Why You Should Always Pack A Tennis Ball In Hand Luggage

Some experts think we should avoid using wheeled suitcases where possible, both because they can make slightly annoying rattling sounds when rolled across certain cities’ cobblestones and because, e.g., a duffel bag is usually suitable to bring in your carry-on.

But any luggage you’re bringing on board should contain a bright green tennis ball, sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan told Metro.

The trick is beloved on Reddit and TikTok, too.

Hannigan recommended using a tennis ball as a massage roller to help with any muscle aches as you travel.

“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,” she advised.

If you like, you can place it in a rolled-up hand towel to prevent it from slipping away.

Healthline writes that lacrosse balls can help to ease sore muscles, too.

They reccomend a variety of exercises, like placing a ball between your shoulders and a solid surface (like a wall or the back of a chair) and moving your body so the ball massages a selected area.

On Instagram, personal trainer Laura Coleman added that “Two tennis balls in a sock make driving and aeroplane travel better,” explaining that they can be used as a makeshift foam roller when you’re seated for a long period of time.

In a Reddit post about the tennis ball travel advice, jetsettrader2 said: “Being a frequent flyer, I always do this. One of the best hacks hands down.”

Another commented that they prefer the Healthline-approved lacrosse version for “something stronger”. One Redditor explained that they cut the end off of a pool “noodle” float: “that way it still rolls, but less likely to roll away under a seat”.

And u/nader0903 added: “I do a golf ball to roll-massage my feet after a long day of walking.”