travel snacks for long flights

28 Healthy Snacks to Pack For Your Next Long Flight

Because soggy airport pizza is no way to start a trip.

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Chopped Apples With Cinnamon and Almond Butter

Glassman takes her apples to the next level by chopping them up and topping them with cinnamon and almond butter. Not only is this a delicious way to fit some fruit into your trip, but it's also a simpler way to pack.

Frozen Grapes

Grapes not enticing for you on their own? Freeze them before your flight for a sweet and satisfying crunchy snack! Glassman recommends doing this and then popping them in a reusable on-the-go bag to keep them frozen for a few hours. “They will start to defrost, but will still be super cold for snacking,” she says.

Dates With Almond Butter

“While it still satisfies that sweet tooth in the same way a candy will, dates are a real food that will provide you with vitamins and minerals compared to empty calories that you’ll get from candy,” says Glassman. Additionally, “the protein and fat from the almond butter will help satiate you” so you don’t feel the need to snack during your entire trip.

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33 Easy Travel Snacks for your Airplane Carry-On Bag

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When I travel, the foodie in me always has to bring snacks for the trip. I always plan for easy travel snacks for a few reasons. For starters I’m not always sure what terminal I’ll be in at the airport so the food choices might get dicey once I get past security. Next, depending on the airline I’m flying there might not be great options once I board the plane (we’ve all been there). Lastly, I like to be prepared when I’m traveling even when I arrive at my final destination to have quick portable fuel sources on hand for when *hangry* hits in the form of easy travel snacks.

In this blog post I’ve compiled all of my favorite easy travel snacks into one ultimate packing list for your carry-on bag and I’ll walk you through my process for what to consider when selecting the best snacks to bring on a plane.

How to Pack Easy Travel Snacks for your Carry-On Bag

Depending on the length of my trip I usually bring a variety of snacks intended to carry-on a plane. I consider these easy to pack snacks, snacks that travel well, and also snacks that fall into the healthy(ish) convenience food category following these guidelines: 

• Food I can’t find at my final travel destination

Drink Mixers

• Airport Snacks (snacks to bring on a plane and at the airport terminal)
• Emergency snacks (for when I’m super hungry)
• Perishables
• Non-Perishables
• Sweet Treats/Comfort Items

These categories might look a little different for you but it helps to determine what you might need at least a week before your trip so that you have time to shop around. This will also help to keep your trip planning a little less stressful so that you can spend your time concentrating on the last minute things you need to do before you go out of town.

To verify what easy travel snacks you can and cannot carry on flights check out TSA’s security guidelines and the rules of each country for International flights. Keep in mind that TSA considers foods like yogurts and cooked oatmeal as “gels” and they will be confiscated at security (I learned this the hard way). For any other liquids review the guidelines but generally speaking most liquids and gels are allowed if they are less than 3.4oz/100 ml.

How to Transport your Easy Travel Snacks

My last consideration for packing easy travel snacks are the containers the food will travel in. For the most part I lean towards things that are easy to dispose of like foil, wax paper, plastic baggies, and repurposed takeout containers. However, in consideration of the environment I often try to lean to more sustainable options if I can, such as: silicon bags, collapsible cups, collapsible bowls, insulated containers, and beeswax paper. 

The con to these items is you will have to carry them in your luggage throughout your trip. But the pro of these items is being environmentally responsible, having a vessel you can reuse throughout your trip for something else, and some of these containers can keep your snacks from getting crushed, hot, or cold (triple bonus). 

I like Stasher Bags and Zip Top Bags for a reusable bag option. Both of these brands are super durable, always hold up really well for traveling, and are great to repurpose for other easy travel snacks on a trip. 

Silicone Bags

Stasher Bags

These are great reusable bags for packing your travel snacks on the go.

Zip Top Bags

We love these bags for items that can’t lay flat! The structure of the bag makes it easy to carry your snacks and keep them from being crushed in your carry-on luggage.

Collapsible bowls have also been one of my favorites for eating things like oatmeal on the go and pre-made meals I might travel with (in an effort to clean out my fridge before I head out of town). I also like these collapsible cups from Stojo to make drinks portable and they don’t take up much room. If you have space for something bigger I like using the Snack Swell thermos containers for some travel foods on my trips since its a small insulated container to keep food hot or cold.

