best travel blanket and pillow for airplane

12 Best Travel Blankets for Long Flights and Road Trips

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Whether flying across the world , road-tripping down the coast , or embarking on a bucket-list train ride , a cozy travel blanket is a must-have for any and all upcoming trips. What’s more, the best travel blankets are designed to keep you warm and comfy while on the go—and there are dozens of options to choose from. To determine which one is best for you, consider your individual needs. For example, if you’re going camping or spending lots of time outdoors, look for one made with durable stain- and water-resistant materials like polyester. Other options—such as super-soft cashmere, breathable cotton, and ultra-warm fleece—abound.

As you shop for travel blankets, you’ll notice that some come as part of a set with a matching pouch and other accessories, while others are sold by themselves. A handful of our selections are designed with versatility in mind, doubling as a scarf , shawl, or cape. There are also plenty of pattern and color options to suit every style. Bonus: Most of our top picks are also machine-washable for easy cleaning.

Without further ado, keep scrolling to discover 12 of the best travel blankets for every type of traveler.

Our top picks:

• The easiest to pack : Gravel Layover travel blanket
• The most versatile: E Marie travel blanket and eye mask
• The best weighted blanket: Bearaby Travel Napper
• The best set: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic travel set
• The best cashmere blanket: Ralph Lauren Cable Cashmere travel set

While Away is best known for its luggage, you won't want to sleep on the brand's travel blanket (pun intended). Made with machine-washable nylon, this blanket is unique in that it offers thermoregulating technology to keep you comfortable at any temp, hot or cold. This travel must-have is designed to fold into itself when not in use, while the antimicrobial finish helps prevent bacteria from growing. Lastly, the kangaroo and foot pockets provide extra storage space and warmth, respectively. And, at just over one pound, this blanket is incredibly lightweight.

Dimensions : 70" x 45"

Barefoot Dreams’ CozyChic travel set features a wearable blanket that takes the form of a super-soft, lightweight wrap made with 100 percent machine-washable polyester. The must-have travel set comes complete with matching socks , a satin eye mask, and a convenient carrying case to help you stay organized while on the go. The best part? The wrap pulls double duty as a scarf.

Dimensions: 31" x 72"

Ralph Lauren’s (very aptly named) Iconic Cable Cashmere travel gift set makes the perfect present for anyone on your list (yourself included!). The three-piece cable-knit set is comprised of an ultra-cozy throw blanket, eye mask, and a zippered storage pouch that’s roomy enough to hold your favorite travel pillow, too. Choose from six timeless neutral hues, including charcoal, navy, and cream, to name a few.

Dimensions: 55" x 32"

There’s lots to love about the Pink Lemonade Love travel throw blanket, which, thanks to its foldable design, is perfect for long plane rides and road trips. When not in use, stash it inside the corresponding zip pouch, which includes a wristlet strap for convenient carrying; alternatively, store it in your checked luggage , weekender bag , or carry-on . The machine-washable travel blanket features an ultra-soft cotton construction and even comes complete with a matching sleep mask : an added bonus in our book.

Dimensions : 60" x 40"

This two-piece travel set from beloved Black-owned brand E Marie includes one of the most versatile blankets on the list, since it also serves as a scarf, shawl, and/or pillow when rolled up. Slip on the matching eye mask to catch some z’s during your next red-eye. (Both items are machine-washable and made with a polyester, rayon, and spandex blend.) Best of all, the set comes in a total of nine color options, from basics like black, beige, and gray to vibrant blue and yellow.

Dimensions : 81" x 36"

Zestt’s organic cotton travel set is made with—you guessed it—organic cotton, which is known for its warmth, durability, and, most importantly, breathability. The blanket also works as a lightweight throw to drape over your shoulders. Post-flight, stick the blanket and matching eye mask inside the included zippered pouch that's conveniently designed to slip right over your luggage handle.

The EverSnug Premium travel blanket pillow is made with 100 percent velvety-soft microplush fabric, meaning it’s both warm and lightweight. The corresponding carrying case functions as a travel pillow, too. The back of the case has a hand luggage sleeve that easily attaches to your suitcase , while the included carabiner allows you to clip it to your backpack , if you prefer.

Dimensions : 68" x 42 inches"

The Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy travel blanket is a favorite of outdoorsy travelers, thanks to its ultra-durable, machine-washable material that is both stain- and water-resistant, making it the perfect camping or glamping accessory. Although it weighs just over 11 ounces, this insulated blanket—which features a recycled polyester shell—is specially designed to keep you warm as it’s filled with a synthetic (and recycled) down alternative. Like other travel blankets on this list, this one can also be worn as a cape. It includes a water-resistant storage sack and comes in three colorful patterns that will delight kids and adults alike.

Dimensions: 52" x 38"

The Bearaby Travel Napper weighted blanket is a must-have for nervous travelers . Available in six-, eight-, and 10-pound varieties, the machine-washable blanket is designed to provide calm and comfort from anywhere. The corresponding duffel bag makes transport a breeze, too. It’s also worth noting that this blanket is constructed with pre-washed organic cotton for supreme softness. While it may not make sense to schlep it on shorter flights, it could be helpful for long-haul flights and is easy enough to throw in the car for road trips. Select from four shades, including blush pink and pale gray.

Weights and dimensions : 6 lbs: 48" x 36" 8 lbs : 60" x 40" 10 lbs : 64" x 40"

Available in five colors, this packable nylon blanket clocks in at less than one pound and is unique in that it offers an insulated core—made of recycled water bottles, no less—to keep you comfortably toasty. There's also a leg pocket and foot pouch to provide full-body warmth. Meanwhile, the outside zipper pouch is ideal for stashing airport any in-flight essentials like headphones and snacks. It's worth noting that this blanket is wearable, too—snap it around your neck, and you'll be all set. Plus, it can even transform into a pillow when not in use (just reverse the zippered pocket and stuff the blanket into itself).

Dimensions : 66" x 40"

Made with machine-washable, uber-warm fleece, this fade-resistant travel blanket was designed with durability in mind, which means it’ll last for seasons on end. Take your pick of eight colorful prints and playful patterns, including paisley and floral. The budget-friendly blanket comes with a matching storage pouch, too.

Dimensions : 60" x 45"

We're rounding out our list of the best travel blankets with this simple option from Appalachian Gear Company. As you can guess by its name, the All-Paca Blanket is made with 100 percent alpaca yarn, which is highly regarded for its warmth and durability. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the machine-washable blanket comes in five colors and patterns.

Dimensions: 66" x 55"

The 13 Best Travel Blankets for Airplanes, Cars & Trains in 2024

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Our process involves independent research, testing (by using it whilst we travel), reviewing, and recommending the best products.  Click here  to learn more.

Who wants to travel with doubts about whether you will get a clean blanket on the plane.

About whether the blanket will keep you warm, about whether it will be a thin and scratchy blanket.

Maybe you are traveling on a budget airline - they don't have blankets at all. 

Or maybe you need one for a long train trip - holy heck the air conditioning on some trains are freezing!

Maybe you need a compact comfy blanket that you can use in the car.

The best travel blanket not only keeps you nice and warm whilst you travel, but it also packs down compactly so you can easily store it in your backpack or suitcase.

Not in the mood for research and reading and just want to find out which is the best?

THE BEST TRAVEL BLANKET IN A BAG

Our top pick is the Eversnug Blanket .  

• The perfect size, soft and comfy
• It has a handle that you can slip over your suitcase handle
• It can be used as either a blanket or pillow

Click here to check out the Eversnug Airplane Travel Blanket

Of course, your packable travel blanket also needs to be the perfect size for you and provide a good level of comfort to give you a great night’s sleep no matter where you might be.

As you can see in the photo below we have bought all of these blankets so that we could give you a hands-on analysis with honest feedback about what it is like to use these blankets on planes, trains and cars.

We have spent hours researching blankets to find the best picks and as a family of 5 gave them a decent test run during our trips.

In this guide I’ll take you through everything you need to know to ensure you purchase the best compact travel blanket for you.

No matter whether you’re looking for travel blankets for airplanes, a car travel blanket, a travel blanket and pillow set; I have no doubt you will find just what you are looking for in this guide.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Eversnug Blanket at Amazon  
• Best Travel Blanket for Kids: RoamWild Blanket at Amazon  
• Best Blanket Set: Proglobe Luxury Travel Blanket and Pillow Set
• Lightest Blanket (Also the Cheapest): World's Best Travel Blanket on Amazon
• Smallest When Folded Blanket: Matador Pocket Blanket

Keen for all the info? Keep reading.

The Best Compact Travel Blanket 2024 Comparison Chart

In this travel blanket review guide, we will examine the different aspects to keep in mind when buying a travel comforter and explore some of the compact blanket choices currently available in the market. To quickly compare the lightweight travel blanket options reviewed in this guide, refer to the table below. For more detailed information on each blanket, continue reading the reviews below.

Our Pick for the Best Travel Blanket: EverSnug 2-in-1 Travel Blanket

Looking for the best travel blanket for airplane use? Well I just love the EverSnug 2-in-1 Travel Blanket . 

The EverSnug airplane blanket is a lightweight and compact blanket that is easy to travel with. Simply hook it up over your luggage handle and off  you go.

The blanket is soft and cozy, a fantastic compact size and guaranteed to keep you warm on your next long flight. 

The Best Lightweight Travel Blanket Reviews 2024  

Below I’ve reviewed some of the best packable travel blankets available today. 

1. EverSnug Travel Blanket Review

What We Love About It: I love the quality of this blanket - it is so super soft and comfy! For me, it add just the right amount of warmth without making me too hot.

What We Think Could Be Better: It would have been great if it came   with a pillow. I wish it was just a touch wider as I like to tug my blankets under my legs on a plane.

Quick Stats:

• Weight:  1.2 Pounds
• Size: 65” x 40”
• Fabric: Polyester

Our Review:

The EverSnug 2-in-1 travel blanket is a small, compact and ultralight travel blanket perfect for plane, train, bus and car travel. 

Our kids use this blanket in the car at home, but we also love using it on flights.

We love how soft, lush and cozy the blanket it. It kinda feels velvety and has a soft fuzzy feel.

It is made from a premium micro plush fabric. This polyester travel blanket is a great size, at 65 x 40 inches it making it a great size for traveling.

Andrzej loves pulling blankets up to his chin and as you can see this blanket is a great length for him to do just that!

The other great benefit of the EverSnug travel blanket’s size is that it folds down nice and compact, so it won’t take up too much room in if you pack it in your bag. 

We love that it comes with it own carry case. We typically pop the sleeve over the handle of our carry on luggage.

However, our kids typically travel with backpacks, so for them we simply use the backpack clip to clip it their backpack.

We prefer traveling with the blanket case pulled over the handle of carry-on luggage. If you click it to a backpack it is a bit bouncy with walking (the kids don't seem to mind, but it drives me mental).

Important to note is that the blanket is designed for one person only. I find that it is perfectly designed for plane seats (or train/bus seats) because the width is nice and narrow meaning it won't spill onto your neighbors seat. 

I do wish it was a bit wider - I do prefer the width of the Bluehills blanket (the next one on our list) more.

It’s also machine-washable and fast drying so easy to keep clean.

Not only does the EverSnug keep you warm as a blanket but when folded and in the carry case you can use it as a travel pillow to rest your head!

I wanted to point out that the name is a bit misleading as many people think they will be receiving both a blanket and a pillow, however, it is just one item that can be used as EITHER a blanket OR a pillow.

It is available in black, burgundy, grey, light pink, navy blue and teal. I absolutely love the light pink color but chose to go with navy blue as the light pink would show dirty marks on it pretty quickly.

It is the best  compact travel blanket for airplane use, but is also great for trains as well as cars.

2. BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket Review

What We Love About It: We really love this blanket, it is long enough to pull up to the chin, it's great quality and a nice thickness.

What We Think Could Be Better :  On the photo it looks like it comes with a pillow but it is only a travel blanket, and once folded it can be used as a pillow.

• Size:  65” x 43”
• Fabric:  Polyester

The BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket is a foldable travel blanket that is super soft and comfortable and will keep you warm on your travels no matter where you end up needing to use it.

To be honest, this blanket and the EverSnug one mentioned above are almost exactly the same.

The difference is that this blanket is a touch wider (3" wider) and the feel of the fabric is slightly less velvety in comparison to the one mentioned above.

As you can see the blanket is a nice length stretching from my toes - almost to my bottom lip. Great width too.

Again, just like the blanket we mentioned above, this one is made from a premium soft micro plush material.

This travel blanket will keep you warm and comfortable on planes, trains, busses or anywhere else you find yourself needing an extra layer of comfort and warmth. 

It is machine-washable so it is super easy to clean after it’s been used in all sorts of public places.

This travel blanket with pouch, backpack clip and hand luggage belt is super easy to take on your travels. 

Our favorite way to travel with this travel blanket is to pop the luggage belt over the handle of our carry-on luggage.

It is 60 x 43 inches when opened up so will provide plenty of coverage, but it folds up to a nice compact 11.5 x 10 inches.  

When it’s folded it can even be used as a pillow, or simply pop a jumper or similar in the case and zip it up, to have both a blanket and pillow.

It also only weighs 1.2 pounds so won’t eat into your precious luggage allowance nor will it take up much space in your luggage.  

Soft and compact

Glamamama - written by a walmart customer- read more reviews.

This travel blanket is perfect for short or long haul trips in the car, train or on a plane. It's bright colored so you can always find it.

The material is soft and comfortable. It washes and dries easily. It folds up and zips into its own bag for storage. It even has a little carry strap for the ultimate convenience.

I never use the blankets on the planes because you don't know where they've been or if they've even been washed.

I love having my own blanket so I can be comfortable on any trip.

This is always the first thing that goes by my carry-on when I am packing for a trip!

This is also great to leave in the trunk of your car for emergencies.

This blanket in a bag for travel comes in six different colors (get a different color for each family member) and is a great option for keeping warm whilst traveling.

I really love our BlueHills blanket - it gets good use in our family of 5, both at home as well as during travel days.

3. Layover™ Travel Blanket Review

What We Love About It: I love that I can snap my blanket to my child's blanket and that way we got an extra large blanket to share. I also love that it packs up to your a bit bigger than the size of my fist!

What We Think Could Be Better :   I feel like it would be comfier if it was slightly wider, however if you are sitting next to a stranger on a plane, this size is great.

• Weight: 12.43 ounces
• Size:  72” x 42”
• Fabric:  Microfleece /  Recycled PET Plastic

This Layover blanket is more versatile than others on our list because it is an insulated travel blanket. We find that it is great to use for a flight, a long road trip, a picnic, or camping.

Another thing we love is that this blanket is longer (72") than any of the other blankets on our list (which are mostly around 60" in length). So if you are tall this is the blanket for you!

This blanket is great as it packs up smaller in comparison to the blankets mentioned above. It is also one of the lighter blankets from our list (12.43 ounces).

There are a ton of benefits of this travel blanket - it has a crazy amount of features:

• One of my favorite things about this blanket is that it has a leg pocket and insulated foot pouch. Which means that when I pull it up whilst sleeping it won't accidently uncover my feet! 
• For those traveling with a partner or with kids, you can also snap this blanket to another blanket to make an extra large blanket! Which makes it perfect for camping trips.
• Another advantage of the snaps is that you could actually pop the snaps together behind your neck - meaning the blanket won't slip down whilst you are sleeping.
• There is a lined sleeve for your hands, so it will feel like you are wearing a hoody, so comfy.  
• It stuffs into itself & turns into a pillow! 
• Secure stuff like AirPods, snacks, or a boarding pass with the zippered pocket.

The Layover blanket is machine washable as well. It also packs down super small…easily making it one of our top travel blanket picks.

A Must Have!

Jill w -   read more reviews on gravel.

I am always freezing on flights so when I saw this blanket, I thought I would give it a try, especially based on the reviews I read.

I was not disappointed and just used it on four recent flights.

It’s easy to pack, is lightweight but warm, and I love the foot pockets and neck snap. It allows me to create a cocoon that keeps me nice and toasty!

I am definitely happy with my purchase and plan on taking the Layover Blanket with me on all my trips.

This blanket does come at a premium price in comparison to other blankets on our list, however it is by the far the most versatile, has the most features, is the longest blanket and one of the smallest and most lightweight.

So if travel a lot, this is worth the investment for sure! (Plus they offer a full refund if you aren't 100% satisfied with your purchase!)

4. Proglobe Luxury Travel Blanket and Pillow Set Review

What We Love About It: This is a great way to get all the items you need for a long-haul flight. The blanket is soft and cozy. And the pockets to keep your items if you are traveling solo is handy too.

What We Think Could Be Better :   Unfortunately we found that this is not the most compact issue to travel with. The eye mask didn't make things pitch blank for me and even though the pillow is comfy, it kept moving out of place as you can't secure it in front. 

• Weight: 2.3 Pounds (for the whole set)
• Size: 55 x   39.5"
• Fabric:  Fleece
• I ncludes: Blanket, Memory Foam Pillow, Eye Mask and Ear Plugs

The Proglobe Travel Pillow and Blanket Combo Luxury Set is the ultimate in luxury travel sets. 

It is a 4-in-1 set which includes the super soft polar fleece blanket, an inflatable neck pillow, an eye mask and a pair of ultra-soft earplugs.

The blanket is designed to provide superior warmth and comfort with its luxurious feel. 

The inflatable neck pillow helps you maintain proper posture while sleeping during long flights.

The eye mask helps block out light so you can get a good rest and the earplugs help reduce noise, so you can enjoy more peaceful travel.

This set is perfect for airplane travel as well as car trips, train journeys and bus rides. It’s designed to make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable no matter how long your journey is.

You can fit the blanket and pillow inside the carry bag. The bag has a pocket where you can store the mask and ear plugs.

The carry bag is pretty big due to the memory foam pillow so we suggest that you can clip it to your luggage rather than trying to fit it inside your carry-on.

The fleece blanket is machine-washable for easy care. 

One thing to note is the blanket included in this set is shorter (55") in comparison to other blankets on our list, which are more around 60"+. So this set is not for you if you are tall.

So if you’re looking for the ultimate travel companion, this luxury travel pillow blanket set is the perfect choice! It also makes a great gift for any frequent traveller.

5. PAVILIA Travel Blanket  Review

What We Love About It: I   love the quality and feel of this blanket on my body. It is warm enough without feeling heavy.

What We Think Could Be Better :   This blanket sheds a lot of lint during the first few uses, which can be a bit annoying.

The image is also deceiving because it looks like you will receive a pillow - but you can only use it as a pillow OR a blanket.

• Weight: 1.2 Pounds 
• Size:  60 x 43"
• Fabric:  Fleece / Polyester

This Pavilia travel blanket is a 2-in-1 blanket OR pillow, that offers best possible rest you can while travelling.

The blanket is super compact and won’t take up a lot of room in your luggage, and all up the set weighs only 1.2 lbs.

This blanket is made from a silky-smooth to touch mixture of soft micro-fleece and polyester. 

This PAVILIA blanket is a medium size of 60 x 43 inches so with enough coverage to keep you warm and comfortable without taking up too much unnecessary space. 

It is not the blanket for very tall people. But it is a pretty standard length with a travel blanket.

It’s also machine washable so can easily be cleaned.

Other great features of this travel blanket are the pillow-bag with zipped pocket and fleece on one of the sides so it can double as a pillow if needed.

Perfect for traveling!

Peachy - written by a walmart customer- read more reviews.

I got this PAVILIA travel blanket and pillow for my boys when we travel. I love that this is light weight, yet nice and warm.

This has a very luxurious feel to it, and is just all over excellent quality! ...

However, I do wish this would have came with a little pillow. You have to use either the pillow or the blanket. The blanket goes into the backpack to make it into a pillow.

But, I do love the concept of it and how easy it is for traveling. We have a little pillow that we can take and put in it as well, which works out.

This set is perfect for traveling, either by car, airplane, boat, etc. It's also great for camping as well.

Another thing I like is, you can keep this in the car. It doesn't take up hardly any room since it's altogether and organized.

Lastly, I want to mention this has a buckle attached to it. You can attach this to your luggage, anywhere in the car, etc.

If you're looking for a great quality travel blanket set, this one is excellent! Definitely recommend!

This would also make a great gift for that loved one in your life that travels too.

The carry bag also features an adjustable strap so it can be attached to your luggage for easy carrying.

If you’re after one of the best travel blankets to ensure you you get good sleep whilst you travel, be sure to check out this one by PAVILIA.

6. Cocoon Coolmax Travel Blanket Review

What We Love About It: We love the length of this blanket, which is large enough to cover even taller men. 

What We Think Could Be Better : I think this blanket costs too much money for the quality.

• Weight:  1.2 Pounds 
• Size:  70 x 55"

Coming in a range of great colors, the Cocoon CoolMax travel blanket  is a small, compact and ultralight travel blanket perfect for plane, bus and car travel.

This polyester travel blanket is a great size, at 55 x 70 inches it’s one of the biggest in these reviews. 

Despite the Cocoon Coolmax blanket’s large size, it folds down nice and compact at 5.9 x 3.5 inches, so it won’t take up too much room in your bag. 

It’s also an ultra-light travel blanket - one of the lightest in these reviews and comes with its own stuff-sack.

Made from a mid-weight CoolMax knit, the Coolmax blanket will keep you nice and warm whilst its four channel fibers wick moisture away from your body.

Whilst one of the more expensive travel blankets in these reviews, being one of the largest, softest and lightest blankets in these reviews, you really can’t go wrong if you want a great travel blanket.

7. World’s Best Travel Blanket Review (Cheapest Travel Blanket on the List)

What We Love About It: We love the price   - it is the cheapest on our list. It is also the lightest blanket on our list. It is great if you don't plan on traveling on a regular basis.

What We Think Could Be Better :  I would rather spend more to get a better quality blanket. Also, there is no carry bag so we found that once we popped it in our carry-on, we didn't have enough space for all the rest of our stuff.

• Weight: 0.14 Pounds 
• Size:  60 x 50"
• Fabric:  Microfleece

If you are looking for a great value travel blanket that will tick all the boxes without the hefty price tag, then make sure you have a look at the World’s Best Travel Blanket.

Made from 100% polyester and available in a range of different color options, this microfleece travel blanket will keep you warm on your next travel adventure.

It is super lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about it chewing into much of your baggage allowance.

The blanket itself only weighs 14.2 ounces and when open it measures 50 x 60 inches so will provide plenty of coverage.

This blanket can be both machine washed and placed in the dyer, so you’ll have your blanket cleaned and dried in record time, which is super important while travelling.

Now let's be honest for a second. this is definitely NOT the World's best blanket. I really don't like the feel of the blanket - however it is pretty comparable to airplane blankets.

So if you don't mind the quality of a plane blanket, and your budget is low, then this blanket will work nicely for you.

For me though, I need my blanket to be nice and soft and luxurious in feel, so I'll stick with one of the other blankets from our list.

If you’re after a cheap blanket that ticks all the boxes, then you can’t go past the World’s Best Travel Blanket. 

