Planepal.com.au Review

Based on looking at the website, Planepal.com.au appears to be a legitimate online retailer specialising in travel accessories designed to enhance comfort for children during flights. Their primary product, the “Plane Pal,” is an inflatable device intended to fill the footwell space in aircraft, allowing children to lie flat or rest more comfortably. The site also offers related items like packing cubes and laundry bags.

Here’s an overall review summary:

Website Legitimacy: Appears legitimate, with clear product descriptions, multiple payment options, and professional design.
Product Offering: Focuses on travel comfort for children (Plane Pal) and luggage organisation (Packing Pals).
Pricing Transparency: Prices are clearly listed for each product, with sale prices highlighted.
Customer Reviews: Features customer testimonials on the homepage.
Airline Approvals: Claims approval from over 50 airlines, including British Airways, and states safety testing by a CASA-certified aviation engineer, with a link to an approved airlines page.
Shipping Information: Mentions fast local & international shipping with a link to a dedicated shipping page.
Contact Information: Limited direct contact information visible on the homepage, primarily social media links and a blog. No immediate signs of a physical address or phone number for direct customer service.
Ethical Consideration (Islamic Perspective): The products themselves (travel pillows, packing cubes) are permissible and align with principles of utility and comfort. There are no inherent elements that contradict Islamic guidelines.

The website provides a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and understand their product line. While the core products are functional and seemingly beneficial for family travel, a more readily accessible customer service contact number or dedicated support email on the main page would enhance trust and user confidence.

Here are some alternatives for ethical travel accessories:

Bagsmart Packing Cubes: Known for their durable and efficient packing solutions, Bagsmart offers a variety of packing cubes, compression bags, and toiletry organisers that are perfect for keeping your luggage tidy and organised. They come in various sizes and sets, making it easy to sort clothes, shoes, and other travel essentials.
Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes: A long-standing favourite among seasoned travellers, Eagle Creek’s Pack-It system is renowned for its quality and innovative designs. Their cubes are lightweight, durable, and come in different styles like compression cubes, garment folders, and clean/dirty compartments, all designed to maximise space and keep your belongings neat.
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack: While not a packing cube, Osprey offers excellent lightweight and compressible daypacks that can be incredibly useful for excursions during your travels. They pack down small and expand into a full-sized backpack, perfect for carrying essentials on day trips or as an extra bag for souvenirs.
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow: For neck support during travel, the Cabeau Evolution S3 is a popular choice. It’s designed to prevent head slump, offering superior comfort and support whether you’re on a plane, train, or in a car. It features straps that attach to winged headrests, keeping your head upright.
Trtl Pillow Plus: This innovative travel pillow provides adjustable neck support, allowing for a customised fit. Its unique design offers a comfortable and compact solution for sleeping upright, making it a great alternative for adults and older children seeking better sleep on the go.
Lewis N. Clark Travel Laundry Bag: A simple yet essential item for any trip, this lightweight and compact laundry bag helps keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. It’s washable, reusable, and folds down small, making it an indispensable travel companion for maintaining hygiene and organisation.
GoToob+ Silicone Travel Bottles: While Plane Pal doesn’t offer these, reliable travel bottles are a must for toiletries. GoToob+ bottles are made from soft, squeezable silicone, making it easy to dispense liquids. They are leak-proof and TSA-approved, ideal for carrying shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Planepal.com.au Review & First Look

Based on an initial inspection of Planepal.com.au, the website presents itself as a specialist in travel comfort products, particularly for families with young children. The central offering, the Plane Pal, is an inflatable cushion designed to transform airplane footwells into a comfortable resting space. This immediately signals a clear niche, targeting parents looking to make long journeys more manageable. The homepage is clean, visually appealing, and relatively easy to navigate, with prominent calls to action for purchasing their main products.

Website Design and User Experience

The overall aesthetic of Planepal.com.au is modern and family-friendly. It employs high-quality imagery featuring children comfortably resting or playing with the Plane Pal, effectively conveying the product’s benefits. The colour scheme is pleasant, and the layout is intuitive, guiding visitors through product showcases and customer testimonials. From a user experience (UX) perspective, the site loads quickly and is responsive across different devices, which is crucial for potential customers who might be browsing on a mobile phone while planning their trips.

