Imagine this: You’re about to embark on a long-haul flight, and all you can think about is how to make the journey as comfortable as possible.
You’ve packed your favorite book, downloaded your preferred podcasts, and even prepared a cozy blanket.
However, there’s one thing you’re not sure about: Can you bring a pillow on a plane? Does a pillow count as a personal item?
Air travel can be a daunting experience, with its cramped spaces and limited mobility.
Personal items, those little pieces of comfort from home, can make a significant difference in enhancing the flying experience.
They range from laptops for work, books for leisure, to small items that remind us of home.
But when it comes to pillows, the rules can be a bit fuzzy.
This brings us to the question at hand: Does a pillow count as a personal item?
Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Does a Pillow Count as a Personal Item? Everything You Need to Know
Yes, a pillow is generally considered a personal item when flying, but this can vary depending on the airline.
Most domestic airlines classify a pillow as a personal item, and they allow passengers to carry them on a plane as a personal item as long as they fit within the recommended specifications.
This means the pillow can go under the seat or in front of you.
However, some international airlines prefer that you use the pillow provided.
If you want to bring a small travel neck pillow with you on a plane, it won’t count as a personal item or as a carry-on.
If the pillow is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you on a plane, it will count as your personal item.
It’s important to check with your airline’s specific policies to be sure.
Understanding Personal Items
In the world of air travel, the term “personal items” refers to a specific category of belongings that passengers can bring onboard an aircraft.
These items are typically smaller than standard carry-on luggage and must fit under the seat in front of you.
Common examples of personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop bags and small backpacks.
In addition, even items of similar size like a small duffel bag or a diaper bag.
Some airlines also allow items like jackets, umbrellas, duty-free purchases, and assistive devices (such as wheelchairs or crutches) as additional personal items.
Adhering to airline rules and regulations regarding personal items is crucial for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Each airline has specific size and weight restrictions for personal items.
Therefore, exceeding these limits could lead to additional charges.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check your airline’s baggage policy before packing for your trip.
Packing for Comfort: Travel Pillows
The Significance of Travel Pillows for Passenger Comfort
Travel pillows are a crucial accessory for passenger comfort, especially during long-haul flights.
They provide essential support for your neck and head, allowing you to rest comfortably during your journey.
Therefore, without a travel pillow, passengers often find themselves struggling with discomfort, leading to a less than ideal travel experience.
The right travel pillow can significantly enhance your in-flight experience.
This experience comes from the support the pillow provides to avoid neck strain and discomfort.
It allows you to rest and sleep in a more natural position.
Moreover, with the right travel pillow, you can avoid common issues like waking up with a stiff neck or suffering from poor sleep quality during the flight.
In essence, travel pillows play a significant role in ensuring passenger comfort during air travel.
They are an investment in your comfort and well-being, making them a must-have item for any traveler.
Types of Travel Pillows Available in the Market
There’s a wide variety of travel pillows available in the market, each designed to cater to different comfort needs:
- Inflatable Travel Pillows: These are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travelers looking to save space. You can inflate them when needed and deflate them after use for easy storage.
- Memory Foam Travel Pillows: Known for their superior comfort, these pillows mold to the shape of your neck and head, providing excellent support.
- Microbead Travel Pillows: Filled with tiny polystyrene beads, these pillows offer good support and flexibility.
- Travel Blanket Pillows: These versatile items can be used as a blanket or folded into a pillow, offering warmth and comfort.
- Hooded Travel Pillows: These come with an attached hood, providing comfort, warmth, and privacy while sleeping.
How a Travel Pillow Can Enhance Your In-Flight Experience
A travel pillow can significantly enhance your in-flight experience in several ways:
Support and Comfort
The primary function of a travel pillow is to provide support for your neck and head.
This support helps maintain a natural posture, reducing the strain on your neck muscles.
It allows you to rest and sleep in a more comfortable position, especially during long-haul flights.
Prevention of Stiff Neck and Muscle Pain
Without proper support, sleeping in an upright position can lead to a stiff neck and muscle pain.
A travel pillow helps prevent this by providing the necessary support to your neck and head.
Improved Sleep Quality
With the comfort and support provided by a travel pillow, you can achieve better sleep quality during your flight.
Good sleep can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience, helping you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Personalized Comfort
Travel pillows come in various shapes, sizes, and materials.
You can choose one that best suits your comfort needs, whether it’s memory foam for firm support or microbeads for flexibility.
Therefore, a travel pillow is more than just a comfort accessory.
It’s an investment in enhancing your in-flight experience, promoting restful sleep, preventing discomfort, and ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
Does a Pillow Count as a Personal Item? Airlines Policies on Personal Items
When it comes to airline policies on personal items, it’s important to note that each airline has its own specific rules and regulations.
These policies dictate what qualifies as a personal item, the size and weight restrictions for these items, and how many each passenger can bring onboard.
The general rule about personal item size is that your bag must fit under the seat in front of you, though some airlines do specify maximum dimensions.
