For anyone who’s ever endured a long flight in economy class without a decent pillow, you understand the transformative power of a good neck pillow. Arriving at your destination feeling refreshed rather than stiff and sore is a game-changer. “I always bring a neck pillow when I’m traveling across continents or on lengthy overnight domestic flights,” advises Joni Sweet, a seasoned travel and health journalist based in the United States. “Certain designs can even offer a sense of personal space and privacy while you’re on the plane.”
While a travel pillow is undeniably beneficial on long-haul journeys, its usefulness extends to shorter trips and various modes of transport. Kristen Kellogg, a filmmaker and co-founder of Salt & Wind, a travel company, explains, “My travel often involves a mix of flights, train rides, and road trips. Being able to grab even a short 30-minute nap of good quality makes a huge difference to my energy and focus, especially when I’m leading tours or filming on location. A reliable travel pillow is absolutely crucial for maintaining my rest and health while constantly on the go.”
To maximize rest while traveling, it’s important to consider other factors that contribute to better sleep. Shelby Harris, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, suggests, “Opt for a window seat if possible, giving you a wall to lean against and greater control over your personal space. Pack an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to minimize light and sound distractions. Crucially, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your flight and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can significantly disrupt your sleep patterns.”
Drawing upon our own experiences as travel journalists, insights from sleep experts, and thorough online research, we’ve concluded that the Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow is an excellent choice for most travelers, thanks to its thoughtful design, comfortable material, and reasonable price point. However, the ideal travel pillow is ultimately a personal decision, dependent on your individual sleeping style, specific needs, and preferences. Below are our top recommendations for the best travel neck pillows available today.
Our Picks for the Best Travel Neck Pillows:
- Best Travel Pillow For Flights Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
- Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
- Best Travel Pillow for Neck Pain: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
- Best Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
- Best Inflatable Travel Pillow: Cabeau Air TNE
- Best Small Travel Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
- Best Affordable Travel Neck Pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
- Best Luxury Travel Neck Pillow: Pluto Pod 2.0
- Best Travel Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Finding Your Perfect Flight Companion: The Best Travel Neck Pillows
When searching for the ideal travel pillow to enhance your flight comfort, consider your typical sleeping position as your starting point. From there, explore pillows that align with your travel preferences, focusing on features like firmness and portability. Regardless of the travel neck pillow you ultimately choose, it should be easily packable and simple to clean for hygiene and convenience. Let’s delve deeper into each of our top travel neck pillow recommendations to help you determine the best option for your travel needs.
Best Travel Pillow for Flights Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow in Indigo
Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Why We Recommend It: The Cabeau Evolution S3 consistently earns high marks from travelers thanks to its combination of affordability, ergonomic design, and practical features. The pillow’s flat back design ensures it sits flush against airplane or train seats, while the raised side sections offer excellent neck support, preventing uncomfortable tilting. The adjustable front clasp allows for a customized and secure fit.
Integrated seat straps are a standout feature, preventing the pillow from slipping or sliding during your journey. For frequent travelers, the removable and machine-washable cover is a crucial hygiene benefit. When not in use, the pillow conveniently rolls into a compact carrying case, complete with a clip for easy attachment to your suitcase or backpack.
Things to Consider: For those who sleep fully upright, there’s a possibility of the neck tilting forward through the front opening if the clasp isn’t sufficiently tightened.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, moisture-wicking, and machine-washable fabric
- Fill: Premium Memory Foam
- Available Colors: Indigo, Jet Black, Steel, Galaxy, Cardinal, Black Snakeskin
Learn more about how to sleep comfortably on a plane
Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
Trtl Travel Pillow in GreyTrtl Travel Pillow
Why We Recommend It: The Trtl Travel Pillow is celebrated for its unique, supportive design and its stylish, scarf-like appearance. This innovative travel pillow works by positioning the internal support structure against the side of your head and then wrapping the soft fleece fabric around your neck, similar to a scarf.
Despite its less bulky form factor compared to traditional travel pillows, the Trtl offers surprisingly robust support for proper head and neck alignment. This is crucial for preventing stiffness and discomfort after extended flights. It’s also exceptionally lightweight and compact; it folds flat into a square shape, making it incredibly easy to pack at the top of your carry-on luggage. For long flights where space is at a premium, this pillow truly shines.
Things to Consider: The Trtl Pillow is optimally designed for side sleepers. If you tend to switch sleeping positions frequently during a flight, adjusting this pillow might be slightly less convenient.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, hypoallergenic fleece
- Fill: Patented Hidden Internal Support Structure
- Available Colors: Black, Grey, Coral, Red
Best Travel Pillow for Neck Pain: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow in Blue
Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Why We Recommend It: If neck pain is a primary concern during flights, the Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is designed to provide superior support. It features plush memory foam with higher and slightly firmer side sections compared to many similar pillows, offering enhanced neck stability.
