It’s safe to say that airline seats are notorious for being uncomfortable. However, one clever travel accessory aims to ease the pain of confined seating: the foot hammock. Designed to elevate the feet and legs, these devices promise a more comfortable journey — but do they deliver? While some frequent flyers swear by them, there are potential drawbacks. Before you go wheels up — er, legs up — explore the pros and cons of using an airplane foot hammock.
Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.
Potential Health Benefits
During a recent long-haul flight from Washington, D.C., to London, I became increasingly restless while trying to catch some sleep. The culprit? Sore, swollen legs. As a 5-foot-2 traveler, I may seem lucky to have extra legroom, but even shorter travelers face challenges. When my feet don’t comfortably reach the ground, it leads to poor circulation and added pressure on my legs and lower back. My temporary solution — propping my feet on my backpack — was hardly ideal. I needed a better option.
Enter the foot hammock. This clever airline gadget alleviates the discomfort of airline seating by elevating the legs and feet. But it’s not just for those with shorter stature — travelers of all ages and heights might benefit from one. To use, simply release the tray table, hang the strap over it, and lock the tray back in place to secure the hammock. This creates a comfortable footrest while preserving precious personal space.
Choosing the Right Foot Hammock
With hundreds of online options, selecting the right foot hammock can be challenging. Look for one with adjustable straps, which lets you customize the hammock’s height to ensure a perfect fit. Other features, such as the sling type and padding style, are based on personal preference.
Here are my top picks:
• Best Overall: Basic Concepts Airplane Foot Hammock
This Amazon bestseller features an easy-to-install design with a soft memory foam sling and adjustable straps, making it suitable for travelers 4 feet or taller. Its versatility allows for traditional footrest support, or the ability to move the sling up around the calves so you can stretch out your legs.
• Best Hardboard Sling: Delfori Portable Airplane Footrest
This footrest combines the standard features — adjustable straps and a memory foam sling — with a removable hardboard base for added support. This firmer structure prevents the feet from getting “crunched” together, a common complaint of traditional soft slings. However, the hardboard may take up more space in your carry-on.
• Best Foot Separator: Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Hammock
This model features a unique sling with reinforced ribs and a foot separator. Like the hardboard base models, the foot separator keeps the feet and lower legs further apart. Adjustable straps accommodate a range of heights, though the manufacturer indicates it’s best suited for users under 6 feet.
Potential Drawbacks
There are a few things to consider with foot hammocks. First is the need for frequent readjusting. You can’t control your fellow passengers, so if the person in front of you decides to recline their seat, you’ll need to raise your hammock straps, or your feet will be back on the ground. Additionally, be aware that the hammock may annoy fellow passengers. Every time you tug on it to adjust your feet, the person in front of you will probably feel it.
Moreover, it’s important to note that some airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Qantas, have banned foot hammocks due to safety concerns, classifying them as “seat alterations.” Always check your airline’s regulations to avoid surprises at the gate.
Alternative Options
If you’re traveling on an airline that has banned foot hammocks, or if you’re looking for an alternative, there are plenty of other travel accessories to keep you comfortable.
• Best Travel Compression Socks: Fitrell Compression Socks
If circulation and swelling are your primary concerns, consider investing in knee-high compression socks. They can be worn throughout your journey, not just during the flight. Fitrell’s bestselling unisex compression socks are made with moisture-wicking fabric and mesh, keeping your legs cool and dry, while the padded soles provide added comfort.
• Best Inflatable Foot Rest: Flypal Foot Rest
If a foot hammock doesn’t sound like the right option for you, consider an inflatable footrest. They can be inflated in a couple of minutes and deflated in seconds for easy packing. Flypal’s two-in-one design features two different-sized cushions that can be stacked or used separately, offering three different height options.
• Best Seat Extender: CozyBonder Toddler Airplane Bed
An extender between seats creates a safe, flat surface for small children to sit or sleep on. This model has a weight capacity of 55 pounds and a seat extension length of 31 inches. Similar to inflatable options, it eliminates the dangerous gap between seats, offering more stability to small children. Additionally, its adjustable straps hang around the tray table, conveniently leaving under-seat storage open. (Just be sure to check ahead with the airline if there are any restrictions with using this device onboard.)
Featured Stories
More from our network
Daily Passport is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