For example, American Airlines states that a personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
In addition to personal items, airlines also have policies regarding carry-on baggage and checked baggage.
Carry-on bags are typically larger than personal items and must fit in the overhead bin.
Checked baggage refers to the luggage stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold during flight.
It’s crucial for passengers to research and understand these policies before their flight.
This ensures a smooth travel experience and helps avoid potential issues at the airport, such as additional charges or having to check items at the gate.
Remember, these policies can vary widely between different airlines.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the specific airline’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Travel Pillow as a Personal Item: Yes or No?
The answer to whether a travel pillow can be considered as a personal item on a flight depends on the airline you are flying with.
Typically, most airlines permit passengers to carry one piece of a carry-on bag and one personal item onboard the aircraft.
Personal items are usually defined as small bags or items that can fit under the seat in front of you.
However, if your pillow is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and does not exceed the size restrictions set by your airline, you may be able to bring it onboard as a personal item.
For instance, JetBlue’s personal items should not exceed 17″ L x 13″ W x 8″ H.
The personal item for American Airlines must not exceed the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
It’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s baggage policy before your flight to ensure that you are following their guidelines.
Therefore, while a pillow can be carried on the plane as long as it meets the size requirements for a personal item, it’s best to confirm with your specific airline.
How to Travel with a Pillow
Tips for Packing a Travel Pillow Efficiently
- Choose the Right Pillow: Consider your needs and preferences. There are various types of travel pillows available, including inflatable, memory foam, and microbead options.
- Size and Portability: Consider factors such as size and portability. If your pillow is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and does not exceed the size restrictions set by your airline, you may be able to bring it onboard as a personal item.
- Cleanliness: It’s also essential to choose a pillow that you can clean and maintain easily as it gets exposed to various surfaces during your travels.
Ensuring Compliance with Airline Regulations
Check Airline Policies: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows passengers to bring a pillow on a plane as long as it fits within their carry-on baggage allowance.
It’s essential to check your airline’s specific policy, as some may have additional restrictions or requirements.
Consider Size Restrictions: Keep in mind that if you’re planning to bring other items in your carry-on, the pillow will count towards your baggage allowance.
Pillow Regulations by American Airlines
| Airline | Pillow Regulation |
| American Airlines | Yes, you are permitted to bring a pillow, but you need to pack your pillow inside one of the bags when boarding the plane. |
| Delta Airlines | Delta Airlines allows passengers to bring a pillow on a plane as long as it fits within their carry-on baggage allowance. |
| United Airlines | United allows you to bring a pillow on the plane as long as it doesn’t exceed the size limit for carry-on baggage. |
| Southwest Airlines | Southwest Airlines allows you to bring a small pillow or neck pillow on board with you. It should be in a bag or container small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. |
| JetBlue Airlines | For flights lasting more than three hours, customers must pay $7 per pillow and blanket. Passengers traveling with an economy fare are not permitted to bring their own luggage or carry pillows. |
| Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring a small blanket or throw pillow on flights. However, you will need to store it in a carry-on bag or personal item. |
| Spirit Airlines | Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring a small blanket or throw pillow on flights. However, you will need to store it in a carry-on bag or personal item. |
| Frontier Airlines | Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring a small blanket or throw pillow on flights. However, you will need to store it in a carry-on bag or personal item. |
| Virgin America | Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring a small blanket or throw pillow on flights. However, you will need to store it in a carry-on bag or personal item. |
| WestJet | Frontier Airlines allows passengers to bring a small blanket or throw pillow on flights. However, you will need to store it in a carry-on bag or personal item. |
| Allegiant Airlines | Allegiant Air allows you to bring a pillow onboard as part of your carry-on luggage. However, there are some restrictions such as size and weight limits. |
| Sun Country Airlines | Sun Country is slightly strict about its personal item and there are more chances they will inspect your item size. Therefore, it must be compatible with the following regulations: Personal item size not exceed 17 inches long x 13 inches wide x 9 inches tall Be able to be stowed under the seat in front of you. |
| Air Canada | Air Canada allows passengers to bring a small blanket or throw pillow on flights. However, you will need to store it in a carry-on bag or personal item. |
Does a Pillow Count as a Personal Item? Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Regular Bed Pillow on a Flight?
Yes, you can bring your regular bed pillow on a flight.
However, if you carry a standard-size bed pillow, you can only bring it on the plane by taking it as a carry-on.
It is too big to be a personal item, but remember you are only allowed one personal item and one hand luggage bag.
The pillow will need to fit in your bag or fit the allowed dimensions of 18” x 14” x 8”, whether travel or standard size.
Keep your pillow safe and clean by placing it into a plastic bag or extra casing that you can remove and wash.
It’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s baggage policy before your flight to ensure that you are following their guidelines.
Is There a Specific Size Restriction for Travel Pillows?
Yes, there are size restrictions for travel pillows on flights.
Airlines generally consider a personal item to measure 18″ x 14″ x 8″.