8. Kululu Poncho Style Travel Blanket   Review

What We Love About It: It is a super comfy poncho. The quality is great too. When the plane is too hot I like using it for a pillow for my lower back.

What We Think Could Be Better : I feel like this blanket is   pretty chunky once it is in the carry case, so not for travelers for try to travel with carry-on only. It also doesn't cover your arms.

• Weight: 1.75 Pounds 
• Size: 62 x 45"

If comfort is something you take very seriously then make sure you check out the Kululu Some ZZZs 4 in 1 poncho style travel blanket.

Not only is this a super soft micro-plush fleece blanket and given its poncho style, this cozy blanket won’t slip off whilst you catch those all-important z’s whilst flying.  

I’m sure it’s happened to you before; you’ve managed to finally get off to sleep on that long-haul flight only to wake up because the blanket’s fallen on the ground and you’re freezing. 

No chance of that happening with this blanket!

There is a front pocket is really handy to pop your hands.

As you can see the blanket doesn't really cover your arms. I really love to have my arms covered as I tend to be cold on a plane.

However Andrzej loves to have his arms out, as his body temperature runs warmer.

He also doesn't typically sleep, so this makes it easy for him to work the remote for the entertainment or to play games on his phone to kill time. It is a great option for those who love to read too.

Important to note that this poncho does not have material on your back. As you can see in the photo on the right, the blanket has a great width.

It is such a soft and luxurious feel and I think that it provides the perfect amount of warmth as it is not too thick.

Another great feature of this blanket is the convenient carrying pouch that has a strap with a snap buckle allowing you to attach it to your suitcase which frees up your hands – a great feature to have while travelling.

Weighing 1.75 pounds and 45 x 62 inches in size, this warm travel blanket takes being comfortable on your travels to the next level.

It might not be the blanket for you if you are worried about space, but we love to pop the strap from the carry case over the handle of our carry-on so that it doesn't have to take up room inside the luggage.

The perfect option for those who like to have their hands free - mother's who need to tend to their babies or kids, travelers who love to read or play games etc.

9. Roamwild Kids Travel Blanket and Pillow for Kids   Review

What We Love About It: I find that the pillow (when provided with one) on a plane often falls off the armrest.   So this is brilliant to protect little heads from sleeping on the hard armrests.

What We Think Could Be Better :   We wish the penguin was thicker and more plush - it doesn't give much protection from the armrest, but our daughter still slept on it without any complaints.

• Weight: 0.66 Pounds 
• Size:  33 x 23"

If you’re looking for a good children’s travel blanket, consider the super cute Roamwild travel blanket and pillow set for kids.

With the penguin design on this kids travel pillow and blanket set, the little one’s will be super keen to go to sleep on your next flight.

Simply place the armrest buddy around the armrest of their chair and the kids have a nice soft place to put their head.

When not in use on the armrest it doubles as a cute and cuddly comforter.

The blanket itself is 33.5 x 23.5 inches so will provide plenty of coverage and the set only weighs 10.6 ounces so it is light enough that your child can carry it themselves.

Plus, the whole set is machine washable (phew we know how messy kids can be), so you can easily keep it clean.   

This kids travel blanket pillow set is a great little travel buddy that will keep your child warm during travel and hopefully encourage some sleep on your next family travel adventure.

10. Travelrest Travel Blanket: 4 in 1 Travel Blanket Review

What We Love About It: We love that you can wear this blanket, which means arms are free to eat or read a book (something I love to do on a plane).

What We Think Could Be Better :     It's tricky to refold and get into the bag when you have limited space on a plane.

• Weight: 1.25 Pounds 
• Size:  72 x 38"
• Fabric: Fleece

With its poncho style, the Travelrest travel blanket will stay in place all night to keep you cosy and warm whether you’re traveling by plane, bus or car.

This ultra-plush 4 in 1 travel blanket is made from a plush coral fleece so feels lovely and soft to touch.

Not only is it super soft and comfortable, you can wear it as a poncho so it won’t slip down when you nod off to sleep and the huge amount of coverage will keep you warm.

This blanket can also be used as a pillow for your head or neck or as a lumbar support.

When the blanket is opened up it measures 36 x 60 inches offering plenty of coverage and when it is folded up into the integrated pouch it measures a tiny 10 x 13 inches – a perfect sized pillow.

The pouch also doubles as a pocket that can zip closed to keep valuable items safe inside and it has a strap that gives you the option of clipping it onto your suitcase or backpack.

This travel blanket is also machine washable so easy to keep clean whilst traveling.

If you’re after a travel blanket that does it all - keeps you warm and doubles as a pillow and lumbar support, then consider the Travelrest travel blanket.

11. Cloudz Travel Blanket Review

What We Love About It: I like that this   blanket is so light and I do like the cheaper price point of this blanket. It is also a great size!

What We Think Could Be Better : In my opinion this blanket is really just   a cut of fabric - I find that it is very similar in quality to economy blankets on planes (so not the best quality). 

• Weight: 0.55 Pounds 

The Cloudz Travel Blanket is not only one of the lightest travel blankets in these reviews, but it is also one of the cheapest.

This lightweight warm travel blanket is made from 100% polyester and is available in 7 different color options so each member of the family can have their own easily identifiable blanket.

It is machine washable so very easy to keep clean – which is very important with travel blankets.

When the blanket is opened up it measures 50 x 60 inches so will provide plenty of warmth and coverage. Many of the blankets on our list is only around 43" in width, so I love that this blanket is a bit wider.

Despite its great coverage, when it’s rolled up it measures a tiny 9 x 5 inches so it will take up hardly any space in your suitcase or travel backpack.

It also only weighs 8.8 ounces and fits into the included carry straps so it is easy to transport.

In my honest opinion, I'm not a big fan of the feel of the fabric. It really feels like felt. It is pretty thin. It reminds me of the blankets you get on planes.

If you’re just after one of the cheap travel blankets that is lightweight (and you don't mind the fact that it is not the best feel blanket) then the Cloudz travel blanket is worth considering.

12. Matador Pocket Blanket Review

What We Love About It: This pocket blanket folds so small that it ends up being similar to the size of my iPhone.

What We Think Could Be Better :   I wouldn't personally use this blanket for sleeping on a plane as it is not soft and cozy. It is great for outdoors travel though.

• Weight:  0.55 Pounds 
• Size:  63 x 44"
• Fabric: Nylon

The Matador Pocket Blanket is a great blanket for outdoors adventures and travel.

This ultra-lightweight and compact blanket is perfect for keeping you warm during long flights, road trips, and train rides—or just a quick picnic.

The Matador Pocket Blanket is made from a durable, ripstop nylon fabric and is waterproof, windproof, and sand proof.

It comes with an included stuff sack for easy storage and transport when not in use.

Once opened, it measures 63" X 44" giving you plenty of room to spread out and keep warm on your travels.

A Must Have Item

Mark - written by a matador customer.

I highly recommend this product for anyone who spends time outdoors.

The design and quality is outstanding, and there are so many uses for this product that it is simply indispensable (I've used it as a blanket, rain gear cover, car seat cover, etc.).

Whether you are an avid camper/hiker/outdoor person or a casual walker, this is a perfect item to own.

I have the smaller size for personal use, which I also love, but the larger version is ideal for 2 or 3 people.

I would suggest ordering both sizes.

The blanket also features four sand pockets and built-in ground stakes, so you can easily attach it to the ground or other objects in case of windy conditions.

Additionally, its ultra-lightweight construction weighs only 3.4 ounces for ultimate portability.

Whether you’re traveling by air, land, or sea—the Matador Pocket Blanket is an excellent choice for keeping you warm and comfortable on the go.

Its durable construction, convenient portable design, and ample size make it one of the best portable blankets in 2024. 

13. Cabeau Fold ‘N Go Travel Blanket Review

I recently purchased the Cabeau Fold 'N Go Travel Blanket, and it has been an absolute game-changer for my travels.

Not only is it incredibly soft and cozy, but it can also be used as a lumbar support cushion, a pillow, and it even folds down into a compact travel case.

With its 36" W x 60" L size and French microfiber material, you'll get all the warmth and comfort of your favorite blanket without having to lug it around with you.

Plus, when I'm done using it, I can just fold it down into its convenient travel case (which measures only 12" x 7" x 4") and attach it to my bag or luggage. 

And the best part is, it's machine washable!

Must have travel accessory!

Kimberlee - written by a cabeau customer- read more reviews.

If you are going to only take 1 comfort item with you when you travel then this is it!

It can be a blanket, pillow or lumbar support and it is so SOFT!

I just purchased this blanket and can't imagine traveling with anything else.

I LOVE this blanket!

So, if you're looking for a cozy and versatile travel accessory, look no further than the Cabeau Fold 'N Go Travel Blanket.

It'll make your travels so much easier and more comfortable!

Why You Should Buy a Packable Travel Blanket?

No doubt you own a few different blankets at home already, so you’re probably wondering if you really need to purchase a blanket specifically for travel.

Plus, you don’t want to drag around a travel throw blanket with you if it’s not really necessary. 

A travel size blanket, opposed to your standard everyday blanket, is designed to be compact and lightweight so you can easily pop them in your backpack or suitcase.

If you tried putting a standard blanket in your backpack there would be no room for anything else!

But why bring a warm travel blanket with you at all on your travels?

Well here are a few reasons we think travel blankets are a great idea:

1. If you’re traveling via a budget airline, chances are you won’t be given a plane blanket during your flight.

Sure, you can usually buy a flight blanket onboard - but they cost a small fortune and you could have bought your own air travel blanket to keep forever at that price.

2. Sometimes flights or even buses get delayed and you find yourself stuck for hours in a cold depot, having an emergency travel blanket on hand keeps you warm whilst you have to wait.

3. If you stay in budget accommodation, sometimes they just don’t supply enough blankets, having your own small lightweight travel blanket on hand ensure you get a great night’s sleep.

Why We Started Traveling with Travel Blankets

Do you have time for a personal story? We wanted to share why we personally started to start traveling with our own travel blankets.

As family travel bloggers we travel a lot. On our last trip alone (we visited multiple countries over 3 months), we went on 13 flights. Some of which were budget overnight flights.

We quickly learnt over the years that some airport layovers can be freezing cold. I will never forget spending a 5-hour layover in Singapore overnight where I forgot to pack a jumper and for the life of me I couldn't get warm. It was a long (and cold) 5 hours!).

I would have done anything for a nice blanket so that I could get a few hours of sleep instead of shivering away.

Of course, they are perfect for budget flights, because budget flights don't provide blankets or pillows. 

But we also prefer our own blankets on full-service planes because I got sick of scratchy blankets and sometimes they didn't seem as clean as I wanted.

Not only can a travel blanket but helpful for cold airports, but it also makes a great pillow in warm ones.

We also often throw out our blankets on the floor, so that the kids can sleep on top of it (rather than the yucky airport floors) to get some sleep on layovers.

So yes they are incredibly helpful for layovers, planes, trains and more, but let's look at other places that we have come to love our blankets.

I absolutely love to snuggle up under a blanket on a couch whilst watching a movie with my husband and so few apartment rentals or hotels actually give you a throw blanket (and when you do find one it is often so dusty). So now I can with my own cozy blanket.

We have used our blanket whilst enjoying some wine and checking out the views from our patio on a cool night. So helpful when the temperature is cooler.

They are also great for spontaneous picnics whilst traveling, or just to pop down at the park and watch the kids play.

Not even to mention that when you have kids, travel blankets are just so useful for things like car trips.

We even use them whilst at home, because we share care with my ex-husband who lives 2 hours away and the kids love using the blankets for the trip (plus they pack up small so easy to store in the car).

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Small Travel Blanket

When it comes to buying a small lightweight blanket for travel, consider the following factors:

When it comes to fabric used to make travel blankets, there are generally three different materials used - polyester, fleece and down. 

Each have their own benefits when it comes to a small lightweight blanket.

Polyester: Polyester is the most common material used in travel blankets as it is reasonably inexpensive, lightweight and durable.

In some blankets the polyester is blended with other materials like nylon.

Fleece:  A fleece travel blanket is made with a type of polyester and is fairly common when it comes to a plush travel blanket.

This is my preferred type of fabric for a travel blanket, as it feels extra soft, plush and cozy.  

Down:   A packable down travel blanket tends to be more expensive as down has a fantastic warmth to weight ratio - basically it means they can be super lightweight and compact whilst still being super warm.

2. Comfort: 

Of course, the best travel blanket for plane or other travel is one that is going to keep you snuggly and warm. That’s the whole point of it right?

So, you want to look for a nap travel blanket that feels nice and soft to touch and isn’t going to be scratchy on your body.

A fluffy and soft travel blanket will help to ensure you not only stay warm but that you have a great night’s sleep.

It is also important to get one that is warm enough - too often I find that the blankets on the plane are just too thin and don't make me warm enough (often I have had to ask the flight attendant for an extra blanket just so I could be warm enough).

What size light travel blanket you purchase really depends on the size of the person you are purchasing it for.

For me, the perfect airplane blanket size is one that covers me from my feet right up to my neck.

However, you also don’t want a super large travel blanket that is big and bulky when folded up. The last thing you want (for those flying solo) is for your blanket to be so big that it ends up on your neighbors seat!

Bit blankets are also tricky to fold up in the small area of a plane.

So, whilst you want to ensure your travel wrap blanket covers you perfectly, you also want to ensure it’s compact enough that you can easily put it in the bottom of your backpack or suitcase without taking up much space.

For your convenience I’ve included the size of all the blankets in these reviews in the table above.

Similar to how compact your blanket it is, you also don’t want one too heavy that it’s going to eat into your luggage allowance.

This is really important as no doubt you will be wanting to take it onboard the aircraft with you and as you know airlines are getting really strict about the weight of your carry-on luggage.

The good news is, the best airplane blanket options are super light and weigh next to nothing.

For your convenience I’ve included the weight of all the blankets in these reviews in the table above.

4. Portability

Some travel blankets have some great ways for you to carry it with you.

Some you quite simply stuff in a sack, whilst others have built in carry bags and others have carabiners or straps that allow you to latch it onto your suitcase or backpack.

Carrying all your stuff around with you as you travel can be a real pain, especially if you’re traveling with kids - so I highly recommend you consider how you store and transport your travel blanket when deciding which one to buy.

5. Ease of Cleaning

I recommend you get one that is machine washable! And make sure you wash it before you fly (otherwise you might end up with lint all over your clothes).

Your travel blanket is going to be in all sorts of places. Airplanes, bus depots, maybe even on the floor if your flight is delayed overnight and you need to rest!

So, your blanket is going to get all sorts of dirty and you don’t want to have to send it off for dry cleaning all the time.

I’d also look for one that is quick drying as when you are traveling sometimes you don’t have the luxury of letting items dry for a full day.

In fact, sometimes you need to let items dry in your hotel room, so a blanket that is quick drying is super handy.

And lastly, whilst the soft light color blankets might be beautiful think about how quickly they will show the dirt from being used in not-so-clean locations, I recommend you get a dark colored blanket.

Answers to FAQ's:

Here is answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

1. Can you travel with a blanket on a plane?

Yes you can! You can check a travel blanket into your checked luggage or even carry it onto the plane with you.

When you carry a jacket or any other clothing item onto the plane they are considered to be personal items, and so are travel blankets.

They should not count as a carry-on item (like laptop bag, handbag and carry on suitcase).

Which is why we prefer the blankets that have a handle that can slip over the handle of a carry on suitcase, or has a backpack clip that you can clip to your backpack, rather than having to squeeze it into the suitcase.

We do recommend that you check with the airline you are traveling with as they may have their own guidelines and restrictions.

2. What size is a travel blanket?

In general travel blankets tend to be smaller, more compact and lightweight compared to traditional blankets that you may have at home.

The largest travel blanket that we have found is 72 x 42 inches providing maximum coverage.

The smallest travel blanket we have found is 33 x 23 inches so depending on what comfort you want for traveling you may find this too small.

At the end of the day, the size and weight of the blanket will be determined by the coverage you wish to have whilst traveling.

3. Are airline blankets washed?

It has been claimed that many airlines do not wash and disinfect the blankets and in some instances, unless there are clear visible stains, they are merely repackaged in plastic unwashed - the plastic just fools us into thinking that we are being offered a clean blanket.

A flight attendant from Southwest said that the blankets are only washed for the first flight of the day, after which they are simply refolded and repackaged. You can read more about that here.

Now, it is hard to know what is true but to ensure that you have a clean blanket that does not have any previous passengers' substances on, we recommend taking your own travel blanket.

4. What kind of blankets do airlines use?

Most airlines use the same type of blankets that are made from a spun polyester material called fleece. 

Compared to travel blankets that you can buy to take on a plane with you, these blankets do not provide much coverage and warmth as they are generally thin and small in size.

Plus, who knows where that blanket has been. Do you really want to pull a plane blanket up to your chin when the previous person potentially sneezed, coughed or farted on it? 

Verdict on Our Pick of the Best Travel Blankets

With so many choices, finding the best travel blanket for travel whether by air, car or train seems like an impossible task, but it all depends on your style, preference, needs, and budget.

If you want a travel blanket that gives more coverage when using, you may want to buy a blanket that is larger in size.

In this case, the Cocoon CoolMax travel blanket  could be right for you.

But if you like to travel light then a travel blanket that folds up small and compact that does not take up much packing space might be the better choice.

You should look at travel blankets that fold into a carry case or can be attached to your luggage, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket .

We hope this article has helped you set your priorities and decide on the best travel blanket for flying. Have a safe and comfortable trip.

Further Reading:

Click to see our favorite  travel items .

What Makes Wanderlust Storytellers Gear Guides Unique

Why should you trust our travel gear recommendations? Because as you can see in one of the first phots, we have purchased these travel blankets so we could get some hands-on-experience with using them.

Although this page contains affiliate links, we'd like to clarify that none of the featured blanket companies sponsored us. We paid for these travel blankets, just like you would.

We pride ourselves on delivering completely impartial and unbiased opinions and recommendations.

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12 Cozy Travel Blankets to Bring on the Plane

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

It’s tough to get comfortable—much less sleep—on a long-haul flight, especially if you’re stuck in coach. And a thin, possibly dirty airplane blanket isn’t much help. Give yourself a fighting chance by bringing your own soft, cozy travel blanket from home instead.

Below are the best travel blankets at a variety of price points. Many that can also double as a scarf, poncho, or pillow. Stuff one into your carry-on for a more comfortable flight.

Parachute Merino Travel Kit

This kit from Parachute includes not only a luxe travel blanket made of fine merino wool, but also a matching eye mask and a carrying kit. The elegant design and antimicrobial (and therefore anti-odor) properties of the merino wool make this one of the better luxury travel blanket options. 

9 Travel Kits That Will Make a Long Flight Bearable

E Marie Travel Packable Travel Blanket

This generously sized travel blanket from E Marie Travel , measuring 82 by 36 inches, was chosen by Oprah for her 2019 Favorite Things list. You can use it as either a blanket or a scarf, then pack it into its own carrying case. It’s machine washable for easy care between trips. 

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

The CoolMax Blanket is made of a lightweight material that breathes well and wicks away moisture. It comes in a wide variety of colors, folds up into a compact drawstring carrying pouch, and is machine washable.

White and Warren Travel Wrap

For a luxury travel blanket that also serves as an ultra-soft scarf, try the White and Warren Travel Wrap . It’s pricey, but that’s because it’s made of 100 percent cashmere that feels indulgent and looks elegant in any travel situation. One of White and Warren’s bestsellers for more than two decades, it comes in 19 different shades. 

7 Expert Airplane Seat Hacks to Boost Comfort on Long Flights

Comfort Plus 3-in-1 Premium Travel Blanket

Made of soft microfleece, this affordable three-in-one item can be used as a travel blanket, a pillow, or a neck roll. It folds away into a carrying pouch that can be strapped to the handle of your suitcase or personal item for easy carrying. 

Zestt Organics Cotton Travel Set

This travel set from Zestt Organics features a matching organic cotton travel blanket and eye mask, complete with a carry bag that attaches to your luggage handle. The set comes in your choice of four classic colors: navy, charcoal, light gray, or birch. 

Travelrest 4-in-1 Premier Class Travel Blanket

Versatile and reasonably priced, the Travelrest 4-in-1 blanket is designed in a pullover poncho style, so it won’t slide down while you’re drifting off on the plane. It’s made of plush fleece that always feels soft, and it has a zipper pocket where you can stow small items during a nap. Fold it up into its stuff pouch to use it as a pillow for your neck, head, or lower back. 

9 DIY Ways to Upgrade Economy Class

World’s Best Cozy-Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket

If you’re looking for a comfy fleece travel blanket at a bargain price, consider this option from World’s Best . Made of machine-washable polyester, this blanket measures 60 by 50 inches and is warm without being bulky.

Sofia Cashmere Romagnia Suede Travel Set

Looking to splurge? Treat yourself to the cashmere travel blanket, eye mask, and zippered carrying case that make up the Romagnia Suede Travel Set . This indulgent kit will make you feel like you’re in first class even if you’re stuck in a middle seat in coach. 

BeWell Packable Travel Blanket

For an affordable, eco-friendly option, try the BeWell Packable Travel Blanket . It’s made of 100 percent bamboo fiber, one of the more sustainable fabrics available, and is both soft and lightweight. It zips into its own carrying pocket. 

Ridiculously Comfortable Travel Clothes That Don’t Sacrifice Style

Etsy Personalized Travel Blanket

Add your name or initials to personalize this plush travel blanket from seller MissMarisasMonograms on Etsy. The blanket can be used as a pillow when it’s folded into its carrying case, and is made of lightweight polyester. This makes a great gift for yourself or a frequent-traveler friend.

Pavilia Fleece Travel Blanket Pillow

Unfold this fleece travel blanket to keep you warm on a plane, or fasten the zippers on each side to turn it into a pillow or hand warmer. Choose from various solid-colored options or pick up the blanket in a cozy-looking red plaid.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The 11 Best Travel Scarves and Wraps
• Sleeping on Planes: 13 Tips for Travelers
• The Best New Travel Pillows

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. Tyler Schoeber contributed to this story.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get some quality shut-eye on the go

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio

Comfort is key when traveling, whether by car, train, bus, or airplane. And not just for your happiness—sitting or sleeping for hours on end can put your cervical spine (C-spine) in an unnatural position as your head bends downward to read, sways back to sleep on a headrest, or falls to the side to doze off against a window.

A travel pillow can help provide cushion to make falling asleep in transit easier, and the support may also help your C-spine and keep you comfortable during long flights and car rides. There are two main kinds of travel pillows: a donut or C-shape pillow and a rectangular pillow that mimics the type you use in bed.

