This $40 Travel Gadget Finally Solved My In-Flight Sleep Problem

Every frequent flier knows the struggle: you either fall asleep before takeoff or spend the entire flight fighting gravity, waking up with a crick in your neck. I've always been in the second camp, trying everything from bulky neck pillows to inflatable contraptions that barely fit in economy. So when I heard about the AirSlyng—a compact, three-piece sleep system priced at $40—I was intrigued but skeptical.

I tested it on a six-hour flight from New York to Calgary. The setup was surprisingly simple: a cushioned case attaches to the headrest as a pillow, a Velcro eye mask blocks out light and prevents head lolling, and a soft sling wraps around your neck, letting you tuck your arms in and pull the blanket snugly. Within minutes I was settled into a comfortable upright position—no head bobbing, no startle reflex, no awkward leaning on my seatmate. The entire thing packs into a water-bottle-sized case, and all fabric parts are machine washable.

The real test came when I woke up just as we descended into Calgary. Instead of groggily rubbing my neck, I lifted the window shade to see the snow-capped Canadian Rockies. For the first time in a long while, I arrived at my destination feeling rested—no aches, no regrets. For $40, the AirSlyng might just be the best travel investment I've made.