Bowls and Cups

Stojo Collapsible Bowl

We are loving the STOJO Collapsible Bowl. This holds 36oz and is a reusable silicone bowl for hot and cold food which makes it perfect for travel, meal prep, to-go Lunch, camping, and hiking. This is also microwave & dishwasher safe.

S’well S’nack Food Container

We love the S’well S’nack Stainless Steel Food Container. It’s 24 ounces and great for holding food you are traveling with that you want to keep hot or cold. This will keep your food for 8 Hours Hot for 6 Hours Cold.

This is a smaller version of the bigger S’nack by S’well Food Container. Its 10oz and has Double-Layered Insulated walls to keep food and drinks cold for 10 hours and hot for 4 hours!

Stojo Collapsible Travel Cup

This collapsible travel cup comes with a straw and holds 16oz of liquid. Its reusable and pocket size for hot and cold drinks making it perfect for travel, camping, and hiking. Like the other Stojo products its microwave and dishwasher safe.

If you are traveling with any items that must stay at a colder temperature these PackIt Freezable pouches are a great option to transport your food. The PackIt Freezable pouch has groundbreaking cooling technology that includes freezable gel that is permanently built into the bag so that you don’t need to deal with separate ice packs.

To start collapse the bag flat and freeze in the freezer overnight until you are ready to use it. You can add any of the easy travel snacks that are perishable items in this post to store in this bag. You can also keep this item throughout your trip for other easy to pack snacks.

PackIt Freezable Pouch

This is our favorite travel product for traveling with items that are perishable and need to remain cold like yogurt and cheese. Simply pop the pouch in the freezer the night before your trip and it will keep your perishable snacks at the correct temperature for a few hours. This collapsible and folds up and comes in many colors!

My last favorite sustainable travel item is reusable wax paper. I like using the Bee’s Wrap brand. It takes a bit to get used to if you normally use regular wax paper. If you have a few baked goods, sandwiches etc. to carry while traveling it comes in handy to reuse a few times and store it completely flat in your carry on bag.

Bee’s Wrap

This Bee’s Wrap is an assorted 3 Pack great sustainable option. It’s plastic and silicone free reusable beeswax in 3 sizes great for traveling with sandwhiches.

Freezable Pouch

Freezable pouch

Order of Operations For Your Easy Travel Snacks

If you are planning to take some snacks to the airport for future travel plans my suggested cheat sheet of how to go about eating your easy travel snacks includes a simple order of consumption:

• Eat your perishable items first (for obvious reasons)
• Pack napkins and/or wet wipes (these are not always available as you are on the go)
• If you are bringing whole fruit wash these items before you get to the airport and use your napkin or paper towel as the vessel to carry the item (it also doubles as a napkin as you eat your fruit)
• Pack some travel utensils (for any snacks that require some deep diving or for complete meals)

Travel utensil set

Portable utensil set

Bamboo utensil set

My favorite snacks to bring on a plane.

Below is an easy travel snack list I’ve compiled of my favorite airport (and TSA) friendly snacks. I’ve grouped the items into perishable vs. non-perishable categories since I often will travel with a few perishable items that I strategize to eat first and then work my way through the rest of my snack stash either on the trip or eat other items during a longer flight to tide me over until I reach my destination. 

Perishable Easy Travel Snacks

For perishable easy travel snacks I always tend to pack food that can last a while at room temperature. Regardless of the length of your flight you’ll want items that won’t go bad in case it takes a while to get through security or to the airport (we’ve all been there!). Or even worse if your flight is delayed (done that!). On my list I usually include:

Cured Meats and Deli Meats

This includes salami, pastrami, pepperoni, ham, and turkey. These are great options because they can travel well at room temperature for short periods of time.

I think everyone loves cheese (even us lactose intolerant folks) and it travels well for short periods of time at room temperature. Some of my favorite cheese options are the Babybel Gouda Semisoft Cheeses. I like these because they have their own carrying case with the wax they are packaged in which qualifies the product as easy travel snack in my book.

My next favorite is Trader Joe’s Tapas cheese (it’s amazing! Grab it if you have a TJs near you). This includes several slices of three types of cheese including: Iberico, Cabra Al Vino (a.k.a. “ Drunken Goat “), and Manchengo. I really enjoy how the flavors in this set are so different and it feels very fancy while you are enjoying them.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are one of the best snacks for traveling. I typically boil eggs once a week so I’ll grab 2-4 for a flight or whatever is left over in my fridge for the week (this is also a good way to clean out your fridge before you head out of town). You can also purchase eggs that are already boiled from almost any local grocery store for an easy travel snack on an airplane.