All travel pillows should provide support and comfort, and you should be able to pack them down small enough to carry with you through an airport or on a train. To see what products were up to par, we tested 21 travel pillows over four weeks as we spent time in planes, trains, and cars. We looked for comfort, quality, portability, durability, and overall value.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other travel pillows we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cabeau evolution classic travel pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Highly supportive material

Helps maintain natural C-spine shape

Easy-to-clean cover

Attaches to carry-on

Not as supportive for taller people

Material runs warm

Doesn’t pack down

The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow has a responsive memory foam core, which we determined is what makes this neck pillow rise above the rest. Whether it's propping your head up while sleeping or supporting your neck while watching a movie, it feels like a cloud of softness and comfort that conforms to support your shape. 

The design is your traditional C-shape, but with raised sides to keep your neck up and a flattened rear to avoid pushing your C-spine forward. We thought the memory foam felt neither excessively firm nor too soft, but worked well to hold our head up comfortably when sleeping. Moreover, it bounced back to its original shape after we used it for over two hours.

The pillow doesn't deflate, but it has a clasp that keeps it from slipping around your neck and makes it easy to latch the pillow onto your bag when not in use. It comes with a soft cover that's removable and machine washable. Not only is it affordable, it's also better designed than most competitors at the same price point.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 5 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Material: Polyurethane core, velour cover

TripSavvy / Daniela Galvez

Best Overall, Runner-Up

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

• Quality 5 /5

Super comfortable with a memory foam core

Packs down (carrying case included)

User-friendly

Doesn’t secure in place to prevent slippage

Less intuitive for the middle seat

This neck pillow has a unique J-shape design meant to support your head and neck while leaning against a window or seat in a car, bus, or plane. We found it super supportive while napping on a 19+ hour car trip and quite intuitive to use—one tester's 6-year-old cousin figured out immediately how to position this pillow.

The J-Pillow is lightweight, easy to move around, soft, and plush. It features memory foam, which is why it feels so supportive, and it has a machine-washable, cuddly, soft cover. The pillow is also quite durable and maintains its shape no matter the damage: We squished it under all the luggage in a trunk and it bounced right back to shape and didn't get any snags. 

Bonus: It comes with a stuff bag that you can tie around luggage, making the awkward shape much easier to travel with.

Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 13 inches | Weight: 8.16 ounces | Material: Memory foam core, polyester blend cover

TripSavvy / Jennifer May

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Quality 4 /5

Great quality for the price

Easy to travel with

Two fabric options for hot/cold

Cover isn’t removable or washable

During testing, we found this classic donut-shaped neck pillow comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and soft but sturdy. The core has millions of tiny microbeads and is covered with super soft, plush fabric on one side and cooling spandex on the other, depending on what you need most during your travels. 

The pillow features a snap closure in front that helps keep your neck from falling forward and makes the pillow easy to attach to your bag for transport. During our tests, we specifically liked this pillow for neck support while switching between napping and reading or using a computer on long flights or train rides. And, despite being just $20, it also felt very high quality. 

While it didn't tear or snag during our travels, it’s worth noting that if you were to catch this on a door or snag it somehow, the millions of microbeads in the filling would come pouring out. 

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 7 ounces | Material: Polyester, polyester blend

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

• Portability 4 /5

Recycled materials

Flat design like a bed pillow

Versatile use

Doesn't specifically contour to the neck

Not the most compact when stowed

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is ideal if you value having something akin to an actual pillow, but small enough for traveling. The traditional rectangle is filled with upcycled chunks of foam from excess camping sleeping pad material, with a soft insulation layer on top to keep the surface from feeling lumpy. You can pull the drawcord string to cinch the pillow to your desired firmness.

We found this pillow incredibly comfortable, with a real pillow feel that was ideal for everything from flights and camping to sleeping at home. We liked the soft and breathable exterior, which was perfect for warm weather and hot plane rides. The pillow packs down into itself and you can use the drawcord to tie the pillow onto a suitcase or backpack.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 5 inches (small) | Weight: 7 ounces (small) | Material: Polyester fiber core, polyester cover

Best Splurge

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

Cool, minimalist design

Incredibly comfortable for long flights

Very compact when put away

Velcro might catch on clothes or hair

The Ostrich pillow is a simple and sleek design, with one sleeve of high-density memory foam that wraps around your neck with high sides to rest your cheek on and Velcro security in front. We found this design extremely comfortable, to the point that it felt like wrapping a marshmallow around our neck or sleeping on a cloud. We found it supportive for the neck, chin, and head while sitting in the middle seat on a flight, and it even kept our neck and back pain-free on a long international flight.

The memory foam is incredibly soft and plush, and the design is very accommodating among different-sized people who tested it. This pillow also has an appealing, modern design that looks more refined while wearing it than other options we've seen. One of us, who is already a hot sleeper, did report that the pillow was a little warm on a long international flight, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

What's more, it packs down super small, compressing to 60 percent of its size into an included stuff bag, which makes it easy to stash in your carry-on bag .

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 14.8 ounces | Material: Memory foam core, viscose cover

Tripsavvy / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Accommodates large headphones

Good balance between softness and support

Packs down small

May be too firm for some

The Cabeau Evolution Neck Pillow follows a C-shape design but with one significant difference: The top and bottom inch have memory foam for optimal neck support, while the middle is made with mesh vents to keep you cool.

Our testing found this design to be super supportive and firm without being too hard, and that the airy, cooling design worked as promised. The curved sections on each side are also designed to wear over-the-ear headphones comfortably. The pillow is lightweight and packs into a circular carrying case that's easy to attach to your luggage. Plus, the pillow maintains its shape even after being rolled and unrolled over and over. 

We found that even though this pillow runs nearly $60, it's worth it if you need firm support to sleep comfortably while traveling—especially in a middle seat.

Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 5 inches | Weight: 12.7 ounces | Material: Memory foam

Best Memory Foam

Aeris memory foam travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

Super supportive

Compact when not in use

Comes with earplugs and eye mask

Requires effort to get into case

Made from ultra-supportive and contouring memory foam, it's no surprise that we found the Aeris Travel Pillow to be super firm and have excellent neck support. The memory foam is stiffer but still feels soft and comfortable to sink into. The sides come up high to provide an excellent chin rest when sleeping. We loved how we could lean back in the car or plane and the back of our neck wasn't against the headrest, which made for a comfortable nap. This neck pillow has a drawstring cord to secure it on any size neck.

The cotton cover is removable and machine washable. The whole pillow folds down small into a carrying case, which has the added feature of a side pocket to hold the included earplugs and eye mask.

Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.73 x 5.16 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Material: Memory foam core; 80 percent velour, 20 percent polyester cover

TripSavvy / Anna Popp

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Keeps skin and hair looking great

Big enough to use as a normal pillow

Quality materials and construction

Matching laundry bag, eye mask, and neck pillow available

Carrying case sold separately

Not particularly compact 

Retailing for almost $100 more than our overall winner, there’s no doubt that the Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow is a splurge. However, it’s made from the finest mulberry silk, giving it an ultra-soft, smooth texture that helps to prevent wrinkles and protect your hair. We used ours on a five-hour Amtrak journey and loved that it kept a blowout looking sleek. The pillow may be expensive, but so is finding a salon on vacation (and there’s no price to be put on wrinkle-free skin!). 

The pillow is also made to last with high-quality materials and stitching. By the time we finished testing, it still looked brand new, and we felt that it would be a long time before it began to flatten. At 12 by 16 inches, this isn’t a full-size pillow, but neither is it the most portable option. This means you’ll need a significant amount of space in your carry-on or purse to tote it around, but on the flip side, being large enough to use for a regular night’s sleep at your destination adds to its overall value. Choose yours in sophisticated navy or pink and ivory stripes. 

Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Mulberry silk cover, silk and polyester core

Best Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

Unique chin strap for unrivaled support

Soft, washable cover

Folds compactly into included case 

Holds up well to intense travel 

Can feel a little restrictive at first 

Standing for “The Neck’s Evolution,” the TNE S3 from Cabeau features a patent-pending, totally unique chin strap designed to hold your head and neck firmly in place to prevent uncomfortable “bobblehead” syndrome. Other design features include raised side supports, a flattened back for greater comfort when leaning against your airplane seat, and an opening at the front of the neck for effective heat dispersal. Adjustable straps allow you to secure the pillow to any high-back seat. 

The interior is made from supportive memory foam, while the removable, washable cover features a soft, cozy fabric that held up well to our 12-day testing trip around Japan and South Korea . Despite using it almost constantly on different modes of transport, it looked good as new when we got home and only lost a slight degree of softness after washing. We especially liked that the pillow folds in half to fit inside a compact carry case, which has a clip for attaching it to your suitcase. There are seven bright colors to choose from. 

Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.3 x 11 inches | Weight: 14 ounces | Material: Memory foam core; polyester, microsuede, birdseye mesh cover

The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow is exceptionally supportive, conforms to the natural curvature of the neck, and features a removable cover that is easy to clean. Also tying for the top pick, the J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow features an innovative design that delivers comfort and comes with an easy-to-carry stuff bag.

To determine the best travel pillows, we considered how easy the pillow was to set up and use out of the box, how the material felt to touch, how durable the material was against wear and tear, and how easy it was to clean. We put each pillow through a series of tests on plane, train, bus, or car rides exceeding two hours . During travel, we considered how supportive and comfortable the pillow was, how the fabric felt, how it made our neck feel, how easy it was to pack or compress, and whether it had any exceptional features that made traveling more comfortable.

Here are some of the other travel pillows we tested that fell short of our favorites list.

Trtl Pillow : For the price, this travel pillow didn't provide nearly enough neck support and not only felt flimsy but actually caused us pain during a 3.5-hour flight. Putting the wrap on was incredibly awkward and the fleece felt too stuffy riding in a car.

BCozzy Neck Pillow : This pillow has a unique wraparound design intended to create a double layer of cushion. However, it was too thick during testing to double up comfortably. It was definitely durable and well made, but not comfortable enough to recommend purchasing.

Ostrich Pillow Light Versatile : This pillow has comfortable, T-shirt-like fabric outside and a supportive, memory foam feel when you press on it. But the circular nature of the design just didn't work in testing to support the neck and head in a way that was also comfortable to sleep.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow : This memory foam pillow is supportive and soft, and it features mesh around the neck to keep you cool, as well as suede around the face to keep you cozy. Overall, this pillow is well made, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable enough for us to nap with on an 11-hour flight. It didn't fit into any single best category, but we recommend it nonetheless.

TripSavvy / Erin Johnson

Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow : This pillow's main selling point is that it rolls down super small for packability. But outside of that, we found little reason to buy it. It wasn't comfortable to sit or sleep with, caused us neck pain, the material was too plastic-y, and it's overall just confusing to use.

MLVOC Travel Neck Pillow Set : Our testing found this travel pillow too stiff to find a comfortable fit, not providing support to the head and neck, and allowing the head to bob from side to side. It also requires effort to stuff into the travel bag.

Samsonite Microbead 3-in-1 Neck Travel Pillow : This pillow features tiny beads, so it's not stiff like memory foam, but it didn't provide much support during testing unless our head was against a window. There isn't much support on the back of the neck, either. Overall, you can snag something more supportive for the price.

AirComfy Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow : This inflatable travel pillow isn't very comfortable once filled with air and was too small to fit in the crook of our neck comfortably. The surface gets dirty quickly and the plastic material was uncomfortable against the face. In short: Skip.

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow : This pillow has a soft, velvety cover and feels very firm with its memory foam core. We thought it might be too firm for some, but personally found it comfortable around the neck or leaning on for a window. For the price, it's well-made and a solid choice.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow : Filled with memory foam, this pillow has certain joints that twist into different shapes for personalized comfort. We found it to be thick and comfortable, but the bending nature tends to straighten slowly over time, so you'll have to readjust the position regularly.

Hest Pillow : This pillow packs down super small and then unfolds to be filled with shredded memory foam and polyester. Zippered access lets you adjust the loft to what you prefer, and we found it to be super comfortable and plush to sleep on. It's great for car trips and excellent for a full-size pillow versus a neck pillow, but we wish it came with a way to attach to luggage for air travel and that it was a bit lighter.

What to Look For in a Travel Pillow

You can find a comfortable neck pillow for just $20, but depending on your physiology, needs, and preferences, a pillow in the $40 to $60 range might be more comfortable. The price should correlate with design and features: A more expensive pillow should have a more streamlined design and features that make it worth more money due to better comfort, packability, and durability.

Most travel pillows come in one of two styles: Some kind of donut- or C-shaped neck pillow and a rectangular, small pillow that looks like what you use on your bed. 

A well-designed donut- or C-shaped pillow is ideal for keeping your spine aligned and preventing your head from jutting forward or falling back as you sit and sleep for hours while traveling. It should have support on all sides to keep your head from bobbing or your chin from falling. This style of pillow is ideal if you spend most of your travel time sitting up, whether working on a computer or trying to sleep in a middle seat (versus a window).

A rectangular pillow is ideal if you’re lying down in a car, train, or airplane, or if your head will be resting against a window. It’s also ideal if you want one item to do double duty, as you can use this travel pillow at home for a lumbar pillow or toddler pillow, or while camping. A rectangular pillow should feature materials that support your head and neck, and ideally have a customizable loft so you can adjust how thick or thin it depends on your sleep style to maintain that spinal alignment between your head and neck.

As we’ve said, a travel pillow’s primary purpose is to keep you comfortable and pain-free while in transit, which means it needs to be able to keep your head and neck in spinal alignment. That means the best travel pillow will be adjustable since some people need it tighter, looser, thicker, or thinner.

Your travel pillow should have a machine-washable cover that you can remove and clean like any pillowcase. Let the cover air dry to prevent any shrinkage.

Travel pillows make sleeping more comfortable, usually making sleeping easier. A good travel pillow should provide support for your head and neck in a way that maintains cervical spinal alignment. Being out of alignment (with your head jutting forward, back, or to one side) is associated with the neck, shoulder, and back, and can make it very uncomfortable to sleep (not to mention not great for your musculature).

The most common way people wear these classic travel pillows is with the clasp in the front and the back of the "C" at the back of the neck. If you reverse this position, you may find it much more supportive and comfortable. Whichever orientation offers you the most comfort—and therefore facilitates rest—is the correct way.

Rachael Schultz is a fitness and outdoor product journalist based in Carbondale, Colorado. Growing up in and around cities on the East Coast, she wasn't taught how to backpack or ski as a kid, which means that as she moved West and her passion for the outdoors grew in adulthood, so did her research skills around what exactly one needed to buy to get outside. Now an avid mountain biker, skier, hiker, and camper, she's endlessly fascinated by and knowledgeable about the nuances of materials, performance, and convenience of outdoor gear. She's lucky enough to test everything from women's ski bibs to ultralight backpacking gear to camping cocktail kits. Rachael is passionate about making the outdoors just as accessible to those who haven't spent much time under the stars as those who grew up enjoying it, and that includes having the right gear to stay happy and motivated to head out again as soon as possible.

Journal of physical therapy science vol. 35,2 (2023): “ Changes in neck pain and somatic symptoms before and after the adjustment of the pillow height .” 106-113. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.106

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The Best Travel Pillow

By Sabrina Imbler

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Nest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping.

This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give.

It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow.

It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit.

Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace.

The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep.

The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly.

While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me.

While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood.

In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.”

In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

• Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
• Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
• Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
• Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
• Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
• Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
• Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
• Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
• Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off.

The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl . But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution Classic is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a newer model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks.

The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau . Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy .

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Nest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution Classic . It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Nest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest or the Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution Classic and the Travelrest Nest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a later addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs more.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a newer version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Nest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front. Also, one of our former freelance writers recently reported that when she pulled her pillow out of storage, after a few years of not using it, its internal bladder disintegrated in her hands.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow: A First-Class Sleep Experience in Economy

by Dorie Chevlen

This travel pillow is so great you won’t even care if you look silly wearing it.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

by Elissa Sanci

You might look funny while wearing the one-sided Trtl travel pillow in flight, but you won’t care when you land at your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

The Best Lumbar Support Pillow

by Ayanna Redwood-Crawford

If you slouch while sitting at your desk for long periods or suffer from back pain after a long workday, a lumbar support pillow can make all the difference.

The 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech

We’ve put together a selection of fun, useful and clever gifts for that person who always has a trip planned.

The 9 Best Travel Blankets to Cozy Up With on Your Next Adventure

These comfy picks were evaluated for durability, packability, and coziness.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?

Blankets come in all shapes and sizes, and materials (hello, cozy fleece blankets !). Not to mention all the special features that are available, like heated blankets or cooling blankets , even cooling weighted blankets , perfect for hot sleepers who still want to reap the stress-relief benefits. No matter what kind of blanket you love to cuddle with in bed, there’s a travel blanket that will be perfect to take along with you in the plane, train, or trusty family minivan.

It’s important to remember, also, that one travel blanket may not fit the same needs of every trip. Maybe you need something extra-warm and waterproof for your next camping excursion. Perhaps you need a pet-friendly pick that won’t end up ripped or covered in hair. Maybe you’re a frequent traveler who should consider opting for a compact blanket that can easily be slipped into a carry-on. Fear not, we’ve assembled a list of the best travel blankets for you for every kind of travel.

Our top picks

Best Overall Travel Blanket

Away the travel blanket.

Best Value Travel Blanket

World's best cozy soft microfleece travel blanket.

Best Packable Travel Blanket

Eversnug travel blanket and pillow.

Best Heated Travel Blanket

Stalwart heated car blanket.

Best Breathable Travel Blanket

Cocoon coolmax travel blanket.

Best Fleece Travel Blanket

Vera bradley fleece travel blanket with trolley sleeve.

Best Wearable Travel Blanket

Travelrest 4-in-1 premier class travel blanket with zipped pocket.

Best Camping Travel Blanket

Wise owl outfitters camping blanket.

Best Beach Travel Blanket

Wekapo beach blanket.

Ready to start shopping? Read on to check out our full list of picks.

While Away is known for its high-quality suitcases and luggage accessories, the company also offers a top-rated travel blanket for less than $100. This blanket features three pockets to keep your belongings secure and your feet warm while you wear it (though, if you’re taller, using the foot pockets may not be practical because it will pull the blanket down). This travel blanket is also lightweight and machine-washable, and it comes with its own carrying case.

A textiles analyst from the Good Housekeeping Institute who tried the blanket says the material feels smooth and loves that it is also compatible with the brand’s neck pillow thanks to a built-in snap system, so you have full-use of your hands! Plus, this blanket is made using 37.5 temperature regulating technology for extra comfort.

If you’re looking for a travel blanket that won’t break the budget, but will still give you plenty of on-the-go comfort, this lightweight, and extremely affordable travel blanket is a favorite on Amazon. Did we mention it has thousands of five-star reviews too?

The textile experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute appreciate how airy this blanket is and how easily it can be rolled up for packing. While this lap blanket is on the thinner side, reviewers still say that it keeps them warm and comfortable. Worth noting: Some reviewers experienced fraying hems and pilling, so be sure to wash carefully.

If you’re looking for a travel blanket that serves multiple purposes and won’t waste luggage space, look no further. This pick from Eversnug can be unfolded for a full-size blanket, and it can be zipped up into a rectangular shape for use as a cozy pillow to support your head. It also features a built-in luggage sleeve and backpack clip, making it easy to attach this pillow-blanket combo to your suitcase or any other luggage you have. This blanket is lightweight and machine-washable as well. The only complaint some reviewers have is that you can’t have the best of both worlds and “once you take the blanket out, you don’t have a pillow.”

Whether you’re planning a winter road trip with friends—or you’re just waiting for the car to defrost—this heated car blanket pick helps you stay nice and cozy. Simply plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter and you’ll feel toasty in no time. Reviewers say that this pick is perfect for everything from tailgating to camping, or even adding it to your vehicle’s emergency kit. Plus, the 96-inch cord is long enough for you to move the blanket around the car comfortably (so passengers in the back seat can enjoy the warmth too!).

However, textiles analysts from the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend using this cozy blanket with caution: Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews, some reviewers have mentioned certain instances where the blanket wiring has overheated and melted the blanket’s fabric.

If you’re a hot sleeper and the idea of insulation and warm fleece are not appealing, this Cocoon CoolMax Blanket is a great option. The fabric is extremely lightweight and easy to fold down while being very breathable and moisture-wicking. This is the perfect item to have on the go if you’re looking for something thin and simple that won’t encourage overheating; Think hot-weather travel where you want to feel cozy without toasty side effects. It’s machine-washable and comes in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and even yellow. One Amazon traveler says “Amazing amazing amazing! I wish I had this when I backpacked around the world. Thin but does not take away from performance. Can be used as a shawl as well.”

Vera Bradley offers so many colorful and chic designs, so this travel blanket is just as much for comfort as it is for style. This travel-ready fleece blanket is perfect for road trips, flights, long train rides, or any kind of adventure you have planned. It folds into a pillow and also includes a sleeve to attach to a roller bag or travel backpack for easy transportation. And when we say it’s cozy, we really mean it—reviewers can’t get over how soft it is, one saying, “Softest throw I have and it rolls into itself to double as a pillow. I got it initially to keep in the car but seeing how super soft it is, decided to keep it in the living room.”

Sometimes, you just want to be able to move freely while still being wrapped in a big cozy blanket. This travel blanket from Travelrest comes with its own carrying case that makes it usable as a travel pillow, too. When fully unfolded, you can slip this blanket over your head and wear it like a poncho. Made of plush polyester fabric, the Travelrest blanket weighs just 20 ounces and is machine-washable for long-term use. Reviewers love it too, one Amazon customer saying “Love the fact you can put it over your head so it stays on your body—I play a lot of games so a blanket that keeps me wrapped up while doing this is ideal. Very soft. My husband is impressed that it can double up as a cushion as well as he suffers with a bad back!”

If your travel adventures take you to the great outdoors, you’ll need the best camping gear to take with you, including a camping travel blanket to keep warm in your tent. This pick from Wise Owl is not only insulated and warm, it also claims to be completely waterproof. The blanket even includes snaps, so you can wear it, which is perfect for getting cozy around the campfire. Last but not least, it packs down to a small bag, which is ideal for hikers with gear-filled packs. To get a better picture of how it feels, one Amazon customer says “It’s basically sleeping bag material. The snaps are a big plus. I can wear it while I sit or work on something and it will stay clasped around my waist or shoulders.”

If your next trip is to the coast, you’ll need one of the best beach towels , or may we introduce a beach travel blanket? It may feel a bit unorthodox to bring a blanket to the beach, but we promise this pick won’t have you bringing the sand home with you. This travel blanket is quick drying and sand won’t cling to it, and it comes with six stakes so your blanket won’t fly up or away while you’re in the water. It comes in several fun colors and three large sizes, but still packs down into a small pouch. With almost 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this pick should satisfy your beach day needs.

How to choose the best travel blankets

While you're shopping for your own travel blanket, there are some key details you should consider before purchasing. Here are some helpful things to be mindful of, according to textile experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute :

✔️ Material: If you're looking for an affordable, lightweight, and warm travel blanket, textile analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute suggest trying fleece or a synthetic microfiber made of polyester. They also share that nylon fabrics are lightweight, durable and smooth, which usually makes them ideal for camping, hiking, or other outdoor adventures, that natural fibers like cotton and linen aren't typically quite as warm but breathe well, and that merino fibers, while sometimes pricey, are quite warm and soft.

