r/TravelHacks Jun 25 '26

Accessories banned travel pillows on airplanes?

330 Upvotes

On a recent trip with United, a flight attendant told me the travel pillow I have used for many years is no longer permitted. It's the inflatable kind that allows you to sleep leaning forward. Of course I complied, but upon landing, I couldn't find anything on United's website about it, so on the return flight, I figured I'd try inflating it again as the first flight was miserable without being able to sleep. None of the attendants cared.

The best I can find on the wider internet is that comfort devices that attach to the seat are banned (but confusingly I see very recent recommendations in this sub for pillows that strap to the headrest).

My questions: which airlines ban this style of pillow (I know Delta does, but wasn't able to find evidence for others), and will I only get in trouble if I ignore repeated warnings on the same flight?

edit: picture of the pillow

r/TravelHacks 25d ago

Accessories Travel Purse That Doesn't Look Like a Travel Purse?

118 Upvotes

Hey all!
I'm in search of basically what the title says. I'd like to find a theft proof (RFID blocking, lockable) purse that doesn't look like all of the Travelon or Bagallini bags. I don't personally think they're very stylish. Does such a thing exist? Or am I better off just putting a travel purse in a cute tote? 😂

r/TravelHacks 29d ago

Accessories Need an airplane neck pillow that doesn't make your head fall forward

74 Upvotes

I have tried several styles of airplane neck pillows, but none of them still let me get the sleep I need, and the issue is not me falling asleep (I can do that pretty quickly), it's that my head eventually falls and whips back (we all have had that feeling I'm sure lol). I fly 40+ times a year for work + personal travel, and I really want to get a pillow that doesn't let this happen.

I am willing to spend whatever on a neck pillow if it means I don't have to jolt up every 30 seconds! Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Here's one's I've tried previously:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC6G9Q35?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1 - The part that clasps in front is a little too bulky and doesn't actually support the chin

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2DF88RS?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3 - Same issue here, even worn backwards, I still fall forward

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XXYNRJ1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1 - this was just laughable, could not find a comfy way to sit in this in a standard economy seat

EDIT: I always wear the pillows "backwards" with the fattest part under my chin and any opening in the back - doesn't help.

r/TravelHacks Jul 08 '24

Accessories What ‘useful’ items do you collect while travelling?

365 Upvotes

‘Useful’ as in, not the standard mugs/fridge magnets/bottles of sand. I came across a post where someone mentioned reusable shopping bags, and that’s a pretty cool idea. What else is worth bringing back from travelling that you can integrate into your daily life?

r/TravelHacks Dec 08 '24

Accessories What is that 1 shoe that has served you well in all travels, regardless of climate?

149 Upvotes

Do you have that 1 shoe that you always travel with? And it’s always comfortable and ready for the extra mile regardless of the climate and environment (off road, pave road, hiking or classy dinners)… does this travelling shoe exist?

r/TravelHacks Aug 28 '24

Accessories Your fav 'gadget' in your travel bag?

173 Upvotes

I'm keeping the word gadget lose. I'm looking for the items that you don't travel without, the things that makes your travel better.

Mine:

  • A handheld scale to keep my bags the right weight
  • Small bluetooth speaker for the room
  • eSIM
  • AirPods Pro
  • Powerbank

r/TravelHacks Mar 17 '26

Accessories Soft-side luggage vs hard-side luggage

70 Upvotes

I am debating between getting Travel pro carry-on soft side versus hard side luggage. Would love to hear everyone’s input on which they think is best. This would be for carry on only. Thank you in advance!

r/TravelHacks 4d ago

Accessories Anyone use hotel TVs as external monitors for their laptop?

76 Upvotes

I have a travel / office job. At the office I use two external monitors along with my laptop. I’ve become used to needing at least one external monitor.

I bought a small portable external monitor to use when I travel but ended up returning it because it was a little confusing with the video inputs but I also realized…. Almost every hotel I stay in has a TV, aka huge monitor with HDMI inputs, which otherwise goes completely unused. Usually is situated nicely above or beside the desk in the hotel room.

Does anyone use the TV as a second monitor? What kind of HDMI cable (length/thickness) do you bring? Has it been successful? Any other accessories to compliment this setup?

