Top 6 Editor-Recommended Travel Neck Pillows for Your Next Long Flight

While some travelers effortlessly doze off amid the noise and discomfort of travel, others find it challenging to get any sleep outside their own cozy bed. Regardless of which category you belong to, a quality travel pillow will surely enhance your comfort and support during your journey.

Key Features to Consider in a Travel Neck Pillow

When selecting a neck pillow for travel, it’s essential to think about how you sleep on planes. Are you someone who loves the window seat and prefers resting against the wall? Or do you need extra neck support because you favor the aisle? Most importantly, will the pillow fit into your bag or personal item? Keep these factors in mind as you shop for the perfect travel neck pillow:

Shape: Airlines typically offer travel pillows that are just smaller versions of standard pillows. However, you’ll need a design that offers better neck support for upright sleeping in a plane seat. The classic U-shape is the most common, but many brands now offer innovative designs that wrap around your neck or feature versatile infinity shapes that can be worn in various ways.

Material: The best travel pillows for support typically feature memory foam, while inflatable options are the most convenient to carry. Additionally, consider the pillow’s outer fabric; fleece provides warmth on chilly flights, whereas silk offers a touch of luxury. Most importantly, choose a travel pillow with a removable cover for easy cleaning between trips.

Packability: While U-shaped pillows are the most common travel option, they usually don’t compress well, requiring you to attach them to the outside of your bag to save space. Inflatable pillows are the easiest to pack but may lose air mid-flight. Look for travel pillows made with non-bulky materials or those that come with a stuff sack for compressing memory foam versions.

How should you wear a travel neck pillow?

U-shaped travel pillows are most effective when worn with the bottom of the “U” in the front and the clasp positioned at the back.

Did you know this? It seems many have been using travel pillows incorrectly. In July 2021, a viral video by TikTok creator @sidneyraz (with 36.4 million views) revealed that 'travel pillows go in front' as part of his 'things I wish I knew before turning 30' series. He exclaimed, 'Mmm, I’m so comfy,' while demonstrating how the bulk of the pillow beneath his neck and chin provided better support.

Lyndsey Matthews, Dinogo’s senior commerce editor, also discovered this fact. She recently tried it out with the Calpak neck pillow mentioned below and can attest: it simply performs better.

This, however, doesn’t apply to non-U-shaped travel pillows—such as the Ostrichpillow Go, Trtl, and Infinity Pillow—which are designed to be worn in specific ways based on their unique structures.

Are travel pillows really worth it?

If you’re on a red-eye flight in economy class, a travel pillow is an essential accessory for trying to catch some sleep at 40,000 feet. However, for shorter daytime flights, especially with bulkier models that don’t compress well, it might not be necessary to bring one along.

To assist you in making the right choice for your travel style, these packable neck pillows are soft, comfortable, and provide support where you need it most. Ranging from memory foam to ultra-compact designs, here are the top travel neck pillows—listed in no particular order—to consider for your next flight.

1. Trtl Travel Pillow

Any hesitation about its appearance fades away as soon as you experience the comfort of this innovative travel pillow.

“The first time you wear it, it feels a bit odd and resembles a neck brace,” remarked Rosalie Tinelli, Dinogo’s senior audience development manager, in her review of the Trtl. “But who cares about the looks when you can enjoy restful sleep on a plane and wake up without any neck pain?”

This pillow is ergonomically crafted to provide optimal neck support, featuring a clever blend of a strategically positioned internal padded frame and a soft, machine-washable fleece wrap that gently cradles your head. Plus, it weighs only half a pound and compresses much more compactly than traditional U-shaped pillows, fitting easily into any carry-on. Trtl also offers a kids’ version—because you’re never too young to enjoy a comfortable nap during a car ride.

2. Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

This ergonomically designed memory foam pillow provides excellent head and neck support, featuring a Velcro band at the front to adjust the fit for optimal chin support—perfect for those who have faced the frustrating forward head tilt while trying to sleep upright. The pillow comes encased in a removable, washable cover and can compress to nearly half its size, fitting neatly into an included pouch for easy portability.

3. Infinity Pillow

This travel pillow functions like an infinity scarf filled with soft microfiber, making it one of the most versatile options available. To use it as a neck pillow, wrap it twice around your neck and pull on one loop for added support. If you prefer to rest against the window or tray table, just roll it up and lean against it. For lumbar support, fold the loop in half and place it behind your lower back.

Available in eight colors of soft bamboo fabric, this pillow can be tossed in the washing machine after your travels. Although it is one of the bulkier options, it features a Velcro strap for easy rolling and securing. You can also buy a travel case designed specifically for this pillow, though it will cost an additional $13.

4. Calpak Silk Neck Pillow and Eye Mask Set

Wrapped in hypoallergenic silk that’s both removable and washable, this travel neck pillow comes with a matching sleep mask featuring blackout lining to block out unwanted light and combat jet lag. It also includes a clear carry bag that easily attaches to your suitcase handle, making it a better option than letting it dangle off the side of your luggage.

5. Coop Original Travel and Camp Pillow

This compact version of Coop's signature adjustable pillow is perfect for camping and travel scenarios where you can lie back and relax. It features a blend of memory foam and microfiber that you can adjust to meet your comfort needs, and the removable cover is made from Coop’s eco-friendly Lulltra fabric, derived from sustainable bamboo. The entire pillow is machine washable—just detach the cover from the inner pillow before washing. If you’re headed to a rainy destination, consider getting the water- and dirt-resistant camping pillowcase for extra protection.

6. HoodiePillow Inflatable Travel Hoodie Pillow

Think of this as your trusty sweatshirt transformed into a travel pillow. Available in five colors (we particularly love the classic charcoal gray), this inflatable pillow blends seamlessly with your travel attire while offering essential sleep support. Once you arrive at your destination, just deflate it and tuck it away in your bag. Our favorite feature is the cozy attached hood, which serves as a discreet “do not disturb” sign—perfect for keeping chatty seatmates and harsh overhead lights at bay.

Lyndsey Matthews contributed to this article. Originally published in 2021, this article was updated on August 10, 2023, with the latest information.