✔️ Size: For travel blankets in particular, it’s important to keep size dimensions in mind. You want to be sure to pick something that’s large enough to keep both your hands and toes warm but will also pack down small enough for your carry-on if you’re flying. Many of our picks offer plenty of coverage as well as packable into either a smaller pouch or convertible into a pillow.

✔️ Features: Many of our picks for travel blankets are designed with extra features. Some offer a case or pouch to keep your blanket compact, while others offer an attached loop, designed to be helpful for toting the blanket when you’re on the go. Some blankets offer wearability features, like a hole or snaps at the neck that allow you to use the blanket hands-free. Last, some blankets feature added pockets to provide extra space for your smaller belongings that are easily lost in the cracks of your car or plane seat.

How we chose the best travel blankets

We researched the best travel blankets and considered online reviews and editor-favorite products as part of this process. We also referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute ’s coverage, where Textiles Lab experts shared their recommendations (from those, we included the Away Travel Blanket, World’s Best Cozy Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket, and Stalwart Heated Car Blanket products on our list).

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Madeleine, Prevention ’s assistant editor, has a history with health writing from her experience as an editorial assistant at WebMD, and from her personal research at university. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience—and she helps strategize for success across Prevention ’s social media platforms. 

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The 10 Best Travel Blankets in 2023 [Portable, Compact, Lightweight]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

822 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3359 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Things to consider with travel blankets, the 10 best travel blankets, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Traveling is an exciting and fun way to go on adventures. However, it’s nice to also ensure you have comfort while away from home. That’s why travel blankets can be so essential. They help you curate a cozy travel experience so you can rest and relax while on the go.

Making sure you get the perfect blanket for your travel needs takes more than just picking an option randomly. A lot of little characteristic changes could affect how useful a blanket is to you. Here are a few things to consider.

The first thing you should consider when purchasing a travel blanket is its size. You will typically want a large enough blanket to cover you but not take up a lot of space in your bag or mode of transportation.

Travel blankets can come in a range of sizes, so it’s important that you take into consideration how much room you’ll generally have while traveling. For example, planes have less space than cars might. It’s also important to consider your height so you can search for appropriate blanket options.

A blanket’s material might also affect whether or not it’s a good option for your needs. There are numerous blanket materials, but some common options are:

• Fleece: These tend to be warmer.
• Cotton: These tend to be more breathable and thinner.
• Bamboo Fiber Blend: These tend to be softer

Depending on what you’re looking for in a blanket, warmth, coziness, or just a little comfort can change your ideal material.

Bottom Line: Consider what travel issues you want to resolve so that you can narrow down your blanket search options by fabric.

Type of Travel

The type of travel you’ll be doing is also an important factor to consider when in the market for a travel blanket.

Different modes of transportation offer different amounts of space and levels of familiarity. For example, going on a road trip in your own car will likely allow you more space and freedom than flying in coach.

While it’s impossible to predict every trip you’ll ever go on, it’s useful to consider your most often used modes of transportation. That way, you can pick a blanket that suits that situation.

It may seem strange, but you should also consider how much a blanket weighs before purchasing one.

A heavier blanket will add extra weight to your luggage. If you’re busy running around an airport or train station, you likely want to be as unencumbered as possible. That means minimizing the weight you’re carrying.

Some airlines also have weight restrictions on carry-on or personal items. A heavy blanket might mean sacrificing other items you want to pack. However, a heavier blanket will usually be warmer and can, at times, be more relaxing.

You’ll also want to consider how durable a blanket is when trying to decide which option is right for you. You likely won’t want a blanket that will fall apart after being washed a handful of times, for example. Traveling can put a lot of wear and tear on your items that they wouldn’t normally suffer.

You’ll want to look for materials that can be cleaned and are rip-resistant, and possibly stain-resistant. That way, you can help guarantee that your blanket will be useful for many trips, not just 1 or 2.

Hot Tip: Consider one of our recommendations for the best travel neck pillow to accompany your travel blanket!

There are hundreds of blankets out there that have been designed with travel in mind. So, finding that perfect option can be tough!

To help, we’ve created this list of the 10 best travel blankets on the market, so you can browse confidently.

1. An All-in-One Travel Set for Sleep

Pavilia travel blanket and pillow.

If you find yourself typically in need of either a blanket or a pillow while you travel, PAVILIA has you covered with their its blanket. This option is a blanket and pillow combo, so you’ll always rest well.

The blanket material is made of soft microfleece that will keep you warm without letting you overheat. It will keep you comfortable no matter how long your journey is. Since it doubles as a pillow, the same material will offer you a plush cushion.

It even comes with a removable strap so that you can easily attach the blanket to your luggage for streamlined traveling. No need to worry about juggling another pouch or finding room in your bag.

What We Like:

• Soft and durable

What We Don’t Like:

• It can’t be used as a blanket and pillow at the same time

2. Travel Blanket for Luxury on the Go

Travelrest 4-in-1 premier class travel blanket.

Traveling in less-than-ideal conditions can hinder your enjoyment. So, if you’re looking for a way to bring luxury to your travels, consider this blanket from Travelrest.

This blanket option can be used in multiple ways to ensure relaxation and comfort however you need it. It’s made of cozy fleece, which will keep you warm and allow you to create a cozy space for yourself.

If you don’t need to use the blanket, you can pack it away in its carrying case to use it as a pillow or support cushion. That way, you never have to worry about a sore back after long trips again.

You can also read or eat comfortably while staying tucked in, thanks to the blanket’s sleeves.

• Has sleeves
• The sleeves might be short

3. Perfect Blanket for Long Flights

Bluehills premium soft travel blanket.

If you’re looking for the perfect blanket to help you get through long flights, then the BlueHills Premium option is one to consider.

This blanket was designed with frequent flyers in mind. It’s compact, so it follows even the strictest airline regulations regarding cabin luggage. It also comes with multiple ways it can attach to your bags. You can clip it onto a backpack or strap it to a carry-on suitcase.

When unfolded, the blanket is a respectable 60 x 43 inches in size, so it should be perfect to drape over yourself in flight. When it’s time to pack up, just fold it back into its 11.5 x 10-inch pouch. It’s also an affordable option that will last years.

• Soft and breathable
• Not great for tall travelers

4. Compact Blanket for Light Packers

Eversnug travel blanket and pillow.

If you’d consider yourself a light packer, but you still want a blanket to make trips more comfortable, check out the EverSnug.

This blanket and pillow combo lets you have a little luxury without taking up much room in your luggage. It’s lightweight, so it won’t be heavy when attached to your carry-on or backpack, and the compact case is smaller than some tablets.

It’s made of high-quality microfiber that’s soft yet durable. It’s also more resistant to stains than most traditional blankets, so it won’t show much wear and tear even when used often. It can also be a pillow, making it an essential item to ensure comfortable traveling.

• Larger than average when unfolded

5. A Blanket for Home or Travel

Gonaap sherpa fleece throw blanket.

If you’re in the market for a stylish blanket you can use at home or while on trips, GONAAP has the perfect option for you.

This sherpa fleece-type blanket is soft and cozy, so even the longest or most crowded travels will still be comfortable. Its 30 x 40-inch size makes it easy to roll up, so it won’t take up much room in your travel bags. In fact, it’s made of microfiber, so it’s also lightweight.

It also comes in a variety of color and pattern options, so you can purchase the one that best suits your style. Not only that, but it’s an affordable option. That means you can buy one for your whole family stress-free to ensure everyone can rest and relax.

• Budget-friendly yet high-quality
• No carrying pouch

6. Compact Blanket for Easy Packing

Litume travel blanket.

If the thing that’s kept you from getting a travel blanket is space concerns, consider the Litume option.

This blanket is one of the most compact options on the market. In fact, when put away, it can practically fit in a coat pocket. That’s even more impressive when you consider the fact that, when unrolled, the blanket measures 48 x 67 inches. Of course, this also makes it a good option for taller travelers as well.

The blanket is made of fleecy polyester, so you get a balance of warmth and softness without having a super thick blanket . It weighs just over half a pound, so it shouldn’t add much extra weight to your luggage, making it a great option for light packers and over packers alike.

• Very compact and lightweight
• Less breathable

7. Cozy Travel Blanket You Can Wear

Tirrinia travel blanket airplane office poncho.

Tirrinia has created a travel blanket poncho that is perfect for making yourself comfortable no matter where you are.

It’s made of microfleece, so it’s guaranteed to be soft and cozy, even after multiple washes. It’s easy to care for and can be machine-washed as normal, without any particular care instructions. It’s also easy to store. When put away, its pouch measures 13 x 12 inches. So, it’s a compact option that won’t take up much room in your luggage or at home.

Its poncho style allows you to reach, eat, or do any other activities without sacrificing warmth and comfort. That makes it a great option not just for travel but also at home or at work.

• Easy to pack and store
• Short sleeves

8. Budget-friendly Travel Blanket

Cloudz fleece travel blanket.

Blankets can be expensive, even more so when they’re designed for travel. Cloudz has designed a travel blanket option that won’t break your budget.

This low-cost option doesn’t sacrifice quality or comfort. It measures 50 x 60 inches, so it’s a sizable blanket that’s suitable for most travelers. However, it can also roll into a 9 x 5-inch bundle with a strap, making for easy storage and easy carrying.

The blanket itself is soft, fleecy polyester that is lightweight but still warm enough to stand up to cold planes or cars. The company has been a leader in travel accessories for over a decade, making it a reliable option with years of expertise you can count on.

• Warm and soft
• Stitching isn’t strongly reinforced

9. Travel Blanket Option for Comfortable Road Trips

Pgi traders soft travel blanket.

If you’re looking for a blanket that can go on the road with you, PGI has an option you might want to look into.

This blanket was designed for travelers of all kinds, from hikers to frequent flyers. That means you’re guaranteed to be able to pack it up stress-free. When packed away, you can also use the blanket as a pillow, thanks to the soft case that’s made of soft material that won’t be uncomfortable to rest on.

The blanket is made of lightweight poly-cotton to ensure you’re able to move around freely without being weighed down. However, that doesn’t mean giving up any warmth, it will still keep you comfortable during cool moments during the day or night.

• Lightweight
• Not suitable for very cold temperatures

10. Multi-purpose Luxury Blanket

Kelor luxury bamboo wrap blanket.

The luxury wrap blanket from KELOR is perfect if you’re looking for a blanket that can be used for multiple purposes.

It’s been designed to not just be a blanket but also a wrap, an oversized scarf, and even a baby wrap. So, it’s a great all-purpose essential item. It’s made of a viscose-spandex blend, so it’s stretchy and breathable, giving it the ability to suit multiple different needs.

It’s also so soft that even sensitive skin won’t be irritated by this blanket . That makes it suitable for most people. Due to all its potential uses, it was also designed to be easily washed, so you don’t have to worry about ruining it or having to follow strict care instructions.

• Useful in everyday life
• Not the warmest material for cold temperatures

Ideally, a travel blanket will be compact enough to easily fit in your luggage and will keep you warm and comfortable. However, so many other factors can be slightly changed, making choosing the right blanket overwhelming.

We hope our list has helped you narrow down your options so you can pick the perfect blanket for your next trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel blankets worth it.

A travel blanket is worth purchasing if you find yourself craving extra comfort while you travel. A travel blanket is a good alternative if you don’t like blankets that are typically found on airplanes or in hotels. However, some travelers don’t feel they have a need to pack a blanket.

Can I bring a blanket on a plane?

You can typically bring your own blanket on a plane. However, it’s important that the blanket you bring can fit into a personal bag or piece of carry-on luggage or is otherwise quite small. It’s also important to respect other passengers by not bringing a heavy or oversized blanket onboard.

What size is a travel blanket?

A travel blanket is typically smaller in size compared to a regular blanket. There are no strict rules regarding the size range for a travel blanket, but they are usually around 5 x 4 feet or the size of a throw blanket. They also tend to be thinner and more compact.

What makes travel blankets different?

Travel blankets aren’t too different from traditional blankets. However, they are often made of material that can be rolled or folded into more compact bundles than some typical options. They also might have different shapes … for example, sleeves so you can wear your blanket while traveling.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Cozy Up with the 16 Best Travel Blankets for 2024

Have you ever felt robbed of a travel experience because you spent all of your time daydreaming about how to warm up instead of just enjoying the moment? 

This has happened to me numerous times–while camping, on an airplane, long car ride, surviving winter van life , at a festival or outdoor event–if only I’d brought a travel blanket to take the edge off my chill.

In my opinion, the best travel blankets will keep you warm in over air-conditioned airplane cabins, double as a travel pillow on road trips, and best of all, let you bring the comfort of home wherever you go.

I’ve put together this list to help anyone looking for the best travel blanket for yourself (or as a gift for your nomadic friend )!

Table of Contents

The perks of a travel blanket.

• Best Pocket Blanket
• Best Weighted Travel Blanket
• Best Cashmere Travel Blanket
• Best Wool Travel Blanket
• Best Travel Blanket for Airplanes
• Best Camping Blanket
• Best Beach Blanket
• Best Blanket for Nomads
• Best Outdoor Blanket
• Best Backpacking Blanket
• Best Day Adventure Blanket
• Best Heated Travel Blanket
• Best Shawl Wrap Travel Blanket
• Best Poncho Travel Blanket
• Best Hoodie Travel Blanket
• Least Expensive Travel Blanket

Which Travel Blanket is Best for You?

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The right travel blanket can do a lot more than just keep you warm on trips. Depending on where you are using your own blanket, other perks include:

Ease flying anxiety on a long haul flight with a weighted travel blanket

Stay protected from mosquitos and bugs on camping trips with a lightweight travel blanket

Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays on beach days with a UPF+ beach blanket

Give yourself some extra snoozin’ privacy (and warmth) with a hooded travel blanket

Use as cute decor to add color and coziness around your living area

Top 16 Travel Blankets of 2024

Here’s my roundup of the best travel blankets for 2024–all of them are reasonably priced and available through Amazon or nomadic-related suppliers.

1. Best Pocket Blanket

The Matador Pocket blanket was created in 2014 when its creators saw concert-goers and park-lovers spreading out coats when the ground was too wet to sit on. It was literally created to be kept inside a pocket so it could be used anywhere, at anytime. Could this be your new concert-going friend?

The Matador 2.0 is made of Ripstop Nylon, making it water-resistant, tear-resistant and super tough. It seats 2-4 people, but packs down into a pocket no bigger than the palm of your hand. Amazing! The Matador also comes with stakes so you can secure it to the ground. It’s an ideal piece of travel gear for backpackers and others seeking a super lightweight compact travel blanket.

2. Best Weighted Travel Blanket

On the opposite end of the spectrum to the super light Matador, we have the Gravity Weighted blanket . A weighted travel blanket is incredibly useful if you suffer from travel anxiety—for instance, when flying. Weighted blankets have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation .

While the extra heaviness of a weighted blanket may not be ideal for flying, its stress-reducing benefits make this travel-size weighted blanket worth it. 

The Gravity Blanket is a large lap blanket, weighing in at 10lbs and measuring 40” x 60”. It will keep your legs warm on a plane or around a campfire, or can be wrapped around your torso to help reduce anxiety. It packs down to a respectable 22” x 9” and comes with its own carrying case, ideal for easy transport.

3. Best Cashmere Travel Blanket

If you’re looking for a little more luxury, the Jet&Bo cashmere blanket can make your economy seat feel a bit more upscale. A cashmere blanket will certainly cost you more than your average travel blanket, but for the price you get a super soft, lightweight, very warm blanket that can be packed down quite small and comes with its own stylish carry pouch.

Use the carrying pouch as your own personal travel pillow by either putting the folded blanket inside or the airline-provided pillow inside. The 100% woven cashmere blanket comes in at 60″ x 45″ when open to full size, and packs down to 13″ x 10″ in its carry pouch. Cashmere travels well and doesn’t wrinkle, so it’s an ideal material for stuffing into a carry-on or backpack. This blanket is hand-wash only, with mild detergent and cold or lukewarm water.

4. Best Wool Travel Blanket

The PuTian Merino Camping blanket is a wool/polyester/nylon blend that seats 2-4 people and is thick enough to sit on while also being soft enough to wrap around yourself.

Wool makes for the best hiking and camping material because it’s tough and insulating, but breathable if you start overheating. The thickness and ruggedness of this camping blanket makes it ideal for laying on the cold, hard ground as a sort of “picnic” blanket.

Actually, wool can keep you just as warm as a sleeping bag so you may even be able to use it on camping nights.

But, they are heavier and more difficult to pack down small than other blankets on this list, so I recommend them primarily for car camping or road travel over air travel or backpacking.

If you don’t have a heater in your camper , keeping a few of these around for chilly nights is a must. It comes in a variety of fun prints that also look great on your sofa or bed. It’s machine washable and wrinkle resistant.

5. Best Travel Blanket for an Airplane

The Cocoon Coolmax blanket is a great option for frequent travelers who need a little extra warmth on those long flights or train rides without sacrificing much luggage space or breaking the bank. Because a packable travel blanket can mean the difference between a comfortable, long haul flight and absolute, freezing torture.

The Cocoon Coolmax blanket is similar to the Matador in that it packs down super small and is very lightweight (weighs just over a 1/2 lb). This plane blanket is made of 100% polyester, so even though it’s thin, it traps a lot of heat and keeps you very warm. It’s machine washable, wrinkle resistant, and feels like a thin jersey t-shirt. It comes in a drawstring stuff sack. Use on your next flight to seriously amplify your comfort.

6. Best Camping Blanket

The Hoverquilt premium down blanket will give you that curled-up-at-home-in-your-comforter feeling regardless of where you are; camping in a tent, hammock, camper van, under the stars…it’s the ultimate warm adventure blanket. While still packing up insanely small, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort just to travel light.

The Hoverquilt is made of buttery soft – 20D ripstop nylon fabric and overfilled with 750 Fill Power Goose Down, designed for temps as low as 30F / 0C. At its full size, the Hoverquilt can comfortably fit two adults, while still packing down to smaller than a volleyball. It uses a sleeping bag design but without the zippers.

The blanket comes in a carrying pouch and weighs just ~ 2.5 lbs (1.36 kg). To wash, place on the “gentle” cycle and tumble dry on low heat. Stay cozy and comfortable no matter where you’re sleeping with the maximum coverage Hoverquilt.

7. Best Beach & Picnic Blanket

The Woven Wonders Desertscape blanket is packed with attractive features. Not only is it eye-catching and comes in a variety of beautiful colors, but it’s made of hemp and flax, making for an anti-static, debris-resistant, hypoallergenic and thermoregulating lightweight blanket. (Oh, and it’s biodegradable and ethically-made with responsibly-sourced fibers).

This blanket is great as a beach blanket or picnic blanket. It has cloth loops on each corner; ideal for hooking to picnic tables, beach umbrellas, or even walls as stylish decoration. The Wooven Wonders blanket weighs 20 oz. and its dimensions are 52” x 65”. It’s washing-machine friendly; simply wash cold with like colors.

8. Best Blanket for Nomads

The Gravel Layover Travel blanket has lots of subtle but convenient features that make this blanket ideal for anything from packing in your travel pack for long flights (or long layovers), taking on road trips, using on a camping or even backpacking trip.

It’s made of lightweight, thin but very insulating 20D nylon–so it packs up small without compromising on warmth. Snap buttons line each blanket edge, so you can button the blanket around your neck for full coverage, or even button it to other blankets for cuddling up! There’s a zippered kangaroo pocket for holding electronics or essentials, and foot pouches to ensure your feeties stay toasty! When packed up into its stuff sack, it makes for a handy makeshift pillow as well.

9. Best Outdoor Blanket

The Dometic GO camp blanket checks all the boxes for a casual outdoor blanket. Throw on the ground at your camp site or use at the beach as a picnic blanket, pet blanket, or whatever your heart desires. Its rugged waterproof bottom and soft upper shell provide maximum comfort and protection from the elements.

The Dometic GO blanket is made of water-resistant fabric that’s machine wash/dry safe. It fits one person comfortably and the blanket comes in a carrying pouch. Ideally, keep this folded blanket in the back of your car or camper van so you can always have it on-hand.

10. Best Backpacking Blanket

The SOL Bivvy Bag blanket is a backpacking essential because it’s insanely lightweight and durable, waterproof, and will keep you warm in the harshest of weather conditions. Heck, it can even serve as your tent thanks to its adjustable side vents (to reduce condensation) and reflective material that “bounces” 80% of your own body heat back on to you–so you can stay comfortable throughout the night.

This travel blanket is super versatile: use as a sleeping bag, “tent”, camping tarp, or thermal blanket. You can also layer it with your regular sleeping bag to get an additional 15 degrees F of warmth from your sleeping bag’s temperature rating.

Carrying a survival blanket like this on all outdoor expeditions can give you peace of mind, knowing even if you get caught in extreme conditions overnight, you have this blanket to stay warm. The Bivvy Bag weighs 8.9 oz. and measures in at 36″ x 84″ at its full size.

To wash, use a special tech wash detergent that protects the waterproof material, and use cold water on gentle cycle. Do NOT put this blanket in the dryer; it could potentially melt–just air-dry it.

11. Best Day Adventure Blanket

The ENO Islander blanket is the all-around champ of travel blankets for casual day adventures. Its durable parachute-style, nylon fabric makes it ultralight, easy to pack down small and easy to clean, so you can throw in your beach tote or hiking pack.

But a standout feature of this blanket is the set of stakes it comes with, so you can secure the blanket on breezy days. Simply secure the stakes to each of the stake loops on each corner of the blanket. There’s even a hidden corner zipped pocket to stash valuables when you want to run down to the ocean for a minute!

The ENO Islander weighs 15 oz. with dimensions of 67x67in. when fully spread out. It’s made of 70D nylon taffeta and comes in a drawstring carry pouch. You can either spot-wash this blanket or throw in the washing machine on gentle cycle with cold water. While you can use regular detergent, I recommend using a tech wash detergent to protect its durable material. Let air dry.

12. Best Heated Travel Blanket

Depending on where you live, vanlife nights can get chilly! That’s when you need to bust out the big guns: your heated travel blanket.

The Zone Tech Sherpa Fleece blanket is super thick, super soft, and super toasty. This fleece travel blanket can be used with or without the heating attachment, making it great for summer or winter use.

The blanket can be charged from a USB port, from a car battery outlet, or by DC current, making it a great blanket for vanlife. Take note that it is not machine washable.

13. Best Shawl Wrap Travel "Blanket"

Hitting the beach on your next vacation? This stylish shawl wrap will keep you warm on windy beach days (and the plane that flew you there!). Not only that, but it has UPF 50+ sun protection built into its high-quality, moisture-wicking material.

It’s insanely versatile and the blanket measures in at 68×35 inches–plenty big enough to be used as a beach blanket in a pinch, or as a cozy shawl. Reviewers have also used it as a scarf or towel. 

Made from eco-friendly material with sun protection of UPF 50+, this is a must-have travel accessory. It doesn’t hurt that it has over 800 five-star reviews on Amazon.