Another fun option for hard boiled eggs is from a brand called Perfectly Peckish which sells hard boiled eggs in packs with a fun crunchy dip. Their selection includes:

• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & EVERYTHING Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & FRIED RICE Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCHEROS Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & SALT & PEPITAS Dip
• PECKISH Snackable Eggs & RANCH Dip

Check out their store locator to find a store that sells these near you .

Crackers and/or Bread

I personally can’t have cheese and cured/deli meat without crackers or bread! These are easy to transport and can be stored at various temperatures which make them a great addition to your carry-on bag for an easy snack pairing (and crunch)!

I love fruit for an easy snack that travels well. The fruit that travels the best are apples, bananas, oranges, kiwi, and grapes. I like these fruits because they have their own “skin” which can serve as its own carrying case so that they don’t get squashed (thanks mother nature!).

For oranges you can even pre-slice these and add them to a travel container or baggie to eat right out of the peel (or peel them later). And for kiwi I like slicing these in half and using a spoon to scoop out the insides for easy eating. If you have never tried Golden Kiwi its a real treat (they taste like a cross between a mango and a strawberry)!

Putting It Together

Combining these items also creates a nice balance for traveling to ensure you have enough protein, fat, and carbohydrates for fuel while on the go. You can also pair the meats, cheese, and crackers or bread and make a makeshift sandwich in a pinch (great easy travel snack idea!). You can also grab some pre-made snack boxes for a perishable option to take through security.

Non-Perishable Travel Snacks

My favorite non-perishable easy travel snack list is a bit longer. I group these by foods I might eat on the plane or at my final destination as I get hungry or peckish.

I eat oatmeal almost daily when I’m home for breakfast so it’s an item I always travel with especially internationally since it’s not something that all countries will provide for breakfast. It’s also a really nice snack on a plane since you just need water to make it. You can use one of the collapsible bowls or cups I mentioned above as the vessel to make these in or any disposable cup at the airport. I typically use the McCann Irish Oatmeal brand because it’s very hearty as a travel snack or the Unsweetened Individual Oatmeal packets from Trader Joe’s .

Bringing nuts on a flight can be controversial so be sure to read your airline’s individual rules regarding what is allowed. I like going for the individually portioned nuts that are completely sealed in case I can’t eat them on a particular flight due to restrictions or nut allergies. If that’s the case I can always have them as a snack at my final destination.

My favorite nut options for an easy travel snack include: 

• Macadamia Nuts
• Trail Mix (for something different)

Crunchy Snacks

Personally I’m a big fan of crunchy snacks in general but definitely when I travel. I think it’s nice to have a variety of items on hand. For this category I pack:

I usually air pop popcorn and bring it in my reusable silicon bag for trips. Did you know that you can air pop popcorn in a brown paper bag in the microwave? I also like these individually wrapped White Cheddar Popcorn bags from Smartfood .

Peanut Butter Crackers

I also like bringing Peanut Butter Crackers as easy travel snacks for my final destination. These have saved me many times while traveling to have something to tide me over until my next meal.

There’s something nostalgic about Chex Mix that just makes it a travel staple! I use to have these all the time as a kid on trips. I usually will grab the individual baggies for my carry-on bag.

I also always grab Cheez-Its for a fun crunchy cheesy snack.

Moon Cheese

These are a newer to me product. I saw them once at Starbucks and then purchased them last year from Target and I’m a fan! These are little cheese balls that come in different flavors. If you like cheese and something with a crunch you’ll like these little cheese balls as a snack.

Anytime I think of pretzels I think of that Seinfeld episode “these pretzels are making me thirsty” but they still make for a great easy travel snack!

Veggie Straws

Veggie straws are the perfect easy travel snack to take on the go! They are both crunchy and salty which you is always needed on the road.

Marinated Vegetables

This might be an odder pick but eating vegetables on the go is hard so I love this option. POSHI Vegetable Snacks offers a marinated steamed portable snack option. If you like pickled vegetables you will like these! Plus you can add a little fiber to you day while in transit.

