Embarking on a long flight can pose several challenges, especially if you’re bringing kids, but many of them can be alleviated with the right airplane snacks.
Let’s answer the most important question first: Can you bring snacks on an airplane? Yes! As long as the snacks are solid foods (like a bagged PBJ or a packaged trail mix), you’re good. If you have gel or liquid snacks, they can’t be larger than 3.4 oz to make it past the TSA security checkpoint.
Your next question is probably: what good airplane snacks can you bring? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 11 best airplane snacks for adults and kids alike. Keep these handy for the next time you’re planning a trip in the sky.
The Best Airplane Snacks Allowed on Planes
Ready to build your arsenal of airplane snacks? Here are 11 fantastic ideas for snacks on a plane as you plan your next trip.
1. Crackers and Almond Butter
Crackers are lightweight and durable airplane snacks that provide a satisfying crunch. Paired with almond butter, they offer a delicious balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. This combination keeps you full and energized to make them the best snacks for long flights or layovers.
Need a nut-free version? Try sunflower butter or hummus (if you’re going to eat them within a few hours) instead.
2. Chomps Meat Sticks
Chomps meat sticks are a flavorful and satisfying snack to toss in your carry-on. They come in multiple flavors, like Salt & Pepper Venison, Jalapeño, Taco Seasoning, and Smoky BBQ Beef. You might also want to grab a snack-sized Chomplings variety pack.
Each nutritious meat stick provides 10+ grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar, and 100 calories or less per stick.
3. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is easily portable and has a long shelf life. The best airplane snacks like raisins, apricots, pitted dates, and apple slices offer natural sweetness and a quick energy boost. Rich in fiber and vitamins, dried fruit is a healthy, mess-free choice, perfect for satisfying cravings on the go.
Another option is to toss dried fruit in a bag with some cereal, dark chocolate pieces, nuts, and seeds for a simple and satisfying homemade trail mix. Or, grab some dried fruit in the form of fruit leathers for a totally different appeal.
4. Rice Cakes
Maybe you’re looking for lighter snacks for airplane trips. If so, rice cakes are a perfect fit. Available in various flavors, they have a satisfying crunch without excessive calories.
Their versatility allows for pairing with toppings like nut butter, hummus, or cheese. Rice cakes are convenient, mess-free snacks for airplane munching.
5. Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are convenient and tasty snacks for airplane trips that provide a good source of protein and calcium. Individually wrapped, cheese sticks are also easy to pack with minimal waste.
Perfect for a quick bite, cheese sticks help keep you satisfied and energized between meals throughout your plane ride.
You might choose a cheddar stick, string cheese, or a non-dairy variety like these from Daiya. Alternatively, you could opt for airplane snacks like a cheese wheel in wax.
6. Fresh Fruit
Fruit is a healthy, high-fiber, naturally sweet option among the best airplane snacks. Choose fruits that come in their own convenient packaging, like bananas, oranges, or clementines. You could also bring apples, pears, grapes, or berries.
7. Pretzel Sticks
Pretzel sticks are some of the best airplane snacks, with a satisfying crunch and a salty flavor. They can also be ideal for dipping in hummus or having it alongside a cheese stick or piece of fruit, or original beef jerky.
8. Pistachios
You might be thinking, “I don’t want to have a bunch of pistachio shells on the plane,” — but you’re in luck! You can also buy pre-shelled pistachios as snacks for airplane trips so there’s no mess to clean up.
Pistachios come in a variety of flavors, too, whether you prefer original, salt and pepper, vinegar, or something spicy like these from The Wonderful Company.
Plus, pistachios are a natural source of melatonin (the highest of all the nuts), which might help you get a good airplane nap in before you land.
Not a big fan of pistachios? Any nuts will do as airplane snacks for adults and kids if you prefer something like walnuts, cashews, or almonds instead.
9. Veggie Chips
Veggie chips are made from vegetables like kale, sweet potatoes, or beets. These snacks for airplane travel may be flavored and offer a satisfying crunch with the added benefit of vitamins and fiber.
Easy to pack and less greasy than regular chips, veggie chips are a healthy and simple option for on-the-go snacking. For example, get your greens in with Brad’s Kale Veggie Chips or Gimme Roasted Seaweed snack sheets.
10. Granola Bar
Whether you buy them in a pack or prepare a homemade batch, granola bars are nice, nutrient-packed airplane snacks. Packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, they provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and energy.
If you’re not into nuts and seeds, try this nut-free trail mix.
11. Popcorn
Popcorn is light and airy and easy to pack in a bag. Choose whether you prefer original air-popped popcorn or perhaps a flavored variety.
Either way, popcorn is a perfect low-calorie option among the best airplane snacks for munching and keeping your mind occupied during a long flight.
Even if you don’t think you’ll need a snack on a flight, you might want to pack a couple. You never know when you’ll experience a longer delay than anticipated or find yourself needing an energy boost. These airplane snacks for adults and kids can come in handy!
How to Pack Snacks for Airplane Travel
When packing snacks for airplane trips, what’s most important is to choose things you like and make sure they’re TSA-compliant (so you don’t have to throw them away at security).
But, if you're not traveling by plane, you're in luck! We've compiled a list of our favorite healthy road trip snacks, perfect for your next journey.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your airplane snacks for adults and kids:
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Plan ahead as much as possible to reduce stress
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Prioritize snacks with a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration
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Make sure you pack them in appropriate containers, like plastic storage ware or reusable bags with zippers
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Choose snacks that don’t require utensils, in case you forget to pack some
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Don’t forget the wet wipes to clean your hands
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Pack a variety of flavors and textures to prevent boredom
AIRPLANE SNACKS FAQS
What is the best snack to bring on a plane?
The best airplane snacks are non-perishable, easy to eat, and provide sustained energy. Chomps meat sticks are an excellent choice since they offer 10+ grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar in a convenient, mess-free package.
Other top airplane snacks for adults include nuts, crackers with almond butter, and dried fruit. The key is choosing snacks that don't require refrigeration and can handle being jostled in your carry-on.
How to pack kids snacks for a plane?
When packing airplane snacks for kids, prioritize variety and familiar favorites. Use resealable bags or small containers to portion out snacks like crackers, dried fruit, and granola bars.
Pack wet wipes for easy cleanup and choose snacks for airplane travel that won't create a mess, like cheese sticks or rice cakes. Avoid anything too sugary that might cause energy crashes during the flight.
What are airplane friendly snacks?
Airplane friendly snacks are solid foods that comply with TSA regulations. The best airplane snacks include nuts, crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, and meat sticks.
Avoid gels, liquids over 3.4 oz, and anything that requires refrigeration. Focus on shelf-stable options that provide good nutrition and satisfy hunger between meals.
Does the TSA take your snacks?
TSA allows most solid snacks for airplane travel through security checkpoints. However, they may confiscate liquid or gel-based snacks exceeding 3.4 oz, including yogurt, pudding, or large containers of nut butter. Solid airplane snacks like crackers, nuts, dried fruit, and meat sticks are generally permitted without size restrictions.
References
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Transportation Security Administration. What Can I Bring? Food. Available at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/food
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Meng X, Li Y, Li S, et al. Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients. 2017;9(4):367. Published 2017 Apr 7. doi:10.3390/nu9040367
