Short and long flights can be stressful, so establishing a relaxing environment throughout your flight will help reduce nervousness during turbulence and increase your chances of catching some Zzz’s before landing. Travel accouterments, such as travel pillows and blankets, are simple solutions to increase in-flight comfort or cat naps on lengthy train rides and road vacations.
Our top picks:
You may be given a travel pillow depending on the airline and kind of flight. However, these aren’t necessarily the nicest cushions to lay your head on as you sleep. If you travel frequently, investing in your travel pillow may be worthwhile, especially for flights in the center or aisle. To that end, based on thorough research and our expert testing in the Home Accessoris Institute, we’ve compiled a list of the finest pillows for travel, including organic pillows, neck pillows, and budget-friendly options.
After perusing our suggestions, we recommend purchasing our top travel goods on Amazon and consulting our guide to washing cushions if you spill your coffee or juice mid-flight.
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If you’re traveling with a child or children, you might be looking for a kid-friendly travel pillow to help them sleep better on long car journeys or flights.
This popular pillow from Bcozzy has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and comes in five colors with charming animal-shaped travel cases. You may adjust the pillow using the velcro strips attached to the overlapping arms, which, along with a flat back, keep your child’s head from falling forward.
Sachs has these adorable pillows for her children, confirming that they remain in position well and roll up nicely and easily to fit inside the carrying pack. “We used them on long road trips and kept them in our car for long car rides.” They adore them!” she observes. This pillow can also be machine washed, which is perfect for spills in the car. The disadvantage? It’s even more expensive than other of our adult travel pillow selections.
Polyester filling | Machine washable | Animal-themed travel bag with adjustable Velcro arms
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Our testers loved this option, which won the HA Family Travel Awards in 2023, and even used it after returning home.
It’s significant in size while remaining portable enough to take on a trip, and it comes with its own storage bag and pillowcase. The fill is a memory foam blend that is pleasant and aids in the pillow’s form retention.
Its curved design keeps you aligned while you sleep. It is more expensive, but Sachs says she uses her cushion at home and while traveling, so the expense may be worthwhile if you travel frequently for work and find hotel pillows uncomfortable.
Memory foam blend filling | Machine washable cover: Yes | Storage bag and pillowcase included; curved shape
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Do you have a limited amount of space? Tuft & Needle’s travel pillow is a popular bedding item. The brand’s Original Mattress is recognized in our roundup of the best mattresses, and GH editors who have brought this cushion on long-haul flights say it’s a game changer.
It’s created from the brand’s adaptable foam, which is breathable. It comes with a pouch into which you may stuff the cushion, making it even more compact. Its adaptable design lends itself to several applications, including extended excursions and even camping. A metal carabiner is included for fastening it to your backpack or baggage.
Sachs adds that this pillow is a good alternative for putting some padding between your neck and shoulder while dozing or for leaning against a car window.
Fill material: foam | Machine washable cover: yes
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The J-Pillow travel pillow has a revolutionary three-way design that supports your head, neck, and chin. You tuck the pillow’s “trunk” under your chin and lean back into it for a pleasant slumber. Even if you buy it for a lengthy flight, you can use it at home when sitting on your sofa to support your head and neck as you nap or read.
It also includes a travel case for easy transportation and a snap loop for hanging it on a hook when not in use. After traveling, you can easily clean this pillow by putting it in the laundry and dryer.
According to one five-star reviewer, “I love this travel pillow; it’s very soft and perfect for sitting next to the window side of the airplane.” On the other hand, its distinctive style and configuration take some getting used to.
Filling: foam | Machine washable: yes. Three-way design with a snap loop
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What distinguishes this cushion from others is its light-blocking ability, which proved successful in our tests. Its design may appear absurd at first glance, but the full-head structure with a mouth opening is intended to decrease ambient light and sound while allowing you to breathe freely.
When leaning over, there are openings for your hands to rest on your head. The pillow creates a pleasant cocoon into which you may retreat, whether at work or on a plane in the middle seat. The manufacturer recommends spot-cleaning the pillow with mild soap and water and thoroughly drying it rather than throwing it in the washing and dryer.
It has an unusual look, but hundreds of internet reviews suggest it accomplishes what it is supposed to do. “I love pillows, and this does fall into that category,” comments one satisfied customer. It’s soft despite its awkwardness. It would be an excellent choice for extended automobile rides.”
Filling: Microbeads | Machine washable: No | Light is blocked; hand holes are provided.
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Although the shape of this travel pillow resembles an infinity scarf, it is intended to provide neck support. According to the brand, this pillow is available in four colors and weighs the same as an apple. It is constructed of soft fleece and has an inbuilt support system that helps keep your head and neck upright.
We like how light and effortlessly it fits your carry-on luggage. To wash, remove the support system and toss the wrap in the washing machine; unlike some u-shaped travel pillows, there is no need to remove the cover first.
