The 4 best travel pillows of 2025, according to an airlines reporter
Falling asleep on an airplane can mean the difference between a great flight and a terrible flight, especially on long-haul flights when getting good rest is also imperative to overcoming jet lag and starting a trip off right. When you need to sleep on a flight, train, or car ride, the best travel pillows keep your head and neck supported and comfortable.
As an aviation journalist and avid traveler, I find myself on multi-day trips at least once a month and often book early morning and overnight flights when required. As a super light traveler, I know that the best travel pillows need to be comfy and easily packable. If it doesn't fit in my pocket, carry-on bag, or attaché' case, I don't bring it with me.
With that in mind, I tested seven travel pillows first-hand to find the best options for all types of sleep situations. Our top pick, the Cushion Lab Cloud Cradle Travel Pillow, has an asymmetrical design for added comfort. With a sturdy feel, the Trtl Pillow Plus is our pick for extra neck support.
Our top picks for travel pillows
Best overall
The Cushion Lab Cloud Cradle travel pillow is a bit large once unfurled, but rolls up so compactly into its handy carrying case that I barely even noticed when it was attached to one of my bags. Unfurling it from its case was no fuss and took less than 30 seconds.
Though at first glance this pillow appears to be a fairly standard travel neck pillow with the classic U-shape design, several key differences help set it apart.
First, the extra dense memory foam is incredibly comfortable. The material of the pillow is super soft and the memory foam made it feel as if I was truly sinking into the pillow instead of just resting my head on top of it.
There's also asymmetrical support with more cushioning on one side more than the other. This is different from the standard, symmetrical neck pillows and meant I had added support for leaning my head.
An adjustable strap also tightens and loosens the pillow's grip to the wearer's desire, another differentiating factor from other travel pillows that increases its appeal and versatility.
When I was done with it, wrapping up the pillow was as simple as wrapping an umbrella.
However, keep in mind this pillow is great primarily for upright sleeping. Though I found it gave me nice neck support, the pillow really can't be propped up against the cabin wall and it won't lend support when laying down across seats either.
Best inflatable
The AirComfy travel pillow comes in a carrying case that includes a carabiner, which makes it easily attachable to a backpack or a carry-on.
Though it didn't look like much at first, a few breaths and about 30 seconds was all it took to inflate the pillow to its proper state. The pillow did a great job of bridging the gap between the headrest of my seat and my head and the soft velvet material was incredibly comfortable.
A strap on the pillow allowed me to affix it to my seat so I could move around without it slipping or falling at all. Adjusting the firmness of the pillow was also just a matter of letting some air out or adding a few extra blows.
An overnight flight was when the pillow really stood out, since I was constantly moving around and adjusting my sleeping position over the six-hour-long flying time. The pillow provided the same amount of comfort regardless of the position I was in.
And, when I had a whole row to myself, the pillow proved even more useful since I could prop it on the armrest when laying down flat. That's something I wouldn't have been able to do with the U-shaped neck pillows. The pillow was equally comfortable propped up against the cabin wall when sitting in the window seat, and I was extremely impressed with its constant versatility.
Once the flight was over, it took seconds to deflate the bag and store it with no fuss.
Like several of the other pillows I tested, this travel pillow also came in a carrying case along with a carabiner that could be used to attach it to a bag. But the case really didn't seem necessary as the pillow was compact and thin enough to slide in a backpack, purse, or even a laptop case.
Its compact size also made it especially easy to unfurl when it was time to use. There was no major assembly required and I had it out of my bag and around my neck in less than 30 seconds. All I had to do was pick a spot on my neck for the pillow to rest and then wrap a cloth around the rest of my neck to keep it in place.
The pillow had an incredibly sturdy feel with plenty of neck support, making it a good choice for head bobbers, and I didn't feel that I had to keep pressure on it to keep it in place.
The cloth that wraps around the pillow is incredibly soft and was comfortable to wear around my head for prolonged periods of time. Adjusting the height of the pillow was as easy as turning a knob. The cloth could also be loosened and tightened as desired for a custom fit.
The only problem I had with the pillow is that it only offered support on one side. I couldn't really move my head much because then I'd have no support. This pillow can also only be used for upright sleeping. I couldn't lay down with this pillow or prop it up against the cabin wall.
