Best Travel Pillows of 2024 For Maximum Relaxation On the Go

Traveling can be exhilarating and exhausting (often at the same time). The right travel pillow can help you catch some shut-eye while on the red-eye (or any other flight), train, bus, or car, so you can enjoy your destination when you arrive. Forget about using a rolled-up sweatshirt (the way I used to snooze while traveling in my youth) shoved against a window. These travel pillow picks are a step up for sleeping on the go.

Our top picks for best travel pillows

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How we tested and selected the best travel pillows

I’ve personally used some of these or very similar travel pillows on air and road trips. I polled my friends and colleagues, researched many types of travel pillows at multiple price points, and conducted a deep dive into reviews of each product, including ratings by travel specialists.

What to consider when buying travel pillows

Packability

The problem with any kind of travel accessory is stuffing it back into a carry-on bag after you have used it. Personally, I try to pack as lightly as possible, which means I want a small pillow if I’m using one at all. Thankfully, these days, travel pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, and some are easier to wrangle than others. You can find that pillows deflate after use; others can snap onto the handle of your bag for easy carrying, and a few you may need to make room for.

Travel pillows can also be used for relieving sore backs, like a travel-sized lumbar, which I’ve used on occasion for long car rides. However, if you’re carrying a pillow versus tossing it into the trunk of a car or a travel tote on arrival, consider how much space you want to designate for your travel pillow.

Shape

U-shaped, flat mini-sized, and wrap-around are three of the most common shapes for a travel pillow, and all have pros and cons. These pros and cons depend on your sleep position (front versus side) while sitting upright, comfort level with having something around your neck, and if you prefer to lean against a more traditional flat pillow. A front sleeping position is when your chin drops forward as you sleep upright. The side position is just what it sounds like—your head falls to the side while sleeping upright. Some people find themselves using both.

Fill and cover

Like most, travel pillows have different fills including memory foam (some have shredded foam, others use a block), microbeads, or air (if the pillow is a blow-up). Make sure the cover will keep you warm but not overheated while traveling—microfiber and fleece are good options. If you’re allergic to latex or any other material, always check the label before purchasing. Some travel pillows call for hand wash and line drying, while others can be tossed into a washing machine.

Portability and storage solutions

When you travel, especially by air, keeping bags and things to a minimum may be at the top of your list of priorities—it’s definitely on mine. Travel pillows may come with their own case, but often that’s to help keep your travel pillow clean and secure, and unfortunately, it may just end up as another thing to schlep around with you.

There are a few portability and storage solutions you can consider. Some travel pillows deflate and lay flat. Others can be squished into a compact ball you can stuff into your carry-on. A memory foam or cotton travel pillow may be stored in a vacuum-sealed or compression bag to minimize space. Other pillows have attachable clips that allow you to simply clip it to the exterior, often the handle of your bag. If you’re using a large travel pillow, consider stuffing it into a sling-style bag (if it will roll up, maybe a yoga bag) and wearing it as a cross-body.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are memory foam travel pillows comfortable for long flights?

Yes, according to travelers I spoke with. And according to online reviews of various memory foam travel pillows, memory foam—either shredded or in a block—does work well on long flights. You can find many highly-rated memory foam travel pillows on the market—several are on my list!

Are travel pillows suitable for use in cars or trains?

Yes! Travel pillows aren’t limited to airplane use. You can use a travel pillow any time you need to sleep during a trip. Some people like to use their travel pillows, depending on the shape and size of it, in a hotel room, too.

Can travel pillows help prevent neck pain during travel?

The right travel pillow for you may help prevent neck pain during travel because your posture can take a hit when you fall asleep in an upright or semi-upright position like in an airplane seat. Of course, there is no guarantee that a travel pillow will save you from a stiff neck, but most quality ones are designed to protect you against neck pain or strain caused by long hours in a seated position. You can also look for a travel pillow that’s designed by, or recommended by, chiropractors.

Do travel pillows come in different sizes?

Absolutely! While most are on the smaller size, you can find larger ones. There’s a wide range of travel pillows on the market. If you want a large pillow, consider simply bringing one from your bedroom—these work fine, I’ve found, when taking a road trip and you just need to rest by squashing a pillow behind you (or depending on their tolerance, leaning it against a sibling or cousin, in my case).

Do travel pillows come with carrying cases?

Yes. Many travel pillows (and most of the ones above) come with a carrying case that can help keep the pillow clean and separate from your other carry-on items. Of course, you don't have to use the case, if it takes up room, but if it is included, it’s nice to use.