A seasoned former British Airways pilot has shared a simple yet effective packing tip that he swears by for a more comfortable journey, eschewing modern travel pillows for a classic alternative.
The Captain's Comfort Secret
Martin Drake, a retired captain who flew Boeing 747s for British Airways, advocates for packing a large feather pillow in a cotton pillowcase. He insists this simple item dramatically improves the travel experience. According to Drake, these pillows compress to a minimal size in luggage, making them a space-efficient luxury. The added benefit is an extra, familiar pillow for use in hotel rooms.
Why Feather Outperforms Synthetic
Travel expert Sarah Rodrigues from Avanti Travel Insurance supports this view, explaining the practical advantages. She notes that feather pillows compress far more easily than synthetic ones. "You can squeeze all the air out, tuck them into your bag, and they’ll spring right back to shape with a quick fluff," Rodrigues told Metro.
She highlighted their versatility, perfect for lumbar or neck support on a plane, a headrest by the pool, or even as protective padding for fragile souvenirs. Rodrigues also pointed out the hygiene benefit: bringing your own pillow ensures you avoid potential sensitivities to hotel detergents or synthetic fillings.
Travellers Echo the Tip with DIY Solutions
This advice resonates widely within the travel community. On the r/TravelHacks Subreddit, one user confirmed that applying pressure allows a standard pillow to fit easily into a suitcase, sharing that their personal pillow has accompanied them globally, including to Japan, Cuba, Germany, and Canada.
Other travellers have used vacuum packing to overcome space constraints. Meanwhile, a resourceful Reddit user named CassMistral shared a DIY solution for in-flight neck pain. The hack involves cutting one-inch upholstery foam to fit your back and lumbar region, placing the pieces in an old pillowcase, and rolling it into a carry-on. This custom cushion, they claim, prevents arriving at a destination with a sore neck and saves money on specialised travel pillows.
From expert pilots to everyday globetrotters, the consensus is clear: sometimes the oldest comforts, like a trusty feather pillow, make for the most modern and effective travel hacks.
