A simple tennis ball is being hailed as the latest must-pack item for long-haul flights, with travellers claiming it can ease back pain and muscle stiffness. The hack, which has gone viral on TikTok and Reddit, involves using the ball as a portable massage tool during flights.
One passenger who tried the trick on a flight from London to San Francisco reported significant relief. After five hours in a window seat, they used a tennis ball placed inside a sock to apply pressure to their lower back, shoulders, and feet. 'Almost instantly, I felt relief,' they said.
Experts confirm the technique can be effective. Tracy Hannigan, a registered osteopath, explained that a tennis ball can help apply soothing pressure to tight muscles, boosting blood flow and releasing tension. She recommends placing the ball inside a hand towel to prevent slipping.
Physiatrist Ali Ganjei also advises regular stretching during flights but notes that the tennis ball trick can provide extra relief for those stuck in their seats. The hack is particularly popular among economy passengers who lack space to move around.
The tennis ball is cheap, lightweight, and takes up minimal luggage space, making it an easy addition to any carry-on. As one traveller put it: 'It's not your typical essential, but it changed how I fly.'
