From shoes to pillows, we’re always on the hunt for products to help make air travel more comfortable. Because let’s face it, without first-class tickets, we need all the help we can get.
For the most part, we’re skeptical. We’ve seen all kinds of gadgets touting dubious claims about doing this or that to ease our aching joints and preserve our complexions at 35,000 feet. So, when we come across a product with glowing reviews from people we trust, you better believe we sound the alarm. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is one of those times.
Behold: the airplane foot hammock.
We first got wind of this air travel game-changer from Caroline Moss, host of the podcast Gee Thanks, Just Bought It, whose amazing and affordable product recommendations have launched countless articles.
Moss told Southern Living that she brings her foot hammock ($17; amazon.com) with her on all long-haul flights. “I am not flying first class, so this is a very inexpensive comfort item that helps upgrade my experience,” she explains.
Allowing your feet to gently sway with the movement of the plane can help prevent lower back pain, stiffness, and leg swelling. And it keeps your feet off the dirty floor. Simply hang the foot sling on the arms of the tray table in front of you, place your feet in the padded footrest, and voila! Immediate in-flight relaxation.
Despite being marketed towards shorter people whose legs and feet don’t rest comfortably underneath them, Moss, who is on the taller side, said she still benefits from having this little foot swing under her.
“It feels luxurious somehow!” she notes. “The only downfall about the foot hammock is that the people around you will want to talk about it with you and ask you questions (once I let a woman try mine out).”
