Owais Crawford
Whether you're travelling internationally or domestically, comfort is a must when flying. With limited seating space and varying luggage restrictions, you might be wondering if you can bring a pillow on board. The short answer is yes, you can bring a pillow through airport security and onto a plane. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, pillows are generally considered personal items, so if you bring a pillow, it may count as your one allowed personal item. Secondly, the size of your pillow matters. Smaller travel pillows are ideal, as they are designed to provide comfort without taking up too much space. Standard pillows can be brought on board, but they may cause hassle during boarding if they are too big to be stored under your seat or in front of you. In this case, you will need to put it in your carry-on bag. Finally, while pillows are allowed, what's inside them might not be. Make sure your pillow doesn't contain any prohibited items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allowed in carry-on bags | Yes |
| Allowed in checked bags | Yes |
| Considered a personal item | Yes |
| Allowed size | Reasonably sized, can be stored under the seat or in front of you |
| Allowed type | Neck pillows, travel pillows, nursing pillows, seat cushions |
| Prohibited items inside | Yes |
| Allowed to bring extra pillowcases | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Most airlines allow pillows on planes, but some charge a fee
Yes, you can bring a pillow through airport security and onto a plane. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of. While some airlines allow you to bring a pillow on the plane for free, others may charge a fee for this additional luggage. This is because pillows are considered a personal item, and most airlines only allow one personal item on board. So, if you bring a pillow, you may have to store it in your carry-on bag. If your pillow is too big to fit under the seat in front of you, it will be considered an additional carry-on bag.
To avoid this, it's best to bring a smaller, travel-sized pillow. Neck pillows are specifically designed to be more compact and dense, providing comfort without taking up too much space. Square or rectangular travel pillows are also smaller than standard pillows and can help you get a good rest. If you need more space, you could try the popular hack of hiding extra items inside your pillow, but be mindful of weight limits and prohibited items.
If you're bringing a nursing pillow, it's best to take an inflatable one, as these can be deflated and stowed in your carry-on bag when not in use. It's also worth noting that some airlines, like Delta, consider pillows to be personal items, while others may not. So, it's always best to check with your airline before your flight.
Additionally, while TSA regulations allow blankets and pillows through security, you may be asked to remove them from your bag for screening. If your blanket is large or bulky, consider placing it in a separate bin for X-ray screening to avoid potential delays.
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Pillows are allowed in carry-on and checked bags
Yes, pillows are permitted in both carry-on bags and checked bags. However, it's important to note that some airlines consider pillows to be personal items, and most airlines only allow one personal item on board. So, if you're bringing a pillow and another personal item, like a backpack, you may need to stow one of them in your carry-on bag.
When bringing a pillow through airport security, it's best to choose a travel pillow or a smaller, more compact pillow that can be easily stored under your seat or in the overhead bin. Standard pillows can be brought on board, but they may cause some hassle during boarding due to their larger size. If your pillow is too big to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, it will need to be stored in your carry-on bag.
Some people choose to bring pillows on planes for added comfort, especially on long-haul flights. Travel pillows, such as neck pillows, are designed to be smaller and denser, providing support and comfort without taking up too much space. Square or rectangular travel pillows are also good options as they are still smaller than average pillows and allow for a restful sleep.
Inflatable nursing pillows are another option for travellers. These pillows can be stashed in your carry-on bag during boarding and when disembarking, saving space and providing convenience. Ultimately, the choice of pillow is up to the traveller, but it's important to consider the size and convenience for both yourself and other passengers.
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Airlines differ on whether pillows count as personal items
While you can bring a pillow through airport security, the question of whether pillows count as personal items depends on the airline you're flying with. Some airlines allow you to bring a pillow on the plane without charging any extra fees, while others consider it an additional item and may charge a fee.
Generally, a personal item is something you can bring on board in addition to your carry-on bag. Most airlines consider blankets to be personal items, and some consider pillows to be the same. However, most airlines only allow one personal item, so if you bring both a pillow and a blanket, you will need to stow one of them in your carry-on bag.
Some airlines, like American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Allegiant, Hawaiian, and Sun Country, do not have written policies on how pillows are treated in their baggage policies. In these cases, it is up to the gate agent to decide whether you can bring your pillow on board without incurring an extra fee.
The size and type of pillow you bring can also affect whether it is considered a personal item. Travel pillows, especially inflatable or memory foam pillows, typically fall within the size restrictions for personal items on most airlines. However, if your pillow is large or firm, it may need to be stored in your carry-on bag or may count as an additional item.
To avoid any surprises at the airport, it is essential to check with your specific airline's policy on what counts as a personal item and how much you can carry in addition to your carry-on luggage.
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A pillow may need to be screened separately for X-ray
Yes, you can bring a pillow through airport security. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, while pillows are permitted in both carry-on bags and checked bags, some airlines consider pillows to be personal items. This means that if you bring a pillow in addition to another personal item, you may need to pay additional fees. Airlines such as American Airlines, United, and Delta consider a pillow to be a personal item.
Secondly, the size of your pillow may cause some issues. If your pillow is too big to be stored under your seat, you will need to put it in your carry-on bag. If your pillow is too big for your carry-on bag, it will be treated as an additional carry-on bag, which may incur extra fees. To avoid this, it is recommended to bring a travel pillow, as they are smaller and denser than standard pillows, providing comfort without taking up too much space.
Thirdly, a pillow may need to be screened separately for X-ray. This is standard procedure for all hand luggage to ensure a thorough inspection. If your pillow is particularly large or bulky, placing it in a separate bin for X-ray screening can help security personnel get a clearer image and potentially avoid the need for additional inspection.
Finally, while you can bring a pillow through airport security, it is up to the airline to decide if it counts as your personal item. If you are bringing other carry-on items, make sure to check your airline's policies on personal items and carry-on luggage to avoid any unexpected fees or complications during boarding.
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Travel pillows are smaller and denser, providing comfort without taking up space
You can bring a pillow through airport security and onto a plane, but it may be considered a personal item, and there may be restrictions on the size of the pillow and how many personal items you can take on board. While some airlines allow you to bring a pillow on the plane for free, others may charge a fee for this additional luggage.
Travel pillows are smaller and denser than standard pillows, providing comfort without taking up too much space. Neck pillows, for example, are designed to fit snugly around your neck, and square or rectangular travel pillows are still smaller than average pillows, allowing for more restful sleep.
If you are set on bringing a standard pillow, it is best to ensure it is on the smaller side to avoid hassles during boarding. If your pillow is too big to be stored under your seat, you will need to put it in your carry-on bag. Some airlines may consider this an additional carry-on bag, so it is worth checking with your airline before travelling.
If you are looking to save space, you may want to consider a travel pillow that can be inflated when needed, or even a blanket that can be converted into a pillow. This way, you can keep your luggage compact and avoid any additional charges.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring a pillow through airport security. However, it is considered a personal item, and most airlines only allow one personal item on board. If your pillow is too big to be stored under your seat, you will need to put it in your carry-on bag.
Travel and neck pillows are specifically designed to be smaller than average pillows and will not count as a personal item. Standard pillows, on the other hand, are bigger and will likely be considered a personal item.
Yes, pillows are permitted in carry-on bags. However, if you bring a full-size pillow, it may be considered an additional carry-on bag.
Yes, but if you are only allowed one personal item, you will need to stow one of them in your carry-on bag.
Yes, you can bring extra items inside your pillow, as long as there is nothing prohibited inside.