Snack Olives

If you’ve never had olives while on an airplane you are missing out! Something about eating olives at 42,000 feet cruising in the air is a totally different experience. I like buying these Olives to Go from the grocery store and Trader Joe’s also sells individually packed Olive packs which are so yummy. I was inspired to add Olives to my easy travel snack list after having the Mediterranean Travel Snack box on a United Flight which has a great mix of olives, bruschetta, hummus, and chocolate almonds as a great snack mix.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a really fun easy travel snack! My favorite picks are dried apples and mangoes. They make such a sweet treat and they are also crunchy (or chewy).

When traveling with dips always choose brands that are shelf stable so that they can fall into the perishable category. If you go this route you should plan to consume the entire package in your trip since they will need to be refrigerated once opened.

Something Sweet

Honey stinger organic waffles.

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles are sweet yummy waffles that double as a healthy(ish) treat. These pack really easily in your carry-on or a day pack on your trip and make them one the best snacks for traveling.

Brownies & Cookies

Brownies and Cookies fall into a comfort item category for me. It’s nice to always have a sweet treat on hand but also something you are familiar with. I like the Nature’s Bakery brand Brownies and old faithful Nabisco Cookies like Oreos.

Fruit Snacks

Pink panda/snack owl.

I recently discovered a new brand called Pink Panda which offers high fiber fruit snacks. Why high fiber fruit snacks? Because fiber is such a hard micro nutrient to consume when you are traveling and I like that these snacks trade the sugar for fiber when it comes to carbohydrates in the snack. These come in two varieties: Astro Blasters and Treasure Chews. I’ve had both and think they taste yummy (you’d really never know there is no sugar in these)! And it’s only 90 calories for the entire bag.

If you are interested in trying out this new brand use our code “BREADANDBUTTERPANDA10” for 10% off if you order directly on their website . Pink Panda fruit snacks are also available on Amazon below.

Smart Sweets

I’ve been eating SmartSweets for years! They are similar to the Pink Panda brand but I’m not really sure which I like more. These are also high fiber fruit snacks and I really enjoy them for traveling. My favorites to date have been the Sour Blast Buddies and the Peach Rings.

Other Fruit Snacks

As you can tell I really love fruit snacks! My other favorites for travel and just as a general comfort item are Gushers and Fruit by the Foot. I also really like fruit leather and the “That’s It” brand is a great option for something healthy(ish) when it comes to fruit snacking.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews

Honey Stinger Energy Chews is an organic candy that’s great to chew and eat before, during, or after activity (especially when flying if your ears ring at high altitudes). It has multiple carbohydrate sources including glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose.

I discovered this candy while on vacation in Hawaii. I think the best way to describe these are somewhere between candy and a gummy since they are chewy. I like Mango as my favorite flavor. Amazon offers a variety box if you want to check these out.

Protein Snacks

Protein is always hard for me to get in even when I’m not traveling so I always like to bring some protein snacks with me just in case. These are really great to cure hangry when you need some  stabilizing energy.

Pepperoni Sticks

These are new to me but I started eating Pepperoni sticks last year as a quick snack when I was out doing errands. That makes them perfect for an easy travel snack! The two brands I’ve liked so far are Vermont and Applegate Naturals. To me the flavors of these taste the most neutral for dried meat and come in a casing so it’s easy to eat and move on to the next thing.

Protein Bars

Protein Bars can sometimes leave an aftertaste in my opinion so there are not too many tasty ones that have a balanced calorie to protein ratio. My favorite pick so far as been Barebells Protein Bars which come in a variety of flavors and have 20 grams of protein per bar. I’ve been able to find these on Amazon and at Trader Joe’s so far. If you don’t typically like protein bars give these a try for something a bit different.

Protein Powders

I like to travel with protein powders that are individually wrapped since protein is often difficult to fit in when on the go. Most protein powder servings will have at least 18 grams of protein which is a great boost to hold you over until your next meal.

You can mix your protein powder in with some bottled water at the airport. As a great hack you can also find a bistro, Starbucks, or Dunkin Donuts in the airport and request a milk of your choice in a bigger cup to add your protein powder for an easy travel snack.

Collagen Peptides

I’m also a big fan of collagen peptides! Collagen is not a complete protein but it works well in a pinch to supplement other sources of protein for the day. It’s not completely tasteless but the flavor isn’t too strong. I prefer to dissolve these packets in water or hot coffee while traveling. They come in individual sticks which make them easy to transport. Collagen is also really great for nail and hair growth and has really helped my joints.

