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 carry snacks on a plane? 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 snacks on the go 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. Chomps Meat Sticks
Chomps meat sticks are a flavorful and satisfying snack to toss in your carry-on. They come in multiple flavors, like Original Chicken, Jalapeño Beef, Taco Seasoned Beef, and Smoky BBQ Beef. You might also want to grab a snack-sized Chomplings variety pack.
Each delicious meat stick provides 10+ g of protein, 0 g sugar, and 100 calories or less per stick.
2. 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.
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 travel. 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 plane snacks for munching.
5. Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are convenient and tasty airplane snacks 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 plane 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 TSA-approved snacks to take on a plane 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 to take on a plane 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 can come in handy!
12. Protein Bars
When you need something closer to a mini meal than a snack, a protein bar is one of the best plane snacks to have on hand. They're compact, require zero prep, and come in enough flavors to satisfy both sweet and savory cravings mid-flight.
Look for options made with real ingredients and a solid protein count. Popular picks include RXBar, KIND, and Larabar. Toss a couple in your carry-on so you're covered for delays or back-to-back connections.
13. Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy, satisfying, and surprisingly filling, roasted chickpeas are one of the best airplane snacks. They’re perfect travelers who want something savory without reaching for chips.
Biena roasted chickpeas, for example, come in a wide range of flavors, from sea salt to honey roasted, and pack well in a small resealable bag. They're also a solid plant-based source of protein and fiber to keep hunger at bay on longer routes.
14. Trail Mix
Trail mix is endlessly customizable and one of the most reliable plane snacks out there. Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet-salty mix that covers multiple cravings in one bag.
Make a batch at home before you travel, or grab a pre-made pack at the airport. Either way, it delivers a satisfying crunch from takeoff to landing.
15. Applesauce Pouches
Individual applesauce or fruit-puree pouches are smart, mess-free airplane snacks (especially if you're traveling with kids). They count as a liquid under TSA rules, so just make sure each pouch is 3.4 oz or under.
Bonus points if you find a variety with added chia seeds or oats for a little extra fiber. They're easy to squeeze and eat without any utensils needed.
16. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a simple, protein-forward snack. As long as you plan to eat them within four hours of leaving refrigeration, they travel surprisingly well.
Pre-peel them at home and slice them in half for easy in-flight snacking. They're one of the more underrated plane snacks for adults who want something light but genuinely satisfying between meals.
17. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are light, crispy, and low in calories. They’re a great pick when you want something crunchy without going overboard.
Seaweed snacks are typically sold in individual smash-resistant packaging, making them one of the most packable best plane snacks around. Look for roasted varieties seasoned with sea salt or sesame for a flavorful, umami-forward bite that feels a little more exciting than your standard chip.
18. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. A PBJ on whole-wheat bread is filling, familiar, and easy to prep at home the night before your flight.
Wrap it tightly and tuck it somewhere in your bag where it won't get squished. It's one of the best airplane snacks for kids and adults alike.
19. Dark Chocolate
A few squares of dark chocolate can go a long way on a long travel day. It's compact, mood-boosting, and satisfying in small amounts (exactly what you want from the best plane snacks).
Look for options with 70% cacao or higher for a richer flavor and less added sugar. Dark chocolate also pairs well with nuts or dried fruit if you want to round out the snack a bit more.
20. Kale Chips
Kale chips might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they're one of the lighter best plane snacks you can pack. They're airy, crunchy, and often come in a variety of flavors. Just pack them somewhere they won't get crushed, or grab a bag at the airport convenience shop before you board.
Tips for Airplane Snacking
Whether you're hopping on a short domestic flight or settling in for a long international haul, a little planning goes a long way. The best plane snacks are ones you actually want to eat and hold up from packing to landing.
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Plan ahead. Decide on your snacks to take on a plane before you get to the airport so you're not overpaying for limited options at the terminal. Packing snacks at home saves money and gives you more control over what you're eating.
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Stick to shelf-stable options. Avoid anything that requires refrigeration unless you're certain you'll eat it within a couple of hours. Focus on plane snacks with a long shelf life so unexpected delays don't leave you without options.
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Pack smart. Use resealable bags or small, portable containers to keep snacks fresh and protected. Fragile items like crackers or kale chips should go somewhere they won't get crushed.
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Bring more than you think you need. Delays happen. Having extra airplane snacks tucked away means you'll never be stuck hungry between meals.
The same snack strategy applies beyond the airport. If you're planning a camping trip and need ideas for backpacking snacks, or stocking up on essentials for the road before a long drive, the same principles apply. Choose portable, shelf-stable, and genuinely satisfying.
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Don't forget the wet wipes. Sticky fingers and no sink access are a real combination. Toss a small pack into your bag alongside your snacks.
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Choose snacks that don't require utensils. Keep things simple and mess-free so you can snack easily regardless of your seat situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring snacks on a plane?
Yes, solid foods are generally allowed through TSA security checkpoints without size restrictions. This makes them some of the easiest best plane snacks to pack.
Liquids and gels, like hummus, yogurt, or large nut butter containers, must comply with the 3.4 oz rule. When in doubt, stick to shelf-stable, solid snacks like nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and meat sticks.
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+ g of protein and 0 g 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.
What are some kid-friendly airplane snacks?
The best plane snacks for kids are familiar, mess-free, and easy to eat in a tight space (think school field trips for inspiration). Great options include cheese sticks, applesauce pouches, dried fruit, rice cakes, granola bars, and Chomplings. Pack a variety to keep kids interested throughout the flight, and avoid anything too sugary that might cause an energy crash at 30,000 feet.
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 to take on a plane 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.
Are Chomps meat sticks allowed through airport security?
Yes! Chomps meat sticks are solid, shelf-stable snacks that pass through TSA checkpoints without any issues. There are no size restrictions on solid foods, so you can pack as many as you need for your flight.
They're one of the best plane snacks for travel because they don't require refrigeration. They’re also individually wrapped and deliver 10g of protein per stick.
What snacks pair well with Chomps meat sticks on a flight?
Chomps meat sticks pair well with a wide range of carry-on staples. Try them alongside crackers and almond butter for a more complete snack, or combine them with dried fruit or a handful of nuts for a satisfying sweet-and-savory combo.
For something lighter, fresh fruit like an apple or a few clementines balances out the savory flavor nicely. These combinations make for some of the best airplane snacks when you want variety without overpacking.
The Perfect 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.
