As the peak holiday season arrives, travelers are being urged to add an unexpected item to their carry-on luggage: a tennis ball. Health experts say this simple, lightweight object can help prevent stiffness and aches during long flights by applying soothing pressure to key muscle groups, enhancing circulation, and easing discomfort in the thighs, legs, and shoulders.
The Tennis Ball Travel Hack Explained
The tennis ball hack is not about playing catch with seatmates but about self-massage. Registered osteopath and qualified sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan, in partnership with travel insurance specialist InsureandGo, recommends using a tennis ball in conjunction with a hand towel. She explains: 'A great tip is to find a hand towel, put the ball in the middle of it and roll it like a sausage. When you then apply pressure using the ball, it's easier to position and will prevent it from skidding out of position, which can be painful. A tennis ball is small and light and can help you to apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be able to reach.'
This technique allows passengers to target areas like the lower back, neck, and shoulders, which often become tense during extended periods of sitting. The ball's firmness provides a deep tissue massage effect without the need for specialized equipment.
Additional Stretching Tips from the Expert
Hannigan also suggests incorporating regular stretching into your flight routine to combat stiffness. She notes that the side of the neck can be extended by 'turning the chin towards the armpit and gently applying pressure to stretch the opposite side of the neck.' For the lower back, she advises: 'You can even stretch your lower back in your plane seat, by crossing your legs and leaning forward, as if you're trying to reach down to the crossed-over foot with your elbow.'
These simple movements can be done discreetly in a cramped seat, helping to maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of post-flight aches.
Travelers Share Their Success Stories
Frequent flyers have embraced the tennis ball trick. On the r/TravelHacks Subreddit, user @tmckhar swears by placing the ball at the base of the spine near the tailbone: 'Place it at the base of your spine near your tailbone. I do this when driving long period, and it helps with back pain.' Another user, @CrapSandwich, shared: 'I have a slipped disc in my lower back that tends to go out on long flights. The tennis ball between the seatback and my lower back really helps.'
These testimonials highlight the hack's effectiveness for individuals with chronic back issues, offering a portable and drug-free solution.
Another Unconventional Travel Tip: The Water Bottle Check
This isn't the first unusual travel advice to surface. Esther Sturrus, a KLM employee known for her travel TikToks, previously recommended placing a water bottle under the hotel bed upon arrival. This trick allows guests to 'check that no one is under the bed without looking,' as she explained in her video. She advises rolling the bottle under the bed and ensuring it 'has to come out on the other side.' If it doesn't, it may indicate an obstruction, prompting caution.
While the risk of intruders is low, this simple check provides peace of mind, especially for solo travelers or those staying in ground-floor rooms.
Metro Puts the Tennis Ball Hack to the Test
To validate the hack, Metro's Maria Astardjieva packed a tennis ball on a long-haul flight from London to San Francisco. She reported: 'I've seen countless tips promising to make long-haul flights more bearable. But one suggestion kept cropping up: pack a tennis ball. It's cheap, weighs next to nothing, and, crucially, takes up barely any space. I started by positioning the ball at the base of my spine, just above my tailbone – the epicentre of that dull ache that seems to appear the moment you start approaching your 30s. Leaning back into the seat, I applied gentle pressure and slowly shifted my weight. Almost instantly, I felt relief…'
Her positive experience underscores the practicality of the hack, which requires minimal effort and luggage space.
