The 9 Best Products for Sleeping on a Plane, Tested and Reviewed

This travel pillow is exceptionally comfortable: think of it like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck, or sleeping on a cloud. It provides strong support for the neck, chin, and head, preventing head bobbing and reducing neck and back pain. The memory foam is super soft and plush, and the adjustable strap allows for a fully customizable fit. The design is super versatile, and despite our initial skepticism, we were impressed by the pillow’s ability to compress into the small travel bag it comes with. According to the brand, it shrinks to 60 percent of its original size, so it’s practical and portable. Its lightweight nature lets you roll it up like a camping mat and store it conveniently in a carry-on or personal bag during flights.

This silky eye mask is super comfortable, with cooling and lightweight materials. Made from high-grade Mulberry silk, the fabric is exceptionally soft and feels rich. We love the wide adjustable band, which means your hair won’t come out crimped after a long flight. Plus, the eye mask is machine-washable, but you might want to wash it carefully with a mesh bag to keep the fabric lush and free of pilling.

For those super long-haul flights in economy, this airplane footrest provides some relief for your legs and back by providing more positions to rest your feet in. For testing, we brought this on 10-plus-hour flights to and from India and on cross-country domestic flights as well. It’s also definitely clutch for long flights when you expect to get tons of sleep (not so much for shorter flights). Our 5-foot-2-inch tester found it especially helpful for shorter travelers who have more legroom to play around with on flights; those with longer legs may find it less helpful.

These noise-canceling headphones make all the difference in helping us sleep and relax on flights, whether it’s delivering music or podcasts — or just using them to block out background noise so we can rest or read in peace. “I’ve always been an earbud user before trying these, but these over-ear headphones are so much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time,” according to T+L’s senior testing editor, Jackie Cucco. These also nabbed the best overall spot in our noise-canceling headphones roundup.

The Loop Dream earplugs are the most comfortable earplugs we’ve worn, molding to the ear with a closed-loop design for a secure fit. Slimmer than the classic style, they stay in place even when resting against a pillow or lying flat. They provide comfort without slipping, an ideal feature for the hustle-bustle of travel. Because they come at an investment price point (far higher than disposable earplugs), you’ll want to handle them with care and be mindful not to misplace them.

This microfleece polyester travel blanket is soft, velvety, and lightweight without feeling too thin or flimsy. It provides warmth and breathability, fully covering the body when sitting or lying down. The blanket folds easily into a carrying pouch, which doubles as a pillow. While the pouch isn’t very compact, it has a strap for attaching to luggage or carrying separately. Measuring 11 by 12 inches, it’s compact enough to fit inside a backpack or suitcase if needed. The blanket itself has no special features, but the pouch includes an adjustable buckle for easy transport. It washes well in cold water and withstands high-heat drying without damage. While not the most luxurious or high-end blanket, it feels durable and should last for several years. There were a few loose threads in the stitching from the start, but overall, the construction is decent, and it holds up well through use and washing.

We love knowing our upgrades have cleared before heading to the airport, but (alas) that’s not always guaranteed. Instead of carrying a full-sized travel pillow, we might not need, this compact alternative is a perfect solution. It takes up almost no space in a bag and can be slipped over a hand for leaning against a window, which is far better than using a balled-up sweatshirt. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, those concerned about germs can store it in a separate bag when not in use. Plus, it’s hand washable between flights for added cleanliness and reassurance.

When it comes to travel clothing brands, we’ve always been big fans of Spanx, especially for flights, and these pants are a favorite for sleeping in on a plane. They offer the comfort of sweatpants while looking like stylish trousers with cuffed ankles — the vibe is polished yet cozy. For a complete travel outfit, we love pairing them with the matching AirEssentials Quarter Zip sweatshirt and we also love wearing this athleisure set while walking around at our destination. Despite years of wear and frequent washing, these items still look as good as new (but be sure to follow the label’s care instructions).