That said, it does offer excellent neck support, which can be a serious plus for those who tend to choose aisle seats or have a habit of their head falling forward when sleeping on planes.
Most versatile
I've struggled with trying to find a travel pillow that is comfortable, doesn't take up too much space, by either being able to squish into my bag or dangle from my carry-on, and not a hassle to use.
The Coop Sleep Goods AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow stores in a carrying sack to about the size of a small melon, meaning I can easily toss it into a tote or tie it to my bag. The inflatable pump design takes a few minutes to figure out, but nothing crazy, and it still feels plush, thanks to a combination of an air chamber with microfiber and memory foam fill. The cover is cool, soft, and machine-washable. It has a drawstring with a toggle clasp to keep it in place.
The design follows the typical crescent shape of a travel pillow, with an underside of two soft arches. Coop identified six different ways to wear it to find the support you want, whether you have a window or a middle seat. I like to move it to the side, mountain-side up as I call it, for extra neck-support if I'm sitting against a window. It's equally as comfortable to adjust it to the side, so my shoulder is nicely cradled between the mountains, to provide a side cushion. Either way, my neck feels well supported. You can also wear it front facing to keep you from nodding forward.
Using a valve and pump system, I can adjust the pillow to the fullness I desire. No huffing and puffing here. When I'm ready to deflate, I just switch open the valve and then stuff it back into its bag. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
What to look for
While the best travel pillow for you will depend on your specific preferences, desired sleep position, and usual airplane seat, there are a few constants I looked for across all the travel pillows I tested. These are similar qualities anyone should consider when looking for a solid travel pillow and include:
Packability: As a no-fuss economy flyer, I sought out packability the most as I was often using a backpack or overnight bag for most of my trips. Baggage allowance is minimal for economy flyers so I wanted a pillow that could either fit snugly in a bag or easily be attached to one of my bags.
Comfort: How comfortable the pillows were was the other main factor. Quality of sleep is just as important as the duration of sleep, and if a pillow isn't comfortable, it simply isn't serving its purpose.
Simplicity: Flying in economy is already tight quarters and that's compacted when in a crowded row. I was looking for pillows that I could easy assemble and disassemble while at my seat, without disturbing my neighbors.
Staying power: A travel pillow is only good if it stays connected to one's head. I sought out pillows that wouldn't fall if I moved my head during my sleep and ones that wouldn't fall off of my neck.
How we tested travel pillows
For this guide, I tested seven pillows on flights across the Western Hemisphere for three months.
I tested the pillows on flights in my travels for work and pleasure. The types of flights I took ranged from long-haul international Delta Air Lines flights to short-haul Frontier Airlines flights.
I tested each pillow in a variety of sleeping positions, including upright and in window seats to determine how the pillows performed in tight spaces and if they could be used against the airplane cabin wall. On overnight flights when I had the entire row open, I also tested the pillow's comfort levels when laying fully flat.
