I’m a frequent flier and travel writer, but I’m also a baby when it comes to sleep: if I don’t get the sleep I need, I’m useless at my destination, whether I’m traveling on assignment for work or trying to keep up with my kids on vacation. That’s why it’s so important to me to gather all the tools I need to effectively get some extended shuteye on long-haul flights, which make up the bulk of the travel I do from my home base in Los Angeles (often to Europe or the South Pacific islands).
Every item on this list was personally vetted and tested by Travel + Leisure editors, who have owned these products for several months to several years. From pillows and blankets to earplugs and noise-canceling headphones, these nine genius products really help get the job done to help you get quality sleep on a plane.
This travel pillow is exceptionally comfortable: think of it like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck, or sleeping on a cloud. It provides strong support for the neck, chin, and head, preventing head bobbing and reducing neck and back pain. The memory foam is super soft and plush, and the adjustable strap allows for a fully customizable fit. The design is super versatile, and despite our initial skepticism, we were impressed by the pillow’s ability to compress into the small travel bag it comes with. According to the brand, it shrinks to 60 percent of its original size, so it’s practical and portable. Its lightweight nature lets you roll it up like a camping mat and store it conveniently in a carry-on or personal bag during flights.
This silky eye mask is super comfortable, with cooling and lightweight materials. Made from high-grade Mulberry silk, the fabric is exceptionally soft and feels rich. We love the wide adjustable band, which means your hair won’t come out crimped after a long flight. Plus, the eye mask is machine-washable, but you might want to wash it carefully with a mesh bag to keep the fabric lush and free of pilling.
For those super long-haul flights in economy, this airplane footrest provides some relief for your legs and back by providing more positions to rest your feet in. For testing, we brought this on 10-plus-hour flights to and from India and on cross-country domestic flights as well. It’s also definitely clutch for long flights when you expect to get tons of sleep (not so much for shorter flights). Our 5-foot-2-inch tester found it especially helpful for shorter travelers who have more legroom to play around with on flights; those with longer legs may find it less helpful.
These noise-canceling headphones make all the difference in helping us sleep and relax on flights, whether it’s delivering music or podcasts — or just using them to block out background noise so we can rest or read in peace. “I’ve always been an earbud user before trying these, but these over-ear headphones are so much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time,” according to T+L’s senior testing editor, Jackie Cucco. These also nabbed the best overall spot in our noise-canceling headphones roundup.
The Loop Dream earplugs are the most comfortable earplugs we’ve worn, molding to the ear with a closed-loop design for a secure fit. Slimmer than the classic style, they stay in place even when resting against a pillow or lying flat. They provide comfort without slipping, an ideal feature for the hustle-bustle of travel. Because they come at an investment price point (far higher than disposable earplugs), you’ll want to handle them with care and be mindful not to misplace them.
This microfleece polyester travel blanket is soft, velvety, and lightweight without feeling too thin or flimsy. It provides warmth and breathability, fully covering the body when sitting or lying down. The blanket folds easily into a carrying pouch, which doubles as a pillow. While the pouch isn’t very compact, it has a strap for attaching to luggage or carrying separately. Measuring 11 by 12 inches, it’s compact enough to fit inside a backpack or suitcase if needed. The blanket itself has no special features, but the pouch includes an adjustable buckle for easy transport. It washes well in cold water and withstands high-heat drying without damage. While not the most luxurious or high-end blanket, it feels durable and should last for several years. There were a few loose threads in the stitching from the start, but overall, the construction is decent, and it holds up well through use and washing.
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This pillow doesn’t come with a carrying case, so if you’re worried about germs, you’ll want to put it in a bag inside your bag when not in use.
We love knowing our upgrades have cleared before heading to the airport, but (alas) that’s not always guaranteed. Instead of carrying a full-sized travel pillow, we might not need, this compact alternative is a perfect solution. It takes up almost no space in a bag and can be slipped over a hand for leaning against a window, which is far better than using a balled-up sweatshirt. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, those concerned about germs can store it in a separate bag when not in use. Plus, it’s hand washable between flights for added cleanliness and reassurance.
When it comes to travel clothing brands, we’ve always been big fans of Spanx, especially for flights, and these pants are a favorite for sleeping in on a plane. They offer the comfort of sweatpants while looking like stylish trousers with cuffed ankles — the vibe is polished yet cozy. For a complete travel outfit, we love pairing them with the matching AirEssentials Quarter Zip sweatshirt and we also love wearing this athleisure set while walking around at our destination. Despite years of wear and frequent washing, these items still look as good as new (but be sure to follow the label’s care instructions).
Our Testing Process
T+L editors tested all of these products in our New York City lab and during real-world travel experiences to evaluate their performance in various conditions. Our editors focused on key attributes such as quality, durability, comfort — especially for flying — and portability. Each item was carefully vetted to ensure it meets travelers’ needs, with particular attention to how well it holds up over time. Plus, our testers will continue using these products beyond the initial evaluation to gather further insights and assess long-term performance.
Tips for Buying Products for Sleeping on a Plane
Prioritize comfort
Comfort makes all the difference when it comes to achieving restful sleep. Planes can be noisy, cramped, and cold, so choosing cozy, breathable fabrics and ergonomic designs helps minimize discomfort. Neck pillows, sleep masks, and blankets also help — and quality matters to your comfort. Investing in well-made sleep gear tailored to your needs ensures you arrive at your destination well-rested, reducing jet lag and travel fatigue for a smoother journey.
Consider your bag size and the length of your flight
Consider both the size of your bag and the length of your flight when selecting products to help you sleep on a plane. On long-haul or overnight flights, bulkier items like full-sized travel pillows or blankets may be worth the extra space in your carry-on. However, for shorter flights or limited bag space, compact, compressible options — such as inflatable neck pillows, silk sleep masks, or small travel blankets — are more practical. Prioritizing packability ensures you have what you need without overloading your bag.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
T+L contributor Alesandra Dubin is a travel and lifestyle writer and professional product reviewer who frequently logs long-haul flights for work and leisure — and makes sleep a top priority. She regularly flies the 10-plus-hour long-hauls between her home base in Los Angeles and Europe, almost always red-eyes in the Easterly direction; other recent destinations include Fiji, Tokyo, and Seoul (each around 12 hours). For this story, she coupled her own experience with in-flight sleep gear along with testing results from T+L editors to compile this exhaustive list of the best products to help get sleep on a plane.
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