Airplane-Friendly Snacks for Your Next Long Flight

Not everyone knows that you can bring your own snacks onboard when you fly. And as long as liquids don’t exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, you can bring those, as well. While not every snack is exactly airplane-friendly, many will really hit the spot when you get hangry on your next long flight.

Of course, if you’re bringing your own snacks on a plane, it’s also important to be considerate of others. It’s extremely close quarters, so avoid smelly foods (don’t punish your seatmates with the stench of a tuna sandwich) or anything super messy. All of the snacks on our list are extremely portable, unscented, and easy to eat without distracting or annoying anyone.

Mixed Nuts

Nuts make a perfect snack and have the added bonus of healthy fats to keep you energized during your flight. Most are also low in carbs, so many people who are doing the keto thing or just watching their weight snack on nuts daily. A bag of mixed nuts contains a variety of flavors and textures to satisfy your hunger on a long flight.

Just be sure to check with your seatmates first and make sure no one has a nut allergy before you tear into these. Generally, if anyone on your flight has a severe nut allergy, a flight attendant will let everyone know, but it’s still a good idea to double-check.

Almond Butter Squeeze Packs

If you don’t enjoy raw or salted nuts, a nut butter is a good alternative. These almond butter squeeze packs are small enough to get through airport security and easy to eat without making a mess.

Almond butter also provides healthy fats and can be eaten with pretzels, carrot sticks, and more. You can also enjoy the squeeze packet plain. Again, just double-check with those around you to make sure no one is allergic.

Protein Bars

Airline snacks tend to be chips, crackers, or cookies, none of which contain much protein. If you get hungry on a flight, you probably need a snack that contains more than empty carbs.

CLIF Bars makes some of the best-tasting protein bars on the market. They also contain 10 grams of protein per serving, so pack a bunch so the whole family can benefit. This variety pack is sure to have a flavor combo everyone will like.

Fruit Bars

We’re not against eating candy on a plane; it’s just that everyone is pretty passionate about what their fave candy is. This makes it kind of difficult to recommend just one overall.

However, it’s true that a sugar high won’t make you feel very good on a long flight. If you’d rather indulge your sweet tooth in a way that’s a bit healthier, these fruit bars make an excellent alternative. Fruit is the only ingredient in each, and you’ll also get plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Triscuits

Crackers are another fairly common airline food, but they make great packable snacks, as well. Triscuits aren’t as crumbly as other brands, making them a better choice for parents flying with kids.

Made with whole grains and a mild, yet tasty, flavor, Triscuits also make a perfect base for hummus or cheese. You’ll get a balanced snack that’ll keep you satisfied until you land and can get a full meal.

Popcorn

Is “snackability” a word? If not, it should be, and popcorn would be the definition! Popcorn makes a great snack for practically any occasion, including a long trip overseas.

This variety pack includes three flavors: kettle corn, movie theater butter, and white cheddar. Bring several bags for your travel party and avoid spending a fortune on this snack at the airport. Plus, what could be a better snack while watching the in-flight movies than popcorn?

Dried Fruit

Like the fruit bars above, any sort of dried fruit is nice to have on hand while traveling. It satisfies your sugar craving without the sugar high and inevitable crash you’d get from candy. It also contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

This two-pound bag contains dried peaches, cranberries, apricots, pears, nectarines, and raisins. The variety will keep everyone’s taste buds singing.

Ready-to-Eat Meals

If you’re not a fan of the meals provided by airlines (who is?), pack your own! While you can absolutely cook something ahead of time and pack it in your carry-on, that’s just one more thing to worry about before your big flight.

Instead, pack one of these ready-to-eat vegetarian meals. Because they don’t contain any meat, they don’t have to be refrigerated or reheated before eating, which makes them perfect for travel. With several flavors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you’ll enjoy far more than the in-flight selections.

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Whenever you fly, you might just eat whatever the airline offers or deal with a grumbling, hungry stomach. But you don’t have to! You can bring your own snacks (and even meals) onboard. Hopefully, some of our suggestions have inspired you to pack foods you’ll actually enjoy on your next long flight.