cavemen used womens chest as comfort. pillow started in the 1500's when king henry ordered to use something to support his head during sex
If your carry on bag is big enough, you can use one of those roll-up bags that squeeze the air out of the pillow. I carry a pillow (although a bit smaller than my bed pillow) on all my flights. Here's the bag:
Feather pillows are usually kept for years. They are washable and comfortable. Between washes, you can put them in the drier or hang them in the sun to freshen. Be sure to wash after having cold, flu, or sinus.