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Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Business Insider
The 4 best travel pillows of 2025, according to an airlines reporter
Falling asleep on an airplane can mean the difference between a great flight and a terrible flight, especially on long-haul flights when getting good rest is also imperative to overcoming jet lag and starting a trip off right. When you need to sleep on a flight, train, or car ride, the best travel pillows keep your head and neck supported and comfortable. As an aviation journalist and avid traveler, I find myself on multi-day trips at least once a month and often book early morning and overnight flights when required. As a super light traveler, I know that the best travel pillows need to be comfy and easily packable. If it doesn't fit in my pocket, carry-on bag, or attaché' case, I don't bring it with me. With that in mind, I tested seven travel pillows first-hand to find the best options for all types of sleep situations. Our top pick, the Cushion Lab Cloud Cradle Travel Pillow, has an asymmetrical design for added comfort. With a sturdy feel, the Trtl Pillow Plus is our pick for extra neck support. Our top picks for travel pillows Best overall The Cushion Lab Cloud Cradle travel pillow is a bit large once unfurled, but rolls up so compactly into its handy carrying case that I barely even noticed when it was attached to one of my bags. Unfurling it from its case was no fuss and took less than 30 seconds. Though at first glance this pillow appears to be a fairly standard travel neck pillow with the classic U-shape design, several key differences help set it apart. First, the extra dense memory foam is incredibly comfortable. The material of the pillow is super soft and the memory foam made it feel as if I was truly sinking into the pillow instead of just resting my head on top of it. There's also asymmetrical support with more cushioning on one side more than the other. This is different from the standard, symmetrical neck pillows and meant I had added support for leaning my head. An adjustable strap also tightens and loosens the pillow's grip to the wearer's desire, another differentiating factor from other travel pillows that increases its appeal and versatility. When I was done with it, wrapping up the pillow was as simple as wrapping an umbrella. However, keep in mind this pillow is great primarily for upright sleeping. Though I found it gave me nice neck support, the pillow really can't be propped up against the cabin wall and it won't lend support when laying down across seats either. Best inflatable The AirComfy travel pillow comes in a carrying case that includes a carabiner, which makes it easily attachable to a backpack or a carry-on. Though it didn't look like much at first, a few breaths and about 30 seconds was all it took to inflate the pillow to its proper state. The pillow did a great job of bridging the gap between the headrest of my seat and my head and the soft velvet material was incredibly comfortable. A strap on the pillow allowed me to affix it to my seat so I could move around without it slipping or falling at all. Adjusting the firmness of the pillow was also just a matter of letting some air out or adding a few extra blows. An overnight flight was when the pillow really stood out, since I was constantly moving around and adjusting my sleeping position over the six-hour-long flying time. The pillow provided the same amount of comfort regardless of the position I was in. And, when I had a whole row to myself, the pillow proved even more useful since I could prop it on the armrest when laying down flat. That's something I wouldn't have been able to do with the U-shaped neck pillows. The pillow was equally comfortable propped up against the cabin wall when sitting in the window seat, and I was extremely impressed with its constant versatility. Once the flight was over, it took seconds to deflate the bag and store it with no fuss. Like several of the other pillows I tested, this travel pillow also came in a carrying case along with a carabiner that could be used to attach it to a bag. But the case really didn't seem necessary as the pillow was compact and thin enough to slide in a backpack, purse, or even a laptop case. Its compact size also made it especially easy to unfurl when it was time to use. There was no major assembly required and I had it out of my bag and around my neck in less than 30 seconds. All I had to do was pick a spot on my neck for the pillow to rest and then wrap a cloth around the rest of my neck to keep it in place. The pillow had an incredibly sturdy feel with plenty of neck support, making it a good choice for head bobbers, and I didn't feel that I had to keep pressure on it to keep it in place. The cloth that wraps around the pillow is incredibly soft and was comfortable to wear around my head for prolonged periods of time. Adjusting the height of the pillow was as easy as turning a knob. The cloth could also be loosened and tightened as desired for a custom fit. The only problem I had with the pillow is that it only offered support on one side. I couldn't really move my head much because then I'd have no support. This pillow can also only be used for upright sleeping. I couldn't lay down with this pillow or prop it up against the cabin wall. That said, it does offer excellent neck support, which can be a serious plus for those who tend to choose aisle seats or have a habit of their head falling forward when sleeping on planes. Most versatile I've struggled with trying to find a travel pillow that is comfortable, doesn't take up too much space, by either being able to squish into my bag or dangle from my carry-on, and not a hassle to use. The Coop Sleep Goods AirJustable Travel Neck Pillow stores in a carrying sack to about the size of a small melon, meaning I can easily toss it into a tote or tie it to my bag. The inflatable pump design takes a few minutes to figure out, but nothing crazy, and it still feels plush, thanks to a combination of an air chamber with microfiber and memory foam fill. The cover is cool, soft, and machine-washable. It has a drawstring with a toggle clasp to keep it in place. The design follows the typical crescent shape of a travel pillow, with an underside of two soft arches. Coop identified six different ways to wear it to find the support you want, whether you have a window or a middle seat. I like to move it to the side, mountain-side up as I call it, for extra neck-support if I'm sitting against a window. It's equally as comfortable to adjust it to the side, so my shoulder is nicely cradled between the mountains, to provide a side cushion. Either way, my neck feels well supported. You can also wear it front facing to keep you from nodding forward. Using a valve and pump system, I can adjust the pillow to the fullness I desire. No huffing and puffing here. When I'm ready to deflate, I just switch open the valve and then stuff it back into its bag. