The Ultimate Travel Comfort Hack from a Retired Pilot
Long-haul flights demand careful preparation, from snacks and cosy jumpers to trusty earplugs. While many travellers rely on a standard neck pillow, a surprising alternative is gaining traction among aviation professionals and seasoned tourists alike. The secret? Packing a large feather pillow in your carry-on luggage.
Expert Insight: Why Feather is Best
This unconventional tip comes directly from Martin Drake, a retired British Airways Boeing 747 captain. He champions the feather pillow as his go-to travel essential for transforming the journey. According to Captain Drake, the beauty of a feather pillow lies in its versatility and packability. "They can squash down to almost nothing in your luggage and they make travelling much more comfortable," he explained to Sky News. He also highlighted a bonus benefit: "And it gives you an extra pillow at your accommodation."
This recommendation is strongly supported by other travel specialists. Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert at Avanti Travel Insurance, confirms that feather pillows have a distinct advantage over their synthetic counterparts. "Feather pillows actually compress down far more easily than synthetic ones," she tells Metro. "You can squeeze all the air out, tuck them into your bag, and they’ll spring right back to shape with a quick fluff."
Rodrigues also pointed out their multifaceted uses, stating they are perfect for providing lumbar or neck support on the plane, acting as a comfy headrest by the pool, or even serving as padding for fragile souvenirs on the return trip. A significant health and hygiene advantage was her final point: "Plus, having your own pillow means you know exactly what you’re sleeping on, which can be cleaner and kinder for anyone sensitive to hotel detergents or synthetic fillings."
Real-World Travellers Embrace the Pillow Hack
It isn't just industry professionals who are convinced. This practical hack has been enthusiastically adopted by travel enthusiasts online. On the popular r/TravelHacks Subreddit, a user named @Shakurheg advised fellow travellers to bring "your own pillow everywhere." They detailed that pillows can be compressed with downward pressure when closing a suitcase zipper, making them surprisingly portable. Their own pillow has reportedly journeyed with them across the globe, including to Japan, Cuba, Germany, and Canada.
Other commenters shared their methods, with some vacuum-packing their pillows for maximum space savings, albeit at the cost of in-flight accessibility. Another user, @clementynemurphy, emphasised the comfort and cleanliness of at least bringing their own pillow case.
Despite sounding like a luxury item, feather pillows are an affordable upgrade. Shoppers can find a pack of two for just £20 at Dunelm, or a single pillow for £15 at M&S, making this comfort hack accessible to most.
This article was originally published on October 8, 2025, and has been updated.
