An hour into a long flight your feet are flat on the floor, your knees are bent at a sharp angle, and your lower back starts to ache. If you're on the shorter side, your feet may not even reach the floor properly. There's nowhere to put your legs.
The cheap fix is a flimsy sling that hangs from the tray table. Owners say the same things go wrong: the strap won't adjust to their height, their feet slide together into a V, and the bulky ones eat space in a carry-on. Inflatables bring their own problem: blowing one up in a cramped seat.
We compared five airplane footrests, three hammocks and two inflatables. One stood out: a memory foam hammock that gives each foot its own space, adjusts in both length and width, and weighs under 6 ounces.
Not sure? Let us pick for you
What do you want the footrest to do?
Our pick for you: #1JALIELL 2 in 1 Foot Hammock
It splits into two separate foot spaces or opens into one wide rest, adjusts in strap length and base, and weighs 5.64 oz (160 g) in its drawstring bag.
Our pick for you: #2Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Hammock
A dual footrest with a separate space for each foot, memory foam padding, sized for travelers under 6 feet, and the brand's FAQ says its non-electronic products carry a lifetime warranty against defects.
Our pick for you: #4Flypal Inflatable Foot Rest, 3-Height
Two stackable air cushions give three heights, from a low leg rest to a flat space for a child up to 35 kg (77 lb), with wide valves and no pump needed.
Our pick for you: #51st Class Kid XL Inflatable Footrest
An 18 x 12 x 18 inch inflatable with one large valve you can reach from your seat, three ways to inflate, and a listing that names the airlines it's not recommended on.
Checked whether each footrest gives each foot its own space, or lets both feet slide together, since that is the most common complaint about foot hammocks
Compared how each one sets up: hung from the tray table and adjusted by strap, or inflated on board
Looked for a stated weight on each listing, because a footrest you don't pack is one you don't use
Read flight tests from travel writers and long forum threads on airline rules and comfort, then checked every claim against each product's own Amazon listing and brand page; we did not fly with these footrests ourselves
A memory foam foot hammock that hangs from the tray table arms and works two ways: one wide footrest, or two separate spaces so your feet don't slide together. Both the strap length and the base adjust, and it weighs 5.64 oz (160 g) and folds into its own drawstring bag.
Two ways to use it: one wide footrest, or two separate spaces so your feet and ankles don't clash
Adjustable strap length and an adjustable base, so it fits a range of heights
Thick memory foam with a soft, breathable flannelette surface; reinforced straps and ribs carry the load
The lightest footrest here at 5.64 oz (160 g); folds into the included drawstring bag
The listing gives no unfolded size, only the 9.21 x 4.09 x 3.5 inch package
Illustrative photo. Photo: XiaYZ2023, CC BY-SA 4.0
8.8/10
Everlasting Comfort Airplane Foot Hammock
Separate space for each foot
Hangs and adjusts, no inflating
A memory foam hammock with a separate space for each foot, hung from the tray table on adjustable straps. Everlasting Comfort sizes it for travelers under 6 feet tall and says you need at least 17 x 10 x 6 inches of clearance under the tray table.
Dual footrest design: a separate space for each foot, so feet and ankles don't clash
Memory foam padding; the listing says the material is OEKO-TEX certified
Sized for anyone under 6 feet tall, with a travel bag included
The brand's FAQ says its non-electronic products carry a lifetime warranty against defects
Amazon's product details don't list a weight
Needs a stable surface to hang from; the listing says to allow 17 x 10 x 6 inches of clearance and to check with your airline
Illustrative photo. Photo: XiaYZ2023, CC BY-SA 4.0
8.4/10
Sleepy Ride Airplane Footrest
Hangs and adjusts, no inflating
A single memory foam pad, 20 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches, that hangs from the tray table arms on adjustable straps. Sleepy Ride says it works best for people 5'4" and under, and doesn't recommend it for anyone taller.
Thick memory foam pad, 20 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches, listed at 7 oz
Adjustable straps hang from the tray table arms; drawstring carry bag included
Made for shorter travelers: the listing says it works best at 5'4" and under
One wide pad; the listing doesn't describe separate spaces for each foot
Not recommended for anyone taller than 5'4"
Listed at 7 oz, and it won't work in bulkhead or first-class seats with no tray table arms
Two stackable PVC air cushions that fill the gap in front of an economy seat. Use one or both for three heights, from a low leg rest to a flat space for a child; the combined size is 17 x 11 x 17 inches, and the FAQ rates it for a child up to 35 kg (77 lb).
Three heights: use one cushion or stack both
Wide air valves; the listing says no pump is needed
Stacked, it turns the legroom into a flat space for a child; the FAQ rates it for a child up to 35 kg (77 lb)
The listing itself says airline rules vary and the bigger setup may need a window, middle or bulkhead seat
A flat cushion top, with no separate space for each foot
Must be inflated on board; the FAQ says to fill it only to about 80 to 90 percent so the base stays flat
A large single-chamber inflatable, 18 x 12 x 18 inches when full, that sits on the floor between the seats so a young child can stretch out. One big valve, reachable from the top or side, lets you inflate and deflate without leaving your seat. Listed at 16 oz.
