My Go-To $20 Amazon Neck Pillow for Every Flight

As a full-time travel writer, I find myself on flights nearly every week. After hours and hours of uncomfortable and restless flights, I’ve tested almost every travel pillow on the market. I’ve tried cushy, memory foam designs that promise endless comfort, hooded styles that block light, and even inflatable pillows that roll up into practically nothing.  None of which have ever felt exactly right and all have ended up stored in my closet after just a couple of uses.  

Last year, however, I finally found the perfect option on Amazon: the Sarisun Travel Pillow. This simple, under-$20 neck pillow has earned a permanent spot in my carry-on. It’s comfortable, compact, and, most importantly, it actually helps me sleep on planes.  

Sarisun Travel Pillow

While this product is labeled as a “pillow”, it’s not a traditional travel cushion. Instead, it comes in two pieces that roll up into a carry bag that can be clipped to your backpack or tucked inside itself. The first piece slips over the headrest of your seat and is made of soft material (so it’s comfy enough to lean against on your flight). You can tighten the straps to fit any seat size and adjust them to the perfect height for your body.  

The second piece is a padded eye mask that straps to the headrest piece on each side via Velcro. This eye mask is super comfortable, blocks out all light and distractions, and can be as tight or as loose as you prefer. 

Sarisun Travel Pillow

The result is perfect head support; no bobbing, tilting to the side, or jerking awake. Even in the middle seat, I don’t have to worry about my head falling over into my neighbor’s space.  

I have nerve damage in my neck that leads to migraines, and this pillow supports my neck and head in a way that allows me to sleep without fear of waking up with a stiff neck and headache.  Previous pillows have felt comfortable for a few minutes, but left me with neck pain after just a few hours in flight. Since Sarisun’s travel pillow supports my head, and I can adjust the straps, it’s comfortable every time.  

I also love that there is nothing bulky around my neck and how easy it is to relax. I don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting my pillow so it’s not in the way, or feeling too tight, and I don’t have to worry about inflating a gigantic pillow in-flight.  

Sarisun Travel Pillow

I can use my AirPods or noise-cancelling headphones comfortably with this, too, effectively tuning out sound and light, allowing me to sleep undisturbed. In over 60 flights this year, I’ve slept from takeoff to landing numerous times and got a solid nine hours of sleep on a recent long-haul flight. I’ve even used this pillow in my car on road trips (as a passenger, of course)—it really is the perfect travel companion.  

Amazon is stocked with other comfy options to help you get cozy mid-flight. Keep scrolling to shop for other pillows worth a spot in your personal item. 

More Amazon Travel Pillows To Shop

MLVOC Travel Pillow

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Cabeau Travel Pillow

SKYTRAX COMF Travel Pillow

trtl Travel Pillow