14. Best Poncho-Style Blanket Wrap

The Kululu wearable travel blanket is made of super soft micro-plush fleece and zippers up into a travel-size pillow for easy carrying (or to use as a neck pillow!). It measures in at 14.56″ x 11.41″. What I love about the poncho style is its guarantee of not slipping off of you. Especially when you’re sitting upright, it can be hard to stop a blanket from falling off your shoulders.

It isn’t THE most compact travel blanket, but it does have a luggage clip so you can attach it to any carry-on luggage.

15. Best Hoodie Travel Blanket

The MasterManner travel blanket adds that extra level of warmth with its soft, microfiber fleece hoodie. Protect your head and ears (and add a little extra snoozin’ privacy) by throwing up the hood. Its packed-up size measures in at 14”x13” and zippers up into a pillow or a body-rest pillow for lumbar support. It also has a built-in zippered kangaroo pocket for storing a phone or important documents, and a hand luggage belt for securing to your seat’s headrest.

16. Least Expensive Travel Blanket

For just $11, you can snag the “ World’s Best Cozy Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket ”(according to the brand). This blanket is made of super soft, hypoallergenic microfleece. As the brand states, “from Netflix to Nova Scotia, take with you on your next trip for improved travel and even better naps.”

On the downside, this fleece throw blanket doesn’t come with a stuff sack, so you’ll either have to store it in your carry-on bag or use some kind of backpack clip to attach it to your luggage. But it IS machine-wash friendly and comes in a variety of fun and vibrant colors!

You should choose your travel blanket based on your unique needs:

• Are you a backpacker or hiker for whom space and weight are primary concerns? Go for the Matador .
• Do you run super cold ? Maybe the heated Sherpa blanket is what you need.
• If you get severe travel anxiety , the Gravity weighted blanket might help.
• If you’re just looking for a solid all-around car camping or picnic blanket , the PuTian Merino blanket will probably suit you best.

**************

No matter what your needs are, you’ll find a travel blanket to fit them (and fit in your luggage!) If you have a personal favorite travel blanket, drop me a note in the comments! I’d love to hear about it.

_______________________

Transparency note: please keep in mind that some links in my articles may be affiliate links, to which I may make a small commission at no extra to you, should you book travel or buy a product or service through one of these links. I only recommend products or services created by brands I know and trust. 

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The 9 Best Travel Blankets Of 2024, Tested And Reviewed

We spent weeks testing travel blankets to find the best for road trips and long-haul flights.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Choosing

Our Testing Process

• More to Consider

Questions and Answers

• Why Trust Southern Living

Southern Living / Elise Wang

You don’t often have control over the temperature during travel, whether it’s because your seatmate is blasting their air vent during the flight or someone else is blasting the AC during a road trip. It might seem easy to just grab a blanket from home to take with you, but these can take up too much room in your carry-on bags or checked luggage. 

Consider investing in a travel blanket, which is smaller than a regular blanket or throw but still big enough to keep you warm while on the go. Many of them come with their own carrying cases and stuff sacks, making them easy to pack down to save space and weight while traveling. “A travel blanket is my surefire way of making sure I snooze for part of the flight, time zones and jet lag be damned!” says professional travel writer Katherine Parker-Magyar , who has been to every continent, all 50 states, and 84 countries.

We tested 22 travel blankets for two weeks, evaluating their portability, packability, durability, and ease of use to bring you the best travel blankets for every occasion. From insulated travel blankets to cashmere splurges and everything in between, here are our favorite travel blankets on the market for all of your adventures.

Best Overall Travel Blanket

Kashwere travel blanket.

It comes with a carrying case that doubles as a pillow when you’re not using the blanket.

We wish the travel bag was lined with a smooth fabric that would make it easier to get the blanket back into the bag.

Large enough to cover your lap and waist while seated, Kashwére’s Travel Blanket is an excellent choice for plane rides, road trips, and even long bus rides. It’s made of a soft chenille yarn that’s warm and lightweight without being too heavy or drafty. Plus, the fabric stays put, so you don’t have to worry about the blanket sliding off your body while you sleep. We love it because it doesn’t shed and can be machine-washed and -dried, and because it didn’t shrink after we washed it.

The blanket comes with its own zippered travel pouch as well, making it easy to fold up and stow in an overhead bin, backpack, or purse. We also found that you can use the folded/packed blanket as a pillow instead, which is great for resting against a plane or car window. The pouch opens up along the top and down one side, making it simple to store the folded blanket when not in use, but we did notice that the fabric takes a bit of effort to put back into the pouch, so just make sure you fold it up nicely when trying to store it back in its pouch. 

Size : 32 x 48 inches | Material: Chenille | Weight: 1 pound | Care: Machine was on cold, dry on low-medium

Best Budget Travel Blanket

Travelrest 4-in-1 travel blanket.

It can be worn as a poncho.

You need a bit of space to get the blanket back in its pouch.

As a wearable poncho, body blanket, pillow, or lap blanket, this travel blanket from Travelrest is a great buy that you can use in multiple ways. It’s lightweight enough to throw in your carry-on or purse, and you can easily attach it to a roller bag for zipping around the airport. The entire blanket can be folded back into the attached pocket bag for easy storage, and when it’s folded up and stored, it doubles as a small pillow that’s great for planes and car rides. 

We tested this blanket on a 2.5-hour flight and found that it provided warmth while covering the body from neck to ankles while sitting down. We especially love that it has armholes so you can wear the blanket instead of just covering yourself with it if you want, which increases mobility in case you’re working on a laptop while using the blanket. When folded and inside the pouch, the blanket is about the size of a 13-inch laptop case, which is great for traveling. After washing in cool water and drying on low, we found that the blanket held its shape well and came out feeling brand new. 

Size : 38 x 72 inches | Material: Microfiber | Weight: 14 ounces | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry cool or line dry

Southern Living / Chantia Murphy

Best Cashmere Travel Blanket

White+warren cashmere travel wrap.

White+Warren

It doubles as a warm and fashion-forward scarf in addition to a travel blanket.

It needs to be hand washed or dry cleaned.

As the warmest type of wool, cashmere is sure to keep you cozy while touring around or on long-haul flights. At over 6 feet long, this wrap from White + Warren keeps you covered while in a seated position and looks great as a wrap or folded up into a thick scarf. We tested it on three 6-hour road trips and one cross-country flight and found it to be warm and comfortable, although we prefer to wear it as a scarf since it’s so luxe. And while it is a long and thick wrap, it’s still lightweight and looked good as new after a 14-hour travel day. 

It comes with a dust bag that’s great for keeping it clean and safe while traveling, and lots of different color options are available. The one downside we found is that because it’s cashmere, you have to take extra care with it when washing, or just get it dry cleaned. 

Size : 81 x 36 inches | Material: Cashmere | Weight: Not listed | Care: Hand wash cold or dry clean, lay flat to dry

Southern Living / Anna Popp

Softest Travel Blanket

Unhide lil' marsh traveler.

Despite its large size, the blanket is lightweight and packs down easily.

It doesn't come with an attached strap or carrying pouch.

With a soft top side and a velvety interior side, the Lil’ Marsh from UnHide is a great blanket to take with you on all your travels. It has a large size that’ll cover you up with room to spare when sitting in a car or on a plane. It’s super lightweight and packs up small so you can store it in a tote bag or in your carry-on bag when not in use. We found it easy to pack up and carry around, which made it convenient in the car. Although we do wish it came with a carrying pouch or an attached strap.

Made of polyester, the blanket is thin, but we still found it to be durable and warm. Even when we left it in a cold car, it didn’t take long for it to heat up and keep us toasty. We washed it on a cold, gentle cycle and then laid it out to air dry. It washed well, dried quickly, maintained its softness, and there were no signs of wear and tear at all. The blanket comes in three neutral colors.

Size : 50 x 60 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Southern Living / Tatiana Kennedy

Best Coverage

L.l.bean puffer blanket.

This generously sized blanket has looped corners and snaps that allow you to hang it up or wear it as a cape.

The blanket’s polyester fabric means it can easily slide off.

For those heading out into frigid temperatures or taking a camping trip, the Puffer Blanket from L.L.Bean is an absolute winner not only for warmth, but style as well. It comes in five different designs, including a national parks theme, and has loops on each corner for hanging and drying. It also has snaps so that you can wear it like a cape, which works great around a campfire or for an outdoor movie night . 

The puffer build means it’s insulated with recycled polyester, but it’s still lightweight and super packable. In fact, it comes with a small drawstring carrying case that’s about the size of a 40-ounce tumbler, meaning you can pack it up and keep it in your car, carry-on, or stored in your rucksack with minimal space lost. The ripstop, polyester outer shell is also soft and warm, just like a puffer jacket would be. We loved how easy it was to repack the blanket up in its carrying pouch and how lightweight it was while still keeping us warm. The size of it was great, too, as it covered us up when sitting and when lying down with plenty of blanket left to spare. 

Size : 54 x 74 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Care: Machine wash, dry flat

Southern Living / Ciara Grovert

Best for Outdoors

Eddie bauer packable synthetic throw.

The blanket is lightweight but holds warmth well thanks to the synthetic insulation.

We wish there were some solid color options instead of just patterns and designs.

Whether you want to curl up on the couch, snuggle up by the fire, or be completely cozy on a long-haul flight, this blanket from Eddie Bauer is a great buy for a few reasons. First, it’s stuffed with synthetic insulation that adds loads of warmth without the weight. We found it easy to toss in a bag and have warmth in the car and on the go, and even found ourselves using it at home on the couch as well. The 400-thread-count polyester fabric is also soft to the touch and smooth, but also tough, holding up against pet hair and crumbs, which slide right off. The included stuff sack is also a perk, and it’s easy to fold the blanket up and get it back into the sack when you’re done using it. We also love the size, as it’ll cover you nicely when seated, and it’s great for wrapping up in. To clean it, we washed the blanket in the washing machine on a warm/delicate setting, and then tumble dried it in the dryer without issue. 

Size : 50 x 70 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Care: Machine wash warm separately, tumble dry on low with clean tennis ball

Southern Living / Lisa Pezzuto

Best Lightweight Travel Blanket

Away the travel blanket.

The blanket folds down into a much smaller pillow, making it easy to carry while traveling.

It’s a really large blanket for plane use, so you’d need to wrap it around yourself fully to not disturb your neighbor.

If you have other Away products or are looking to add to your collection, the Travel Blanket is a nice addition, as it is easy to take with you and doubles as a pillow as well. It can also connect to another travel blanket with button snaps, which helps to keep you warm from your neck to your toes. Away touts its thermoregulating technology with this blanket, which is designed to help keep you comfortable without being too hot or too cold. Active particles in the blanket help to cool you down or warm you up, and we found that while it’s not the coziest material, it is comfortable and breathable. 

The blanket is designed with an interior kangaroo pocket to stow your phone and essentials, and a foot pocket for added warmth. We found the unfolded blanket to be very large, stretching across all three plane seats lengthwise and then draping down towards the floor. The blanket does pack down into a nice rectangular pillow shape, but packing the blanket into itself is something of a chore on a plane. Once packed though, it doesn’t take up too much space in a suitcase or carry-on bag, and it is lightweight enough to not weigh you down. 

Size : 69.5 x 44.5 inches | Material: Nylon | Weight: 1 pound | Care: Machine washable

Southern Living / Maggie Andrew

Best Design

Eversnug travel blanket and pillow.

It easily converts into a travel pillow.

It could be a bit longer to cover up more of your legs when lying down or reclining in a chair.

Simple but effective, this travel blanket is made from a soft polyester fabric that keeps you warm and cozy. Just unzip the carrying case to unfold the blanket, then fold it back up and stuff it in the case, and it becomes a travel pillow. We love that you don’t have to fold it back up in any particular way, just enough to get it back in the case, and then you can redistribute it to your liking for a pillow. 

We found the blanket to be super soft and comfortable, and it kept us warm on flights without causing us to break a sweat. While seated, it covered from about the neck to mid-shins, but taller people might find it a bit on the small side. Washing was a breeze—we just machine washed it and then dried it on a medium temperature (although the manufacturer recommends air drying). Leave it in your car for road trips, or use the attached luggage sleeve to throw it over your suitcase at the airport. It also has a carabiner, so you can attach it to a backpack as well. 

Size : 65 x 40 inches | Material: Polyester | Weight: 1 pound | Care: Machine wash, air dry

Naked Cashmere 4-piece Travel Set

Naked Cashmere

All components in the set are very soft, making it a luxurious gift for the frequent traveler.

While the blanket can be stuffed into the pillowcase to use as a makeshift travel pillow, given the high price point, we’d like to see a pillow insert included.

With a large cashmere throw, silk travel pillowcase, eye mask, and a pair of cashmere socks, this set is a luxurious gift for the frequent traveler. The throw is very large and covers you entirely when in use, and you can also fold it up and stuff it inside the pillowcase for a travel pillow as well. We like that the pillowcase is silk so you can sleep on it in the car or on a plane and keep your hair in place. The socks are also warm and cozy and complement the throw, keeping you warm during overnight flights and lengthy road trips. The eye mask is a nice added touch as well, especially if you’re seated next to someone who has their overhead light on while you’re trying to sleep. Overall, the set as a whole kept us warm and cozy during a cross-country flight, and we definitely felt luxurious while using all the elements of the set. 

Size : 82- x 50-inch blanket, 9- x 3-inch sleep mask, 11.5- x 15.5-inch pillowcase | Material: Cashmere, silk | Weight: Not listed | Care: Hand wash cold or dry clean

Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Blanket

Portability .

Consider a travel blanket that will cover you nicely when seated but won’t take up too much extra room and gather on the floor or onto the person sitting next to you. If the travel blanket comes with its own carrying case or stuff sack, that’s a great added feature that allows you to pack up the blanket tightly and store it when not in use. Added straps for luggage handles, carry straps, and carabiners can also help you carry the blanket around with ease. Travelrest’s Wrap 4-in-1 Travel Blanket is a great choice, as it can be used as a blanket, poncho, and pillow, and folds up into itself for a carrying bag. 

Most commonly, travel blankets are made from polyester, as it’s a lightweight fabric that’s also affordable and warm. Polyester is great not only because it’s soft and cozy, but because it dries quickly and doesn’t tend to wrinkle. UnHide’s Lil’ Marsh Traveler blanket is a great polyester option that is extra soft and plush. 

If you want something a bit elevated, look for a cashmere option, as it’ll also keep you super warm and comfortable, but it is more expensive. The Kashwere Travel Blanket , our best overall pick, is made of chenille yarn, a type of fuzzy cotton yarn that gives a similar warmth and feel as cashmere but at a much more affordable price point.

For travels that take you outdoors (camping, backpacking, etc.) consider a travel blanket that has insulation, like the Eddie Bauer Packable Synthetic Throw , which is made with synthetic insulation to keep you warm on cold nights.  

Consider a travel blanket that won’t weigh down your luggage or carry-on bag or take up too much space. Away’s The Travel Blanket is super lightweight, weighing in at just over a pound and featuring snaps that allow you to attach it to other Away products and backpacks. The last thing you want to worry about while on the go is trying to meet airline luggage weight requirements, and you don’t want to be lugging around a heavy blanket that’s attached to your backpack or purse. 

Additional Features 

If a travel blanket has additional features such as an included carrying bag, straps and snaps to attach it to a suitcase or backpack, and loops and handles that make it easy to hang and carry, consider it a win. L.L.Bean’s Puffer Blanket comes with snaps that make it easy to throw it over your shoulders and wear as a cape, as well as loops so you can hang it for easy drying. Parker-Magyar also loves the L.L.Bean Puffer Blanket for this feature and its included carry sack that makes it easy to transport. 

Over a two-week period, we tested 22 blankets, bringing them with us on flights, road trips, train rides, and even in the car while running errands. For each blanket, we examined the fabric, fasteners, and construction. We looked at how comfortable the blankets were to the touch, how durable the fabric and construction were, and how heavy or lightweight each one felt. We also looked to see if each had any special design features and how easy they were to use. 

Additionally, we evaluated how warm each blanket kept us, how cozy and breathable it was, and how much it covered us while sitting and lying down. We took note of how easy it was to fold the blanket back into its carrying case (if it came with one), and how much space each took up in our bags. We also noted any signs of wear and tear over time as well.

Finally, we put each blanket through the wash at least once, noting how convenient it was to clean and if there were any changes in the fabric after washing. 

More Travel Blankets to Consider

BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket Pillow : This blanket folded up nicely into its included carrying bag, and it is super soft and covered us well during a flight. The carrying strap on the case is also a nice touch, as is the carabiner to hook it on a backpack. However, it is thinner than other blankets on this list and didn’t keep us quite as warm as others.

Pavilia Premium Fleece Travel Blanket Pillow : This blanket comes with a travel case as well, and we like the luggage strap on it that makes it easy to slide over your suitcase handles. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get it back into the travel case, but we did find that other blankets on this list had better quality case zippers, linings, and straps. 

What is the best blanket to take on a plane?

A great plane blanket will give you enough coverage while seated without being so large that it falls into the seat next to you. You’ll want something that’s not too complicated to put back into its carrying case as well. Parker-Magyar says she’s always cold on planes and looking to snuggle up, even in the middle seat in economy. “At the very least, I carry with me a huge scarf. I love taking the L.L.Bean Puffer Blanket .” 

Can you travel with a weighted blanket?

If you have the space in your carry-on bag, or enough room in a car or train seat, you can use a weighted blanket if you wish. However, it’s not something we recommend, because you don't want to be weighed down while traveling or deal with excessive weight restraints. 

How do you fold a blanket for travel?

If there are specific instructions on how to fold your travel blanket back into its case, follow those instructions. If not, fold it up as tightly as possible, or you can roll your blanket back up. “I love blankets that roll up into a smaller size,” says Parker-Magyar. “I also channel my inner Stevie Nicks by wrapping myself in a blanket-sized scarf, and wear it as a shawl in the airport. It can look chic, or exceedingly shabby, depending on the rest of the outfit—I've personally been both at various departure gates.”

Why Trust Southern Living? 

Amanda Ogle is a freelance writer and editor with seven years of experience covering food and drink, travel, and general lifestyle topics. For this list, we tested 22 travel blankets, evaluating portability, material, weight, and ease of use. For expert insight, Amanda consulted with travel expert Katherine Parker-Magyar , who has visited all seven continents, all 50 states, and 84 countries. She’s been a professional travel writer since 2018 and has taken hundreds of long-haul flights. 

Related Articles

The Best Travel Blankets to Keep You Warm and Cozy on Long Flights

And they're compact enough for your carry-on.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

World's Best Soft Microfleece Travel Blanket

When it's all rolled up, you'd never guess just how big and warm this super soft blanket really is. At 50-by-60 inches, it's much larger than your standard throw. 

E Marie Travel The Everything Travel Blanket

This snuggly travel blanket doubles as a shawl and it's so soft Oprah declared it was one of her Favorite Things this year.

Forestfish Fleece Throw Blanket

This plush fleece blanket comes with a drawstring carrying case for easier stashing. Bonus: It also helps keep the 60-by-40-inch blanket nice and clean enroute. 

Cabeau Fold ‘n Go Travel and Throw Blanket

Wrap this blanket around your shoulders to ward off a chill, or stuff it in the microfiber carrying case to use it as a travel pillow instead. 

Comfort Plus 3-in-1 Premium Travel Blanket

This non-pilling 200 gram microfleece blanket rolls up into a compact carrying case that's about the size of a standard dopp kit. Once rolled, use it as a neck roll or napping pillow. 

Easeland Thermal Fleece Blanket for Travel

If you tend to shiver your way through long flights, consider this blanket—it's thicker and plusher than other options, but is still easy to fold up and stash.  

BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket

Store this lightweight blanket in the included carrying case, then use the attached luggage belt or backpack clip to attach it to your carry-on for easy transport through crowded terminals.

Travelrest 4-in-1 Poncho-Style Travel Blanket

This travel blanket fully covers cold shoulders, thanks to the poncho-style arm holes. This clever design also ensures you won't have to keep readjusting in flight. 

Down Under Outdoors Large Waterproof Blanket

If your itinerary includes outdoor plans—whether camping or a sporting event—consider a multi-functional option like this one. It's compact enough for the plane, but it's waterproof so it can withstand the elements.

Bosa Compact Lightweight Travel Blanket

You won't have to sacrifice any precious space in your carry-on to tote this cozy blanket with you. When folded and stashed, it's just 6-by-8 inches and weighs just one pound. 

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

Though warm, this blanket is made with a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you comfortable for longer periods of time. And at 70 inches long, it's a great option for taller travelers. 

Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket

If you have trouble getting comfortable in cramped quarters, consider this down blanket. It provides extra cushion that'll help lull you to sleep, but weighs just one pound and stuffs into a convenient carrying case. 

Gravity Travel Blanket

Can't bear to part with your favorite weighted blanket while you're on the road? You'll love the smaller version of one of the most popular weighted blankets on the market. It's just as soothing, but is much easier to tote. 

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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The 5 Best Travel Blankets for Flights & Beyond: Buyers Guide & Reviews

Trying to stay as comfortable as you can while on a flight is essential. Sometimes, flying can be a long and arduous process, making you feel very tired by the end of the day. If you can relax during your flight, then it’s going to be that much easier on you. For this reason, many people decide to take their own travel blanket with them.

Blankets make it a lot easier to relax when you’re traveling. Some airlines will offer you a blanket or pillow, depending on what type of ticket you have purchased. These are often going to be shorter than you would like and may not be as comfortable as you’d hope. Thankfully, there are a plethora of different travel blanket options out there for you to consider.

We are taking a look at the top five best travel blanket options on the market today. They’re all going to be good choices, but some of them will appeal more to certain people. It’s worthwhile to take the time to look them all over so that you can make an ultimate decision. Read on so that you can ensure that your next trip will be the most comfortable one you’ve ever taken.

The Best Travel Blankets

Travelrest 4-in-1 premier class travel blanket (poncho style) with zipped pocket.

If you’re looking for a versatile travel blanket, then this option here is really going to make sense for you. This is going to be a very comfortable blanket that can keep you feeling warm and relaxed while on a plane. It’s also capable of being used as a pillow or as lumbar support. This is a comforting type of blanket that feels really good against your skin.

[earnist ref=”travelrest-travel-blanket-with-poncho” id=”13133″]

The blanket itself is made out of an ultra-plush material that feels fantastic. This is a very soft blanket that is great at keeping you warm. It isn’t so warm that you’re going to get too hot, though. It manages to find a perfect middle ground that is going to be as comfortable as can be.

This blanket is meant to be worn poncho style. This means that you can wrap it around yourself and warm yourself up fast. You could even wear it around the airport if you’re traveling on a particularly cold day and need the comfort. There is a neck opening for your head and this makes it very easy to wear the blanket.

You’ll find that this blanket is great for air travel and that it’ll also work great for other travel purposes. You could use this blanket on the train, the bus, or any other type of travel situation where you’d want some comfort. It’s a very cozy option that is going to appeal to many people. Consider buying this if you like the versatility of this blanket.