Granola and Fruit Bars

Something about granola bars are so nostalgic to me and I love to bring them as an easy travel snack. They travel really well on planes and are also great for in your day bag at your final destination.

I like the Nature Valley, Made Good, and Nature Bakery brands.

Peanut Butter

Again, a controversial pick for travel since usually peanuts are not allowed on all flights but I must have peanut butter with me as a basic comfort food while traveling! If I can’t have these on the plane I just eat them at my final destination. I like the JIF To Go Natural Peanut Butter cups that come individually packaged and will eat them as is, or with something I buy at the airport for some extra fat and protein. My second pick is the Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter brand which comes in a packet making it one of the best snacks for traveling.

Dehydration is real when you travel! I have two easy solutions to stay hydrated when you are on the go. These are not exactly an easy travel snack but they will come in handy while on the go.

I recently started using GoHydrate this spring as a way to stop my leg muscles from cramping and get my water levels up. GoHydrate is a water enhancer which makes it a great option if you are not particularly a fan of drinking water. I started thinking that this would also be excellent for travel due to the individual packets which make them great for on-the-go. GoHydrate provides almost instant hydration by delivering 5 electrolytes immediately to your body. Those electrolytes are: calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium.

This water enhancer also provides 40%+ of the recommended daily Vitamin D dose that most of of are deficient in due to sitting inside so often. To use GoHydrate just pour the pre-packaged stick into 20-24oz of water and drink. If you’d like to order GoHydrate I suggest ordering their mixed 10 stick sample box or their 30 stick sample box to see which flavor you like before stocking up on their 30 box sets of one flavor. My favorite flavors so far have been Lemon Citrus , Kiwi Strawberry , and Fruit Punch if you need a flavor recommendation.

True Honey Tea

We found this brand True Honey Tea at a farmers market last year and its been our favorite tea! Based in Virginia these are tea bags that have honey granules already in the tea. We really like the Earl Gray (add some half and half to make a London Fog) and also the Peppermint tea for a really great non perishable travel snack.

My next favorite drink mixer to travel with is from Cusa Tea . This brand was recommended to me by a friend who uses them while hiking. The best part is you don’t have to walk around with a wet tea bag once you prepare your tea. The flavors Cusa Teas has are unreal. I started with their Iced or Hot Variety Pack and the flavors are so delicious, truly premium tea with no sugar or artificial ingredients. I’ve tried this both in iced and hot tea and they work great. You can use these just by ordering hot water while on at the airport, on the plane, or at your final travel destination. 

If iced tea is more your style I’ve used them in even room temperature water (though cold water is better) and they dissolve no problem with no grainy stuff at the bottom. They are not sweetened so if you like sweet tea I suggest adding a sugar packet or something like Truvia to lightly sweeten the drink. My favorite flavors so far have been Blueberry Chrysanthemum and Hibiscus Rose . I recommend starting with the variety pack so that you can figure out which flavor you like before committing to an entire pack.

I typically buy a large water bottle once I get through security to keep with me in the airport and on the plane. If you don’t like buying water I suggest traveling with a stainless steel water bottle that you can fill up at the airport and throughout your trip. Our favorite travel options include Swell , Iron Flask, Yeti, and Stanley water bottles as great options that close.

Travel Water Bottles

S’well Stainless Steel Traveler

This S’well Stainless Steel Traveler is 20 Fl Oz and is Triple-Layered Vacuum-Insulated to keep Coffee, Tea and Drinks Cold for 36 Hours and Hot for 15 Hours.

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler

Stanley IceFlow Stainless Steel Tumbler with Straw is a Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle for Travel, the Office or a road trip. Its a reusable cup with a straw Leakproof Flip. The Stanley IceFlow will keep your drink cold for 12 Hours or Iced for 2 Days. This comes in various colors!

YETI Rambler Bottle

The YETI Rambler Water Bottle holds 26 oz of liquid and is vacuum insulated with a Chug Cap.

Which Easy Travel Snacks Are Your Favorites?

What easy travel snacks do you like to bring on your trips ? Did I miss any easy to pack snacks that you would recommend? Keep these travel snacks in mind for your next trip to beat hangry.