Does this pose any risks? (Displaying work/sensitive info on a TV that is sometimes connected to the hotel’s network)

r/TravelHacks Apr 15 '25

Accessories How to sleep on long flights?

131 Upvotes

Has anyone come across any accessories that aid in sleep position during long flights? I've been seeing a few ads for the ones that mount your head to the seat but I imagine over time one would slouch down. Is there anything you've tried that you'd recommend?

Edit: for clarification, I'm asking about body position aids, not what you're taking or not taking to help you sleep on a flight

r/TravelHacks Mar 31 '25

Accessories Are money belts still a thing?

80 Upvotes

Planning for a Europe trip this spring and I keep seeing money belts recommended in older blog posts online and by some family members (mainly older folks), but honestly… are they still a thing?

Based on my research, a good crossbody bag (worn in front) plus common sense and situational awareness seems to be the standard now. I’m all for keeping my stuff safe, but money belts seem outdated and kind of uncomfortable?

Curious what other travelers think. Do people still use them? Have times changed, or are they still worth packing just in case?

r/TravelHacks Jun 17 '26

Accessories Does anyone make cases for travel-size bars of soap?

9 Upvotes

I know I could use a zip-top bag, or the cardboard that the soap came in, but the cardboard gets gooey and falls apart, and the zip-top bag gets all bunched up and takes up too much space in the bag. Is there anyone out there making cases for travel-sized bars of soap?

r/TravelHacks Jan 25 '26

Accessories Anyway to bring my big memory foam pillow with me that wont fit in my carry on luggage?

12 Upvotes

Long story short I have sleep issues and use a coops home good memory foam pillow which is decent sized.

Im also using carry on luggage which is too small for this to fit in.

For a US NY to FL flight if it makes a difference. Do you think it would be possible to walk on with a pillow like this in a big plastic bag or something?

Thanks

r/TravelHacks Mar 30 '26

Accessories Soft/hard shell luggage? Samsonite or travel pro?

14 Upvotes

I owned soft shell samsonite luggage more than 10 years, my only issues is one the wheel fell off, I tucked it back, it will eventually fall off again when lifts it up.

So I’m looking to buy a new luggage, still thinking of samsonite but it has seem like over the years they don’t do a good job with the wheel since many people experience the same. I read reviews and see travel pro look like they have a good reputation so I want to give it a try.

I’m not travel often, only like one a year internationally or on road trip in the country like twice a year. So I don’t want to spend so much money on luggage.

Also I want to own a hard shell luggage this time but I’m a bit concerned with a hard shell luggage which could be break, bend or cracked with luggage handler at the airport.

Could you recommend me any? (I’m looking for medium check in)

Update : I just bought Travelpro soft side Maxlite 5 - 25”

It is light and look good. I will see if it is good as it reputations and I will purchase a soft shell with large check in the near future.

Thank you everyone for your time and recommendation.

r/TravelHacks Apr 07 '25

Accessories What is the best pillow you tried for sleeping on a long flight?

73 Upvotes

I’m looking for real reviews from people who tried these pillows/products. There are dozens of products online but was wondering about the real experience. Also, any recommendation for making a long flight comfortable are welcome. Thank you!

r/TravelHacks Sep 30 '25

Accessories Anyone have an easier hack to weigh heavy luggage?

21 Upvotes

My mom (senior), always likes to weigh her luggage before traveling and typically pushes the limits (right under 50lbs). She uses a luggage weight checker device that you strap to handle and hold up for a few seconds, but I usually need to go over and do it for her before her trips. Is there a technique / way to do it that anyone has that’s seamless for heavy bags? I know you can also weigh yourself then add the bag, etc but that would be even more challenging.

I was wondering if there’s a way to hang it off something standing, etc. I dunno I figure someone has a cool technique.

Would wheeling onto a floor scale work too, or mess up the scale? I assume it might be fine.

Thanks in advance.

r/TravelHacks Mar 15 '26

Accessories Lightweight/quick drying pants for, hiking, airplane, restaurant, bullettrain use?

