The 8 Best Travel Pillows For Long Flights on Airplanes (2024)

When traveling, especially on long journeys, sleeping can seem like the best way to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go. Unfortunately, for many of us, we’re not blessed with being able to sleep just about anywhere. Plus the aches and pains are often an unforeseen consequence of a convenient sleep. Every individual also has a different way of sleeping, which can draw attention to many different pressure points and lead to putting strain on your spine.

Travel pillows are a great way to combat many of these issues and can offer that much-needed support for getting some shut-eye, even in an upright position. Travel pillows are often much smaller than the standard pillow you use at home and can come in a variety of shapes, materials, and comfort levels. From memory foam pillows to inflatable ones, there is an option out there for everyone.

Our guide to the 8 best travel pillows for airplanes will help you decide which pillow will provide the support you need to help you get a restful sleep no matter where you go.

Trtl Pillow Plus

The Trtl Pillow Plus is scientifically proven to keep your head in a better position when sleeping upright. It does this by holding your head in a more ergonomic position during rest. No more head nodding and jolting yourself awake. The super-soft fleece combined with a unique hidden internal support along with a bit of extra cushioning creates a super comfy resting position for your head.

The Trtl Pillow Plus comes in a variety of colors; red, black, grey, and coral to suit your style and preference. It’s designed to look like a scarf and can be easily adjusted for your comfort. For the ultimate comfort, the company recommends that you sit the Trtl Pillow with your ear and jaw tucked inside the pillow. This will stop your head from falling forward. The inner support can be removed making the fleece machine washable.

Best For: Secret support and frequent overnight flyers.

AirComfy Ease Travel Pillow

Comfortably sleep upright with the AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow. The superior design keeps your head upright and helps to prevent kinks and strains. This low-profile support makes it perfect for use as a neck pillow when traveling.

AirComfy knows that everyone is different, so they’ve made sure their pillow can be easily adjusted to your personal preference. The elastic band on the pillow can be attached anywhere to keep the pillow in place, so you won’t have to constantly re-adjust it. As this pillow is inflatable it compresses into an enclosed packsack and easily clips onto your carry-on. Its uses don’t just stop at being a neck pillow, you can also use the AirComfy Ease Pillow as a lumbar pillow to provide lower back support if you need it.

Best For: Space-saving

Saireider Travel Neck Pillow

The Saireider Travel Neck Pillow is a great budget-friendly travel pillow that’s perfect for airplanes. Shut the world out with the earplugs and eye mask that come with the pillow. The pillow is made from 100% memory foam and the 3-second shape restore technology means the pillow will retain its shape after being squeezed at will. It has a zippered cover that can be removed for washing making it more hygienic.

Saireider travel pillow’s ergonomic design offers 360-degree support for your head and neck. The contoured design stops your ears from being squeezed and provides space for headphones meaning an even comfier sleep. This pillow is perfect for airplanes as well as trains, cars, and buses. The pillow features a flat back allowing your head to rest flush against the seat instead of being pushed forward. The pillow compresses into a travel sack for easy carrying.

Best For: Sleeper who do not want to be disturbed

Therm-a-rest Compressible pillow

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a true travel essential. It’s ideal for those seeking comfort and sleep on the go. This pillow provides you with all the support of home bedding in a small, convenient, and lightweight package. It’s not just perfect for the airplane but can be used when camping, backpacking, trekking, and even on car journeys. It’s the ultimate pillow for every need.

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible pillow has a brushed polyester cover that’s soft against your skin providing you with comfort for sleep and relaxation where getting some shut-eye can be a challenge. For the eco-friendly traveler, you’ll be happy to know that the urethane filling is upcycled by using the byproduct of Thermarest Mattresses. Available in a range of colors and designs, you’re sure to find one you’ll love. Many travelers have been really impressed with this pillow and have claimed it’s given them the best sleep ever on a flight. The Therm-a-Rest mission is to create a better way to sleep outside because when you rest better, you play better and that’s exactly what they have done.

Best For: Multiple Uses

Ostrichpillow Light – Best for sensitive sleepers

Dream in style with the Ostrichpillow Light. This stylish, lightweight, and versatile pillow allows you to take a nap wherever you like. If you often struggle to sleep because of light and noise and hate having to mess around with earplugs and an eye mask then the Ostrichpillow light is the pillow for you. It can be worn around your neck when not in use and can be pulled over your eyes and ears for a perfect restful slumber. Its smart design allows it to be portable, comfortable, and adjustable to fit your preference.

The Ostrichpillow Light is handmade using a combination of ultra-soft, high-quality viscose and elastomer as well as next-generation coated microbeads. The pillow is reversible for different colors to fit your mood, outfit, and occasion.

Best For: Sensitive Sleepers

Jensens Inventions J Pillow

Everyone has a seat preference when flying. Some of us prefer the aisle seat, others prefer the emergency exit seats, and some prefer window seats so they can gaze out at the view as they fly. But with liking a window seat comes a few challenges and one of those is being able to sleep as it can often be difficult to rest your head. That’s where Jensens Inventions J-Shaped Pillow comes in handy. Its ingenious chin support keeps your head from falling forward and is attached to a neck support that fills the gap between your head and shoulders.

The J Pillow is super soft yet supportive and makes the perfect travel companion, allowing you to get a restful sleep anywhere. It features a handy snap-loop fastener that attaches to luggage easily. Jensen Inventions believe in their pillow so much that they offer a 6-month money-back guarantee, so if you aren’t completely satisfied you can return it, no questions asked.

Best For: Window seat passengers

EZ-Inflate Cloud Pillow

For those that like to do the forward fold when they sleep on an airplane, the EZ-Inflate Cloud pillow will help you feel like you’re sleeping on cloud nine. It’s been voted one of the best travel pillows for airplanes by Travel + Leisure as well as Fox News. The unique design of this pillow allows you to comfortably fall asleep in a natural forward position. Its patented design allows you to watch movies, play games, and even read your kindle within the pillow.

The EZ-Inflate Cloud pillow has a two-valve system allowing it to inflate in seconds and be adjusted for custom comfort. The headrest cover is easily removable for washing. The Cloud pillow comes with its own travel bag which can be easily attached to your luggage for easy carrying. There are holes in the steam for your arms so you can comfortably place them under your head without the risk of your arms going numb. The headrest and steam provide the ultimate support for your neck so you no more stiff or sore necks. The Cloud pillow is way more hygienic than putting your face flat on an airplane tray table as it keeps your head elevated.

Best For: Forward Folders

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is backed by science to give you the ultimate support for your head, neck, and spine. Used by gamers this pillow is also great for use on airplanes. Its 360-degree head support fights fatigue leaving you feeling more rested and ready to go when you get to your destination.

The pillow’s sporty design combines memory foam with cooling air circulation vents and sweat-wicking fabric to help you feel cool. The fully adjustable toggle allows for various width and height adjustments. The cool pillow also comes with a deluxe travel storage bag for easy packing and the cover is easily removable for washing. Available in purple, blue, black, or red to suit your mood and style.

Best For: Travelers who get too hot