Product Presentation and Information

Each product, especially the Plane Pal Kit, is given a clear display with pricing and an “Add to cart” option readily available. The descriptions are concise yet informative, highlighting key features and benefits such as “Approved by 50+ Airlines” and “Safety Tested by a CASA Certified Aviation Engineer.” These claims, while prominent, lead to dedicated pages for further verification, which is a good practice for building trust. The website also effectively uses customer testimonials to build social proof, which is a powerful tool in e-commerce.

Planepal.com.au Features

Planepal.com.au focuses on a core set of features designed to make family travel less stressful. The main draw is the Plane Pal itself, but the website also highlights its complementary products and assurances.

Plane Pal™ Kit Functionality

The Plane Pal™ Kit is the flagship product, aiming to create a comfortable, bed-like space for children in an aeroplane seat. Its key feature is its inflatable nature, allowing it to be easily inflated and deflated for portability.

Versatility: The website claims it can be used in bulkhead rows, premium, or regular economy seats, and can fit any sized seat due to its inflatable design.
Ease of Use: “Simply inflate in the footwell” is the core promise, suggesting a straightforward setup process.
Child Comfort: The primary benefit highlighted is the ability for children to rest or sleep in a seated or lying position, addressing a major pain point for travelling parents.
Multi-Modal Use: While designed for planes, it’s also marketed for use on trains or in cars, extending its utility beyond air travel.

Airline Approvals and Safety Testing

A significant selling point for Plane Pal is its alleged approval by over 50 airlines. This is a critical factor for airline passengers, as many airlines have restrictions on inflight comfort devices.

Specific Airline Mentions: British Airways is explicitly named, lending credibility. A dedicated “View Approved Airlines” page is provided, allowing users to verify this claim. As of the last check, this page lists numerous airlines, which is a strong positive for consumer confidence.
CASA Certification: The claim of “Safety Tested by a CASA Certified Aviation Engineer” suggests a commitment to safety standards, which is paramount for any product used in an aviation environment. CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) is Australia’s national aviation safety regulator. This specific mention adds a layer of reassurance for Australian consumers.
Impact on Travel: For parents, knowing a product is airline-approved reduces the anxiety of potential issues during boarding or inflight, making the travel experience smoother.

Packing Pals™ for Organisation

Beyond the inflatable pillow, Planepal.com.au offers a range of “Packing Pals™” which are essentially travel organisers.

Diverse Range: The line includes general packing cubes, ‘Short Haul Pack’, ‘Personal Pack’, ‘Laundry Bags™’, and ‘Shoe Packing Pals™’. This comprehensive range caters to different packing needs.
Organisation Benefits: The website emphasizes how these products turn “shambolic suitcases into brilliant baggage” by allowing separation of clothes, shoes, and dirty laundry.
Material and Design: Described as “durable, lightweight materials with mesh for easy viewing,” suggesting practical and user-friendly design.
Stress Reduction: The core message is about decompressing the stress associated with packing, a common travel-related anxiety.

Planepal.com.au Pros & Cons

When evaluating Planepal.com.au, a few clear advantages and areas for improvement emerge. For anyone considering their products, it’s worth weighing these up.

Advantages of Planepal.com.au

Niche Focus and Clear Value Proposition: The website excels in its clear focus on solving a specific problem: making air travel with children more comfortable. The Plane Pal’s function is immediately apparent, and the benefits are well articulated.
Strong Emphasis on Airline Approval and Safety: The prominent display of “Approved by 50+ Airlines” and “Safety Tested by a CASA Certified Aviation Engineer” builds significant trust, especially for a product used in a controlled environment like an aircraft. This addresses a major concern for parents.
Professional and User-Friendly Website: The site is well-designed, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. High-quality images and clear product descriptions enhance the shopping experience. The mobile responsiveness is also a plus.
Positive Customer Testimonials: Featuring genuine-sounding testimonials directly on the homepage, complete with travel routes, adds social proof and credibility. This helps potential customers relate to others’ positive experiences.
Complementary Product Range: The inclusion of “Packing Pals” demonstrates an understanding of broader travel needs, offering solutions for luggage organisation that align well with the main product.
International Store Options: The availability of regional stores (Asia, South Africa, UK/EU, USA/Canada) indicates a well-established international presence, suggesting a broader reach and potentially robust logistics.