• Very comfortable and soft
• Easy to use and versatile
• Can be worn like a poncho
• Comes with a convenient carrying case
• Some customers have said this blanket doesn’t wash up easily

Forestfish Fleece Throw Blanket

Those who are looking for a budget option will want to take a gander at this offering from Forestfish. This is a fleece throw blanket that will work very nicely for many different types of travel. Many people use this blanket for long airplane trips and train rides. It’s able to provide people with a comfortable experience while being easy to carry around.

[earnist ref=”forestfish-fleece-throw-blanket-cozy-soft-portable-travel-blanket” id=”13134″]

The blanket has been made out of 100% polyester and it actually feels really nice overall. It’s very soft and is going to be comforting in all of the right ways. Having access to a cozy and warm blanket such as this can make it so much easier to get through a long trip. This blanket will make it a lot easier to get some sleep too, so you’ll be able to stay fresh.

It’s also important to note that this fleece blanket is completely machine washable. You’ll be able to clean this up easily in any washing machine. It isn’t going to fray or encounter any problems with fading. This is one of the easier options to manage when it comes to travel blankets, so you can use it without having to worry about ruining it.

There are several different styles and color options for you to choose from, too. You’ll be able to pick from plaid, navy, flower, and orange triangle. It should be simple to find a color or style that is going to appeal to your sensibilities. This is a good blanket that doesn’t cost a lot of money, so it might be a good option for you to think about if you want to keep your costs low.

• Very soft and comfortable
• Comes with a drawstring bag
• Machine washable
• Many different style and color options to consider
• Some will wish the blanket was a bit longer

BlueHills Premium Soft Travel Blanket

This blanket from BlueHills is among the softest travel blankets on this list. It has been made from a premium soft micro plush material. It manages to be astoundingly soft while also keeping you very warm. This is going to be an excellent travel blanket to use during the winter months.

[earnist ref=”exclusive-light-weight-airplane-travel-blanket” id=”13135″]

There is an included carrying case that allows the blanket to double as a pillow as well. This is going to be fantastic when you just want to be able to rest your head. The carrying case is made from the same soft material as the blanket itself, making it a perfect pillow. It also has a little hand luggage belt that makes it easy to attach it to your carry-on baggage for transport.

There’s also a backpack clip that you can make use of. No matter what, this travel blanket is going to be easy to tote around the airport. It’ll be a useful blanket to own whether you’re flying or traveling on a train. It can even be used as a throw blanket while you’re at home, making this an even more practical purchase.

This is one of the easiest travel blankets to make use of. It’s going to feel very comfortable and is quite warm when you’re able to wrap yourself up in it. Those who want a cozy blanket that is easy to carry around will find a lot to love here. It’s competitively priced and is certainly deserving of a spot on this list.

• Keeps you warm
• Doubles as a pillow
• Included carrying case easily attaches to your luggage
• Might be a little lumpy in pillow mode

Vera Bradley Fleece Travel Blanket

Vera Bradley makes a really popular and functional travel blanket that you should consider. If you like the idea of having plenty of style options, then you might find that this one is the best choice. There are so many different designs and styles for you to choose from. You’ll be able to find a travel blanket that looks really nice and is less generic than many of the other common options that you see at the airport.

[earnist ref=”vera-bradley-fleece-travel-blanket” id=”13136″]

This travel blanket isn’t all about the looks, though. This is also a soft and comfortable blanket that is made out of polyester. It has a fabric lining and is among the most comfortable polyester micro-fleece blankets on the market. It even has a convenient trolley sleeve and a folding pillow pocket that you can make use of.

You’ll be able to fold your travel blanket into a pillow when you aren’t using it. This also means that it can double as a very functional pillow while you’re traveling. This is going to be perfect for long car rides or airplane trips where you want to have a bit of neck support. This actually feels really good in pillow mode and it works quite well.

The only downside to this blanket is that it might be a bit bulky for some people. Throwing it into a carry-on bag is possible, but it’s definitely going to take up a bit of space. There are more compact options on this list for you to consider. If you like to travel very light, then you may want to consider a more compact travel blanket.

• Many styles and patterns to choose from
• Very comfortable
• Blanket is a bit bulky and may not fit comfortably in some carry-on bags

Cloudz Fleece Travel Blanket

Lastly, we have another budget-friendly option that is going to work out nicely for so many people. If you want to spend just a little bit of money on a travel blanket, then this option is great. It’s very cost effective, but it still manages to be very comfortable and convenient for you to use. This is another 100% polyester fleece blanket and it feels really nice to the touch.

[earnist ref=”cloudz-fleece-travel-blanket” id=”13137″]

The Cloudz brand has been selling travel pillows and blankets for a very long time. This travel blanket continues their long tradition of providing quality products at reasonable prices. This is going to be among the most affordable travel blankets on the market. It’s also quite large for the price that you’re paying.

If you want a travel blanket that is going to be able to cover you up nicely, then this one certainly fits the bill. It makes it very easy to stay warm when you’re getting cold while on the airplane or the train. This is a very warm blanket and is even going to be practical to use for camping purposes. You should have a good experience if you choose to buy this one.

You can roll this blanket up easily, too. It comes with included carry straps that make toting it around a breeze. It doesn’t have an included strap to attach it to your luggage, though. This is only a minor inconvenience and it should still be very easy to carry this around the airport.

• Extremely cost effective
• Many color options
• Big blanket that keeps you warm
• Easy to roll up and comes with carry straps
• No included strap or hook to attach the blanket to your luggage

Decision Time: Which Travel Blanket is the Best for You?

Now that you’ve had a look at the top five best travel blankets on the market, you’ll be able to make a decision for yourself. The best option for those who are looking to keep their costs low will be the [earnist_link ref=”cloudz-fleece-travel-blanket” id=”13137″]Cloudz Fleece Travel Blanket[/earnist_link] . If you want a premium experience, then you should consider the poncho-style blanket from [earnist_link ref=”travelrest-travel-blanket-with-poncho” id=”13133″]Travelrest[/earnist_link] . Either way, you’ll be getting a good product that will keep you feeling comfortable at the airport.

Your comfort really does matter and it makes sense to have a reliable travel blanket. All of these options are soft and will work nicely for your needs. They’ll keep you warm and it’ll make the travel time seem like less of an issue. Get whatever travel blanket appeals to you the most today and you’ll surely have an easier time traveling moving forward.

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Best Travel Blankets According to the Experts – Our Readers!

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If you run a little cold or want something to cozy up with on the plane, we asked TFG readers to share their suggestions for the best travel blankets. Keep reading to find out what they are!

Best Travel Blankets

Written By: Tae Haahrr

Table Of Contents

Traveling can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re on a long-haul flight with the air conditioning blasting the seat next to you. But traveling with a blanket can help deter that cold.

While it sounds logical to pack a blanket, your average throw might take up more room than you’re willing to give up in your carry-on.

Rather than waste time searching for travel blanket Amazon sales, TFG readers shared their choice for the best travel blanket so you can pack for comfort and save space!

Want the ultimate guides for packing light? Read our  Pack Light Stylishly  book to get started and see our packing tips, and take our master class if you’re ready to  Stop Overpacking !

Readers’ Picks for Best Travel Blankets

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

Packable Travel Blanket

The Cocoon CoolMax is the ultimate travel blanket. It’s small and lightweight but breathes well and wicks moisture!

The Cocoon Coolmax blanket is 100% polyester. Though it’s small when packed up—slightly larger than your average soda can—it lays out 55 inches by 70 inches and will keep you cozy the entire flight.

One TFG reader shares, “I love the Cocoon travel blanket with CoolMax. Packs up super small and is the right size.”

Light but mighty, the Cocoon travel blanket is perfect for your next trip. Plus, there are 11 colors to choose from so it’ll fit any style!

Wondering where to keep your in flight essentials? Read this post on what is a carry-on personal item !

Down for Adventure Travel Blanket

Packable Down Blanket

The Down for Adventure is the perfect camping blanket. Built to withstand the temperature for three seasons, this down puffy blanket will keep you warm on your travels.

While it’s plush and cuddly, it’s compact. This queen size down comforter packs into the size of a 2-liter soda bottle and is lightweight. It’s small enough to fit in your backpack but big enough to keep you warm.

The Down for Adventure is great for beach days, makes a mean campfire blanket, or cover-up for an evening while you cheer on your favorite sports team.

Find out our top  10 travel essentials for backpackers !

Cloudz Fleece Travel Blanket

Fleece Travel Blanket

If you’re looking for a travel blanket that’s easy on your budget, then consider the Cloudz Fleece Blanket . While it’ll keep you warm on the plane, it won’t be a huge loss if you accidentally leave it somewhere.

This fleece blanket is lightweight and compact. It lays out to be 50 by 60 inches but rolls up into a 9 by 5 inches packable size. Plus, it comes with carrying straps for easy transport.

One TFG reader shares, “I always travel with a small slightly stretchy fleece blanket from a local discount store. It’s way warmer than a large scarf and packs into a small cube. On our recent trip to Philippines , my daughter used it on the plane. I used it at our first hotel where they only offered sheets but I was a bit cold with the air conditioning on all night.”

This airplane blanket is not too thick or thin, comes in 12 cute color choices, and you can throw it into the washing machine when you get home.

If you’re facing an upcoming trip with an extremely long travel time, our readers share their best tips on  how to survive long flights !

Vera Bradley Travel Blanket/Pillow

Travel Blanket and Pillow Set

This Vera Bradley Travel Blanket is another great two-for-one option. Not only is it a cozy blanket, but it also packs up into a comfy travel pillow.

If you run a little cold, this polyester microfleece travel blanket might be perfect for you, adding a good dose of extra warmth compared to a few of the other styles listed. It stretches out to be 60 by 40 inches but packs into a convenient pillow with a built-in trolly sleeve.

This Vera Bradley blanket is very stylish and lightweight, super suitable for flights and car trips. It comes in four pretty colors—just choose your favorite one!

Find out the top  neck pillow  styles, as recommended by our readers!

Flight 001 Travel Blankets

Compact Travel Blanket

The Flight 001 Travel Blanket is the perfect cover to bring for your next trip because it packs small but gets the job done.

This compact travel blanket comes with a convenient pouch that’s very easy to repack and fits into your carry-on with no problem. It’s soft and has the feel of a jersey sheet, made from 100% soft polyester.

One TFG reader shares her love for the Flight 001 blanket, “It’s cozy, big, and folds into a small travel pouch.”

You can get this adorable blanket in three different colors—blue, charcoal, and green. While it’s more of a throw than a blanket, it will suit you completely for your next trip!

Here are more ways to stay warm on a long flight !

Travelrest 4-in-1 Premier Class Travel Blanket

Multipurpose Travel Blanket

The Travelrest Blanket is another great multipurpose choice, working as a blanket or pillow, but it can also be used as lumbar support and a carrying case.

This isn’t a traditional blanket style, instead of lying on your lap it covers you like a poncho. It has a built-in carrying case to keep it clean during your trip and is easily washable when you return home.

This travel blanket is a soft and comfortable choice to keep you warm on your trip.

LL Bean Polar Fleece Blankets

Polar Fleece Travel Blanket

LL Bean offers a luxury travel blanket that’s made of polar fleece. If you’re looking for a warm, cuddly blanket for your next long-haul flight this is the guy!

The specific fabric is Polartec polyester fleece, which can be refreshed after a trip by tossing into the washer. You can get three sizes: twin, queen, or king. Also, there are five rich earth tone colors to choose from.

This luxury travel blanket is worth the extra splurge, so if you want to gift yourself for that next trip, this one won’t steer you wrong!

If you need inspirations, here are fashionable airplane outfits to beat the cold!

Pestemal Turkish Towels

Cozy Turkish Towel

The best items for travel are those that are dual purpose, like a Turkish Towel . Not only are these great for beach time, but they’re also a perfect blanket for the plane!

These Turkish towels are awesome because they roll up neatly and pack small, taking up ¼ of the space of traditional towel space. They’re also anti-microbial so you can get more than one use out of them.

One TFG reader shares, “I use a Turkish towel for a light blanket on the plane, a bathing suit cover-up, beach towel, hair towel—multi-purpose.”

Don’t let the thinness of this bad boy scare you off, not only are they cozy for the plane but they’re incredibly absorbent and quick drying. Made from 100% cotton, there are 16 different color choices.

Find out what’s the best travel towel for you to take on your next trip!

Back From Bali Womens Plus Size Sarong

A Multipurpose Sarong

One TFG reader suggests packing a sarung batik in your carry-on to use as a blanket.

Sarongs are truly multipurpose. You can use it as a swimsuit cover-up, beach blanket, casual dress, and a cover-up for long chilly plane rides.

The sarong that we have featured has five colors to choose from. Added bonus: it’ll fit nicely in your carry on!

Here are more ways you can use a beach sarong wrap  on your next trip!

Scarfs as Blankets

Achillea Pashmina Scarves

Pashmina Scarf Travel Blanket

Speaking of multipurpose items, one of the best budget options for a travel cover-up or blanket is a pashmina scarf .

Pashmina scarves are inexpensive and soft, making them a great value. The Achilla scarf is 72 inches long and 27 inches thick, and can act as a shawl, wrap, or a light travel blanket to cover your lap.

One TFG reader shares, “I wear my pashmina as a scarf on flights and wrap up in it like a blanket if I need to.”

You can pick up this fashionable item in one (or more) of 44 color choices, so you can match your personal style!

Cashmere Wool Scarves

Cashmere Wool Scarf

If you’re looking for something slightly heavier than a pashmina, a cashmere wool scarf might be a great option.

This cashmere wool scarf is made of 30% cashmere and 70% lambswool, making it a  more cozy choice for a travel cover-up. It measures 78 by 28 inches, so it’s the right size for an airplane blanket, and you can wrap it around your neck or place it over your shoulders when you arrive at your destination.

If you’re looking for a travel blanket cashmere scarf choice, it’s a versatile option. It comes in 15 different colors, so you can travel in style.

Here are eight different  ways to wear a scarf  when you travel!

Sea to Summit Premium Silk Travel Liner

Riptop Silk Travel Sheet

For long term travelers, sleeping bag liners like the Sea to Summit is perfect. Not only can you use it on a flight but you can also use it in cheap guest houses or hostels that may not provide a blanket (or one that you want to use).

The Sea to Summit is a silk sleeping sack made with ripstop silk, so it is soft and smooth. Plus, it’s ideal for camping or safaris, adding up to 10 degrees of warmth, which helps if you often feel a little cold.

Read this post for more sleeping bag liners that are good for travel .

Best Travel Blankets Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”122″ class=”center-table-align”]

Travel Packing Cubes

How to Pack In-Flight Essentials

At TFG, we love packing cubes ! Use slim packing cubes to organize your carry-on to help you maximize your luggage space, and allow you to fit more stuff in! When it comes to how to pack for a flight, packing cubes help you pack smaller, pack smarter, and stay organized.

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to use packing cubes to their fullest ability!

You can also use it in your personal item to keep your belongings and in-flight essentials organized for your journey! That way, not only you will have access to what you need right away but also it will be easy to remember where you’ve packed everything — even your travel blanket!

Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here !

For more ideas on flight essentials, check out the video above!

What do you think is the best travel blanket? Share your thoughts below!

For more travel essentials, please read:

• What are the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel?
• Neck Pillow Styles: Top 10 Best Sellers for Travel
• The Best Travel Towel Styles for Ultra-light Packing
• Our Readers’ Best Travel Products Recommendations

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This Rumpl Travel Blanket Comes With Me on Every Long-Haul Flight—and It’s Currently 25 Percent Off

The travel-size version of rumpl’s sleeping bag–inspired blanket keeps me warm even when the ac is blasting at 30,000 feet. get it for only $64 now..

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The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket packs down small but unfurls for full body warmth.

Courtesy of Rumpl

Welcome to AFAR Approved: a deep dive into the travel items we’re totally obsessed with, never leave behind, and can’t stop telling our friends about. Now through December 4, 2023, save 25 percent on almost everything at rumpl.com , including the Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket . No code necessary.

Consider me the Goldilocks of flying. If I wear too many bulky layers and board an airplane that’s been sitting in the sun without the AC on, I overheat faster than egg salad on a summer day. But once that AC starts cranking at 30,000 feet, I’m a cold, shivering mess. However, in all my struggles to find my “just right” airplane temperature, you’ll never catch me using one of those thin, sandpapery travel blankets airlines pass out on long-haul flights. For years, I relied on an oversize scarf to ward off chills on red-eyes. But even the softest cashmere wasn’t enough for those arctic airplane breezes.

When I realized Oregon-based Rumpl had scaled down its puffy “sleeping bag” blanket designed for camping to a travel-friendly size, I was excited to put it to the test. Having flown with the Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket at least four times since I acquired it last summer, I’ll continue to pack it in my personal item on future flights. Here’s why I think you should BYOB—bring your own blanket—too.

The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket is slightly larger than a 21-ounce HydroFlask and fits in the water bottle pocket of a backpack.

Photos by Lyndsey Matthews

Why the Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket is worth it

• Weight: 0.7 lbs.
• Dimensions: 38 x 52 inches (flat); 3.5 x 11 inches (packed)
• Best for: staying warm on airplanes or other chilly travel environments
• Buy now: from $64 (was $85), rumpl.com

The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket is the closest you can get to bringing a sleeping bag on an airplane—minus the bulk. When stuffed into its included carry sack— just like a packable jacket —the puffy blanket is the size of a Nalgene water bottle and weighs only 0.7 pounds. That’s less than two apples, for you serious airplane snackers.

When unfurled, it covers my entire seated body from my neck down to my toes. One of my favorite features is its “Cape Clip,” a simple loop and clasp on two corners that allows you to secure the blanket loosely around your neck so it doesn’t slip off your shoulders while you’re sleeping. This also means you’re free to use your hands to sip tiny bottles of airplane wine or adjust your seat-back movie screen without sacrificing any coziness.

Though $85 is a steep price for a travel blanket, consider this: The proprietary NanoLoft insulation used in the blanket is designed to mimic natural down using “tiny circular clusters of fiber” crafted from postconsumer recycled materials. That means you’ll get the same level of warmth as a down sleeping bag—for under $100. And now through December 4, 2023, it’s marked down 25 percent to just $64 on rumpl.com .

The writer demonstrates how the Cape Clip allows for hands-free use (L); this airplane blanket doubles as a picnic blanket (R).

It’s machine washable, too

Like all Rumpl puffy blankets, the NanoLoft Travel Blanket is machine washable. When you get home, toss it into your washing machine on a warm setting and either hang dry or tumble dry on low. Better still: You won’t need to wash it that often. Rumpl originally designed its blankets for the outdoors, so you don’t have to worry about stains and spills since even this travel-size version is made with a durable water-repellent finish. Though it’s not fully waterproof, I’ve used my Rumpl blanket as a picnic blanket in parks the morning after big rain storms and walked away with dry pants. Simply brush off the dirt and let it air out a bit, and it’s ready to use again.

It comes in more than half a dozen colors and patterns

Whether you like your travel gear to blend in or stand out, there’s a Rumpl travel blanket for you. You can keep it simple with a basic black or “ Deepwater ” (navy blue with red piping on its border) or have fun with patterns .

Rumpl is a seriously sustainable brand

The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket is made from 20 recycled plastic water bottles. In fact, Rumpl uses upcycled plastic bottles in most of its blankets’ shells and synthetic insulation. (For its Down Puffy Blankets , Rumpl uses humanely sourced down feathers obtained as a by-product of the food industry.) But the brand’s ethical and environmental efforts don’t end there. Rumpl is a Climate Neutral Certified brand that offsets its full carbon footprint and also donates 1 percent of its annual sales via 1% for the Planet to support environmental nonprofits like Outdoor Afro, the National Parks Foundation, and more. Rumpl is also a certified B-Corporation , meaning it’s legally committed to consider the impact its decisions have on the environment, its workers, and beyond.

So whether you decide to upgrade your travel blanket or invest in something else from the brand—Rumpl also makes durable beach blankets as well as unscratchy merino wool throws —you can do it with peace of mind.

This article was originally published in 2022; it was updated on November 15, 2023, with sale information.

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Catch some Zzz's on these expert-loved (and award-winning!) travel pillows

If you're anything like us, you're familiar with some of the stresses that come with traveling: arriving on time at the airport, checking in bags , and securing transport to and from the airport, for instance. But for some reason, we seem to skimp on comfort while traveling.

The most common result? Arriving at your destination groggy and with a sore neck — not an ideal way to begin a vacation. You may be familiar with those mediocre airport neck pillows that you end up begrudgingly buying, but did you know that there are actually great travel pillows that can help make your travel experience enjoyable ?

Travel pillows come in a variety of shapes, but they're all designed to accommodate your upright position when traveling, according to Dr. Alex Dimitriu , founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. Specifically, “the goal of any travel pillow is to stabilize the head. As in most cases, when the seat does not recline far enough, people's heads will tend to drop forward,” he explains.

That said, there's a wide range of styles on the market for a broad range of needs. For example, travel expert Misty Belles has an entire collection of travel pillows: This includes memory foam options, which she says is the most comfortable but also the bulkiest to transport, and an inflatable option, which she loves for its packability and ease of cleaning.

That's why we compiled our list based on a wide range of needs, paying attention to details like material, functionality and price. We also tried a bunch of top-rated options as part of the 2024 Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards , crowning a couple picks that truly impressed us as winners. Read on or navigate using the links below to see the best travel pillows, based on expert guidance, extensive research and personal experience.

Award winner | Best budget | Best multipurpose | Best for neck support | Best silk | Best for long flights | Best for back support | Easiest to pack | Best mini | Best inflatable | Best set | Best splurge | What to look for | How we chose | Meet our experts

Best travel pillows

2024 Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards travel pillow winner

Travelrest all-in-one ultimate travel pillow.

All-in-One Ultimate Travel Pillow

Winner: Best travel pillow

Award: Best travel pillow | Quality: 5/5 | Value: 3/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4/5

If you want to arrive at your destination well-rested, a truly excellent travel pillow is a must-pack. This option quickly became our editors’ favorite because it can be worn across the chest and leaned on, which we found to be way more comfortable than other options that wrap around your neck or head. Plus, this one won’t take up much room in your bag (since it can be deflated), and it only took us about a minute to easily blow it up. Sweet dreams!

Best budget travel pillow

Napfun neck pillow for traveling.

Neck Pillow for Traveling

Material: Polyester, spandex | Fill: Memory foam | Features: Flat back, breathable, concave design, carry bag | Care: Machine-washable removable cover

NapFun’s Neck Pillow is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get some decent shut-eye on a flight or road trip . It features resilient memory foam that is equal parts comfortable and durable. Additionally, it includes a designated groove on both sides to place your chin to prevent your head from falling forward. Lastly, the back is intentionally thicker to provide added support for back sleepers , while a flat-back design helps to prevent your head from falling forward.

