A Little Neck-sessity For Long-Haul Flights: 9 Best Travel Pillows

After my 19-hour direct flight from Singapore to New York, I got off the plane feeling surprisingly refreshed—thank you, trusty travel neck pillow! If you’ve ever been on a long flight, you know how important it is to stay comfy, and the right neck pillow can be a game changer. With so many options out there, I decided to hunt down the best travel pillows that can turn any gruelling journey into a cosy escape.  In this article, I’ll share the different types of travel neck pillows and my top picks to keep you comfortable on your travels.

Types of travel neck pillows available

When it comes to long flights, a good neck pillow can be a total lifesaver. But with so many types out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Here’s a quick rundown of the different kinds of travel neck pillows you can snag for your next adventure!

• U-shaped pillows: These are the classics! They wrap around your neck to give your head some support, making it easier to catch some Z’s while you’re sitting up.
• J-shaped pillows: A bit different from the U-shape, these pillows cradle your neck on one side. They’re super adjustable, so you can find that sweet spot for comfort.
• Inflatable pillows: If you’re tight on space, these are your best bet. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, plus you can blow them up to just the right firmness. Win-win!
• Memory foam pillows: These pillows hug your neck and head like a gentle cloud, providing personalised support. They might take up a bit more room, but the comfort is worth it!
• Microbead pillows: Filled with tiny beads, these pillows mould to your neck shape and are soft and squishy. They’re lightweight and packable, too!

Overview of the best travel pillows

Best travel pillows to carry along for your next long-haul flight

1. Best for overall comfort: Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow

Is it just me, or does anyone else have their head falling forward while trying to sleep on a plane? It’s such a struggle! Thankfully, I didn’t have that issue on my 19-hour flight from Singapore to New York with the Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow. The exclusive S3 seat straps made it super easy to attach the pillow to the airplane seat, keeping my head and spine perfectly aligned. 

The chinstrap technology was a lifesaver too. It secured my head in place, preventing that dreaded “bobblehead” moment, and kept my mouth closed while I dozed off. Plus, the open-neck design allowed for great airflow, so I stayed comfortable throughout the flight.

2. Best for overall value: Inflatable Neck Pillow

One of the first neck pillows I had was the Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow. Sure, it might not be as comfy as the fancy memory foam ones, but honestly, it’s a great value for money at under $10! What I love most is the raised arched neck support that helps keep my neck straight and my head upright! 

It also packs down into a small, lightweight pouch that easily attaches to my luggage, making it super convenient for travel. Plus, the support level is adjustable, so you can choose between firm, soft, or something in between. Additionally, the soft velvet pillowcase is removable and washable, which is a nice bonus for keeping it fresh!

3. Best for upper body support: Crossbody Sling Travel Pillow

If you’re someone who loves the window seat, thinking it’ll be comfy to lean your head against the glass—think again! That’s totally a myth. Instead, you should be carrying along the Crossbody Sling Travel Pillow.

This clever pillow fits naturally with the curve of your neck, helping to relieve cervical pressure while you relax. You can wear it across your body, which also creates a nice little barrier between you and your seatmate. Plus, it’s inflatable, so it takes up hardly any space in your luggage. 

4. Best for neck support: Orthopaedic Neck Pillow

Sometimes, I love to dress up for my flights, and that means no juggling bags or extra stuff in my hands! For those days, I grab the Orthopaedic Neck Pillow, made from super soft fleece. Yes, I know it looks a bit like a neck brace, but if you look past that, it’s a total lifesaver.

This pillow has a few stiff ribs under the fabric that you can position wherever your head tends to loll—left, right, or even under your chin. Once you’ve got it set up, just velcro the other end of the scarf, and you’re ready to drift off. Just a heads up, though: it might not work for everyone, especially if you tend to shift positions while you sleep!

5. Best ergonomic design: Inflatable Travel Pillow

Anyone remember the Ostrich pillow trend that popped up a few years back? It definitely had that quirky vibe! If you’re not afraid of some judgy looks, the Inflatable Travel Pillow is a must-have for your travels. This pillow provides full support for your head and neck, helping to prevent those annoying aches from trying to sleep on the go. Its unique shape lets you sleep facing down while your arms rest comfortably inside.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you though—it might be so comfy that you won’t want to wake up after your long flight! And if you know a fellow globetrotter, this makes a great Secret Santa gift idea!

6. Best for flat sleepers: Inflatable Outdoor Pillow

And for those who love to pull out your eating tray table in-flight to catch a nap, I’d recommend the Inflatable Outdoor Pillow. Its flat design is perfect for resting your head comfortably on the table, making it easy to doze off without awkward neck strains.

Just inflate it when you’re ready to snooze, and it provides just the right amount of support for a quick nap. Plus, its versatile design means you can use it for camping or outdoor picnics too! So whether you’re in the air or out in nature, you’ll be ready to catch some Z’s anywhere.

7. Best for side sleepers: Bcozzy Neck Pillow

If all the above choices are too hard for you (like literally), consider something softer and more flexible like the BCOZZY Neck Pillow. Its overlapping ends can be adjusted to create different support heights, and it even helps hide that double chin too (lol!).

Made from high-quality polyester fibre, this pillow has a soft, cushion-like texture but still provides enough support to keep you comfortable. Plus, it comes with a strap to easily tie it to your luggage, so you won’t have to worry about losing it— good for absent-minded folks like me! 

8. Best for light sleepers: Ergoworks Easynap Pocket Travel Pillow

And for my light sleepers, sure, you could grab a free eye mask on board, but if you want to be extra safe and ensure you have everything covered for a good sleep, the Ergoworks Easynap Pocket Travel Pillow does the trick.

Its cradling shape gently supports your neck, giving you a secure fit for comfy sleeping or reading while you’re on the go. Plus, it’s made with temperature-sensitive, visco-elastic material that adjusts to your body heat for ultimate comfort. And let’s not forget the built-in hood to cover your eyes—perfect for blocking out any distractions. Just add some earplugs, and you’re all set for a restful journey!

9. Best for kids: Deformable U-Shape Travel Pillow Penguin

Last but not least, for the little kiddos! We all know they can get a little cranky without their favourite plush toys, but parents, you can definitely keep them happy with the Deformable U-Shape Travel Pillow Penguin.

This adorable pillow is a 2-in-1 gem; it doubles as a neck pillow for comfy travel and a cuddly penguin toy for playtime. It’s foldable and lightweight, making it super easy to toss into your carry-on or backpack. Furthermore, the soft fabric ensures it’s snuggly enough for little ones to cuddle with, whether they’re catching some Z’s on a flight or just need a friend to hold during the journey. Its fun design will surely put a smile on their face, turning fussy moments into giggles!

Travel in comfort with these 9 best travel pillows (2024)

I’m gearing up for my next trip to a music festival in Asia, and you can bet I’ll be bringing one of these neck pillows along for the ride! I hope you find one that suits your needs too—there’s nothing like a comfy pillow to help you recharge between flights.

But let’s not forget about safety; it’s super important when we’re travelling. That’s why I’d also invest in the best luggage brands to keep my belongings safe. And before I head off on my adventure, I’ll definitely be grabbing one of the best eSIMs to stay connected and post a few goofy IG stories along the way.

This article was updated on 30 October 2024. Additional research done by Shermyn Tan.