Traveling with a Body Pillow: My Real-Life Struggle
I’m going to be honest with you—I love my body pillow. It’s long, fluffy, supportive, and honestly a bit of a security blanket. But the first time I tried to travel with it? Total chaos.
I was heading out on a week-long trip, and I thought, “I’ll just toss it in the car. No big deal.” Spoiler alert: it was a big deal. Between fitting luggage, my travel buddy’s gear, and the sheer size of the pillow, it was like Tetris on nightmare mode.
Still, I’ve learned a lot since that trip. And if you’re like me—someone who sleeps better with a body pillow—I’m here to walk you through the ins and outs of traveling with a body pillow. Let’s get comfy (but realistic).
Why Travel with a Body Pillow?
Comfort That Follows You
When you’re used to sleeping with a body pillow, going without it can throw off your entire night. For me, it’s not just about luxury—it’s about avoiding a sore back in the morning. A body pillow for travel can support your spine, reduce hip pressure, and even improve circulation during long trips.
More Than Just Sleep
There’s also that emotional comfort factor. I’ve found that when I bring my pillow, I sleep better in unfamiliar hotel beds, Airbnbs, or even sleeping bags. It’s like carrying a piece of home with you.
Challenges of Traveling with a Body Pillow
They’re Big. Really Big.
Let’s not sugarcoat it—body pillows are huge. A full-size body pillow for travel takes up a lot of space. Whether you’re flying or driving, it’s one of those things that makes you pause and ask: “Is this worth it?”
Airports and Security
Traveling by air adds another layer of complication. You’ll likely have to decide whether to carry it on or stuff it in checked luggage. If you carry it, be prepared for curious looks. Trust me—I’ve gotten them.
Cleanliness on the Go
There’s also the issue of keeping it clean while traveling. Road dust, airport grime, or spilled snacks can turn your beloved pillow into a hygiene hazard if you’re not careful.
Tips for Flying with a Body Pillow
Can You Bring It on a Plane?
Short answer: yes. The TSA doesn’t have a problem with flying with a body pillow, but airlines may have policies about how many personal items or carry-ons you can bring. If your pillow counts as a personal item, it could mean checking your backpack instead.
Soft vs. Firm for Air Travel
I’ve found that soft, compressible pillows are much easier to handle in airports. You can stuff them into an overhead bin or even into a large tote. Firm pillows? Not so much. They’re bulky and harder to stash quickly.
Checked or Carry-On?
I’ve tried both. If I know I won’t need the pillow until I arrive, I compress it into a vacuum bag and check it. If I need it mid-flight (which I often do), I carry it on like a teddy bear. Yes, it’s awkward—but my sleep is worth it.
Tips for Road Trips and Car Travel
Perfect for Long Rides
If you’re road-tripping, a body pillow for back support is amazing. You can rest it behind your lower back or wrap it around you during naps. It transforms a stiff car seat into something surprisingly cozy.
Pack It Smart
I’ve learned to roll mine and stuff it into a duffel bag or body pillow travel bag. This keeps it clean and makes it easier to wedge into small spaces. Keep a removable cover on it so you can wash off any road-trip grime later.
How to Choose a Travel-Friendly Body Pillow
Lightweight and Compressible
Look for a travel-friendly body pillow made of shredded memory foam or microfiber. These can often be compressed into smaller shapes and rebound once unpacked.
Washable Covers are a Must
A washable body pillow cover will make your life so much easier on the road. Trust me—you don’t want to deal with a pillow that smells like gas station popcorn and backseat air.
Use a Pillow Bag or Compression Sack
I like using a compression bag designed for sleeping bags. It makes packing a bulky pillow much easier, especially when you’re tight on space.
Alternative Travel Comfort Options
Go Mini or Go Smart
If a full-size pillow feels too much, consider a travel-sized body pillow or even a long lumbar pillow. They offer enough support to ease your back without being hard to carry.
Mix and Match
Sometimes I travel with a lumbar pillow for my back and a neck pillow for support. It’s not the same, but it gets the job done when I’m flying or backpacking.
Practical Advice: My Travel Pillow Strategy
When I Bring It
For long car trips or extended stays, I bring the full body pillow. I plan ahead to make space for it and keep it clean with a cover.
When I Don’t
If I’m flying and trying to pack light, I usually skip it. Instead, I bring a travel neck pillow and roll up a hoodie or blanket to simulate the comfort I miss.
Sleep Hacks That Help
I also carry essential oils, earplugs, and a sleep mask to improve rest when I don’t have my usual pillow setup. A few small tweaks can really help.
FAQ: Traveling with a Body Pillow
Can I take a body pillow through TSA?
Yes! TSA doesn’t restrict body pillows, but your airline may count it as a personal item.
Is it worth packing a full-size pillow?
It depends on your sleep needs. If you have back issues or trouble sleeping in new places, it can definitely be worth the space.
What’s the best alternative to a full-size body pillow for travel?
A compact, compressible body pillow or a lumbar pillow offers great support with less bulk.
Conclusion: Comfort vs. Convenience — You Decide
Traveling with a body pillow isn’t always easy, but sometimes, the comfort is 100% worth the hassle. If you rely on your pillow for back support, restful sleep, or emotional comfort, there are definitely ways to make it work.
At the end of the day, it’s all about balancing your personal needs with the practicalities of travel. Try a few different methods, and you’ll find the setup that works best for you.
Have your own travel pillow strategy? I’d love to hear about it in the comments—let’s swap tips!