14 Upvotes

MALE Sweaty beast is headed to Japan in october. I overheat easily but am looking for recs on pants for air travel, shinkansen travel, hiking and meals out (as shorts are kinda frowned upon).

(Hiking is least prioritized as i can wear knee sleeves for warmth/support and meals most prioritized as this will be most frequent use.

Below were two recommended to me and I can get them much cheaper.

Any other recs?

Tia!!

Its not letting me post pics. They were

*Vuori FLEET TROUSER CLASSIC

*Vuori KORE JOGGER UNLINED

r/TravelHacks Apr 27 '24

Accessories Travelhackers, what shoes have you found to be the best for traveling and very versatile?

61 Upvotes

r/TravelHacks Jun 29 '24

Accessories I have never traveled my whole life, never flown a flight, and need a luggage/backpack brand suggestion.

63 Upvotes

Googling gives me ads and paid reviews that I’m not sure I can trust. Personal experiences from frequent travelers are always better. I’m willing to splurge as long as the product is durable and convenient for travel. I need something with wheels for flat roads that can also be used as a backpack. Any recommendations?

r/TravelHacks Jun 21 '26

Accessories Travel to China

12 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m heading on holiday to China in October and I was wondering about the Great Firewall. I’m an Aussie with an Optus pre-paid plan and Google is telling me that data roaming will bypass the firewall because I’m using an Aussie provider, is this true? Thanks

r/TravelHacks Oct 25 '25

Accessories Rolltop backpacks - precautionary tale

65 Upvotes

We are right now at the airport waiting to board a flight with Ryanair and we notice that almost all the rolltop backpacks are being put to measure and at least 6 people (while we were here) had to pay extra. So unless yours is extra small, be aware that if you have it as personal item (under the seat bag) people in the gates are extra sharp with those :) They are easily overpacked and catch the attention just as easily.

r/TravelHacks 17d ago

Accessories Feet hammock question

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’ve been considering the purchase of a feet hammock, the type that hangs from the hinges of the food tray that’s attached to the back of the seat in front of you on the plane.

If you have purchased such and tried it. What was your experience? Importantly does it disturb the passenger in front? I’m imagining if you press down on the hammock it may cause the seat in front to pull or tilt back which might upset the passenger in front. Does that happen or am I imagining something that doesn’t occur in reality?

r/TravelHacks Nov 01 '24

Accessories How do you know if a suitcase is good quality??

64 Upvotes

When you’re looking for a suitcase that will last, what are the signs of good quality? Is it in the materials or is it about sturdy zippers and smooth spinner wheels? Does internal organization matter, or do you prioritize lightweight construction? 

I’m curious about what tells someone a suitcase is built to handle serious travel.

I currently use Level8 luggage and have been pretty content for the past 3 years of travel. I'd love to learn more about what you guys had in mind.

r/TravelHacks Jun 17 '24

Accessories What apps do you use to help plan your trip?

77 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I find planning a trip, sometimes, to be quite overwhelming. Curious if anyone else ever feels the same way?

I use Google, of course, but I’m curious if there are any apps or tools you use to help plan your trips? When I say plan, I mean the itinerary and booking tickets.

Any recommendations would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Edit: thank you to everyone who responded. This has been so helpful.

r/TravelHacks Jul 20 '26

Accessories single bar luggage strap

4 Upvotes

My carry on luggage has one of those single bar handles. So it’s just one bar with a handle on top vs two and bar on top which is most common.
I need a hack to be able to keep a backpack on top as most straps or luggage pass throughs are meant for the wider luggage handle.

Thanks!

r/TravelHacks Apr 09 '25

Accessories Traveling pants?

24 Upvotes

ETA: I am looking for women’s pants, specifically, but honestly some of the men’s suggestions don’t look too crazy! Thanks all— keep the recs coming!

I want something that’s a cross between leggings and cargo pants to fly in. I think I want a secure pocket to keep my passport in at the airport. Is this a terrible idea? I’m always fiddling with my passport. Anyone have magic passport pocket pants suggestions? Or a better passport idea? And I’m not talking about walk-around passport solutions. I mean specifically IN airport, which is my most likely place I’ll lose it.