Inflated size 18 x 12 x 18 inches, with a flocked top you wipe clean with a soapy cloth
One large valve, reachable from the top or side, with three ways to inflate: by mouth, at an air vent, or with an optional pump
Deflates in seconds through the large opening
The listing is upfront about airlines: it says not to use it on Emirates, Qantas, Air Canada, Air New Zealand or Air France
One flat top, with no separate space for each foot
Must be inflated on board; the maker says to practice before the flight and not to inflate until cruising
The JALIELL 2 in 1 is a memory foam foot hammock that hangs from the tray table arms. Its trick is the adjustable base: open it up for one wide footrest, or split it into two spaces so each foot has its own cradle. With the strap length adjustable as well, it fits a range of heights, and at 5.64 oz it weighs about as much as a phone.
One wide footrest or two separate spaces, with a thick memory foam block in the center
Keeps your feet and ankles from sliding together
Adjustment
Adjustable strap length and adjustable base
Fits different heights and seat pitches
Weight
5.64 oz (160 g), folds into a drawstring bag
Takes no real space in a carry-on
Materials
Memory foam with a soft, breathable flannelette surface; reinforced straps and ribs
Padding for bare or socked feet; straps carry the load
1. Your feet stay apart
The most common complaint about foot hammocks is that both feet sag into the middle and your knees touch. The JALIELL splits into two separate spaces, one per foot, or opens into one wide footrest when you'd rather stretch.
2. Set up in seconds, no blowing
Loop the straps over the tray table arms, set the length for your height and sit back. The base adjusts too. There's nothing to inflate in a cramped seat and nothing to deflate when the seatbelt sign comes on.
3. Light enough to always pack
At 5.64 oz (160 g) it's the lightest footrest here, and it folds into its own drawstring bag. That matters: a footrest only helps if it's in your bag on every flight.
Who it's for
Economy flyers whose feet sag together in a plain sling
Anyone who wants one footrest that fits more than one person's height
Travelers who pack light and won't carry an inflatable
The honest trade-off
The listing gives no unfolded size, only the 9.21 x 4.09 x 3.5 inch package
How it did on what we compared
Separate space for each foot
Hangs and adjusts, no inflating
Stated weight under 6 oz
Bottom line
If you want a footrest that keeps your feet apart, adjusts to you and disappears into a bag, the JALIELL 2 in 1 is the one to pack. Choose the Everlasting Comfort if a brand warranty matters more than weight, and the Flypal if you want to raise your legs or lay a child flat.
A plain sling lets both feet slide to the middle, so your knees knock together. A hammock with two foot spaces, or a divider between them, keeps your legs where you put them. The JALIELL does this and can still open into one wide rest.
Decide: hammock or inflatable
A hammock hangs from the tray table and sets up in seconds, but only lifts your feet. An inflatable fills the space in front of the seat and can raise your whole lower leg or make a bed for a small child, but you have to blow it up on board and deflate it when the seatbelt sign comes on. Many airlines treat the two differently; see our guide on whether footrests are allowed on planes.
Check the height guidance
A hammock hangs at a fixed range of heights below the tray table. Some makers say who it fits: Sleepy Ride says 5'4" and under, Everlasting Comfort says under 6 feet. A strap that adjusts in length, and a base that adjusts too, gives you the most room to get it right.
Weigh it
The footrests here run from 5.64 oz to 16 oz. The light, flat ones ride in a jacket pocket; the inflatables are bulkier and heavier. The one you actually bring is the one that works.
Questions about airplane footrests
Are footrests allowed on planes?
It depends on the airline. When we read the airlines' own pages, Delta listed foot hammocks, slings and inflatable wedges, cubes and beds as not allowed; Southwest said foot slings can be used in flight but must be stowed for taxi, takeoff and landing, and inflatable footrests only in window seats; British Airways and Qantas allow only specific devices. Check your airline's page before you fly; see our guide for the airlines we checked.
Will a foot hammock bother the person in front of me?
The strap loops around the arms of your own tray table, which is attached to the seat in front, so moving your feet can tug on it. Keep your movements gentle and lift the hammock off when the seatbelt sign comes on, as the tray table must be stowed. Airlines that ban hammocks cite this seat-attachment issue.
Does a foot hammock work in a bulkhead or first-class seat?
Usually not. A hammock needs tray table arms to hang from. Sleepy Ride's listing says it won't work in bulkhead or first-class seats, and Everlasting Comfort says its hammock must attach to a stable surface such as a tray or desk. In those seats an inflatable is the option, if your airline allows one.
Do I need a pump for an inflatable footrest?
The Flypal listing says no pump is needed, and the 1st Class Kid can be inflated by mouth, at an air vent or with an optional pump. Both makers say not to fill it all the way: the Flypal FAQ suggests about 80 to 90 percent so the base stays flat, and 1st Class Kid says to leave some air space for cabin pressure changes.
Bottom line: the best airplane footrests
For most economy flyers, the JALIELL 2 in 1 is the footrest to buy: a separate space for each foot, a strap and base that adjust to your height, and 5.64 oz in your bag. Choose the Everlasting Comfort for a dual hammock with a brand warranty, the Sleepy Ride if you're 5'4" or under, the Flypal if you want to raise your legs or lay a child flat, and the 1st Class Kid XL for a toddler who needs a bed-sized cushion.
Are Footrests Allowed on Planes? — Are foot hammocks and inflatable footrests allowed on planes? What Delta, Southwest, British Airways, Qantas and Air Canada say, and how to check yours.
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