You’ve planned the adventure of your dreams and can’t wait to explore that far-away destination.
But don’t underestimate the toll a long journey can have on you. If you want to be fresh and alert as soon as you set foot on new land, you’ll want a good-quality travel pillow for your long-haul flights.
This often neglected piece of travel gear can help you have a comfortable rest during your flight.
Below we round up the best travel pillows currently on the market and then discuss the key things to look out for when choosing.
Our top pick: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution S3 is the best travel pillow for long haul flights you can find. It boasts a patent-pending seat strap system that lets you secure the pillow on your seat’s headrest, to prevent your head from falling forward as you sleep.
A 360° head and chin support provides full comfort, while the memory foam interior adapts to your shape and helps you sleep in total comfort.
PROS
- Washable quick-dry fabric cover available in 4 colours
- Travel bag compresses the pillow down to half its size
- Plastic clip allows you to attach the pillow to your luggage
- Comfortable all-around support
CONS
- The Cabeau travel pillow is quite expensive
Kathmandu Hooded Travel Pillow
This hooded travel pillow from Kathmandu could be an excellent option if you don’t want to break the bank.
It has a traditional design, but even if it doesn’t attach to the seat, it can still help you sleep comfortably during a long haul flight. It provides flexible neck support and comes with a convenient microfleece hood designed to minimise light and sound pollution.
PROS
- Polyethylene micro-beads filling ensures an ergonomic rest
- Soft cotton and polyester fabric
- Easy to transport thanks to the luggage loop
CONS
- The cover can’t be removed or washed
Kathmandu Kids Travel Pillow
Designed with the little ones in mind, the Kathmandu Kids Travel Pillow is great for both air and car travel, providing superior comfort to your little one.
The pillow has a comfortable U-shape and comes with a smooth upper and soft fleece underneath. Its ergonomic design also allows kids to sleep in a natural position, while the two colour choices attract boys and girls alike.
PROS
- Comfortable polystyrene beads filling
- Fleece underside adds warmth and comfort
- Attaches to luggage with a loop
CONS
- The one-size-fits-all might not be suitable for all kids
PUREFLY Soft Velvet Travel Neck Pillow
An inflatable travel pillow can be a great choice if you want a product that can fit into a pocket when folded. This travel pillow from PUREFLY could be your best bet in such a case.
It is easy to inflate with a simple push of a button, and also easy to deflate thanks to the press valve button.
Its design is also superlative and conceived to provide ergonomic support in all circumstances.
PROS
- Removable and washable velvet cover
- Carrying pouch
- Neck support holds your head upright
CONS
- This travel pillow is expensive
Memory Mate Travel Pillow Set
Another great travel pillow for your long-haul flights, the Memory Mate Travel Pillow is made from eco-friendly materials and designed to give you all the comfort you could expect from such an accessory.
It’s made from memory foam and adapts beautifully to your shape. Moreover, it also comes with added accessories, including a 3D sleep mask and memory foam ear plugs.
PROS
- Versatile travel pillow provides 360° head, neck, and chin support
- Convenient phone pocket
- Pillow and travel accessories pack in a travel pouch
CONS
- It doesn’t pack quite as compactly as other travel pillows
How To Choose A Travel Pillow
Besides subjective considerations, such as size and colour, there are also a few objective criteria you should weigh in when choosing a travel pillow.
Type
You can pick between standard and inflatable travel pillows. The former is usually more comfortable but bulkier, while the latter could be a little more rigid to sleep on but it packs compactly and can usually fit into a pocket.
Material
Most travel pillows are covered in synthetic materials, such as fleece, velvet, and cotton and polyester blends. Fleece and velvet warm up fast, so if you like a cooler feel, go for the cotton/polyester option.
Filling
If it’s not inflatable, a travel pillow can be filled with either memory foam or beads. Both are comfortable options, but memory foam tends to be more expensive. In the end, it all revolves around your budget and preference.
Conclusion
The best travel pillow for long haul flights, according to our research and analysis, is the Cabeau Evolution S3.
With its patent-pending design and 360° head and chin support, it provides a comfortable solution for most people.
The memory foam interior adapts to the shape of your head, while another thing we like is the removable cover that can be washed and sanitized.
A tad more expensive than other options on our list but packing unrivalled features, this pillow can undoubtedly give all the comfort you need.