This design is particularly effective in maintaining proper alignment of the head and neck during sleep, which is key to minimizing discomfort. The non-slip backing helps keep the pillow securely in place against your seat. Because it sits higher around the neck, it significantly reduces the likelihood of your head bobbing forward awkwardly during sleep.
Things to Consider: Some users might find the higher sides of this pillow to retain a bit more warmth. However, the memory foam is specifically designed with thermoregulation in mind to mitigate overheating.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft velour fabric
- Fill: Thermo-sensitive Memory Foam
- Available Colors: Blue, Grey
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Best Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow in Midnight Grey
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Why We Recommend It: The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow stands out with its sophisticated, wraparound design that provides comprehensive 360-degree neck support. At its core is patented BASF memory foam that molds perfectly to the natural curvature of your spine. The multi-height design further enhances support for the sides of your head and chin, effectively minimizing uncomfortable forward nodding.
A gentle Velcro closure allows for a wide range of adjustability to achieve a snug and personalized fit. The outer fabric is not only soft and cooling but also machine washable for easy care. The included compression bag makes it simple to pack this pillow efficiently for any type of trip.
Things to Consider: Some users have noted that the higher side sections can make it slightly challenging to use earbuds comfortably. You might need to opt for softer earplugs when using this neck pillow.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, breathable fabric designed to prevent overheating
- Fill: Premium BASF Memory Foam
- Available Colors: Midnight Grey, Eclipse Black, Dark Night, Forest Green
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Best Inflatable Travel Pillow: Cabeau Air TNE
Cabeau Air TNE Inflatable Travel Pillow in Slate Grey
Cabeau Air TNE
Why We Recommend It: For travelers prioritizing ultra-compactness and customizable firmness, an inflatable pillow like the Cabeau Air TNE is an excellent choice.
Filmmaker Kristen Kellogg shares her experience: “As a filmmaker, I’m always traveling with a lot of equipment and have limited extra space, so I’ve become a big fan of inflatable neck pillows. I prefer a travel pillow that allows me to adjust its softness or firmness, so I can adapt it to how my body feels at any given moment.”
The Cabeau Air TNE is thoughtfully designed to minimize forward head bobbing. Its single-breath inflation system means you can inflate it quickly without excessive effort, and it also includes a washable cover for hygiene.
Things to Consider: Inflatable neck pillows, being less firm overall, may not provide sufficient support for individuals with chronic neck pain or those who require more robust neck support.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, washable fabric
- Fill: Inflatable Core
- Available Colors: Slate Grey, Midnight Black, Royal Blue
Best Small Travel Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow in Aqua
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
Why We Recommend It: The Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow is designed for ultimate portability. Sea to Summit claims it packs down to be “as small as the two packets of peanuts the airline provides as your in-flight meal.” An adjustable neck closure ensures a secure and comfortable fit, and it inflates fully in just a couple of breaths.
Things to Consider: This pillow is best suited for shorter trips where maximum packability is prioritized. Some travelers may find the fabric less breathable compared to other pillow styles.
Product Specifications:
- Material: 20 Denier Polyester
- Fill: Inflatable Core
- Available Colors: Aqua, Grey
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Best Affordable Travel Neck Pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow in Charcoal
Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
Why We Recommend It: For travelers seeking a budget-friendly option that still provides cushioning and comfort, the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow is a great choice. It is lightweight, compact, and easily fits into a carry-on bag. A particularly useful feature is its ability to fold into its carrying pouch, which then transforms into a rectangular pillow. This secondary pillow can be used for lumbar support or side cushioning.
Things to Consider: This pillow lacks a front fastener and sits lower around the neck compared to other designs. While this may be advantageous for those who tend to overheat, it offers less dedicated neck support than more structured options.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, smooth fabric
- Fill: Micro-beads
- Available Colors: Charcoal, Navy, Purple
Best Luxury Travel Neck Pillow: Pluto Pod 2.0
Pluto Pod 2.0 Luxury Travel Pillow in Black
Pluto Pod 2.0
Why We Recommend It: Travel journalist Joni Sweet, who has tested numerous travel pillows, declares, “Out of the eight to ten travel pillows I’ve tried over the years, the Pluto Pod is my absolute favorite.” The Pluto Pod 2.0’s innovative, futuristic design considers multiple factors that contribute to quality sleep, including light and sound reduction. It features an integrated hood that fits over your head, a soft, built-in eye mask, and a supportive pillow section around the neck. It essentially creates a personal, mini-sensory deprivation environment.
“The fact that it almost completely covers my head when I use the eye mask gives me a wonderful sense of privacy,” Sweet explains. “This is really important to me when I’m trying to sleep on a plane.”
Things to Consider: While the Pluto Pod 2.0 receives exceptional reviews and is ideal for achieving deep sleep on flights, it is slightly bulkier than other travel pillow styles.