This affordable option also includes a travel bag that allows you to compress it when not in use.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: People with shorter necks may find that this option is too large for them.

Best multipurpose travel pillow

Ostrichpillow light versatile pillow.

Light Versatile Pillow

Material: Viscose, elastomer | Fill: Polystyrene microbeads | Features: Soft fabric, reversible, doubles as eye cover | Care: Spot clean

For an multipurpose pick, go for OstrichPillow’s Light Versatile Pillow, which enables you to not only comfort and support your neck but also cover your eyes. The microbead filling works in tandem with the integrated fit adjuster so you can easily tailor the pillow to your needs. You can even use it to block out light while cushioning your head against a window. Or, wear it around your neck like a more standard travel pillow.

It doesn’t hurt that this pick comes with a two-year warranty and 100-day return window.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: It cannot be machine-washed.

Best travel pillow for neck support

Coop original travel and camp pillow.

The Original Travel & Camp Pillow

Material: Polyester, viscose rayon, elastomer | Fill: Memory foam, microfiber | Features: Adjustable fill, water-resistant nylon stuff sack | Care: Machine-washable cover

For someone looking for added neck support when traveling, we highly recommend Coop’s Original Travel and Camp Pillow. It takes all of the qualities of the brand’s Original Pillow but adapts it for the traveler. It features a hypoallergenic fill of cross-cut memory foam and microfiber that provides excellent support. Additionally, you can add or remove the filling to create the ideal loft for your neck’s particular needs.

The pillow has both GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications, and it also comes with a nylon sack that allows you to compress your pillow to half its size for ease of travel.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some people find this pillow to be a bit too small for them.

Best silk travel pillow

Portofino jet setter travel pillow.

Jet Setter Travel Pillow

Material: Silk | Fill: Polyester | Features: Added protection of your skin, carry bag | Care: Hand-wash and line-dry pillowcase

For a bit of added luxury during your trip, Portofino’s Jet Setter Travel Pillow is the way to go. It's made with the highest-grade long-fiber mulberry silk, resulting in a pillow that has the perfect combo of shine, durability and thickness. And with a silk pillowcase, you can expect benefits like: reduced appearance of fine lines, skin hydration, skin texture and smoothness, and skin radiance.

This option also features a hook and loop fastener, as well as a reusable carry bag. Plus, it's available in four sleek and fun color options.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: More expensive than similar choices on our list and cannot be machine-washed.

Best travel pillow for long flights

Dot & dot bendable memory foam travel pillow.

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Material: Cotton | Fill: Memory foam | Features: Folds into different shapes, snap closure | Care: Machine-washable cover

On longer flights where you'll likely be adjusting your sleeping position more often, we recommend a versatile pillow that has multiple functions. Enter: Dot & Dot’s Bendable Memory Foam Travel Pillow. The twistable shape enables it to contour to your specific needs, and you can use it for neck, back, shoulder or cervical spine support. Additionally, the memory foam provides cushioning while relieving pressure points.

The casing on this pillow is made with cotton and should be breathable and machine-washable. While longer than other options, this one can be folded into a smaller shape and closed with a snap enclosure. This same feature allows you to secure it around your neck.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: Some people with longer necks found this option to be a bit too thin for them.

Best travel pillow for back support

Tuft & needle anywhere travel pillow.

Anywhere Travel Pillow

Material: Viscose, polyester | Fill: Adaptive foam | Features: Sewn on pouch to fold into | Care: Machine-washable cover and sack

Tuft & Needle’s travel pillow, which uses the brand's proprietary adaptive foam, is highly breathable, soft and supportive. Its material and shape is great for someone looking for added back support while traveling. The foam contours but doesn’t sink, and unlike the memory foam in other pillows, it doesn’t leave impressions. The result is a pillow that will keep your back comfortable without collapsing and will withstand the test of time.

This durable pillow also comes with a sewn-on pouch to fold into, as well as a metal carabiner. Additionally, the foam used is CertiPUR-US Certified to be free of harmful chemicals and gasses.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: May be a bit too small for some users; pillow itself is not machine washable

Easiest travel pillow to pack

Travel r est nest the ultimate memory foam travel pillow.

The Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Material: Velour | Fill: Memory foam | Features: Stuff sack with drawstring bag | Care: Machine-washable cover

With its stuff sack and collapsible design that makes it a quarter of its size, Travelrest’s Nest pillow is a great choice for anyone looking to optimize space when on the go. Plus, the drawstring can attach to a luggage handle for added convenience. And in terms of comfort? This pillow uses a thermo-sensitive memory foam for what's said to be excellent shoulder, head and neck support. It also includes a non-slip backing to keep it in place.

Bonus? This pillow comes with a pair of ear plugs, and the velour cover can be removed and machine-washed.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: The manufacturers advise against storing it in the stuff sack when not traveling.

Best mini travel pillow

Avocado organic mini pillow.

Organic Mini Pillow

Material: Cotton | Fill: Kapok, latex | Features: Resilient yet soft filling | Care: Machine-washable cover

Measuring at 20 x 12 inches, Avocado’s Organic Mini Pillow is just the ticket for someone looking for a downsized version of a standard pillow. While a slightly higher price point than similar counteparts, you'll get premium materials. Those include: GOTS-certified organic cotton that's soft and breathable; GOTS-certified organic kapok fiber, a soft, light and vegan alternative to down; and GOLS-certified organic latex, a material known for its support, while still providing resilience and durability.

This option also comes with an extra half-pound bag of fill, so you can get just the right amount of support for your needs.

SOMETHING TO NOTE: While packable, this doesn’t compress into any sort of carrying case.

Best inflatable standard travel pillow

N emo fillo pillow.

Fillo Backpacking & Camping Pillow

Material: Polyester micro-suede | Fill: Foam | Features: Adjustable air fill, collapses to size of russet potato | Care: Machine-washable cover

Nemo’s Fillo inflatable pillow is not only a breeze to transport — its inflatability also leaves it in your hands to decide how much support you want it to have. It weighs just 9 ounces; when deflated, it folds down to the size of a russet potato. Despite being inflatable, it still features a luxury foam inside that provides flexible comfort. It also has a baffled air cell that's designed to ensure it feels like a pillow, not a balloon.

We also appreciate that this product has a lifetime warranty and a machine-washable micro-suede cover.

SOMETHING TO NOTE : Some people note an off, gas-like odor upon purchase, but say it should dissipate.

Best travel pillow set

Slip frequent flyer set.

Frequent Flyer Travel Set

Material: Silk, cotton | Fill: Memory foam | Features: Carry bag, hook and loop fastener | Care: Hand washable

This travel set includes Slip’s silk travel pillow that we listed above, plus a pure silk eye mask and a pure silk face covering that's reusable and features a cotton liner. It’s perfect for the person who wants to get on the plane and just knock out for the entire flight — without having anything abrasive brushing against their face.

As listed above, these products should be hand-washed and not put through a machine.

SOMETHING TO NOTE : This bundle is more expensive than other options and doesn’t include a blanket.

Best splurge travel pillow

Quiet mind the original weighted pillow.

The Original Weighted Pillow

Material: Polyester | Fill: Glass beads, polyurethane foam, polyester fiber pad | Features: Multiple weight choices | Care: Machine-washable cover

Quiet Mind’s Original Weighted Pillow takes the benefits of a weighted blanket in the form of a travel pillow. But unlike traditional options, this weighted pillow is said to help travelers manage stress levels — in fact, it's specifically designed to help children with ADHD and people with stress and anxiety, as well as children with autism, to help them cope.

The Original Weighted Pillow is available in 6-, 9- and 12-pound options to make sure you get the ideal weight for you. Plus, it's shipped free and has a 30-day return window, so you have a chance to see if it’s for you. Despite its higher price tag, the brand offers multiple payment plans.

SOMETHING TO NOTE : The heavier nature of this option makes it more cumbersome to travel with.

What to look for in a travel pillow

Dimitriu recommends avoiding pillows that drop your head too far forward, or one that takes up too much space between your head and the seat. On the flip side, if you're side-sleeping, something that's too unsupportive could lead to neck pain and a lack of stability, he says. Instead, focus on your particular needs and dimensions; for maximum comfort, aim for something that doesn’t bend your neck and that keeps your head stable.

The traditional travel pillow that comes to mind is a wraparound that supports the neck and ties in the front. However, many of these are too thick and encourage the head to fall forward. Other options include smaller versions of standard bed pillows that can be used to support your head, or to take pressure off of your lower back. More unique options, like Best Overall pick Trtl, enables you to lean over and side-sleep without overly stressing your neck.

It helps to look at a travel pillow as an investment in your health and wellness, according to Belles. “If you travel often and favor night flights, definitely look at buying a travel pillow that fits you. Sometimes the opening is too wide to be supportive, [and] some pillows can be too high or too thick, so you need to find one that fits.”

Travel pillows can be made from a variety of materials, such as memory foam, latex and even beads. Memory foam options offer great contouring but can be bulky and tricky to travel with if not designed to collapse. Shredded foam options tend to be more easily compressible. Latex pillows tend to be better for people who need more support and want a natural alternative to foam.

Portability

Belles prefers inflatable options because they tend to be easier to pack than other types like memory foam. They also tend to be the easiest to adjust in terms of thickness. It is important to note, though, that there are some memory foam pillows that can actually be compressed and put into carrying cases for easy transport. Make sure to take a close look at a pillow's product description before purchasing.

Ease of use

You’ll want something that is intuitive and doesn’t require much adjustment. Certain products will require more work to get the perfect fit, such as those that offer removable fill, but should otherwise be fine if you don’t mind these extra steps.

Ease of cleaning

Many options on the market (and many on our list) come with removable covers that can be machine-washed for hassle-free cleaning. Other options will only be able to be spot cleaned or hand-washed, but we recommend going for pillows that can be washed in some capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can either sleep upright, using the minimal reclining options typically offered by commercial flights, or you can lean your head against the seat in front of you. Dimitriu says, “In most cases, when the seat does not recline far enough, people's heads will tend to drop forward." According to the sleep expert, there are two types of travel pillows: one that stabilizes the head on the side, and one that stabilizes it with the back to the seat.

With that in mind, Dimitriu recommends giving a pillow a test drive if you can. “A pillow that takes up more space between the head and the seat can result in the head dropping forward more, which is not good for comfort or sleep. For side sleepers, having the neck too unsupported and too ‘kinked’ over sideways, can also cause neck pain and lack of stability,” he says.

Belles says that while it can be difficult to fall asleep if you forget a pillow, it isn’t impossible. She always travels with a pashmina or wrap , which can be used as a pillow or blanket if need be. If you aren’t someone who needs to get up frequently during a flight, Belles also advises getting a window seat. You can lean against the window for support and you won’t have to worry about being stepped over by the person next to you to use the restroom, she adds.

Belles gives her blessing to the TikTok pillowcase hack , a sly maneuver that involves stuffing a travel pillow with some extra items like clothing to avoid check-in fees. That is, "as long as it doesn’t infringe on overhead space. Taking up more than your fair share of bin space is a personal pet peeve," she adds.

Dimitriu tells us there are new alternatives to traditional travel pillows on the market that actually restrain flyers’ heads to the seat to stabilize them. Some pillows, like Cabeau's TNE S3 travel pillow, also includes seat attachment straps in addition to other helpful features (in Cabeau's case, a chin strap and raised sides for extra support).

Furthermore, staying comfortable while traveling doesn’t begin and end with the pillow. There are products like blankets and eye masks that can do a lot to help you stay comfortable while on the go. Belles also recommends wearing comfortable clothing, particularly socks , while traveling.

How we chose the best travel pillows

In order to find the best travel pillows on the market, Shop TODAY tapped sleep expert Dr. Alex Dimitriu and travel pro Misty Belles for their expert insights and guidance. From there, we researched extensively and even tried a handful of the products ourselves, taking special note of each one's comfort, support and convenience. We also took into account the number of verified star ratings and positive reviews, and items that are atop bestseller lists at online retailers.

We also sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards. We tried a selection of these products in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear.

Meet our experts

• Dr. Alex Dimitriu , MD , is a doctor who's dual board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. He is the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine .
• Misty Belles is a travel expert and the Vice President of Global Public Relations for Virtuouso , a global network of travel agencies.

Has your product been featured?

Shop TODAY is editorially independent and our team of editors and writers work hard to pick the best products to share with our readers and viewers. We may license our logo to brands or products that have been featured on Shop TODAY.  Click here  if you’re interested in licensing your inclusion in Shop TODAY content or to learn more from our licensing partner, Wrights Media.

Unlock Comfort and Convenience: Your Guide to the Best Airplane Travel Gear

D oes the thought of long, grueling airplane journeys send a shiver down your spine? Let's face it; uncomfortable seats, difficulty sleeping, and endless ambient noise can make any flight feel like an endless ordeal. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Equipping yourself with the right travel gear can transform your inflight experience from a survival test into a joy ride.

Here's a quick summary:

• The magic of a neck pillow in ensuring your comfort is unparalleled.
• The surging travel accessories market emphasizes the value of well-chosen gear in enhancing your travel experience.
• Opt for travel gear that is versatile, durable, and comfortable for maximum satisfaction.

Why Quality Travel Gear Matters

Did you know that according to SmarterTravel, a staggering 94% of travelers consider a neck pillow as a must-have for a relaxed flight experience? This underlines the crucial role quality travel gear plays for seasoned globetrotters. Indeed, the global travel accessories market hit a value of nearly $25.4 billion in 2019, with coveted items ranging from luggage and neck pillows to portable chargers.

A Piece of Expert Advice on Travel Gear

As Rick Steves, the esteemed travel author and TV presenter, once said, "The best travel gear is versatile, durable, and comfortable, making your journey more enjoyable and less stressful." He couldn't be more right. Your travel gear can indeed be a game-changer for your trip, which is why investing in items that offer versatility, durability, and comfort is key.

Our Top Recommendations for the Best Airplane Travel Gear

In the following sections, we'll explore the must-have travel gear for your upcoming flight. From snug neck pillows and cutting-edge noise-canceling headphones to versatile portable chargers and compact luggage, we've left no stone unturned. We have selected each item for its superior quality, versatility, and excellent user feedback, ensuring you only choose from the best for your travel needs.

Well-thought-out travel gear can significantly upgrade your in-flight experience. Comfortable travel is no longer a luxury but an accessible necessity. Embark on your next journey equipped with the best airplane travel gear and feel the difference for yourself.

What should I consider when purchasing travel gear for airplane journeys?

When purchasing travel gear for airplane journeys, you should consider the durability, compactness, and functionality of the items. Make sure the items can easily fit into your carry-on and serve multiple purposes if possible. Comfort is also key, especially for items such as travel pillows and blankets.

Which travel gear is essential for a long-haul flight?

For long-haul flights, some essential travel gear includes a comfortable neck pillow, a blanket, noise-canceling headphones, a portable charger, a travel adapter, a sleep mask, and a good pair of earplugs. A water bottle can also be helpful as staying hydrated is crucial on long flights.

How can good travel gear enhance my flight experience?

Good travel gear can significantly enhance your flight experience by providing comfort, entertainment, and convenience. For example, a neck pillow can help you sleep better, while noise-canceling headphones can block out ambient noise. A portable charger ensures that your devices never run out of battery.

Is investing in high-quality travel gear worth it?

Yes, investing in high-quality travel gear is usually worth it. Quality items tend to be more durable and functional, meaning they can withstand the rigors of travel and serve their purpose more effectively. They can significantly improve your travel experience, making the investment worthwhile.

Are there any specific brands of travel gear recommended for airplane travel?

There are many brands known for their quality travel gear, including Samsonite for luggage, Bose for noise-canceling headphones, and Trtl for travel pillows. However, the best brand for you depends on your individual preferences and budget. It's always a good idea to read reviews before making a purchase.

What precautions should I take when using my electronic devices on a plane?

When using electronic devices on a plane, ensure they are in airplane mode during the flight. This disables cellular service, so you won't receive calls or messages, but it allows you to use offline functions and usually Wi-Fi if it's available on the flight. Always follow the airline's instructions regarding when you can use your devices. For charging, use your own charger and avoid using charging ports if they appear damaged or faulty.

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Get The Best Sleep Possible On Your Next Flight With These Amazon Finds

There are people who like rawdogging flights — and then there are those who want shut-eye as soon as a plane takes off.

If you’re the latter, getting sleep on your flights is often something to look forward to after traversing the airport. That said, the sleep you get on an airplane doesn’t always feel like a reward. That can be due to the chilly air, noise, and uncomfortable seating travelers sometimes face.

The roundup below helps thwart those in-flight sleep busters. With lightweight travel items like the ones below, you can sleep soundly through your next flight nap and feel well-rested for your destination’s adventures.

5 Products For Getting The Best Sleep Ever On Your Next Flight

Jeelow Blanket Scarf

Airplane Foot Hammock Footrest

Soundcore Noise-Canceling Headphones

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask Set

BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow

Jeelow Store / Amazon

This 74.8-inch by 25.6-inch shawl can be a scarf or a blanket. It’s great for those who like being covered on flights for extra warmth and coziness. It also provides a barrier between you and the often chilly plane air. This plush pashmina-like shawl comes in 21 solid colors and prints. When you hop off the plane, you can effortlessly wear it as a scarf or fold it up and pop it in a bag. Customers like this blanket scarf because of its softness, weight, quality, and versatility.

BASIC CONCEPTS Store / Amazon

This hammock dangles from the seat in front of you and can provide relief and support for your body’s bottom half. You can put your feet up or rest your tired legs on it. The length of the straps is adjustable depending on how long your legs are and how you want to use it. Moreover, the nap aid is lightweight so you can easily take it on the go. Its design includes memory foam for extra comfort.

This foot hammock is particularly useful for young or short travelers who struggle getting shut-eye because of uncomfortable dangling legs.

Soundcore Noise-Canceling Headphones 

Soundcore Store / Amazon

Noise-canceling headphones are a go-to for getting to sleep fast on a flight and ensuring that sleep is optimal. This pair is ideal for flying as they go over your ears with memory foam cushions to block hectic flight noises. The brand claims this model reduces ambient noises “by up to 90%.” Keep that in mind if you have them on and want to wake up mid-nap for food and beverage services.

Customers like the sound quality of these wireless and Bluetooth headphones. They also enjoy the model’s battery life, which equates to 60 hours of use.

MZOO Store / Amazon

This eye mask comes with a travel pouch and earplugs. It is very beloved — garnering 78% five-star reviews out of over 92,600 buyers. People love it for how much light it blocks, which is ideal for  catching ZZZs  on a flight. Moreover, it was praised for its comfort and quality.

The eye mask is made of memory foam that doesn’t put pressure on the eyes. Its design gives you room to shift your eyes and blink while you have it on if you need to.

BCOZZY Store / Amazon

A neck pillow and travel go hand in hand. Moreover, the go-to jet-setting staple is great for being as comfortable and well-rested as possible while catching a flight. Without one, your neck might be strained from being in an awkward or uncomfortable position throughout your plane ride.

This highly rated option is offered in various sizes depending on whether it’ll be used by a child or adult flyer. It also comes in a multitude of colors and can be folded in three different ways depending on how its user lays their head .

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BlueHills Premium Soft Long Travel Blanket Pillow for Tall Airplane Flight Blanket 70 X48 inch Throw in Soft Bag case with Hand Luggage Belt & Backpack Clip Compact Pack Large Blanket Pink T055

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• Long and Soft travel blanket for Adults: Our soft travel blanket is a comfortable travel accessory that is perfect for long journeys. It measures 70” long and 48” wide, which provides ample coverage to keep you warm and cozy during long flights or road trips.
• Trave sized Blanket packed in soft travel case with Hand Luggage Belt: This lightweight travel blanket is packed in a soft carrying case, which makes it perfect for airplane travel. It has an attached soft belt, allowing it to be easily attached to a work bag, a backpack, a suitcase, or a handbag.
• Backpack clip included in the package: With the backpack clip / carabiner, you can clip this travel blanket pillow to any backpack or to any other luggage.
• Airplane travel essential – Machine washable: This packable travel blanket fits easily into luggage not occupying a lot of space. This 2-in-1 travel blanket pillow is warm, cozy, and a great travel accessory. It comes in a wide range of colors, so you can pick your favorite.
• A perfect travel gift – warm travel throw blanket: This airplane travel blanket is perfect for kids and girls when traveling and can also be used as a couch blanket at home while watching movies. It is a thoughtful gift for any traveler.

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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 requires textiles-based products to be tested against a list of 1,000+ chemicals, to limit those which may be harmful to human health. Certification focus: #ProductSafety and #ChemicalsUsed.

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Brand Story

BlueHills is a family-owned business based in Irvine, CA. Our goal has been to produce the highest quality home and travel accessories.

Airplane Travel Blankets

Super Soft Travel Blankets

Product description.

BlueHills Premium Travel Blankets

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 81% 12% 4% 1% 2% 81%
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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 81% 12% 4% 1% 2% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 81% 12% 4% 1% 2% 2%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the size, comfort, color and travel of the blanket. For example, they mention it's a good size, easy to carry and not too bulky. They appreciate the quality, saying it'll hold up perfectly. Customers are also happy with ease of folding, versatility, and warmth.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the blanket soft, cozy, and large enough for two people to share. They also say it elevates their travel sleep.

"This is a very cozy blanket . It easy fits inside a cozy bag that makes it into a pillow...." Read more

"...No lints came out even after multiple washes- and it's so soft that I am actually using it on my couch right now!" Read more

"... Soft , comfortable and affordable , what more could you want...." Read more

"...I fly overseas and this will be perfect. Big enough to wrap up in, so soft and warm and very light feeling...." Read more

Customers like the size of the blanket. For example, they say it's a good size that can cover them, perfect for traveling, and compact. Some appreciate that it takes up little room when in the pillow form but then is a huge blanket. That said, they like that it'll cover them and their friend for the long plane ride.

"This is a very cozy blanket. It easy fits inside a cozy bag that makes it into a pillow...." Read more

"...it was compact and lightweight- but perfectly warm for a long flight...." Read more

"...The blanket is great though; washes well, very soft, and a great size ." Read more

"...I fly overseas and this will be perfect. Big enough to wrap up in , so soft and warm and very light feeling...." Read more

Customers find the blanket easy to carry, take on the go, and pack back into its case. They also say the material is soft and not too heavy. Some mention that the blanket is light and long enough to wrap around.

"...The bag comes with a sturdy clip which makes it easy to attach to a backpack .Definitely a great gift for any one of any age!..." Read more

"...Big enough to wrap up in, so soft and warm and very light feeling . Easy to fold back into soft case and it’s then a pillow." Read more

"...The material is soft & not too heavy . You can use it as a pillow OR a blanket. It zips up into a small travel pillow or unzips to use as a throw...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the color of the blanket. They mention it's a beautiful product, with a deep blue color. Some say it'll make a great pillow.