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This post is perfect timing! We’re taking the family to Disney World in two weeks and I have “travel snacks” on my to-do list! I love the high fiber gummy options, my little one struggles while we travel, so these will be perfect! Oh, and I have both the Emerald Nut Packs and the Nature’s Bakery bars as my car snacks, they are perfect, so I never have to hit the drive-thru!

Disney World sounds so fun! Yes, any sort of extra fiber on a trip makes things so much easier for all of us. And in candy form even better. I hope you get to try them 🙂 -Monica

I often bring a small container (2-3 TBSP to 3.3 oz) of reconstituted PBfit (or other powdered peanut butter) with sugar snap peas or carrot sticks for a tasty healthy snack. Also bring small containers of the powdered peanut butter to mix with water later. Frozen grapes and frozen bean/veggie or egg and spinach wraps can be used to keep food cold and are healthy snacks when thawed.

Those are great ideas!

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The 21 Best Plane Snacks to Pack for Long Flights

The only list of the best airplane snacks you need for a better flight: healthy snacks, vegan ones, or what kids and babies can eat on the plane.

Thomas Busson

Plane snacks - one of the essential components for an enjoyable and satisfying long flight, yet so often overlooked.

You race through airport security and either forget your plane snacks entirely or grab an overpriced and underwhelming packet of M&M’s.

That’s not going to keep you going for your 3 hour flight, is it? And with all the nervous energy that air travel brings, sugar isn’t going to improve the situation.

Then, you’re faced with the horror show that is snacks on a plane and in-flight meals. Both you and the flight attendant know that they’re a lot scarier than the 2006 film starring Samuel L Jackson.

So, perhaps it's a good idea to plan ahead, DIY or bring packable airplane food. It’s healthier, cheaper and cuts out the stress of last minute snack panic.

Keep reading to discover travel tips on the best airplane snacks there are! It’ll transform the way you travel.

But first, did you know that you can get more than a snack when your flight is delayed , cancelled, or overbooked?

With ClaimCompass, get compensated when your flight is disrupted

Can You Bring Snacks on a Plane?

Considering all of the other terrible options, you will be asking yourself, ‘Can I bring snacks on a plane?’ Well, thankfully, yes.

You can bring plane snacks on board in your carry-on luggage, however they must comply with airport guidelines.

Check out our guide on how to pack your carry-on luggage to make sure you don’t miss anything!

In the UK, you can pack all sorts of delicious cakes, pies, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables (if you’re that way inclined).

But, unfortunately you’ve got to leave Grandma Mary’s pea and ham soup behind. This is  because foods with a high liquid content, like soups, stews and foods in sauces like pasta, won’t make it through security.

While you can bring your own snacks, foods like crisps, cakes and crackers must be wrapped up or in a container.

Additionally, although a whole piece of fruit is okay unwrapped, once you take a bite of your juicy, green apple, it’s got to be wrapped up.

These containers should also not exceed 100ml. And, don’t forget that the homemade blueberry jam you’ve made for your friend in Maine, also falls under these guidelines.

Similarly, in the US, food taken on board in hand luggage must comply with TSA guidelines.

This means solid foods like crisps, sandwiches, and even pasta can come on board. However liquids must comply with the 3-1-1 rule.

The 3-1-1 rule outlines that each liquid (strawberry yogurt, peanut butter, hummus) must be in a 3 .4 ounce container (or less), contained in 1 clear plastic bag, and you may have only 1 bag per passenger.

Which Snacks Shouldn’t You Bring on a Plane?

While not officially outlined in TSA or other airport guidelines, there are some snacks that you should steer well away from.

Anything that has a strong or unpleasant smell can be saved for a time when you’re at least 40-50 meters away from company and not in a confined space.

Messy, sticky and crunchy snacks or foods likely to spill should probably be left at home too. Doing this will help you avoid a bad atmosphere and uncomfortable, angry eye contact on the long flight.

Some of these foods include:

• Fishy foods - your tuna sandwich may seem like a good idea now, but give it a few hours, your breath will stink and so will the cabin
• Eggs - flying can be nauseating enough without someone bringing eggs into the equation. Scrambled, boiled or fried - its a no-no
• Burritos and fajitas - these yummy wraps can be hard to eat without spilling filling everywhere, and a rumbling stomach can also produce unpleasant smells…
• Peanuts - while they may not cause you any issues, other passengers could be highly allergic, so leave them at home to avoid a medical emergency
• Yogurt - yogurt in a plastic container can be pretty lethal and will explode at high altitudes. Leave the redecorating to the professionals

Best Airplane Snacks

The best food to pack for long flights is tasty, healthy and easy to transport. You should also make sure that you bring travel snacks that will keep fresh when left at room temperature.

