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If you’re looking for a cheap deal on a flight, budget airlines or economy are the most likely options for the lowest prices. However, one thing budget or economy travel is not known for is the amount of legroom, which can be particularly uncomfortable for passengers jetting off on long-haul flights.

But there is good news in store. According to happy customers, the solution to a comfortable journey, including the ability to stretch out a little more in economy and boost leg circulation, is on offer from Amazon. The nifty product is available for less than £20 and has been described by one shopper as “magical”.

The product in question is an adjustable, portable footrest, with various options being sold by a number of Amazon shops. The footrests vary in price but are generally all under £20.

What is a portable flight footrest?

These unusual contraptions act like a hammock for your feet when clipped to the tray table of the chair in front. Typically made from a soft cotton material, and occasionally including foam, the hammock provides support for your feet allowing you to stretch out a little more than you might typically be able to when travelling with a budget airline or when seated in economy.

The string part of the footrest includes a buckle, which can be opened and threaded through the tray table area in the back of the seat in front, and then closed securely in place. Then, simply rest your feet in the hammock and allow your legs to flow.

According to manufacturer Opaceluuk, who sell regular in-flight portable foot hammocks for £8.99 and memory foam foot hammocks for £12.99, the product isn’t just designed for comfort, but also boasts an array of “health benefits”. These include improving blood circulation, enabling knee and leg support, preventing heavy, restless or swollen legs, helping to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and reducing stress on the back, knees and ankles.

And, of course, the products are also easy to move around as they quickly fold up into a lightweight pouch, which can be popped in your hand luggage ready for your journey.

This aeroplane footrest is made from a ‘soft cotton material’, and comes with an adjustable strap designed to suit exactly your height. The minimum length is  22.83 inches and the maximum length 33.85 inches.

BlueSkye, an Amazon-recommended brand selling its own version of the portable footrest for £19.99, have included a removable flat base which creates a rigid platform within the hammock. They claim: “Unlike competing products, we have designed our footrest with a removable flat rigid base. This means that your feet won’t crush together.”

The base is removable so if required, you can also use it as a hammock style if preferred.

As well as on flights, the footrests can also be used at home, providing leg support for those who work at desks or even hanging from garden furniture to help you relax outdoors.

This travel foot rest comes with a padded base to help support the feet while travelling. The strap can also be adjusted to match your height.

Do the footrests really work?

The big question is, does the footrest really do the job that it claims to. On that front, there seems to be good news and bad news. Opaceluuk admit that there are a few occasions when the footrest might not live up to expectation, but in its Amazon description, the brand notes a few airlines may not allow the use of such footrests onboard, and in some cases, it may disturb the passenger seated in front of you. They added: “Economy class has limited space, so you need to consider your height, weight and foot size to avoid affecting the user experience.”

Despite this warning, however, the products have resounding five-star ratings on Amazon.

One Amazon customer, Mary, described the footrest from Opaceluuk as “magical”, stating: “This product is absolutely magical for long haul flights and helps to keep your ankles and feet from swelling as much.”

Another customer, who had purchased the footrest from BlueSkye, wrote: “I love this!! It was an absolute game changer on my recent long haul flight, I am generally uncomfortable travelling on planes but this food rest was perfect, kept my knees elevated higher than my hips and took the pressure off my lower back. 100 percent recommend.”

@brionboard My travel essentials may be a little off the wall but better rest and more comfort while on the plane will also be my motivation. My travel foot hammock is that girl! A must in my travel bag and a gift that keeps on giving. You can find this specific one over on my page on the photo app. #travelbuy #travelmusthaves #travelaccessories #brionboard #plane #airtraveltips #travelgifts #sleepaccessories #hammock #amazonmusthaves #travel #BlackTravelFeed #noireescapes_ #donotdisturb #culturetrip #ustravelblogger ♬ original sound – My Name’s Not Rick!

Jessica added: “Bought this as I had two long-haul flights in a row and always suffer with bad back and leg pain.

“Easy to install as it just hangs behind the tray table (so will not work if you have a front row seat or tray table that comes out of the armrest).

“It helped me be more comfortable overall and I definitely noticed some back pain relief. The only thing that needs improving is that the actual footrest is not structured at all, meaning your feet end up wedged together rather than being able to have them hip wide apart.”

Express.co.uk has not independently tested this product for use on UK airlines, so it’s always best to check the items you can bring onboard with your chosen airline.

For more tips on packing your hand luggage, visit our guide to the latest easyJet luggage rules, our tips and tricks for beating Ryanair’s luggage restrictions, our full guide to British Airways’ cabin bag allowance or all the latest from Jet2’s hand luggage rules.

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