Can You Bring a Pillow on a Plane?

Whether you are hopping on a long-haul flight to another country or traveling domestically, flying in comfort is a must. This becomes even more important when you need to sleep on the plane.

Bringing a pillow sounds like the right solution to your comfort needs, but that begs the question: Are you allowed to take a pillow on a plane? With a small seating space allocated to every passenger and luggage restrictions that differ from airline to airline, this can be a tricky business to figure out. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about taking a pillow on a plane.

Can You Bring a Pillow on a Plane?

Ultimately, yes. You can bring a pillow on a plane. However, there are restrictions that could make it tricky, such as the size of the pillow and how many personal items you are taking aboard.

Can You Bring a Pillow on a Plane for Free?

While some airlines allow you to bring a pillow on the plane free of charge, others charge a fee for this additional luggage add-on.

Types of Pillows Allowed on Airlines

There are a couple of different types of pillows you can take on a plane. Some are more convenient than others, but ultimately, the choice is up to you.

Neck and Travel Pillows

When you’re trying to find pillows for the plane, it’s ideal to purchase one of the best travel pillows on the market. Neck and travel pillows are specifically designed to be smaller than your average pillow and a little more dense to provide much-needed comfort.

The ergonomic design of a neck pillow means it fits snugly around your neck without taking up any unnecessary space. Square or rectangular travel pillows are still smaller than your average pillow, taking up less space on the plane. They also provide the added support needed to get a restful sleep.

Standard Pillows

Standard pillows can be brought onto the plane, but they do cause a little more hassle than travel pillows. For one, they are bigger and will take up more of your limited seating area. These pillows are generally allowed on the plane if they can be stored under your seat.

In cases where your pillow is too big to be stored under your seat, it will need to be stashed in your carry-on bag. If you are taking a full-sized pillow with you and not storing it in your carry-on luggage, it will be treated as an additional carry-on bag.

While some people might find standard pillows to be more comfortable, it’s best to ensure they are on the smaller side so that no hassles are caused during boarding. If a standard pillow is your preference, ensure you are boarding with one of the best pillows of 2024 for maximum comfort.

Does a Pillow Need to be Packed?

This differs from airline to airline, but as a standard rule, pillows are allowed on a plane as a personal item if they are reasonably sized. This means the pillow can be stashed under the seat or in front of you.

If your pillow is too big to be stashed under the seat or in front of you, then it will need to be packed into your carry-on.

Does a Pillow Count As a Personal Item or Carry-On Item?

While most domestic airlines classify a pillow as a personal item, some international airlines prefer that you use the pillow provided.

Do Airlines Provide Pillows?

Most international airlines provide pillows for long-haul flights regardless of whether you are in the economy, business, or first class. When it comes to domestic travel, most airlines do not provide a pillow for passengers at all. However, some domestic airlines go out of their way for their business and first-class passengers, providing them with a pillow even on shorter journeys.

Are Airplane Pillows Clean?

If the pillow provided for you by the airline is sealed in plastic, it means the pillow has a stamp of approval from the airline. These pillows are clean and can be used without concern. If you come across a pillow that is not sealed in plastic, it may be left over from the previous flight. In this case, it would be best to ask for a fresh pillow.

If you have any ongoing health issues it would be best to take your own pillow onto the flight to ensure its cleanliness.

How to Use a Pillow on a Plane

If you’re wondering how to sleep on a plane, the most common way is to wear a neck pillow. You’ll want to slip it snugly around your neck and leave a gap in the front. While this does work, turning the pillow so that the gap is at the back provides a whole lot more comfort.

With the gap at the back of your neck, your entire neck and chin are supported by the pillow, preventing your head from falling forward.

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