It has over 31K Amazon reviews, with one user commenting that they used it on a recent 22-hour journey and were able to fall asleep sitting up for the first time. They also point out that while the fleece material keeps you toasty on often-cold flights, it may be too much for individuals who run hot.
N/A | Machine washable | Features: Soft fleece material
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When you think of travel pillows, you might think of this classic U-shaped pillow. This popular selection has over 27K Amazon reviews, with one buyer claiming they purchased the cushion for a long journey but discovered it also helped them sleep at home: “My neck is supported, and my head is propped in just the right position to sleep comfortably.”
The pillow is designed to accommodate all sleeping postures. You can use the pillow’s arms to support your head, whether it falls forward or sideways. The pillow’s soft fleece makes it pleasant to cuddle with, and it comes with a travel case for simple storage.
Polyester filling | Machine washable cover: Front and side positions are available, as is soft fleece material.
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Try Cabeau’s Evolution Classic, which costs less than $30 for a less expensive choice. Like the S3, this variant has a memory foam fill but no straps for securing it to a headrest.
Adjustable front clasps, on the other hand, provide head and neck support. You’ll love the Machine washable cover for easy cleaning and the hidden storage area for earbuds or earplugs. The pillow has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and over 1.9k online consumer reviews complimenting its comfort. Some said they purchased it for other frequent travelers in their lives.
A few reviews say the pillow can be overly giant, depending on height. Still, it’s a winner, given the price and service supplied.
Memory foam, polyester, and cotton fillings | Machine washable cover: Yes | Features: Adjustable front clasps; secret storage section
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This differs from your average travel neck pillow since the memory foam content keeps its shape better than other neck pillow models.
Our experts discovered that the pillow effectively prevents your neck from tipping too far to the side. The adjustable straps can be attached to any headrest on an airplane or in a car. We like its larger size in comparison to other options on the market. However, it is a little bulkier.
It does, however, come with a travel bag that the maker claims compresses the pillow to half its size. You may also attach the bag to your suitcase to make a place for souvenirs. This is our top-rated travel neck pillow, but more adaptable options exist.
Memory foam filling | Machine washable cover: Yes | Adjustable straps; travel bag
How we chose the best travel pillows
Our textiles specialists at the HomeAccessoris Institute test every type of pillow, from the finest cooling pillows and latex pillows to the best pillows for side sleepers. We also put crucial travel gear and extras, such as luggage brands and packing cubes, to the test.
We consider comfort, support, and simplicity of usage, from carrying to cleaning while shopping for travel pillows. We also examine material durability, performance, packability, and affordability. We drew on testing, expert input, and data from online customer reviews and ratings for this overview.
What to look for when shopping for travel pillows
Here are some things to consider when purchasing a travel pillow for your next trip:
✔️Shape: U-shaped neck pillows are ideal for airlines since they can stay in place while sitting upright in a middle or aisle seat. Small rectangle pillows are ideal for car travel since they can be leaned against a window. A rectangle travel cushion can also be used at your destination, whether a hotel room or a campsite, and even at home after your journey. There are also unusual designs, such as the Ostrich travel pillow, which covers your eyes, and ultra-compact pillows. Travel pillows and toddler pillows are the same size.
✔️Fill: Because foam retains its shape under pressure, it is a popular material for neck travel pillows. Other travel pillows will include a fiberfill or combination that feels more like a regular pillow.
✔️Portability: Almost all of our recommendations have a travel case for convenient packing. The carrying bag will sometimes compress the pillow to a smaller size so you have more place in your suitcase. A bag will protect the pillow and keep it clean when not used. Other pillows will be extremely light or have a clip.
✔️Cleaning: Some of the pillows on this list are entirely machine washable, which means you can throw the entire pillow in the washing machine. Others include machine-washable covers or require a portion of the pillow to be removed before cleaning. Some, though, can only be spot-cleaned. Because you’ll be transporting your pillow and exposing it to various germs, it’s critical to keep it clean.
✔️Price: Based on our testing and research, an excellent travel cushion can be found for roughly $50, with some less-priced versions that are just as comfortable. There are also pricey travel pillows that can cost more than $100.
Are travel pillows worth it?
Yes, especially if you are a frequent traveler or have difficulty getting comfortable on a plane. While some more expensive pillows are available on the market, there are also more affordable options that improve your travel experience.
Although airline pillows are provided free of charge, they are usually less comfortable. Furthermore, purchasing a travel pillow will rapidly pay for itself if you ride the train to work or frequently go on road trips with your family (where pillows aren’t provided).
Why trust Home Accessories?
Elizbeth Brry, the HA Institute’s updates editor, ensures that our product reviews reflect accurate pricing, information, and product features. She is an avid traveler known to put on under-eye patches midway through a journey and prioritizes comfort when traveling locally and internationally.
She collaborated on this book alongside Lexie Sachs, executive director of the HA Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, where she directs research and development of fabric-based technologies. Lexie is always on the lookout for new travel accessories and adores her Honeydew pillow.
