
VISHNYA Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Full Neck Chin Support
This travel pillow scored 3.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Made by VISHNYA, it features high-quality memory foam, an ergonomic design, and a lightweight structure for enhanced travel comfort.
Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, Dark Blue
A standard yet excellent travel pillow.
Unlike anything on the market, this patented version has a built-in removable insert, allowing you to adjust the thickness based on your personal preference and sitting position.
INFANZIA Kids Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow
Designed with a breathable honeycomb fabric, this pillow is soft, washable, and provides excellent support for kids during travel.
SAIREIDER Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane Sleeping 100% Memory Foam Adjustable Travel Pillows
Offers a complete travel set including a memory foam pillow, eye mask, earplugs, and a storage bag all at an affordable price.
Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support for Travel
Unlike traditional airline travel pillows, this twistable pillow can contour to almost any shape and position for personalized support and pain relief.
Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow – Airplane Neck Rest & Plane Accessories
Made from 100% premium memory foam, this pillow adapts to your neck and shoulders to minimize discomfort caused by airline seats.
World’s Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow, Charcoal
One traveler shared: “I wore this on a recent 6-hour flight and had the most bizarre dream, which I directly attribute to this pillow.”
Ultimate NeckSnug Sleep Kit – 100% Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Ensures maximum comfort with no light, no noise, and no head dropping.
COOLBEBE Kids Neck Travel Pillow, Remarkable Head Chin Neck Support
A great option for kids, providing proper neck support to prevent head movement during travel. Suitable for children aged 1-12.
Final Thoughts On Taking Pillows On a Plane.
You can bring almost any type of pillow on a plane as long as it complies with your airline’s baggage policy.
If your pillow exceeds the airline’s personal item size limit and cannot be stored under the seat in front of you, you can either place it inside your bag or opt for a smaller pillow.
If you plan to take a large, full-size pillow, it’s best to stow it inside your bag, as it may be treated as an additional carry-on item.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
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