The best travel pillows go some way in bringing home comforts into the cabin. They are a saviour for short- and long-haul travel, as well as train journeys and long commutes. They provide support for your head and neck so you can get some shut-eye wherever and whenever you need it.
As a travel writer who has traversed the globe, I’ve tried my fair share of pillows (both good and bad). I’m grateful that designs have come a long way. Gone are the days of bulky U-shaped, foam models. There are now designs that can be wrapped around your head to cover your eyes and ears (and yes, testing this particular model did earn me the odd stare).
I’d recommend you think carefully about the materials. Don’t dismiss a travel pillow because it’s made of nylon, polyester or recycled plastic bottles – innovative manufacturing techniques mean these can be as soft as some of my favourite Egyptian cotton bedsheets.
Finally, take time to think about the added extras you value the most. I love a travel pillow with a stash bag (ideally one with a keyring that enables it to be clipped to backpacks), and a washable cover, to keep it germ-free.
How I tested
I tested these travel pillows around the world in a variety of vehicles. I tested them on long-haul flights to Japan and Singapore, short-haul flights to France, a car journey from Surrey to North Yorkshire, and a train journey from London to Scotland. In other words, I had plenty of opportunity to put these pillows to the test. If I’ve recommended a travel pillow here, you can be sure it’s up to scratch.
But what I looked for was comfort, so you can rest assured knowing that the pillows I’ve included will help your economy flight a little more comfortable. I also considered the design, favouring those that provided full neck support. Extra features, such as whether they came with a stash bag, or how small they folded down, were also assessed.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Tamara Hinson is a travel writer with experience testing and reviewing myriad travel essentials, from packing cubes to cabin bags and hand luggage. As an avid flyer and frequent globetrotter, Tamara knows the features that actually matter when it comes to the products to take on your next trip. Here, she has featured only the travel pillows that she would recommend buying.
