Genius or Gross? The Surprising Travel Hack Passengers Are Using to Stay Hydrated on Flights
Neck pillow hydration hack divides travellers

Forget overpriced airport water bottles – passengers have discovered an unconventional way to stay hydrated during flights, and it's causing quite a stir among travellers.

The Unexpected In-Flight Hydration Hack

Savvy flyers are repurposing their trusty neck pillows in a way that's raising eyebrows across the aviation world. Instead of just using them for comfort, travellers are now filling these U-shaped cushions with ice cubes to create makeshift coolers for their drinks.

How It Works

The ingenious method involves:

  • Removing some stuffing from the neck pillow
  • Filling the cavity with ice from airport cafes or flight attendants
  • Placing drink cans or bottles inside to keep them chilled

This clever trick solves two common flight problems at once – keeping drinks cold and preventing the need for constant trips to the galley for refills.

Mixed Reactions From the Travel Community

While some frequent flyers praise the hack as revolutionary, others have expressed concerns about hygiene and practicality:

"It's brilliant for long-haul flights when you want cold water within reach," shared one enthusiastic traveller.

However, critics argue that moisture buildup inside the pillow could create a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if the pillow isn't properly cleaned between uses.

Expert Advice

Aviation hygiene specialists recommend:

  1. Using a waterproof liner if attempting this hack
  2. Thoroughly drying the pillow after each use
  3. Considering antimicrobial pillow materials

For those uncomfortable with the idea, travel experts suggest alternative solutions like insulated bottle sleeves or collapsible coolers that fit in seat pockets.

The Future of In-Flight Comfort?

This trend highlights passengers' growing creativity in making air travel more comfortable. Whether it catches on as standard practice or remains a niche hack, it certainly shows how travellers continue to innovate in unexpected ways.

Would you try this unusual hydration method on your next flight?