Disadvantages of Planepal.com.au

Limited Direct Contact Information: While social media links are present, the absence of a readily visible phone number or dedicated customer service email on the homepage could be a drawback for customers seeking immediate assistance or having complex queries.
Reliance on External Validation for Claims: While the “50+ Airlines Approved” and “CASA Certified” claims are positive, new users might still feel the need to independently verify these claims directly with their specific airline, as airline policies can change.
Lack of Detailed Product Specifications: While descriptions are good, some users might seek more in-depth technical specifications beyond what’s immediately visible (e.g., specific dimensions when inflated/deflated in different configurations, material breakdown, weight capacity for children).
No Obvious ‘About Us’ or ‘Company Story’ Section: A lack of an easily accessible “About Us” page on the homepage could mean missing an opportunity to build deeper brand connection and transparency by sharing the company’s story, mission, or founders.
Customer Reviews Not Integrated with Products: While testimonials are present, having a comprehensive review system directly linked to each product, where customers can leave detailed star ratings and comments, would offer even more robust social proof and transparency.

Planepal.com.au Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure on Planepal.com.au is straightforward, as prices are clearly displayed for each product. This transparency is a positive aspect, allowing customers to easily see the cost before adding items to their cart.

Overview of Product Costs

The main products available on the site, the Plane Pal Kit and its accessories, are priced individually. Gageroads.com.au Review

Plane Pal™ Kit: The core product is listed at a regular price of $89.95 AUD.
Plane Pal™ Self-Inflating Pillow: This alternative comfort item is priced at $119.95 AUD. It’s interesting to note that this is a separate product from the main footwell inflator.
Plane Pal Reusable Squidgy Stickers: These are a smaller, supplementary item, priced at $8.95 AUD.
Packing Pals™: These organisation cubes start From $17.97 AUD, with a regular price of $29.95 AUD, indicating different sizes or sets have varying costs.
Sales and Discounts: The website frequently highlights sales, such as “SAVE 40% ON PACKING PALS – LIMITED TIME ONLY,” which suggests regular promotional activities. There’s also an offer to “Subscribe and save 10% on your first order,” which is a common e-commerce strategy to encourage email sign-ups.

Value for Money and Comparison

Assessing the value for money depends on the individual’s perspective and the perceived benefit of improved travel comfort for children.

Plane Pal Kit: At nearly $90, it’s an investment, but for parents facing long-haul flights with restless children, the potential for a peaceful journey and actual sleep could easily justify the cost. When compared to the overall expense of international flights, this cost might seem minor for the comfort it promises.
Packing Pals: The pricing for packing cubes, starting from under $20, is competitive within the broader travel accessories market. These are generally seen as good value for money for their organisational benefits.
Discount Opportunities: The presence of ongoing sales and first-order discounts makes the products more accessible and provides opportunities for customers to save. This indicates a business strategy that includes promotional incentives to attract and retain customers.
Ethical Perspective on Pricing: From an ethical standpoint, the pricing appears transparent with no hidden fees evident on the homepage. The products are physical goods with clear utility, and the pricing seems consistent with a niche, quality-focused travel accessory market.

How to Cancel Planepal.com.au Subscription

Based on the publicly available information on the Planepal.com.au homepage, there isn’t any indication of a subscription service for their products. The website primarily operates as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce store selling physical travel accessories.

No Subscription Model Apparent

One-Time Purchases: All products listed, such as the Plane Pal Kit, self-inflating pillow, stickers, and packing pals, appear to be sold as one-time purchases. There’s no mention of recurring billing, monthly deliveries, or membership fees associated with product usage.
No “Subscription” or “Membership” Links: The homepage menu, footers, and product pages do not contain any links or language pertaining to subscriptions, recurring orders, or membership management.
“Subscribe and Save 10%”: The only mention of “subscribe” is in the context of an email newsletter sign-up, offering a 10% discount on the first order. This is a common marketing tactic for one-off purchases, not a product subscription. It allows customers to receive “handy travel tips, new product alerts and subscriber-only offers.” Cancelling this would simply involve unsubscribing from their email list, typically via a link at the bottom of any marketing email received.

Managing Orders and Returns (If Applicable)

Since there are no subscriptions, the primary concern for customers would be managing existing orders, returns, or warranty claims for products purchased.

Order Management: Customers would likely manage their orders through an account login (if they created one during purchase) or by contacting customer service directly if an issue arises with a one-time purchase. The website does feature a “Log in” and “Account” link, suggesting an order history or management portal for registered users.
Returns Policy: While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, a reputable e-commerce store like Planepal.com.au would have a dedicated returns and refund policy page, which customers should check if they need to return a product. This information is usually found in the footer of the website.
Warranty: Similarly, information regarding product warranties or guarantees would typically be found in their terms and conditions or FAQs.

