A good travel pillow is one of those things you don't think about until you've spent 14 hours on a plane without one. The right pillow keeps your head supported in a position that doesn't leave you with a stiff neck for the first two days of your trip. The wrong one ends up stuffed in the seat pocket after an hour.
Travel Gear stocks travel pillows across memory foam, inflatable, and microbead constructions, with options for different sleeping styles and budget levels. All orders ship from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Types of Travel Pillows
Memory Foam Neck Pillows
The most comfortable option for most travellers. Memory foam conforms to the shape of your neck and holds its position without needing constant adjustment. The trade-off is size — memory foam pillows don't compress much, so they take up real space in your carry-on. Best for travellers who prioritise comfort over pack size. Look for a removable, washable cover and a snap or clip to attach to your bag.
Inflatable Travel Pillows
Pack down to almost nothing — most fit in a small stuff sack the size of a fist. You inflate them at your seat and deflate for storage. The comfort level varies significantly between models; better inflatable pillows have a contoured shape that supports the neck rather than just propping the head. Sea to Summit's Aeros Pillow is the benchmark for inflatable travel pillows, with a soft TPU surface and a shape that actually works.
Microbead Pillows
Filled with tiny polystyrene beads that mould to your neck shape. Softer than memory foam and more packable, but heavier than inflatable options. A middle ground between comfort and portability that suits many travellers.
Wrap-Around & Chin-Support Pillows
Designed for travellers who tend to fall asleep with their head dropping forward. The chin support prevents the head from falling and the neck from straining. Less common but genuinely useful for people who can't sleep upright without their head dropping.
What to Look for in a Travel Pillow
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Support style: Do you sleep with your head to the side, forward, or back? Different pillow shapes suit different sleeping positions
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Pack size: Memory foam is bulkiest; inflatable packs smallest. Consider how much space you have in your carry-on
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Cover material: Soft, breathable fabric against the skin; removable and washable for hygiene on long trips
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Attachment: A snap, clip, or loop to attach to your bag handle or carry-on strap when not in use
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Weight: Inflatable pillows weigh under 100g; memory foam typically 200–400g
Frequently Asked Questions
Are travel pillows worth it for short flights?
For flights under 4 hours, most people manage without one. For anything over 4 hours, particularly overnight flights, a travel pillow makes a real difference to how rested you arrive. If you're a light sleeper or have neck issues, it's worth it even on shorter flights.
Can I take a travel pillow in carry-on luggage?
Yes — travel pillows are carry-on safe with no restrictions. Inflatable pillows pack small enough to fit in a jacket pocket; memory foam pillows can be compressed into a carry-on or attached to the outside of a bag.
What's the best travel pillow for long-haul flights?
For most travellers, a quality memory foam neck pillow is the most comfortable option for long-haul flights. If pack size is a priority, the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow is the best inflatable option available. Avoid very cheap inflatable pillows — the shape and surface material make a significant difference to comfort. For a full long-haul packing list, see our long-haul flight essentials guide.
