The solution I found was a $9 foot hammock.

I was initially hesitant to buy the hammock

For years, I've eyed a foot hammock. The Wall Street Journal deemed it a "savior of economy fliers," and Travel and Leisure reported that flight attendants love the plane accessory.

But a few things kept me from pressing "add to cart" on Amazon.

Mainly, I like to pack as light as possible. I refuse to check a bag, meaning every bit of space in my carry-on is precious. I wasn't sure whether sacrificing room for an item I would use during only a small portion of a trip would be worth it.

I've also read that the foot hammocks cater to shorter travelers. As Business Insider previously reported, shorter people can face pressure on their legs and lower back if their feet don't touch the floor. A hammock saves them from that pain. At 5-foot-8, I don't face that challenge.

The foot hammock's strap loops the plane's tray table.



Monica Humphries/Business Insider

My final concern was that I wouldn't be allowed to use the hammock in the first place. Some airlines, like Air New Zealand, prohibit items that hang from an aircraft seat. Since foot hammocks hang from your tray table, they're technically not allowed.

But after booking a 10-hour economy flight, I wanted a new approach to getting comfy on a plane. Since foot hammocks are affordable — I bought mine for under $10 — I figured I would give one a shot.

I'll be packing it on all future long-haul flights

A few days before my flight, I purchased the Zoklu footrest on Amazon for $9. A few days later, it arrived in a small package.

I realized my first concern — taking up precious carry-on space — was no longer a worry. The hammock was smaller than a paperback book, and I could easily find space in my backpack.

While waiting to board, I searched to see whether my airline, Lufthansa, prohibited foot hammocks. I didn't see any rules against them, so I set up the contraption once I was settled in my seat.

The author's feet resting in the foot hammock.



Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The setup was easy. The foot hammock is attached to an adjustable strap that wraps around your tray table. Once the strap is looped around the table, you can close it, sit back, and relax.

The foot hammock allowed me to be in my preferred plane position with my knees up. The passenger in front of me didn't indicate they could feel the hammock, which made sense since my weight pushed toward the floor instead of into their back.

With a backpack tucked under my seat, I didn't find the hammock helpful for stretching my legs straight, which is how many of the online Amazon descriptions outline its use. This didn't bother me since my height allows me to have my feet on the ground anyway.

But having another comfortable position for resting (that didn't disturb anyone else) was easily worth the $9 and room in my backpack.

For all future flights that allow it, you'll find me curled up in my seat with a foot hammock in tow.