For those of you who often travel with children or are looking for a comfortable way to rest during long trips, an airplane pillow is a practical and lightweight solution that can make your trip more comfortable. Specially designed for maximum comfort on planes, cars, buses, or trains, the airplane pillow helps create a flat and flexible space for you and your family to sleep or relax more comfortably.
Not only for children, airplane inflatable pillows are also suitable for adults as a footrest to maintain smooth blood circulation and prevent the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). Airplane inflatable pillows are very practical to carry in the cabin and meet safety guidelines from IATA and CASA. However, each airline's policy may vary, so make sure you check first.
Are you looking for a way to keep the kids on a sleep schedule or want to enjoy your trip without feeling sore? An inflatable airplane pillow is the ideal travel companion to make layovers more enjoyable for the whole family!
To make sure that your airplane pillow can be used on your flight, don't forget to check the airline's policy or consult directly before leaving. We'velisted airlines that do and don't allow the use of airplane pillows here. Let's find out how to use airplane pillows to the fullest and start planning a hassle-free vacation!
What Is An Airplane Inflatable Pillow?
Airplane pillows are portable comfort devices designed to provide extra comfort during flights, especially for children. Brands like Poupuffe , Kooshy Kids , and Fly Tot can be used to create a flat, flexible space on a plane, car, bus, or train, for either sleeping or relaxing. These pillows are placed on the floor between your child’s seat and the seat in front of them, or in the bulkhead row in a vertical position, and inflated to the desired height.
This airplane pillow is also very useful for older children and adults as a footrest. The height of the pillow can be adjusted as needed. In addition, the airplane pillow is considered a carry-on item and a sleeping aid on the plane, similar to an inflatable neck pillow. Its use depends on the airline's policy and the flight crew's decision.
Who Can Use an Airplane Inflatable Pillow?
Airplane pillows can be used to sleep in a flat position, and are generally suitable for children up to 8 years old. Older children and adults can use them as footrests to sleep more comfortably with their feet up. Elevating your feet during a flight can help blood circulation and prevent the risk of DVT, which is especially beneficial for the elderly or those with a history of high blood pressure.
The airplane pillow is also very useful for parents traveling with children under 2 years old without their own seat, as it helps create more sleeping space on the plane. It can be placed between two seats, with the armrests raised.
How to Use an Airplane Inflatable Pillow?
Once the plane is in the air and the seatbelt sign is turned off, place the airplane inflatable pillow on the floor, then turn on the portable electronic pump to the desired height using the appropriate pump valve. Your child can start using it as a footrest or bed. Make sure the seatbelt is still fastened, and the child's feet are placed on the pillow, not the head.
Are Airplane Inflatable Pillows Allowed by FAA/IATA/CASA?
The use of comfort devices in flight does not require special approval from aviation authorities such as the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), IATA (International Air Transport Association), or CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority). The policy on the use of inflatable airplane pillows is up to each airline and the decision of the crew on board. Brands such as Kooshy Kids meet IATA and CASA guidelines for the safe use of inflight devices.
How to Make Sure Your Airline Allows the Use of Airplane Inflatable Pillows
To make sure your flight allows the use of an inflatable airplane pillow, you can check the airline’s policy on their website or contact them directly. We’ve also provided a list of airlines that allow the use of these devices here . Make sure to always check before you fly.
Are Airplane Inflatable Pillows Suitable for All Types of Aircraft?
Yes! As long as the airplane pillow is inflated after being placed on the floor, it will fill the space in all standard and premium economy seats. It is also designed to fit airplane seats as well as bus and train seats. We recommend using a pump to make it easier to install in tight spaces.
Can Airplane Inflatable Pillows Be Used in Bulkhead Seats (Rows with Bassinets)?
Of course! Airplane pillows like the Poupuffe are ideal for use in bulkhead seats. You can position them lengthwise to fill the space between the seats, creating a larger sleeping or lounging area. This makes for a more comfortable journey, for both kids and adults.
Tip: If you get a bulkhead chair, the Poupuffe is perfect for older children or even adults who want to sleep more comfortably.
What Happens If the Front Seat is Reclined?
The reclined seat will not affect the use of the airplane pillow. The reclining position only affects the top of the seat, while the airplane pillow remains on the floor, keeping your child's head away from the seat in front. However, make sure the food tray in front is closed. The shaking of the plane can cause the food tray to open and cause your child to hit their head if it is not properly attached.
Do I Need a Pump?
While airplane air pillows can be inflated by mouth, we highly recommend using the Puffe Nano Pump , our portable electric pump, for convenience and efficiency. Here are two main reasons:
- Inflation takes only 30 seconds using the Puffe Nano Pump .
- Pumping Poupuffe is easier once it is on the floor. Doing this by mouth can be difficult and less effective.
Electric pumps such as the Puffe Nano Pump are permitted in the cabin, but please note that battery-powered products are not allowed in checked baggage and must be carried as carry-on luggage.
Why Do Airplane Inflatable Pillows Deflate a Little While in the Air?
You may notice your airplane pillow deflating a little during the flight. This is normal and occurs due to changes in air pressure on the plane. If this happens, you simply need to add air to the pillow to make it firm again. Make sure the valve is tightly closed to prevent leaks.
Tip: Before your trip, check your airplane air pillow by letting it air up for 24 hours to make sure there are no leaks. This will help ensure your pillow will function properly during your flight.
Airplane Inflatable Pillow vs. Cheaper Inflatable Foot Pillow
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Better Safety Features. Airplane pillows like the Kooshy Kids or Poupuffe come with automatic release valves , which ensure the air pressure inside remains stable, even if there are changes in pressure while in the plane. This is important to prevent the pillow from over-inflating. Cheaper foot pillows often don’t have automatic release valves and are made of materials that are more prone to leaking or tearing, making them less safe and practical for long-haul flights .
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Accepted by Many Airlines. Air pillows are nothing new and have been accepted by over 100 airlines for use during flights. Although there are differences in product dimensions and materials, other brands are following the same path in making their products. So, you don't have to worry about being turned away at check-in.
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Fast and Practical Deflation. The airplane inflatable pillow can deflate in 30 seconds thanks to its special valve, so you can store and carry it easily.
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Ergonomic and Comfortable Design. The mushroom shape ensures that the aircraft's airflow is not blocked. The average height of the airplane inflatable pillow is 42cm, which is the highest on the market , designed to fit the airplane seat without any gaps, so you can stretch out comfortably.
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Durable and Stable. Made of high-quality PVC with a thickness of 0.3mm, making it more leak-proof when the plane goes up and down and the air in the pillow will naturally expand/contract, safe to use. Because the material is thicker, the airplane inflatable pillow can also withstand weights of up to 110 kg and remains stable when used, even though it is light to carry.
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Easy to Clean and Hygienic. The top layer is laminated to make it soft and non-abrasive. Simply wipe with antibacterial wipes after use to maintain hygiene.
An airplane pillow is the ideal solution to ensure your and your children’s comfort during long air travel. With a variety of benefits, including creating a comfortable sleeping space and maintaining blood circulation, an airplane pillow will make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free. Before departure, be sure to check the airline’s policy regarding the use of this device and enjoy your journey without worry!
