Travel pillow for airplane table?

Question

Hi everyone, taking a 11+ hour flight to Hawaii next month. I’ve seen inflatable travel pillows that you put on the tray table to rest your head on. They have a hole for your face. They’re pretty big as they raise your head 19 inches or so off the table. Reviewer said some airlines don’t allow them. Anyone seen these on Hawaiian airlines?

Answer

Taking an 11+ hour flight to Hawaii can definitely make comfort a top priority, and inflatable travel pillows for the tray table are a popular option to help with that. These pillows are designed to raise your head above the tray, allowing you to rest your face comfortably, which can be a huge relief on long flights. However, there are a few things to consider before bringing one on board, especially when it comes to airlines like Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines and Tray Table Pillows:

Regarding Hawaiian Airlines specifically, while they are known for providing comfortable seating, there are generally restrictions on what items you can use on the tray table. As you mentioned, some airlines don’t allow these large inflatable pillows due to space limitations or safety concerns, such as blocking access to the tray or interfering with the use of the seat in front of you. It's best to check Hawaiian Airlines' official guidelines or call customer service to confirm their policy on tray table pillows, especially the ones that elevate your head by 19 inches.

Pros and Cons of Tray Table Travel Pillows:

Pros:
- Can provide better neck support by allowing you to rest your head at an elevated angle.
- Helps avoid the uncomfortable position of resting your head on the hard tray or the seat in front of you.
- Inflatable design makes it easy to pack away when not in use.
Cons:
- May not be allowed by all airlines due to the space they take up or potential interference with the tray table.
- Could block the tray or other features of the seat in front of you, which could cause discomfort for the person seated there.
- It could also be cumbersome if other passengers need to access the tray or if the seat reclines.

Alternative Options:

Traditional Neck Pillows: If you're looking for a more compact and universally accepted option, a U-shaped neck pillow is always a safe bet. It provides good neck support without obstructing anything on the tray table.
Inflatable Footrest: Another popular option for long flights is an inflatable footrest. While it doesn't help you rest your head, it can elevate your feet to reduce swelling and discomfort during the flight.
Travel Pillow with a Face Hole (Portable Version): Some smaller travel pillows designed to fit snugly around your neck and rest your head on the seat in front of you, while not inflating to such a large size, might offer a good balance between comfort and practicality.

Ultimately, it’s best to check Hawaiian Airlines' specific policy on inflatables, as it can vary by aircraft and flight duration. Also, bringing a travel pillow that's compact and doesn't interfere with other passengers will make your flight more enjoyable for everyone.

Travel pillow for airplane table?

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