Healthy plane snacks

Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring, and there are a ton out there that are both yummy and easy to prepare.

Dried fruit

When people think of dried fruit, it’s often limited to raisins or bananas, but there’s a whole world of dried fruit out there. Dried pineapple, mango, peaches and pear are just some of the mouth-watering options available.

Quinoa or chickpea salad

A quinoa or chickpea salad is a satisfying and scrumptious snack to bring aboard. Not only will it curb your appetite for the long flight, but these plane snacks are also considered superfood. So, delicious and nutritious.

Protein bars

If you’re on your way to a conference and need to do some last minute prep, or you’re a student who needs to finish off an essay, protein bars are great sustenance. This chewy flight snack will keep your tummy happy and keep you focused for the long plane ride.

Crunchy cheese bites

For the cheese fans out there, why not pack some crunchy cheese bites? From Gouda to Pepper jack, they’re high in protein and an excellent source of calcium. These crunchy cheese bites are also the perfect accompaniment for a long flight, needing no refrigeration.

Gluten-free banana and chocolate-chip muffins

These moreish muffins are scrummy, low-fat, low-sugar and gluten-free. This means that they’re good for your cholesterol and guilt-free!

Popcorn is the perfect food for snacking. It’s light, easy to pack and once you start, it’s hard to stop! Don’t think that popcorn is just limited to the cinema either, take it to the skies.

In recent years, companies have brought out a range of flavours from aged white cheddar and sea salt to cookies and cream!

Organic jerky

Stuck for snack ideas? Try jerky!

It comes in all shapes, sizes and flavours. From chicken to buffalo, teriyaki to habañero there’s something for everyone, even non-meat eaters, with jerky made from soy curls and black beans!

Vegan snacks to take on a plane

With growing awareness of climate change, and the poor treatment of farmed animals, veganism is becoming more and more popular.

And, why shouldn’t it? These days there are so many fantastic vegan options to choose from, meaning you can eat well while doing your bit to save the planet!

Baked kale chips

These delectable little morsels are a delightful crispy alternative to potato chips. They come in a wide range of flavours, from tomato to vegan nacho cheese.

They’re also lower in fat than potato chips and are easy to make yourself! Just don’t crunch too loud!

Tofu Caesar wrap

A vegan Caesar wrap is just as good as it’s meaty counterpart and a great snack for healthy travel! Using vegan mayonnaise and a touch of Dijon mustard is the key to giving this tasty treat a kick.

Vegan dark chocolate brownies

You’re allowed to treat yourself from time to time, and vegan dark chocolate brownies are a fantastic treat to take on your travels.

Fudgey goodness with a gooey centre, they’ll make your flight just that little bit more luxurious.

Marinated lentils

Packed with protein, marinated lentils will keep you going on your long flight. Whether you throw in some coriander and fennel seeds, or garlic and chilli, you can be sure each mouthful will explode with flavour.

Vegan spiced chai bread

More of a cake than a bread, vegan spiced chai bread is the perfect accompaniment for your journey. Add a little almond butter, or peanut butter to take it to the next level.

Vegan tuna sandwich

While you probably shouldn’t bring your stinky tuna sandwich on board, a vegan tuna sandwich is just the ticket!

Replace the fish with tofu, add a little vegan mayo, your preferred seasoning and some pickles to make this top-notch long flight snack. Just have a mint afterwards.

Whole grain pita / veggies and hummus

As long as you make sure you comply with TSA guidelines, hummus (from the grocery store or homemade) with dippers is an excellent snack to have in your snack bag.

Make sure you eat this snack first though, as it’s only good for 2 hours at room temperature.

Plane snacks for babies and kids

Travelling on long flights accompanied by children is by no means anyone’s idea of heaven.

And kids, we get it. It’s boring, the airplane’s hot and stuffy, and you have way too much energy to sit in one seat for more than 30 minutes.

However, there are some great plane snacks that can make long flights, dare I say it... fun!

Check out other ways to make long flights fun for kids here !