Conclusion: As Planepal.com.au operates on a standard e-commerce model rather than a subscription service, customers do not need to worry about cancelling any recurring charges related to product usage. Any “cancellation” would pertain to order returns or opting out of marketing communications.

How to Cancel Planepal.com.au Free Trial

Based on the information available on the Planepal.com.au homepage, there is no indication of a “free trial” offer for any of their products or services. The website functions as a standard e-commerce platform where customers purchase physical goods directly.

No Free Trial Programs Advertised

Direct Sales Model: All products displayed, such as the Plane Pal Kit, self-inflating pillow, and various packing pals, are offered for direct purchase at a specified price. There is no mention of trial periods, “try before you buy” schemes, or any introductory offers that convert into paid services after a trial.
Absence of Trial-Related Language: The website’s copy, promotional banners, and product descriptions do not include terms like “free trial,” “start your trial,” “trial period,” or “cancel anytime” that would typically accompany such offers.
Email Subscription Offer: The only “free” offer mentioned is a 10% discount on the first order for customers who “Subscribe” to their email newsletter. This is a common marketing incentive for one-time purchases and does not constitute a free trial of a product or service.

What to Do If You Encounter Concerns

If, contrary to the visible homepage information, a customer believes they have signed up for something resembling a trial or recurring service not explicitly advertised:

Review Purchase Confirmation: Check any email confirmations received after a purchase for details about the transaction, especially regarding billing cycles or terms.
Check Bank Statements: Regularly monitor bank or credit card statements for any unexpected or recurring charges.
Contact Customer Support: If any suspicious activity or unclear charges are found, the immediate action would be to contact Planepal.com.au’s customer support. While direct contact information is not prominent on the homepage, customers should look for it in the website’s footer (e.g., “Contact Us” page, FAQ, or Terms & Conditions).
Utilise Account Login: If an account was created, logging in might reveal purchase history or account management options that could clarify any perceived recurring service.

Conclusion: Customers visiting Planepal.com.au should proceed with the understanding that they are engaging in one-time purchases of physical goods. There is no mechanism for a free trial to be cancelled, as no such offer is advertised or appears to exist on their platform. The business model is focused on direct product sales.

Planepal.com.au Alternatives

While Planepal.com.au offers specific solutions for child comfort and packing organisation during travel, the broader market for travel accessories is vast. If you’re looking for alternatives that align with ethical principles and offer similar benefits, here are some categories and specific products to consider. These focus on practicality, durability, and general utility for hassle-free travel.

Inflatable Footrests and Travel Pillows (for comfort)

For families seeking to enhance comfort during flights, there are other inflatable footrests and high-quality travel pillows available. These are designed to provide support and create more comfortable sleeping or resting positions.

Fly-Tot Inflatable Travel Cushion: Similar to Plane Pal, the Fly-Tot is an inflatable cushion designed to fill the gap between seats, creating a flat surface for children to rest or play on. It’s often cited as a direct competitor and is well-regarded for its durability and ease of use.
1st Class Kid Travel Pillow: Another inflatable footrest option, this product aims to convert an economy seat into a more comfortable space for kids. It’s often praised for its compact size when deflated and quick inflation.
BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow: While not a footrest, a good travel pillow is essential for comfort. The BCOZZY’s unique design provides chin support, preventing head bobbing and allowing for more restful sleep in an upright position, suitable for both children and adults.

Packing Cubes and Organisation Systems (for efficiency)

For those looking to streamline their luggage and maintain order, a variety of packing cube systems and organisers exist beyond Plane Pal’s “Packing Pals.” These help categorise items, compress clothes, and separate clean from dirty laundry.

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Thule Compression Packing Cubes: Known for their outdoor and travel gear, Thule offers durable compression packing cubes that help maximise space in your luggage by expelling air from clothes. They are well-constructed and ideal for long trips.
Peak Design Packing Cubes: These cubes are designed with unique features like a tear-away main opening for quick access and internal dividers to separate clean and dirty clothes. They are made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials.
CALPAK Packing Cubes: CALPAK offers stylish and functional packing cubes in various sizes and sets, often with mesh tops for visibility and durable zippers. They are popular for both their aesthetic appeal and practical organisation benefits.

Travel Laundry and Shoe Bags

Keeping dirty laundry and shoes separate is key to maintaining hygiene and order in luggage.