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor What to look for While the best travel pillow for you will depend on your specific preferences, desired sleep position, and usual airplane seat, there are a few constants I looked for across all the travel pillows I tested. These are similar qualities anyone should consider when looking for a solid travel pillow and include: Packability: As a no-fuss economy flyer, I sought out packability the most as I was often using a backpack or overnight bag for most of my trips. Baggage allowance is minimal for economy flyers so I wanted a pillow that could either fit snugly in a bag or easily be attached to one of my bags. Comfort: How comfortable the pillows were was the other main factor. Quality of sleep is just as important as the duration of sleep, and if a pillow isn't comfortable, it simply isn't serving its purpose. Simplicity: Flying in economy is already tight quarters and that's compacted when in a crowded row. I was looking for pillows that I could easy assemble and disassemble while at my seat, without disturbing my neighbors. Staying power: A travel pillow is only good if it stays connected to one's head. I sought out pillows that wouldn't fall if I moved my head during my sleep and ones that wouldn't fall off of my neck. How we tested travel pillows For this guide, I tested seven pillows on flights across the Western Hemisphere for three months. I tested the pillows on flights in my travels for work and pleasure. The types of flights I took ranged from long-haul international Delta Air Lines flights to short-haul Frontier Airlines flights. I tested each pillow in a variety of sleeping positions, including upright and in window seats to determine how the pillows performed in tight spaces and if they could be used against the airplane cabin wall. On overnight flights when I had the entire row open, I also tested the pillow's comfort levels when laying fully flat.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Forbes
I'm A Professional Travel Writer—These 6 Items Are My Non-Negotiables
After three decades of covering travel and luxury—from private island resorts in the British Virgin Islands to a sleepless night on a borrowed piece of cardboard on Australia's Fraser Island, battling ants and dingoes—I've learned a few things about getting around this fascinating world of ours. Through trial and error, I've figured out the best travel gear that actually holds up. The travel hacks that help. The things that make flying, packing, sleeping, and staying safe a little easier. I promise, this isn't a list of trendy TikTok finds or sponsored fluff. These are products I've personally used across thousands of miles and dozens of time zones—things that still make it into my bag after all these years. The Trtl is a travel neck pillow that keeps your head from doing the "wake-up bob" at 36,000 feet. You know what I love about those bulky U-shaped pillow you see at airport gift shops? Nothing. 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When I need something less 'Indiana Jones on vacay,' I go for the Hidden Pockets Cargo Pants. They've got a cleaner, sleeker silhouette but still manage to hide eight thoughtfully placed pockets. Perfect when I want to carry everything (phone, passport, earbuds, reporter's notebook, battery pack, snacks, receipts and cash) without looking like I'm wearing my luggage. Scott Jordan, the founder of SCOTTeVEST, famously told the Shark Tank investors they were 'out'—and honestly, he didn't need them. His gear has made millions because it solves a real travel problem: how to carry all your essentials safely, and without schlepping another bag. These pieces have saved me more than once when I didn't want to deal with a backpack. Just don't forget where you stashed your stuff. Loop Quiet earplugs look like jewelry (not traffic cones) and won't make you feel like you've got packing peanuts in your ears. 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These things saved me from confrontation—and from chaos. Highly recommend. Once a skeptic, I became a Birkenstock convert after several big trips. For years, I dismissed Birkenstocks. To me, they were the uniform of Deadheads, bodywork therapists, and Dusseldorf exchange students named Lukas. But before back-to-back trips to South America and Europe last year, I needed something different than the Australian Blundstones I'd been traveling with for too long (they made my feet sweaty). I neeeded shoes that could handle cobblestone streets, museum afternoons, dinners out, airport security, and maybe even a beach. And just like that, Birkenstock became my ride-or-die travel footwear. I started with the Pasadena, a low-profile, laced-up classic that somehow walks the line between sneaker and casual dress shoe. I wore it to galleries in Rio and to dinner in Bologna and never once felt underdressed—or under-supported. 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Just enough sustenance to get you through those middle-of-the-night jetlag blues. You think you've adjusted. You're fine. You've made it through dinner in Tokyo, walked off the flight, maybe even stayed up till 9 p.m. like a globetrotting pro. Then at 3:07 a.m., jet lag taps you on the shoulder and whispers, You were wrong. Suddenly you're ravenous and wide awake in a hotel room where the mini bar is stocked with $20 gold-leaf sake jelly. This is why I always pack Nature's Bakery Fig Bars. They're soft-baked, real-fruit-filled, and just sweet enough to feel like comfort without the regret. They're plant-based, dairy-free, nut-free, and TSA-friendly—which is more than I can say for some of my snacks. Each little twin-pack is perfect: one for right now, one for that next inevitable middle-of-the-night existential crisis. I'm partial to Raspberry, but I've also stashed Apple Cinnamon and Blueberry in backpacks, jacket pockets, and side compartments of my suitcase. As travel gear goes, it's a lifeline at altitude, on tarmacs, or when the only thing open near your hotel is a vending machine full of squid chips.
