I thought the viral blow-up travel pillows were ingenious. Then, I traveled with one on a 15-hour economy flight.

I purchased a blow-up travel pillow for two long-haul flights between the US and East Africa. I had seen the pillow across TikTok and thought its design was smart.

The $21 Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow, shaped like a cube, allows sleepers to lean forward. A hole on top creates a nook for the face, and two holes on the sides welcome the arms.

Each time I go to the airport, I cringe as people throw their neck pillows onto security belts, set them down on airport floors (or worse, airport bathrooms), and prop them against unfamiliar walls.

I knew I would look ridiculous, but I was willing to sacrifice dignity for sleep on a long-haul flight. I did catch some Zs, but I knew by the end of the flight I'd never fly with the travel pillow again.

Read at Business Insider