"...a perfect little pillow in its on case and I really like the blue color . Soft, comfortable and affordable , what more could you want...." Read more

"...The blanket is great though; washes well, very soft, and a great size." Read more

"...It comes in a plastic storage case. The color is very nice & neutral & the material is so soft. This was exactly what I was looking for." Read more

"I bought it for travel which hasn't happened yet. It looks perfect . I will have to review it further after my trip." Read more

Customers find the blanket fantastic for travel, perfect for overnight travel, and an excellent combination when traveling long distances. They also say it's soft, cuddly, and has a nice neutral smell. Customers also mention that it'll be perfect for their trip to Norway.

"This was perfect for my international flight to Europe . I could use it as a blanket (instead of scratchy airplane ones) or a pillow...." Read more

"I love this pillow/blanket it’s great for traveling " Read more

" Good option for traveling ! A little thin but overall good option" Read more

"These pillow/blankets are fantastic for travel . They are extremely soft, and I used it both as a pillow and a blanket...." Read more

Customers like the warmth of the blanket. For example, they mention it's lightweight, but it keeps them very warm camping in the desert at night, and it keeps you cozy during flights in the winter.

"...it was compact and lightweight- but perfectly warm for a long flight ...." Read more

"...Big enough to wrap up in, so soft and warm and very light feeling. Easy to fold back into soft case and it’s then a pillow." Read more

"We purchased this blanket in 2 colors. It was super soft and warm for our 10 hour flight from Orlando to Frankfurt...." Read more

"...This is the best way to keep microfiber soft - no high heat . It came out as soft as when it went in...." Read more

Customers like the quality of the blanket. They say it's super soft, thick, and holds up perfectly.

"...The bag comes with a sturdy clip which makes it easy to attach to a backpack.Definitely a great gift for any one of any age!..." Read more

" Great quality , perfect size, just the right amount of thickness." Read more

"...The clip did break really fast , so don’t depend on it for than one trip." Read more

"... Excellent Quality - Perfect Pricing!" Read more

Customers find the blanket easy to fold. They mention it's large enough to cover, and it folds up nicely inside the pillow. They also say it'll be great for traveling, as it fold up quickly.

"... Easy to fold back into soft case and it’s then a pillow." Read more

"...I love that they are able to fold up and can be used as a pillow and then when you are done, can be placed over the handle of your carry on suitcase..." Read more

"... Easy to fold back up , put over my suitcase with the band on the cover. or the clip to clip on my backpack or belt loop...." Read more

"...It's also really easy to wash, and easy to fold back up into the pillow in the right shape. I bought small carabiners to attach them to carry ons...." Read more

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Traveling? Here Are the Best Life-Saving Travel Accessories You Need To Pack, Starting at Just $7

From packing cubes to a foldable, wireless charging station, this is the travel gear you want on your next road trip, long flight, and more..

E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links.  Learn more.

As someone who has traveled to 5 continents, driven cross country multiple times, and has had to daily pack for 2 small children , I know that any kind of trip can be stressful. However, if you have the right travel essentials , small inconveniences can start to disappear. To help you start packing for your next big trip, I've rounded up the best life-saving travel accessories that you need to have in your suitcase (and they start at just $7). And, believe me, they are game changers .

Once you've got the right travel backpack or luggage , you just need to start with the essentials. From convenient packing cubes to a super soft travel pillow , a travel wallet that can even hold your phone, and a toiletry bag that easily hooks onto the back of any hotel room door, these packing list essentials are great for a weekend trip to a long haul flight. And if you pack right, you might not have to have a checked bag on your trip.

So, keep on scrolling and check out the best travel essentials for any kind of trip. This travel gear is tried and true, and can make your next journey stress-free.

Shop the Best Life-Saving Travel Accessories

Handy 4-pack of tsa-approved toiletry bottles, mrsdry travel bottles for toiletries, 4-pack.

These 4 TSA-friendly bottles have a large opening for easily filling with your favorite lotion, shampoo, and more while you travel. It comes with a clear zippered pouch and reviewers rave that the bottles don't leak.

• Available colors: 11
• Why It's a Life Saver: Makes it easy to keep your favorite products in your carry-on.
• Shoppers say: "I just got back from a 32 day trip to Europe and used these for my shampoo/conditioner and for my lotion and I wanted to let everyone know that they worked perfectly! Each one held about a week/10 days worth of shampoo and the one I put the lotion in lasted me the entire month. There was absolutely no leaking from any of them."

A Super Soft Travel Blanket & Pillow Combo

Eversnug travel blanket and pillow.

Measuring 65 x 40 inches, this super soft travel blanket (that easily folds into a case as a pillow) is a travel must-have. Plus, when it's in the pillowcase, it can easily slip over the handle of your suitcase.

• Available colors: 6
• Why It's a Life Saver: Makes it easy to get some much-needed sleep on a plane, bus, or car.
• Shoppers say: "Bought this for a very long airplane ride, and it was perfect. You can also use it as a pillow if you don’t want to unfold the whole blanket. Soft, cozy, nice material, and very warm."  

A Wireless Charging Station for Multiple Apple Devices

Iseyyox magnetic wireless charger for iphone.

Wirelessly charge your Airpods, iPhone, and Apple Watch all at once with this wireless station . And because it's foldable, it's lightweight and super easy to throw in your carry-on.

• Why It's a Life Saver: Wirelessly charge multiple devices at once, in one easy, foldable package.
• Shoppers say: "I recently purchased this charging station for Apple devices, and it's been a game-changer for me, especially when I travel. It works perfectly with all three of my Apple devices: my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The best part is that I no longer need to carry multiple charging cables or scatter my devices around the hotel room to charge them."

A Set of Packing Cubes That Will Transform Your Suitcase

Veken 8 set packing cubes.

Believe me, packing cubes are 100% essential. They make it so much easier to find things in your suitcase. This set comes with 8 pieces of different sizes, including an accessory bag, shoe bag, cosmetic bag with a hook (for hanging in a hotel bathroom), and more. 

• Available colors: 15
• Why It's a Life Saver: Everything in your suitcase is neat and organized, so it's super easy to find what you're looking for when you're traveling.
• Shoppers say: "Me and my family took a big / long trip out of the country, and I thought I should try out these packing cubes. They were a GAME CHANGER!! [...] Having the kids stuff in packing cubes saved me SO much time finding things for them!! It was awesome."

A Phone Holder That Easily Mounts to the Seat in Front of You

Perilogics universal in flight airplane phone holder mount.

Craning your neck to watch videos on your phone while you fly? Well, quit it! This holder easily mounts to the seat in front of you for easy viewing and conveniently folds when not in use.

• Available colors: 10
• Why It's a Life Saver:  Makes it easy to watch videos on your phone while you're flying (and saves your neck).
• Shoppers say: "This phone holder will save your sanity on long flights. I was able to position it and reposition it easily. It holds on to the tray table and the phone really tightly. It packs down to a pretty small size, so it is easy to fit it in your bag. I will use this a lot."

A Collapsible Water Bottle That Doesn't Take Up Room in Your Bag

E-senior collapsible water bottle - 20 oz.

Tired of lugging a giant water bottle everywhere? Well, check out this collapsible water bottle . It easily folds when it's not full, doesn't leak, and is made of BPA-free silicone.

• Available colors: 14
• Available sizes: 3
• Why It's a Life Saver: Keeps you hydrated and doesn't take up a lot of room in your bag.
• Shoppers say: "I bought this for my trip to Europe, brought it with me everywhere. Easy to use, keeps water decently cold, does not leak and can withstand hiking."

A Tube That You Can Stuff With Clothes & Use as a Travel Pillow

Tube the original pillow you stuff with clothes.

You can easily stuff up to 3 days worth of clothes into this tube , then zipper it and use it as a comfy travel pillow around your neck. Plus, it easily folds into its own pocket when you're not using it.

• Available colors: 1
• Why It's a Life Saver: Does double duty as a bag and a travel pillow for your neck.
• Shoppers say: "The TUBE Pillow was a savior on my last trip. It held a surprising amount of clothes and doubled as a dirty laundry bag. I used it as an on-the-lap pillow, but it was a tad awkward to maneuver. Still, for extra storage without extra fees, it's worth it!"

A Mini Razor That's So Easy to Pack

Gillette venus extra smooth on the go razor.

Beloved by Paralympian Anastasia Pagonis , this mini razor is a toiletry bag must-have. It has the blades of a larger razor, just in a smaller package, so you're still getting the smoothness you want.

• Available sizes: 1-pack, 2-pack
• Why It's a Life Saver: If you're hairy, you can get a smooth shave anywhere.
• Shoppers say: "I would always forget my razor and have to worry about putting it in something to travel with, but now I leave this in my travel bag and always have one. It’s the perfect size for on the go and Venus gives the best shave!"

A Travel Wallet That Holds EVERYTHING

Travelambo womens wallet.

When you're going through customs or navigating a new city, you want all your important items (cash, passport, phone) in one easy place. This wallet has room for everything, plus 12 card slots and one zippered pouch.

• Available colors: 9
• Why It's a Life Saver: Holds cash, phone, cards, and more, and makes it easy to find those things on the go.
• Shoppers say: "Very nice product for particular items when traveling. Makes it convenient to get to certain items quickly."

A Travel Toiletry Bag That Can Hold SO MUCH STUFF

Nishel travel toiletry bag.

With tons of space and easy-to-view compartments, this travel toiletry bag is essential. It can hold full-size products and plenty of makeup, plus it easily folds and includes a hook for convenient hanging.

• Available colors: 7
• Available sizes: large and medium
• Why It's a Life Saver: So easy to hook over a hotel room door and easily find your makeup and other toiletries.
• Shoppers say: "This is like a clown car for cosmetics! You won’t believe the amount of stuff that can fit inside this bag, including some full-size products. Packing is so much easier, I just hang it on my towel hook in my bathroom and load it up! So many different compartments make organizing everything so simple!"

Check out these 16 travel essentials recommended by our editor (who used to travel for a living).

The Best Hardside Luggage in 2024, Tested by Experts

A hard shell suitcase keeps your stuff safe and un-squished.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform hardside expandable spinner.

Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner

Most Popular

Away the carry-on.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we evaluate all kinds of popular luggage in the Textiles Lab, analyzing them for factors like durability, water resistance and ease of use. Plus, we share them with consumer testers who take them on their own trips and share real-world feedback. Over the years, we've tested luggage from more than 100 brands to find the best hardside suitcases on the market. We've put together a list of picks including lightweight, durable options and hard shell luggage with unique features that we think are worth it.

Samsonite's high-quality luggage has continued to perform well in our tests over the years , specifically in terms of durability during drop tests and ease of use. The brand's Freeform hardside suitcase is a favorite of our consumer testers who agree that its wheels roll smoothly and that the bag is easy to maneuver around twists and turns. It also received perfect scores in Lab tests for being a breeze to open and close.

Inside, a zippered panel and an adjustable cross strap keep your belongings in place, and we were able to fit our entire packing load in the bag with room to spare. Our consumer testers pointed out that the carrying handles are on the smaller side, but they still thought the bag was easy to pick up. There are three different sizes to choose from, or you can opt for a set including a carry-on and a checked bag for a cohesive look.

Listed dimensions: 21.25" x 15.25" x 10.0" | Weight: | Material: Polypropylene | Expandable: Yes

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: 10 Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces, Tested & Reviewed

With more than 35,000 five-star reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, Amazon Basics' hardside luggage is a favorite of real users and GH analysts alike. When we tested this bag in our Textiles Lab, we found it to be spacious, and it received perfect scores for easy packing. Online reviewers agreed, saying that they can fill the suitcase with more than enough clothing and essentials for their trips.

The suitcase is made with ABS plastic, which isn't as durable as some other hard materials, but it is lightweight and keeps the price low. Testers appreciated the luggage's wheel performance, sharing that the bag is easy to maneuver, but they weren't as impressed with the telescopic handle and explained that it felt flimsier than other models they tried. This suitcase comes in three different sizes and is available in two and three-piece sets for an even better value.

Listed dimensions: 13.58" x 9.45" x 20.87" | Weight: 6.83 lbs | Material: ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes

Several of our Lab experts have been using luggage from uber-popular brand Away for years and have found them to stand the test of time. T his pick is made of polycarbonate material, which means it's lightweight yet durable. During Lab evaluations, we put its durability to the test and dropped the suitcase repeatedly from a set 3-foot height, noting no major signs of damage or prominent scuffing.

Our consumer testers thought the wheels on Away suitcases rolled smoothly and said they were easy to maneuver, but the telescopic handle isn't as sturdy as some other styles. In our packing tests, we were impressed by the compressive panels meant to keep your belongings in place and by the hidden laundry bag you can use to separate your dirty clothes. If you're unsure about splurging on a carry-on bag, Away offers a 100-day return policy for unused items.

Listed dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9" | Weight: 7.1 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: We Tested Away's Trendy Carry-On to See If It's Worth The Price

July Carry On

July's Classic hardside luggage has a simple yet sophisticated look, thanks to the smooth polycarbonate material with monochrome aluminum corners and real leather details. While it scuffed more than some other suitcases in our drop tests, the suitcase earned high scores overall for durability. The chic carry-on bag has a butterfly-opening with one zipper-enclosed side and one side with a compression panel and adjustable Y-strap to secure your belongings.

The telescopic handle has a unique contoured grip for comfort, and it locks into place at 20 different heights. One at-home tester commented, "I've tested many, many suitcases, but I've never used luggage that glided as smoothly as July's through an airport." Our in-Lab obstacle course testers agreed, rating July's bags highly for ease of use and its smooth rolling wheels, which barely make a sound as they roll over different surfaces.

Listed dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 8.5" | Weight: 7.4 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No

READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE: July Luggage Review: Does the Brand Live up to the Hype?

Calpak Ambeur Collection 3-Piece Luggage Set

For luggage that's equally as fashionable as it is functional, Calpak's Ambeur suitcases are a must-have. The hard shell bags are made with a blend of ABS plastic and polycarbonate that's both lightweight and durable, but we did find the metallic colors scuffed easily. In Lab evaluations, the luggage was dubbed our "tester favorite" because consumer testers were so wowed by the design and overall ease of use.

The telescopic handles aced our tests, with one tester sharing that it was the "smoothest handle by far" out of all of the bags available for testing. Other testers agreed, explaining that the padded handles were comfortable to lift, pull and push. Plus, the Ambeur luggage earned high scores in our packing tests.

If you don't need a set of three bags, you can opt for a two-piece set or choose from any of the five styles available.

Listed dimensions: Large: 29.5" x 19 "x 12.5"; Medium: 25" x 16" x 11": Carry-on: 21" x 14" x 9" | Weight: Large: 10.3 lbs; Medium: 8.6 lbs; Carry-on: 6 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate and ABS composite | Expandable:

READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE: Calpak Luggage Review, My Honest Take

Monos Carry-On

Monos' less-is-more approach to design results in a sleek, timeless look that our testers loved. The durable polycarbonate luggage may have a simple appearance but doesn't skimp on quality or useful packing features. Inside, you'll find two spacious compartments: one zipper-enclosed compartment and one with an adjustable compression panel. There are also additional zippered pockets inside for even more organized storage space.

The bag aced durability tests, resisting major dents and damages after being dropped repeatedly from a 3-foot height, but it did show some signs of wear in our scratch tests. When testers tried it in our luggage obstacle course, they were impressed by how easy the bag was to maneuver and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled around twists and turns. Monos offers luggage sets for an even better value and a generous 100-day return policy.

Listed dimensions: 22" × 14" × 9" | Weight: 7.01 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: No

READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE: Monos Luggage Review: We Tested These Popular Sleek Suitcases

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage

Known for its luggage made by pilots for pilots and frequent flyers alike, Travelpro primarily offers soft fabric luggage, but the brand does have a few hardside pieces including the featured Maxlite Spinner. This bag has a roomy luggage compartment with two zippered panels, and it can be expanded by 2 inches, lending you extra room for all of your souvenirs on the trip home.

In our Lab tests, Travelpro bags were easy to fill with a full load of clothing and travel gear like toiletries and shoes. They also performed well and earned high durability ratings. Testers loved the cushioned telescopic handles which lock at two different heights. We did find the carrying handles to be on the tighter side, which can make the bag difficult to lift into an overhead bin.

Listed dimensions: 19.75" x 13.75" x 9.5" | Weight: 6.3 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: Yes

READ OUR FULL REVIEW HERE: Travelpro Luggage Review: We Tested the Platinum Elite Collection

Rimowa Cabin S Carry-On

Rimowa only makes hardside luggage, and it's a cutting-edge brand that continues to impress our Textiles Lab experts . The Original line is made with aluminum, which is more durable than other hard materials like ABS plastic and polycarbonate. This style of suitcase features the brand's iconic grooved design and has a zipperless closure, opting for locking latches instead — TSA-approved, of course.

The bag unfolds to reveal two primary spacious packing compartments and two adjustable compression panels to keep everything securely in place. Rimowa's suitcases are much more expensive than other brands, but they are among the best in our tests with high ratings for packing space, durability and maneuverability.

Listed dimensions: 15.7" x 9.1" x 21.6" | Weight: 9.46 lbs | Material: Aluminum | Expandable: No

Briggs & Riley Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner

This innovative suitcase from Briggs & Riley is full of features to make packing for an international trip easier. On the outside of the hardside suitcase is an easy-access pocket for your phone and ID. The bag unzips into one large packing space that's fully lined and contains three zip pockets for easy organization.

The bag utilizes Briggs & Riley's unique expansion system, which allows you to expand the bag for additional packing space and then compress it to its standard size once the bag has been filled — with just the push of a button. Our testers recently tried a softside bag from the brand with the same system and were blown away by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more room than expected.

When we tested Briggs & Riley's hardside suitcases in the Textiles Lab, they performed well, receiving high scores for durability, water resistance and ease of use. Testers also shared that the brand's bags were easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and said the telescopic handles were sturdy. Although we didn't experience this issue, some online reviewers have shared that the zipper pulls are prone to breaking with regular use.

Listed dimensions: 14" x 9" x 21" | Weight: 8.6 lbs | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: Yes

Other hardside luggage we evaluated

We've tested more than 100 suitcases in recent years. Here are a few others we've evaluated that weren't featured but are still worth considering:

• Beis Carry-On Roller : With convenient features like a weight indicator, a bag attach strap and a super-padded telescopic handle, this carry-on suitcase from Beis is popular online, but it scuffs easily and wasn't as durable as other bags we tested.
• Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 : It's chic with faux-leather details and wheels that glide effortlessly, but the carry-on bag is on the smaller side and doesn't expand. Our testers said they had to push its packing capacity to the limit – even on shorter trips.
• Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside Carry-On : One of the lightest carry-on bags we've ever tested, this suitcase from Victorinox has a T-bar shaped telescopic handle, which helps keep the bag's weight down. Although it isn't as comfortable to use as others we've tried.
• Herschel Hardshell Carry On : This simple suitcase from Herschel aced our packing tests, but the telescopic handle and wheels just aren't up to par with other popular carry-on bags.

How we test luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we test luggage using specialized equipment in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers . When we review luggage, we consider these factors:

• Size and weight: In the Lab, we measure the size and weight of each suitcase to ensure that all online size claims are accurate. We place carry-on bags in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to see if they meet TSA size requirements.
• Extra features: We make note of any additional features or components that make the luggage stand out, like carrying handles, built-in locks and telescopic handles that adjust to different heights.

• Ease of use: We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip each piece of luggage (pictured here) and consider the accessibility of any packing compartments. We also consider features like telescopic handles and wheels.

After packing each bag, we roll it over different surfaces including tile, carpet and hardwood and test the carrying handles by lifting the bag onto a countertop.

• Packing: We fill each bag with a standard packing load for a two-night trip including clothing, accessories and toiletries (pictured here) and then score the suitcases based on how much they're able to hold.

• Drop testing: Each piece of luggage is filled with a standard weight and dropped from a 3-foot height from different angles to mimic real use (pictured here). We then analyze the luggage for signs of damage like dents or cracks.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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I’m Bringing These 8 Stress-free Essentials on My First Overseas Flight in 6 Years, Starting at $4

Shop my top picks from Apple, Neutrogena, and Patchology.

Travel & Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

At the end of this month, I’m traveling to Europe for the first time in over six years. Since my last international trip, I’ve dealt with some airplane woes like getting my luggage stolen, forgetting proper headphones for in-flight entertainment, and my phone dying mid-flight — let's just say I won’t be making these mistakes again.

I’m stocking up on overseas flight essentials at Walmart to make my upcoming travels more enjoyable. Keep scrolling to shop my eight must-haves, including skincare products, tech accessories, and sleep necessities from Patchology , Apple , Neutrogena , and more. Prices start at $4. 

Writer-Approved Overseas In-Flight Essentials

• Patchology Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels , $4
• Xuduo Power Bank Portable Charger , $19
• Apple AirTag , $24 (originally $29)
• Twelve South AirFly SE Wireless Adapter , $35
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Clear Lip Mask , $11
• Piyu Travel Neck Pillow , $11 (originally $22)
• Perilogics Universal Airplane In Flight Phone Mount , $13
• Jademall Travel Blanket , $20 (originally $24)

Patchology Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels

Like many, my skin gets extremely dry on planes, so I’m staying prepared with Patchology’s Serve Chilled On Ice Firming Eye Gels for some much-needed self-care. Upon arrival in Italy, I’ll be hopping off the plane and straight into sightseeing, so to ensure I look and feel refreshed, I’ll be applying a pair of these before landing. They feature firming ingredients like peptides, cloudberry oil, and a plant-based retinol alternative to minimize fine lines and dark circles. 

Xuduo Power Bank Portable Charger

There’s nothing worse than having your source of entertainment (I’m looking at you, smartphone) mid-flight. In case there are no reachable outlets near my seat, I’m bringing this fully-charged portable power bank so I can listen to music for the entire flight. It already has built-in charging cables, so I don’t need to worry about packing them. It has five outputs so I can charge more than one device at a time. It’ll also be useful throughout my trip if I need a quick phone or camera recharge while exploring.  

Apple AirTag

A few years ago, I had my suitcase stolen from the luggage belt. Since then, I’ve never traveled without an AirTag in each of my bags, including my carry-on and personal items. I’m grabbing a few of these while they’re on sale (and making my family snag some, too) to keep track of all of my belongings on the flight. I’ll also be keeping one in my day-to-day crossbody.  They require a one-tap simple setup on your iPhone and sync up to the ‘Find My’ app for tracking. It’s also both dust and water-resistant. 

Twelve South AirFly SE Wireless Adapter

The sound quality of my go-to wireless AirPods is unmatched, and the Twelve South AirFly Adapter lets me use my headphones with the in-flight TV. I’ll never travel again without this genius device, which easily plugs into the headphone jack and has up to 20 hours of battery life. If I’m going to be on a flight for over seven hours, I definitely don’t want to struggle to hear the audio of my movie through the irritating crackling quality of the corded headphones the airline provides. 

Keep scrolling for more in-flight essentials from Walmart that I’m packing for my overseas trip to Italy. 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Clear Lip Mask

Piyu travel neck pillow, perilogics universal airplane in flight phone mount, jademall travel blanket.

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