Comfort is a top priority when flying, especially on long flights. Of course, the airlines will always bring the best service to their customers. However, they will still have some shortcomings under certain circumstances, such as a lack of blankets and pillows for customers. However, can you take a pillow and blanket on a plane? Reading this article to equip yourself with the essentials.
Can You Take A Pillow And Blanket On A Plane?
Airlines typically count blankets as personal items, so you can usually bring one on board. However, keep in mind that most airlines allow just one personal item per passenger. So, if you plan to bring both a pillow and a blanket, you’ll likely need to tuck one of them into your carry-on bag until you’re settled in your seat.
On most flights, the larger airlines accept three categories of goods per passenger:
- Your primary carry-on luggage.
- Something to wear like a coat.
- A small bag to fit under your front seat. It is counted as a personal item but not luggage. It can be a laptop bag, nappy bag, or purse.
Many airlines enable passengers to carry minor personal goods such as a magazine, a jacket, a pillow, and a blanket apart from the things listed above. As long as you have enough room in your carry-on luggage, TSA rules permit you to bring a pillow through security checkpoints and onboard without limitation.
The significant disadvantage of carrying your items is their size. Blankets and pillows are often large and thick; they may quickly occupy your carry-on bag. If you travel frequently, it’s advisable to invest in lightweight travel pillows and blankets that you can bring on the plane with you.
Are A Blanket And Pillow A Carry-On Or Personal Item?
When it comes to whether a pillow or blanket classifies as carry-on or personal items, the different airlines have their own set of regulations. However, most large airlines such as American, United, or Delta don’t count these items as carry-on things. Therefore, you will be allowed to bring a pillow and blanket and your carry-on luggage on a long-haul flight.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), pillows and blankets are not an issue for them. They do not consider them a security danger. Thus, you can pack these things in your carry-on bags or checked bags.
Nevertheless, this policy isn’t accepted by all airlines. The luggage and carry-on regulations of low-cost airlines like Frontier are relatively strict. Some of them, such as Spirit, even have added a fee for bringing a full-sized blanket and pillow.
Although you may believe that carrying a pillow or blanket should be considered clothes rather than baggage, this depends on the airline. Always double-check the airline’s luggage and carry-on regulations you intend to fly before every flight.
How To Choose A Travel Pillow And Blanket?
Consider the following factors if you plan to buy these items.
Choosing blankets:
- A 60-inch blanket is long enough to fit the average person’s body without leaving excessively additional cloth to bother about.
- When it comes to width, you should aim for about 40 inches to ensure that it can cover your body.
- Children’s blankets are often shorter, ranging from 30 or 40 inches in length.
- It shouldn’t be too large to occupy too much room in your luggage.
Choosing pillows:
Here are the types of pillows we highly recommend you buy when you want to bring them on the plane:
- Travel and Neck Pillows
These pillows are designed to be compact and dense, providing essential comfort during your flight. Neck pillows, with their ergonomic design, fit snugly around your neck and don’t take up much space. Other travel pillows, often rectangular, are smaller than typical bed pillows and are designed to offer the support needed for restful sleep on the plane.
- Standard Pillows
Bringing a standard pillow on a plane is possible, but it may be a bit bulkier than a travel pillow. Standard pillows are larger, so they occupy more of your limited seat space. Generally, airlines permit these pillows as long as they can be stowed under your seat.
If your pillow is too big to fit under the seat, it must be placed in your carry-on bag. Taking a full-sized pillow without storing it in your carry-on could result in it being counted as an extra carry-on item. For those who find standard pillows more comfortable, it’s wise to opt for a smaller size to avoid any issues during boarding.
Why Should You Take A Pillow On A Plane?
There are various good reasons why many passengers always bring their personal items on board. Below are some explanations for taking a neck pillow on a plan:
It can resemble your home pillow.
Resting on a new pillow might be a nightmare if you’re accustomed to sleeping on your own one. Although you may not sleep in bed as you do at home, you will have a longer and better sleep since your neck and head are familiar with that material.
It helps you maintain good posture.
Spinal alignment and comfortable posture are essential to be pleasant on long-haul flights. An excellent haul neck pillow can help with this. It increases the probability that your back will be able to maintain excellent posture, thanks to the comfort it gives. Soreness might be significantly decreased with the use of a suitable neck pillow.
It’s comfortable and breathable.
Although the air on the flight is generally always frigid, it isn’t always pleasant. The air might be extremely dry, making your neck skin appear pasty. If you rely on the airline’s pillows to maintain the neck in good shape, you’ll be disappointed. As a result, you’ll want a warm, breathable pillow.
It protects against neck pain and fatigue.
A neck ache is typical while traveling long distances, especially when you haven’t had enough time to sleep or relax. Therefore, fatigue may occur merely due to not getting enough sleep throughout the trip.
There are several ways to prevent or reduce neck discomfort. Investing in a neck pillow may be the most effective solution. You don’t need to constantly twist and turn to achieve a comfortable posture in a small place with this item. It provides additional comfort, allowing you to relax and slumber well during your flight.
It might help with snoring and sleep apnea.
If you often snore while sleeping, it will be a big problem when on a plane with a crowd. It may embarrass you, and it might be inconvenient for other passengers. A good neck pillow might help you avoid sleep apnea and snoring. There is no blockage in your airways as it helps your neck position properly.
Why Should You Take A Blanket On A Plane?
Many passengers want to bring their own blankets for some reasons, such as:
Many Airlines no longer provide blankets on flights
Believe it or not, low-cost airlines have ceased providing blankets for passengers on board. It may seem strange that an airline stops providing you with a blanket on a frigid air-conditioned plane, but it is true. You have to pay extra for this extra service if you want one. So, it’s best to bring your item in the case.
Blankets might be expensive on some Airlines.
Many airlines are charging for blankets if you have access to one on your trip. The airline sector is fiercely competitive, with a focus on inexpensive fares. They’re searching for ways to cut expenses or raise prices everywhere, even on things like blankets or other supplies. A blanket may cost roughly $12 on some flights.
The quality of the blanket is not like what you expect.
The blankets may be nice for those who sit in business or first class, but it’s not always the case. Some airlines offer a better than nothing blanket, which means its quality may not meet your requirements.
The blankets may not be washed.
A carrier’s policy is that they must wash blankets once used. However, there are frequently additional elements that influence this reality. However, several flight attendants have complained about forums that blankets aren’t always cleaned before reusing.
The blankets sometimes are not available.
The airline will give each passenger a blanket. What should you do if you need two? So, bringing your own one is the best idea.
How Do You Pack A Travel Pillow And Blanket?
The essential thing to keep in mind while packing your items is they will always be easily accessible at the security checkpoints and onboard. You won’t be able to access these things if you put them in a checked bag until you get to your ultimate destination.
Also, you’ll have trouble finding these items if they are at the carry-on luggage’s bottom. Keep them with you on the flight, if possible, outside of your luggage. It is the most convenient approach for packing these items so that you may get them and use them anytime you want. You can use duffel bags to pack your items because they are created from flexible materials.
Conclusion
After referring to this article, have you got a satisfactory explanation to the question: Can you take a pillow and blanket on a plane? To sum up, it depends on the carrier. Most airlines permit their passengers to bring these items, but some low-cost ones may not. Thus, before ticket booking, you should contact that airline agency to know their policies clearly to prepare essentials in advance.
