Last Updated: November 20, 2023
Can You Bring a Pillow on a Plane? Rules & Tips
Whether you’re preparing for a long-haul flight or a short domestic trip, you’re probably looking for the maximum comfort you can get on a plane.
You may consider comfortable clothes, maybe a blanket, but can you bring a pillow on a plane?
This article provides you with all the regulations regarding bringing your pillow on a plane. It also lists the types of pillows to choose from as well as the benefits of taking your own pillow.
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Can You Bring A Pillow on a Plane?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers are allowed to bring a pillow on planes.
Where to put it and how airlines count it is a matter left for the airlines, the flight nature, as well as the size of the pillow.
Domestic
You may take a pillow on domestic flights within the USA. That can come especially handy since most airlines don’t provide pillows on short domestic flights.
Many airlines hand out pillows to business and first-class passengers only on domestic flights. In this case, it serves you well to take your pillow if you travel economy.
International Flights
Although most airlines provide pillows for all passengers on international flights, you can still bring your pillow on the plane. Some passengers prefer to use their pillows due to health issues, like back or neck pain, hygiene, or simply a matter of personal preference.
Does a Pillow Count as a Personal Item or a Carry-on?
Depending on the size of your pillow and the regulations of your airlines, it may be counted as your personal item or an additional carry-on case.
So, how to tell whether my pillow is a carry-on or a personal item?
Generally speaking, all airlines consider a pillow that measures 18″ x 14″ x 8″ a personal item. That means, you don’t have to stow it into your carry-on bag and won’t have to pay any extra fees for it.
If you bring a larger pillow that still fits under your seat, some airlines count it as your carry-on luggage. That’s why, if you plan to take a large pillow, try to skip the carry-on bag.
The final decision is always left to the airline. Most popular American airlines automatically count a pillow as the passenger’s personal item, including:
- Delta
- American Airlines
- Frontiers
- Spirit
- United
- Southwest
- Ryanair
That said, not all pillows are even counted. For instance, if you wear your neck pillow around your neck while boarding, most airlines ignore it altogether; they rather consider it as a clothing item.
Benefits of Bringing a Pillow on a Plane
Even if you expect your airline to hand out pillows during your flight, you can still benefit from bringing a pillow on a plane.
Here’s how:
Comfort
You can guarantee maximum comfort with a familiar pillow. You already know how to adjust it to sleep comfortably.
Hygiene
When you have your pillow, you won’t worry about hygiene. At least you know where it has been and who has ever used it. With airline pillows, you don’t always get a freshly cleaned pillow.
Cost
Some airlines charge you for a pillow unless you’re a business or first-class passenger. When you take your pillow, you save this extra money.
Quality
Rest assured that your pillow will always be of higher quality than those offered by the airlines. They’re usually thin and not made of the best material. You can invest in a nice pillow for your travel needs.
Types of Pillows You Can Bring on a Plane
In fact, you can bring any type of pillow on a plane. However, some are more fit for your travel needs. For instance, you can choose between these travel pillows:
Neck
These are the most popular types of travel pillows. They’re specially designed to provide support for your neck while sleeping in your seat. They can reduce neck and back pain.
Cube
That type of pillow can be ideal for side sleepers. It fills the square space between your head and shoulders. It cushions your head and provides support for your neck.
Infinity
That’s a versatile travel pillow made of soft bamboo fabric. It’s comfortable and highly supportive. It’s also soft and cuddly for better sleep.
Inflatable
Inflatable pillows are another popular choice that comes in an efficient design that suits most travelers. It supports your neck and adds an extra touch of comfort with its thin embedded fabric layer.
What Size Pillow Can You Bring on A Plane?
The ideal size of a pillow to bring on a plane is 18″ x 14″ x 8″. Most airlines would count it as your personal item.
You may also opt for a larger pillow as long as it can fit in the space under your seat. Some airlines would even allow a slightly larger pillow, but they’ll count it as your carry-on bag.
Can You Pack Some Items (Such as Clothes) Inside a Pillow?
Yes, that’s a hack that some travelers opt for. You may pack some items, such as books or clothes, inside your pillow. However, that doesn’t mean that these items won’t pass through security screening.
Think of your pillow as an extra piece of luggage. You can pack light items inside, but expect the security officers to ask you to take them all out during screening.
Try not to stuff your pillow with so many items. Otherwise, you may drag the attention of the officers, who may suspect you’re a security threat.
Is Putting a Pillow in Your Checked Baggage Allowed?
Yes, the TSA allows pillows in checked baggage. In this respect, there’s no size or weight limit as long as you’re within your weight allowance.
That works better with large pillows that you won’t need on the plane. It’s a good idea to pack them in your checked bag to avoid the hassle of moving around with such large items.
How to Pack Your Pillow for Air Travel
There’s no magical way to pack your pillow inside your bags. However, you might want to have it put straight on top of everything else to avoid squishing it.
Some travelers prefer putting their pillows at the bottom of the suitcase or under breakable items as an extra layer of cushioning. You may also use a vacuumed bag to reduce space. In any case, always place your pillow inside a pillowcase to ensure its cleanliness after the long trip.
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About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
