Inflatable Sleep Devices on Planes: Which Airlines Allow Them

Published March 15, 2026

Inflatable sleep devices turn an economy seat into a flat(ish) bed for kids. Parents love them. Airlines are split on whether to allow them. Here’s the current state.

What are they?

These are inflatable cushions, ride-on suitcases, or leg-rest pillows that fill the gap between your child’s seat and the seat in front, creating a flat surface for them to lie on. The most popular ones:

• Plane Pal - inflatable cushion, the original and most widely approved
• JetKids BedBox - ride-on suitcase that converts to a bed extension
• Fly Tot - similar inflatable cushion
• Flyaway Kids Bed - another inflatable option

There are also budget foot rests and hammock-style devices, but these are less commonly approved by airlines.

The airline split

Airlines fall into three camps:

Allow them (with restrictions): Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and several others let you use approved devices, but only when the seatbelt sign is off. You must fully deflate during taxi, takeoff, and landing. The valve must face the aisle. They can’t affect other passengers.

Don’t allow them: Qantas bans all inflatable sleep devices. Several other airlines have blanket bans too.

Unclear: Some airlines haven’t published a clear policy. If your airline’s policy is unclear, call them before you fly.

Check the exact policy for your airline in our Flying Hub - select your airline and look at the sleep device section.

”Approved” vs “Allowed”

There’s a difference. Some airlines name specific products in their approved list (e.g. “Plane Pal, JetKids BedBox, and Fly Tot are approved”). Other airlines allow sleep devices generally without naming specific brands.

If your airline names specific products, stick to those. Showing up with an unapproved brand may mean the crew says no, even if the airline “allows” sleep devices in general.

Restrictions that always apply

Even on airlines that allow sleep devices:

• Seatbelt sign off only. You must deflate during taxi, takeoff, landing, and turbulence. On a bumpy flight, you might barely use it.
• Inflate valve faces the aisle. For quick deflation in an emergency.
• Can’t block other passengers. If the person in front can’t recline, the crew may ask you to remove it.
• Economy only. Business and first class seats have different configurations.
• Your child must still be buckled. The seatbelt goes around them while they’re lying on the device.

Are they worth it?

For long-haul flights (8+ hours) with a child aged 2-6, yes. A child who actually sleeps on a plane changes the entire flight experience. For short flights or older kids, probably not worth the hassle of inflating, deflating, and the risk of your airline saying no.

The devices weigh 1-3 kg and pack down to backpack size. Not a huge burden to carry.

Before you buy

1. Check if your airline allows them using our Flying Hub
2. If you’re flying multiple airlines on one trip, use the Trip Planner to check all legs
3. Buy from the brand’s official site so you can return it if your airline doesn’t allow it