Can I Bring A Pillow On A Plane: Allowed Head Cushions
Carry-on, checked bag or not allowed
- Carry-on
- Allowed; may count as your personal item
- Checked bag
- Allowed
- Not allowed
- None
Contents
- Facts On Bringing A Pillow On A Plane
- The Right Size Of The Pillow That You Can Bring On A Plane
- The Key Features Of A Reliable Travel Pillow
- The Different Types Of Travel Pillows You Can Bring On A Plane
- Low-Cost Aircrafts Charge Passengers For Pillows
- Are Airplane Pillows Hygienic?
- Bringing A Blanket as a personal item On Aircraft
- Watch This!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does A Pillow Count As Carry-On Items?
- Can You Bring Your Blanket And Pillow On A Plane?
- Do Pillows Count As Carry-On?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Carrying your pillow on a plane can guarantee you will be more comfortable, especially when taking a long flight.
After all…
Flying can be very uncomfortable even for frequent flyers; therefore, I’m sure you have asked yourself, “can I bring a pillow on a plane?” several times before.
You may also wonder if it will be considered check-in or carry-on luggage. And if you were to carry a small suitcase and pillow, would your pillow count as your personal items?
Facts On Bringing A Pillow On A Plane
Can I bring a pillow on a plane? Well, whether you are flying internationally or domestically, you will have no issue bringing your pillow on a plane as a checked bag or carry-on luggage. Plus, most aircraft have free pillows for passengers on long-distance flights; unfortunately, they are extremely thin and not comfortable.
In fact, TSA allows pillows in both carry-on and checked bags.
Therefore, you can bring your neck pillow on an aircraft as a carry-on bag or in your checked luggage. But TSA only covers security screening. Each airline sets its own bag allowance, and on low-cost carriers that charge for carry-ons, a full-sized pillow that doesn’t fit in your personal item may count as an extra bag.
After all, wearing a pillow around your neck can be seen as part of your attire instead of luggage, but this also depends on the airline. And in some cases, the gate agents won’t have a problem with you wearing a travel pillow.
The safest approach is to pack your pillow inside your carry-on or personal item, or clip a neck pillow to your bag. Check your airline’s policy if you plan to carry it separately.
The Right Size Of The Pillow That You Can Bring On A Plane
A small travel pillow packed inside your bag doesn’t count as a separate item. If you carry a pillow on its own and it fits under the seat, the airline may count it as your personal item. A full-size pillow that only fits in the overhead bin may count as your carry-on.
Personal item limits vary by airline. American Airlines, for example, allows a personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but not all airlines consider anything that size a personal item. Check your carrier’s limits.
The easiest way to avoid bag fees is to bring a small, packable pillow that fits inside the bags you are already allowed.
The Key Features Of A Reliable Travel Pillow
A full-size pillow is one of the best methods for reducing discomfort and even getting some sleep while on a plane. A travel pillow can help prevent neck pain while ensuring you’re comfortable for your international or local flight.
Travel pillows are smaller than bed pillows; therefore, you can tuck them behind or around your neck, fill the space between your neck and the headrest, and prevent your neck from bending too far. Therefore travel pillows should be:
- Packable
- Inflatable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
The Different Types Of Travel Pillows You Can Bring On A Plane
- Inflatable pillow: it is an inflatable pillow with a unique ergonomic design that offers great neck support. You can get additional comfort and support from its uniquely designed thin fiber layer.
- Cube pillow: if you’re a side sleeper, you should go for a cube pillow which is ideal as the head and shoulder make a square.
- Infinity pillow: infinity pillows are comfortable traveling pillows, often made from soft fabrics such as bamboo blends. They are quite supportive and can give you a silky feel while resting.
- Neck pillow: These pillows are specifically designed to support your neck and head in a natural position. Fortunately, several neck pillows on the market are designed to help reduce neck pain while guaranteeing quality sleep.
Low-Cost Aircrafts Charge Passengers For Pillows
Many airlines hand out pillows for free on long-haul international flights. That is often not the case on short-haul flights or with low-cost airlines, which may offer none or sell pillow and blanket sets on board.
These pillows are often thin and not that comfortable; therefore, I would advise you to carry your own travel pillow.
Are Airplane Pillows Hygienic?
Cleaning practices vary by airline and aren’t usually published. Pillows and blankets may be reused across several flights between cleanings, so if hygiene matters to you, carry your own.
Bringing A Blanket as a personal item On Aircraft
You can bring a blanket as a checked bag and a carry-on. Like pillows, it will be considered a carry-on if your blanket doesn’t fit your bag but can fit under the seat in front of you. Remember, passengers are usually given complimentary blankets on long–haul international flights for free, but you may have to pay on short flights.
TSA also allows blankets in carry-on and checked bags, so bringing your own is an easy hygiene upgrade.
Outdoor Speak: Kids are allowed to bring their stuffed toys inside the plane. What about your personal grooming or beauty kits? Read our article: Can You Take Tweezers On A Plane.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Pillow Count As Carry-On Items?
It can. A pillow packed inside your bag doesn’t count separately, but one carried on its own may count as your personal item or carry-on. Personal item limits vary by airline; American’s is 18 by 14 by 8 inches.
Can You Bring Your Blanket And Pillow On A Plane?
Long-distance flights tend to be quite cumbersome, even for frequent fliers; therefore, airlines allow passengers to carry pillows and blankets. But they have to meet some requirements which vary with airlines. Fortunately, some airlines do provide pillows and blankets to their passengers.
Do Pillows Count As Carry-On?
Yes, a pillow carried separately can count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance, depending on its size and your airline. Either way, you can carry it and use it on the plane. For extra comfort, these pillows vary in shape and size.
Conclusion
Long-distance international flights can be cumbersome; passengers can do everything possible to stay comfortable. This means carrying a travel pillow as a carry-on for the flight and using it to rest their heads instead of using the airline pillows. Fortunately, airlines allow passengers to carry pillows, but they have to be small enough to fit in the overhead cabin.
Sources
- Pillows (What Can I Bring?), Transportation Security Administration
- Blankets (What Can I Bring?), Transportation Security Administration
- Carry-on bags, American Airlines