Product Specifications:
- Material: “Alcantara” and water-resistant “WPS Mesh” exterior; Soft-weave “Spandura” interior
- Fill: Composite neck foam core made of PVC plastic, poly foam, and recycled microfiber fill
- Available Colors: Black, Sky Grey
Best Travel Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Hest Pro Travel Pillow in Grey
Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Why We Recommend It: For side sleepers aiming to rest on a flight, securing a window seat is the first step. Using a pillow that effectively supports the side of your head, such as the Trtl Travel Pillow, or one that can be transformed to rest against the side of the seat, becomes crucial.
Joni Sweet highlights the versatility of the Hest Pro Travel Pillow: “The Hest Travel Pillow has a more traditional shape, but it also unfolds into a small body pillow, which is why I continue to use it even after flights during my trips.”
The filling is a blend of shredded enhanced memory foam and polyester, providing the comfort and adaptability of a full-size pillow in a travel-friendly format.
“As a side sleeper, body pillows are essential for my comfort, but they are rarely available in hotels,” Sweet adds. “The Hest pillow also includes features to keep the facial contact area clean, and the nylon cover is removable and washable.”
Things to Consider: Even when packed, the Hest Pro Travel Pillow is larger than most travel pillows, but its exceptional comfort justifies the extra space for many users.
Product Specifications:
- Material: Soft, stretch woven nylon
- Fill: Blend of Memory Foam and Polyester
- Available Color: Grey
Learn how to master long-haul flights for a smoother journey
Our Selection Process for the Best Neck Pillows for Flights
Our recommendations for the top travel neck pillows are based on a rigorous evaluation process incorporating extensive research, hands-on product testing, and expert insights and reviews.
- In-depth Research: We analyzed a wide range of customer reviews and product tests to gather unbiased feedback on each neck pillow’s performance and user satisfaction.
- Hands-on Product Testing: Our writers personally tested many of the leading travel pillows on both long-haul and short-haul flights. This testing focused on key factors such as size and portability, material quality, level of support, and practical features.
- Expert Consultations: We consulted with frequent travelers, health professionals, and sleep specialists, including experienced trip leaders, travel journalists, and medical experts. These consultations provided valuable technical recommendations, real-world insights into favorite travel pillows, and essential criteria to consider when choosing a travel pillow.
Key Considerations When Buying a Travel Neck Pillow
Size and Shape:
Shelby Harris, a sleep expert, advises starting with your typical sleeping position: “Side sleepers often benefit from firmer, taller pillows, while back sleepers may prefer softer, lower profiles. If you have existing neck or back issues, look for a contoured pillow shape to promote spinal alignment.” Adjustable or inflatable pillows offer the advantage of customized firmness and support.
Practical Features:
Look for design elements that enhance usability. Adjustable straps to secure the pillow to the seat back, like those on the Cabeau Evolution S3, or a non-slip backing to keep the pillow in place are beneficial. A method for easily attaching the pillow to luggage, such as a snap closure or tie, prevents it from taking up valuable space inside your carry-on.
Material and Fill:
“Memory foam is excellent for both support and comfort, while inflatable pillows are lightweight and easily adjustable,” notes Harris. “For the outer fabric, choose soft, breathable materials like microfiber or velour. These feel pleasant against the skin and are generally easier to clean – prioritize materials that are comfortable and durable over time.”
Versatility:
Pillows with convertible designs, such as the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1, which transforms into a flat, rectangular pillow, can be particularly useful for side sleepers or for providing lumbar support. Any pillow that allows you to adjust and customize it to your comfort, similar to your pillows at home, is a significant advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Pillows
What is the Correct Way to Use a Travel Pillow for Flights?
Properly adjusting the front closure is essential. Your travel pillow should fit snugly but not tightly around your neck, allowing support without preventing natural head movement or causing discomfort. It should prevent your head from excessively nodding forward.
Can Travel Pillows Help with Neck Pain During Flights?
Excessive forward head nodding during flights is a common cause of neck soreness. “Some people find relief by reversing the pillow so the thicker section supports their chin, preventing their head from drooping forward,” suggests Harris. Experimenting with pillow position can help find the most supportive orientation.
Will a Travel Pillow Count as a Carry-on Item?
Generally, no. Small, compact travel pillows are not typically counted as a separate carry-on item by airlines, especially if they are stored efficiently or attached to your luggage.
Chloe Berge is a freelance journalist based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in travel, environmental issues, and adventure stories. Her travel experiences range from safaris in Botswana to backcountry trekking expeditions in East Greenland.
*Disclaimer: While we share our personal opinions and experiences with these products, National Geographic does not endorse any products or experiences on behalf of individuals. Product safety testing has not been conducted by National Geographic, nor have they manufactured, sold, or distributed these products. No representations are made regarding product safety or quality for individual consumers. Prices and availability may change after the publication date.