PRO Packing Cubes Laundry Bag: A simple, lightweight, and effective solution for separating dirty clothes. These are typically washable and fold down small when not in use.
Dot&Dot Shoe Bags: These dedicated shoe bags are designed to protect your clothes from dirt and scuffs from your shoes. They are often water-resistant and come in various sizes to accommodate different footwear.

Choosing alternatives often comes down to specific features, brand preference, and budget. The market offers a robust selection of ethically permissible travel accessories that enhance comfort and organisation, allowing travellers to pick what best suits their needs.

FAQ

What is Planepal.com.au?

Planepal.com.au is an Australian e-commerce website that sells travel comfort accessories, primarily the “Plane Pal” inflatable footrest designed for children to sleep or rest comfortably on flights, along with other travel organisation products like packing cubes.

Is Planepal.com.au a legitimate website?

Yes, based on its professional design, clear product descriptions, secure payment options, and presence on social media platforms, Planepal.com.au appears to be a legitimate online retailer.

What is the main product offered by Planepal.com.au?

The main product is the “Plane Pal™ Kit,” an inflatable cushion that fills the footwell in an aeroplane, creating a flat surface for children to lie down or extend their legs for comfort during flights.

Are Plane Pal products approved by airlines?

Planepal.com.au claims its products are “Approved by 50+ Airlines including British Airways” and provides a link to a dedicated page listing these approved airlines. It’s always advisable to verify with your specific airline before travel.

Are Plane Pal products safety tested?

The website states that Plane Pal products are “Safety Tested by a CASA Certified Aviation Engineer,” indicating a commitment to meeting certain safety standards.

What are “Packing Pals™”?

“Packing Pals™” are a range of travel organisation products offered by Plane Pal, including packing cubes, laundry bags, and shoe bags, designed to help travellers keep their luggage tidy and efficient.

What is the price of the Plane Pal™ Kit?

The Plane Pal™ Kit is listed at a regular price of $89.95 AUD on the website. Smartbuyau.com.au Review

Does Planepal.com.au offer discounts or sales?

Yes, the website frequently advertises sales, such as “SAVE 40% ON PACKING PALS,” and offers a 10% discount on the first order for new email subscribers.

Can I use Plane Pal on trains or in cars?

Yes, the website mentions that Plane Pal “can be used on a plane, train, or car,” extending its utility beyond air travel.

Does Planepal.com.au ship internationally?

Yes, the website mentions “FAST LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING” and provides links to international store versions for Asia, South Africa, UK/EU, and USA/Canada.

How do I contact Planepal.com.au customer service?

While direct contact information like a phone number is not prominently displayed on the homepage, customers can typically find contact details on a “Contact Us” page, in the FAQ section, or by engaging with their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).

Does Planepal.com.au have a free trial?

No, based on the information on the homepage, Planepal.com.au does not offer any free trials for its products. All items are sold as one-time purchases.

How do I cancel a subscription with Planepal.com.au?

There is no indication of a subscription service offered by Planepal.com.au for its products. Purchases are one-time transactions. If you subscribed to their email newsletter, you can unsubscribe via a link in their emails.

Are there customer reviews on Planepal.com.au?

Yes, the homepage features customer testimonials with quotes from parents who have used the Plane Pal, highlighting their positive experiences with the product.

What are the payment options on Planepal.com.au?

While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, e-commerce sites typically offer standard payment options like credit/debit cards and potentially digital wallets. This information would be confirmed at checkout.

Is the website mobile-friendly?

Based on its modern design and common e-commerce practices, it’s highly likely that Planepal.com.au is responsive and provides a good user experience across various mobile devices.

What types of Packing Pals are available?

The range includes general Packing Pals, a Short Haul Pack, a Personal Pack, Laundry Bags™, and Shoe Packing Pals™, catering to various luggage organisation needs. Mooboomeltsandmore.com.au Review

Does Plane Pal fit all aeroplane seats?

The website states, “Inflating to fill the space Plane Pal can fit any sized seat,” suggesting a versatile design that adapts to different seat configurations.

Where can I find their blog posts?

Planepal.com.au features a blog section linked from the homepage, offering articles with travel tips and customer hacks, such as “All the kids in Fiji hacks you never knew you needed!”

How long does shipping take from Planepal.com.au?

The website mentions “FAST LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING,” but specific delivery times would be detailed on their dedicated shipping policy page, which is usually linked in the website’s footer.