Yahoo
17-01-2025
- Yahoo
'I slept 7 hours straight on a plane': This twisty travel pillow is 50% off
There are few things more interesting and restorative than a far-flung vacation. We love zipping across the country (or the globe) for a new adventure. What we do not love is trying to get comfortable en route, whether via plane, train or car. But Amazon's savviest travelers have discovered something to make such treks a lot more bearable: the Dot¨ Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow. It's just $20 right now, down from $40. Can you really put a price on comfort for a flight or a long road trip? While this travel pillow goes on sale periodically, we don't expect the price to drop lower than the current 50% discount — it hasn't gone any lower in years, in fact. For the savvy traveler, this pillow can make all your trips in 2025 a lot more comfortable. What sets it apart from those flimsy U-shaped pillows sold at the airport? For starters, it's made from cushy yet supportive memory foam to keep your neck in place. On top of that, it can twist into whatever shape you want for more restful sleep even when you're stuck sitting upright. It also has a clasp to keep it in place. Not only is it comfy, but the cover can be removed and washed — especially handy after you've spent hours in a cramped, germy airplane cabin. That means you can refresh it before every trip you take. More than 10,000 shoppers have given the Dot¨ Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow a five-star rating — and they use it for more than just traveling. "This is the most functional travel pillow I have ever owned!" shared a rave reviewer. "First, it is memory foam, so thick and soft, then inside is a wire so you can bend the pillow however you want! So, you do not have to just have it around your neck, propping your head up. I had it just around the back of my neck and then folded it into a U-shape by my ear and it was so comfortable to lean on and actually have a pillow to lean into!" "This has to be one of the best purchases I've made on Amazon," a doting daughter wrote. "My elderly mother lives at home with a live-in caregiver. She often sleeps in her recliner chair and no matter how we've tried to prop up her head as she sleeps, my mother's head invariably falls to the side. With this memory foam pillow, her head is held up and she no longer ends up with a stiff neck. It's soft and yet easily molded to her neck and head." "I love this thing!" gushed a five-star fan. "I am a person who suffers from cervical dystonia, which is a very painful disorder of the neck. I had been searching for a new travel pillow when I discovered this crazy-looking thing. I can adjust it to support my neck in any direction I choose! It folds up nice and compact when I need it to and it pulls out of my tote bag and supports me whenever and wherever I need it to!" "You probably need this!" raved another shopper. "It's a bit bulky but the comfort and support it provides outweighs any annoyances of carrying it around. I slept seven hours straight on a plane with this thing. A miracle!" "I didn't give it five stars because it is a little bulky and there were times I couldn't quite get it positioned well — I tend to drop my head forward when I sleep on a plane, and it was hard to twist this in such a way that my head didn't drop," said a mostly satisfied reviewer. "If I wore it like a collar with it opened at the back of my neck, that worked fairly well." Other travelers felt the pillow wasn't quite cushy enough. "Good flexibility. Wish it could have had more softness around the neck area. It gave the neck great support, but a little too firm." While you're lounging with your new pillow, you may need a little help blocking out ambient noise. These can keep things quiet. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