Therefore, if you are unable to place the pillow in your carry-on bag, or it exceeds these dimensions, it will count as part of your carry-on allowance.
For personal items, airlines consider the dimensions of a pillow or throw cushion 18 x 14 x 8″ for an airplane seat.
For pillows or throws, 16″ x 14″ x 8″ is the norm for an airplane seat.
However, if you want to take a pillow that fits under the airplane seat or as a personal item, airlines consider the size of a personal item 18″ x 14″ x 8″.
A neck pillow or throw cushion generally fits under this category. Baby pillows and back support cushions also qualify.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s baggage policy before your flight to ensure that you are following their guidelines.
Are Memory Foam Pillows Allowed on Flights?
Yes, memory foam pillows are generally allowed on flights.
Some airlines may permit memory foam or neck pillows within the personal item category.
These types of pillows offer additional support and comfort during long flights.
However, it is essential to check whether your preferred pillow meets the airline’s size requirements.
For instance, United Airlines provides a cooling gel memory foam pillow for their passengers, but you need to leave it on the aircraft at the end of each flight.
Therefore, as always, it’s a good idea to check with your specific airline’s regulations before your flight.
Can I Use My Travel Pillow During the Flight?
Yes, you can use your travel pillow during the flight.
According to the FAA, you can bring a pillow on a plane when flying.
Bringing your own pillow can improve your comfort and sleep quality during flights.
Most airlines allow pillows while flying.
As long as you opt to bring along a smaller, more compact pillow on your flight, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Several airlines even allow passengers to take standard-sized bed pillows, too.
Therefore, you can definitely use your travel pillow during the flight for extra comfort.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Pillows I Can Carry?
There are no specific restrictions on the number of pillows you can bring on a plane, as long as they fit within your carry-on baggage allowance.
However, keep in mind that airlines typically allow one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger.
If your pillow is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and does not exceed the size restrictions set by your airline, it may be considered a personal item.
Larger pillows often go in checked luggage or should fit inside carry-on bags.
Full-sized pillows often count as a carry-on item.
It’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s baggage policy before your flight to ensure that you are following their guidelines.
Are Neck Pillows Considered Personal Items?
Yes, on most airlines, a neck pillow can be considered a carry-on.
If you purchase a smaller neck pillow, you can also make room for it in your carry-on bag.
This will allow you to both the bag and neck pillow together during your flight.
It’s not uncommon to see people with neck pillows on long flights.
Many people bring along a neck pillow to help them with extra comfort as they travel.
Most airlines allow a neck pillow, or almost any other type of travel pillow.
As long as you bring along a smaller, more compact pillow on your flight, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Several airlines even allow passengers to take standard-sized bed pillows, too.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s baggage policy before your flight.
Does a Pillow Count as a Personal Item on JetBlue?
Yes, JetBlue allows passengers to bring a pillow and other personal items on board their flights.
However, they should fit within the airline’s carry-on baggage restrictions.
Your personal item cannot be more than 17” x 13” x 8”, including any wheels or handles.
Even items such as pillows have requirements so that you can store them properly.
However, for flights lasting more than three hours, customers must pay $7 per pillow and blanket.
Passengers traveling with an economy fare are not permitted to bring their own luggage or carry pillows.
Can I Bring a Pillow on Spirit Airlines?
Yes, Spirit Airlines allows you to bring a pillow onboard, but it has some restrictions and guidelines that you must follow.
You are able to bring a small pillow or travel blanket with you on the plane.
Is a Neck Pillow Considered as a Personal Item on an Airplane?
Yes, on most airlines, a neck pillow can be considered a carry-on.
If you purchase a smaller neck pillow, you can also make room for it in your carry-on bag, and have both the bag and neck pillow together during your flight.
It’s not uncommon to see people with neck pillows on long flights. Many people bring along a neck pillow to help them with extra comfort as they travel.
A neck pillow, or almost any other type of travel pillow, is typically allowed on most airlines.
As long as you opt to bring along a smaller, more compact pillow on your flight, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Several airlines even allow passengers to take standard-sized bed pillows, too.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline’s baggage policy before your flight to ensure that you are following their guidelines.
Final Thoughts on the Question “Does a Pillow Count as a Personal Item?”
There you have it. The answer to the question “Does a pillow count as a personal item?”
Some airlines allow passengers to bring a pillow as a personal item, while others may count it as part of the carry-on allowance.
Bringing a pillow on a flight can considerably improve your comfort, particularly on long flights.
Therefore, it’s always best to check with your specific airline’s regulations before your flight.
Moreover, understanding the airline’s baggage policy can help you pack efficiently and avoid any potential issues at the airport.
I am Monica, the enthusiastic explorer behind funthingsworld.com. With a degree in Leisure and Recreation Management and over 5 years of diving into thrilling adventures, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the best and most exciting activities around the globe.
Stay connected and get a sneak peek into my adventures on Instagram: @mongjerde
