Flying can be exciting. Maybe it’s the thrill of adventure, or maybe it’s the excitement of going to see someplace beautiful or visit loved ones. But let’s be honest, plane snacks (if your airline offers them) usually aren’t quite as exciting unless you’re flying on a private jet. Between tiny bags of nondescript crackers or dry cookies, your options often leave you hungry or unsatisfied.
Photo by Mick Haupt
So, why not pack your own snacks? This is not only a more affordable option, but it also helps make sure you’ll have something tasty and maybe even healthy within arm’s reach. The trick is choosing foods that travel well, don’t create a mess, and keep you energized. Here are the eight best plane snacks to bring on your next flight.
Pretzel Snacks
Pretzels are a classic travel snack for good reason. The perfect pretzel snack is crunchy, not too messy, and easy to portion out into small bags before you board. Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks are the simplest, but seasoned pretzel twists (like buffalo or BBQ) add a little variety. Pretzels are also lighter than potato chips and won’t leave your fingers greasy. Pair them with a small container of hummus or peanut butter (under the TSA’s 3.4-ounce liquid rule) if you want something a bit more filling.
Photo by Sara Cervera
Fresh Fruit
Fruit is one of the easiest and most refreshing plane snacks. And as you know we should all eat more fruits and veggies. Apples, bananas, and oranges are sturdy enough to survive a trip through security without bruising. If you want something pre-cut, grapes and berries travel well in a small container. Not only does fruit keep you hydrated, but the natural sugars can also give you a quick energy boost when that mid-flight slump hits. Just avoid anything overly juicy, like watermelon, since it can get messy.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Chopped Veggies
If you want to feel extra healthy while cruising at 30,000 feet, chopped veggies are the way to go. Carrot sticks, celery, snap peas, and cucumber slices all make excellent travel companions. They don’t require refrigeration for a few hours and hold up well in a zip-top bag. Pair them with a small cup of ranch or hummus for extra flavour. Bonus: crunchy veggies can help relieve the boredom of a long flight since you’ll spend more time chewing than with softer snacks.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is basically the king of travel snacks. It’s lightweight, nutrient-dense, and endlessly customizable. A simple mix of nuts, dried fruit, and a few chocolate chips hits the sweet-salty balance perfectly. If you prefer savory, go for a mix with seeds and pretzel bits. For something sweeter, dried cranberries and yogurt-covered raisins are a great add-on. The best part? Trail mix keeps you full without taking up much space in your bag. Just remember to pre-portion it, because it’s easy to eat half the bag without realising it.
Photo by Raspopova Marina
Granola Bars
Granola bars are a no-brainer for planes. They’re individually wrapped, don’t need refrigeration, and balanced. Pick bars that aren’t overly crumbly or sticky — otherwise you’ll be brushing oats off your lap for the rest of the flight. Protein bars also work if you’re looking for something a little more filling. Tip: chocolate or caramel-coated oat bars are delicious, but avoid them if you’re flying somewhere warm; they can melt and create a mess.
Beef Jerky (or Turkey Jerky)
Jerky is one of the most convenient high-protein snacks you can bring on a flight. It’s lightweight, doesn’t require refrigeration, and satisfies that craving for something savory and chewy. Traditional beef jerky works great, but turkey or chicken jerky are leaner alternatives. Some brands even offer plant-based jerky if you want a vegetarian option. Just be aware that jerky can be salty, so make sure you have water handy.
Cheese and Crackers
If you want something that feels more like a meal than a snack, cheese and crackers are a solid choice. String cheese, Babybel rounds, cheese sticks or homemade parmesan crackers are perfect for flying since they’re individually wrapped and don’t require refrigeration for a few hours. Pair them with whole-grain crackers, and you’ve got a satisfying concoction of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It’s basically a simplified charcuterie board you can enjoy at 35,000 feet.
Dark Chocolate
Up until now, we’ve been talking about plane snacks that might not seem out of place in a child’s school lunch. But what if you want something a little more special while you’re flying? May we suggest that dark chocolate might be the perfect solution? Good-quality chocolate can really help satisfy your sweet tooth. Dark chocolate also melts more slowly than milk chocolate, making it potentially more likely to still be nice and solid as long as you don’t leave it in your bag in a hot car before you get to the airport. Plus, you know what they say about chocolate: It contains antioxidants and a small amount of caffeine to keep you alert. You can easily make no-bake chocolate and nut bars which are a good source of proteins and energy. Just don’t eat the whole bar at once — save a little for the return flight.
Final Tips for Packing Your Plane Snacks
Okay, so you’ve selected the perfect plane snacks. Now let’s think about the three factors of packing them: space, mess, and convenience. Divide your snacks into small bags or containers; after all, who wants to juggle bulky packaging in a cramped seat? Avoid overly fragrant foods like tuna sandwiches or hard-boiled eggs — your seatmates will thank you. And finally, always double-check TSA rules for liquids and gels if you’re bringing dips or spreads.
With the right plane snack, flying doesn’t have to mean settling for whatever the airline serves. A little planning goes a long way in making your trip more enjoyable — and tastier.
