In fact, it varies by airline. Some low-cost airlines might charge you extra to bring on a full sized pillow, but not a neck pillow that you wear around your neck, for instance. Wearing a neck pillow around your neck might be seen as clothing instead of luggage, but again, it depends on the airline.
Others still provide them on a limited basis, as upscale amenities for passengers in premium seats. And several airlines that do provide pillows and blankets also reuse them. But reps from those airlines told us that the items are laundered and repackaged between uses to eliminate any health concerns.
Pillows are permitted in both carry-on bags and checked bags, according to the TSA's website. But while you'll have no problem bringing a full-size pillow through security, it's up to the airline to decide if it counts as your personal item.
Pillows generally don't count toward your carry-on or personal item limit, so filling a pillow case with clothing or other items is a smart “hack” to beat extra baggage charges.
Easyjet's one carry on allowance is itself very generous at 23kg. You can place your purse or pillow inside the carry on and then take it out after boarding. And EasyJet isn't unique here. Quite a few other airlines have a no personal item policy in economy.
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUNJodie was able to take out the pillow and fill the cover with items from her luggage. This way she could bring more items on board the flight without having to pay extra for more baggage. In the comments people rushed to compliment the clever travel hack.
Budget airline Ryanair, known for its charges on passenger luggage, has been alerted to a little trick that travellers are using in droves: stuffing extra clothes into the pillowcase or neck pillowcase that can be brought on board, to save money on the flight costs.
Pillows are considered personal items and can be brought on the plane as long as they meet the airline's size requirements for personal items. Spirit Airlines has specific guidelines for personal items, which must fit within dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels.
Whereas larger airlines often hire dedicated cabin cleaners to tackle the aircraft between guests, “Generally on low-cost carriers, the flight attendants will have to clean the planes themselves,” says Catrina McGrail, a former flight attendant and creator of the 24 Hours Layover travel blog.
Unfortunately, cheaper versions of neck pillows can wear out quickly. While they may be comfortable for the first couple of flights, they are prone to sagging and losing their firmness. It's important that you do your research and look over customer reviews of the product before you go forth with your purchase.
Travel or neck pillows that are right for you can get shaped around your head. It may not necessarily follow your whole contour, but it will keep your head from swaying or bobbing. The ideal travel pillow will also keep your head, neck, and body aligned.
Though neck pillows could be seen as not completely necessary, they are excellent to have when on a long flight, especially for those red-eye flights. If you're one who can easily fall asleep sitting up on a plane, I really recommend a neck pillow to avoid any painful neck aches when you wake up.