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Between the charges for checking luggage, the security measures that prevent you from carrying on any liquids over 3oz., and now charging for blankets and pillows I am finding it difficult to remember why I should fly at all? Yes its the quickest method of getting from point a-z, but when you compare costs and annoyance factors its becoming a lot more likely that I'm going to bus, train, or drive to any location I have to get to that doesn't require crossing a large body of water.

Several years ago I bought inflatable neck and lumbar pillows from Eagle Creek, and they're still going strong -- no leaks so far! I really like the lumbar pillow b/c it doubles as a normal pillow when the hotel pillow doesn't cut it.

Now I need a compact travel blanket. I have a large shawl, but I'd really like something blanket sized; however, blanket sized tends to mean bulky, and I don't have the space to spare in my carry-on. Any suggestions?

$7 to BORROW a nasty pillow and blanket?

They are crazy when you can buy a very nice personal pillow in one of the many airport shops.

Do the airliners really think stunts like this are going to help revenue?

www.Flight001.com has several options for travel pillows, eyemasks, blankets and slippers - including some made of cashmere and bamboo.

After the nasty pillow and blanket I found in my seat on a recent flight in United First Class, I'll be bringing my own.

ami,
Eagle Creek also makes a travel blanket. It's available for about $20. Just try "compact travel blanket" as a search term. You could also make one yourself out of a lightweight fleece or just buy a fleece throw.

tallguylehigh: the $7 charge is to buy a pillow and blanket, not to borrow one.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/business/05pillow.html

stillsmiling, thanks for the rec. I think that I looked at that one before, but it was still too big for me.

My ideal travel blanket is as thin/soft as a true pashmina so that it folds down into nothing. I've actually considered buying lame (sorry, don't know how to accent) fabric since it should theoretically keep you warm (guessing that it would work like reflective survival blankets).

ami,
Try a search for coolmax travel blanket and see if that will suit your needs. The packed size is 3 ½â€ X 7”. A lot of places seem to carry them. They are in the $30 price range.

Oops, the cut and paste didn't work out very well that should be three and a half inches by seven inches. Sorry about that.

What has been overlooked is the $5 coupon for Bed Bath and Beyond.

"The $7 sets, which passengers can keep and reuse, include a 10-by-12 inch pillow, a fleece blanket and a $5 coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond."

Who wants a germy pillow anyway?... This is better. Besides, JetBlue doesn't charge for your first checked bag, they have free munchies and sodas, and MORE LEG ROOM in ALL seats than any competitor in the US.

how come no one has mentioned the HILARIOUS picture?? I love it. I'm a pillow hog and use about 4 right now... only to use a build a bear hello kitty doll as a neck roll. i love it!

If you're traveling then you might want to get one of these. I've tried many a travel pillow during my years in the skies. I have finally found one that is as comfortable as my pillow on my bed. It has a satin pillowcase, so my hair doesn't get stuck in one spot while I'm sleeping on the plane or when I have a flight delay and I nap in the airport. I don't get off the flight with the "bed head" look. I can go to a meeting or lunch with clients and my hair looks great. The pillow itself is designed to feel like down and it's hypoallergenic. Both the satin pillowcase and the pillow are completely washable. When I'm home I throw it on the sofa and use it as a nap pillow. Now I won't travel without it. I wound up getting a satin pillowcase to take with me to use in my hotel room. The company I purchased the travel pillow from is A Touch Of Satin.

Their website is http://www.atouchofsatin.com if you're interested. They had a great selection to choose from and they had some really cute ones for kids. It's perfect for "sleepy time" when the kids are exhausted on car trips as well. They love the way satin feels on their faces. Come to think of it, so do I. If you do any flying at all, or even take car trips, this travel pillow is a must to take with you.