Why it’s essential to pack a feather pillow in your carry-on luggage

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A long-haul flight can end up being a major activity. And at the very least, you’ll need some snacks, some comfy socks, and a trusty pair of earplugs to get through it all.

Many travellers also opt for that all-important neck pillow — but according to travel experts, there’s an even better option.

One retired pilot recently said his go-to when travelling was the rather more luxe alternative of a ‘large feather pillow in a cotton pillow case.’

Why? Martin Drake, a retired British Airways Boeing 747 captain, said it’s all about making your travelling experience that much more enjoyable.

‘They can squash down to almost nothing in your luggage and they make travelling much more comfortable,’ pilot Martin Drake said.

‘And it gives you an extra pillow at your accommodation,’ he previously told Sky News.

And while a feather pillow might sound fancy, they’re relatively cheap. You can pick up a pack of 2 for just £20 at Dunelm, or one for £15 at M&S.

It’s a recommendation other experts can vouch for, too.

Avanti Travel Insurance’s travel expert Sarah Rodrigues tells Metro that feather pillows actually ‘compress down far more easily than synthetic ones.’

She says: ‘You can squeeze all the air out, tuck them into your bag, and they’ll spring right back to shape with a quick fluff. They’re lightweight, take up minimal space, and offer a comforting touch of home wherever you are.’

Sarah adds that they’re also incredibly versatile, being perfect for either ‘lumbar or neck support on the plane,’ as well as a ‘comfy headrest by the pool, or even padding for fragile souvenirs on the way home.’

‘Plus, having your own pillow means you know exactly what you’re sleeping on, which can be cleaner and kinder for anyone sensitive to hotel detergents or synthetic fillings,’ she concludes.

It isn’t just experts who are taken with this hack – travel fanatics have cottoned on, too. Posting over in the r/TravelHacks Subreddit, @Shakurheg advised bringing ‘your own pillow everywhere.’

They penned: ‘Pillows squash down when given pressure; a typical pillow should fit into a suitcase easily enough, if you give downward pressure as you close the zipper/locks.’

They added that their personal pillow has been ‘all around the world’ with them – including to Japan, Cuba, Germany and Canada.

Meanwhile, others who said they had difficulty with hotel pillows said they’ve managed to bring their own with them in the past by vacuum packing them down.

Naturally, this method isn’t exactly ideal for easy access to a comfortable snooze on board the flight itself, but where’s the harm in enjoying a cushy sleep after touchdown?

@clementynemurphy noted that they simply ‘have’ to bring their ‘own pillow case,’ citing ‘the comfort of having my own clean case.’

Unconventional items for your packing list

A bougie pillow isn’t all you need to reserve for your packing list. The next time you jet off, you might want to include a tennis ball in your luggage.

No, not so you can ward off boredom by playing a game of catch with your aisle mates – it’s actually all to do with avoiding stiffness or aches while in the air. And it certainly won’t take up too much space in your bag, either.

It can also be used to enhance circulation, intended to be used by gently applying pressure and rolling it up and down the thighs, legs, or even shoulders, according to health experts.

Registered osteopath and qualified sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan previously debunked a few viral travel tips as part of a partnership with travel insurance specialist InsureandGo – and recommended using a tennis ball in tandem with another teeny piece of paraphernalia.

She explained: ‘A great tip is to find a hand towel, put the ball in the middle of it and roll it like a sausage. When you then apply pressure using the ball, it’s easier to position and will prevent it from skidding out of position, which can be painful.’ So long, stiff neck.

This article was originally published on October 8, 2025.

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