Kids trail mix

Trail mix is easily transportable and filled with an array of nuts, fruit, pretzels and sweet treats. If you’re making it yourself, you can even include your kid’s favourites, perhaps marshmallows and cashews or maybe cheerios and sultanas!

Fresh fruit

This may not be your child’s favourite, but there are lots of ways you can make fruit fun and entertain them on the long journey.

You could make apple slices into fun shapes, or hide kiwi slices in little sandwich cakes topped with almond butter!

Granola bars

Granola bars are a good way of ensuring that your child won’t go hungry on a long flight.

Packed with yummy nutritional goodness like oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, these snacks will keep your child quiet...for a while.

Cereal or puffs

Cereal or puffs are great for babies and toddlers. Kid’s can pick them up easily and even have a little fun with them.

And remember, presentation is also important. Why not put the cereal in a bag and tie a colorful ribbon around it? Or, put colorful stickers on the packaging and personalize it by writing their name in bright colors!

Banana cookies

Kids love sweet things, however most of the time, the things they like will see them sent to the dentist with a filling! These banana cookies allow you to treat your child, while being in control of their sugar intake.

Use coconut oil, vanilla essence and a few chocolate chips for that sweet hit rather than packing them with sugar.

Organic animal crackers

Just as puffs and sliced fruit can be a surprisingly entertaining snack for kids, animal crackers can also bring a lot of fun to the flight.

Full of vitamins, and flavored with fruit juice, these little treats will keep a smile on their faces.

Honey and chai oatmeal balls

These snacks are a fantastic source of protein and fibre and taste just like cookie dough, without all the bad additives and artificial flavors.

Sweetened with honey, almond butter and dried fruit, they’re a great healthy alternative and will keep your kid’s tummy from rumbling.

Final words before the flight

Hopefully this blog has simmered your long-flight snack nerves! Plane snacks don’t have to be excruciatingly expensive and unsatisfying. They can be full of flavor, easy to prepare, and for the little ones, a source of entertainment.

Bringing snacks from home will ultimately save you time, money and disappointment!

And, if you’re one of the unlucky passengers whose flight is disrupted each year, those snacks will help you from pulling your hair out in frustration. They’ll also save you from spending a fortune while you wait for your plane to arrive.

Something to also bear in mind when preparing your snacks is how you will transport them. Opt for planet friendly packaging! This includes biodegradable ziploc bags, reusable lunch boxes , biopaper and beeswax wraps instead of cellophane or foil.

Head over to our guide and find out how to navigate flight delay compensation if you do find yourself stuck in the airport for hours!

Had a delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight? You're going to need those snacks, but more importantly, you could get up to 600€ in compensation.

17 Healthy Airplane Snacks You Can Bring Through TSA

Published September 23, 2019

Written by:

Jessie Beck

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Can you bring your own snacks on an airplane? Yes, absolutely!

To avoid spending money on expensive airport food and make sure you have lots of healthy options while flying, bring your own DIY snacks and food packed in your carry on or personal item .

For health-conscious and budget-savvy travelers, there’s even more motivation to pack your own airplane snacks. Bringing food from home helps you avoid unhealthy choices at the airport, saves money, and gives you something to look forward to on your flight. 

You don’t have to be a master chef to level up your in-flight food game, either. Many of our favorite in-flight snacks are quick to make and easy to pack. If you’re not sure where to start, these packable, healthy, airplane food ideas will keep you and your travel crew satiated.

Can You Bring Snacks on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks from home as long as they’re TSA compliant. Spreadables, like peanut butter, and liquids, like yogurt, must follow the standard 3-1-1 liquid rule . 

Read the Travel Toiletries Packing List for more details on carry on liquid rules.

Foods you purchase after the security checkpoints at the airport do not need to follow the 3-1-1 rule. As long as you’re buying it at the airport, you can enjoy all the in-flight hummus and coconut water you want.

TSA Food Rules: What Snacks Can You Bring on a Plane?

When we talk about food that’s not allowed on an airplane, we’re actually talking about food that’s not allowed through TSA. As mentioned above, you can bring solid foods like chips, crackers, sandwiches, and pasta through TSA in your carry on , but anything liquid or spreadable will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. So, a 1.15 ounce squeeze pack of Justin’s nut butter is fine, but a four ounce tub of yogurt will be thrown out.

Once you’re past security, this rule no longer applies, and you can bring liquids and spreadables of any size purchased in the airport. So, yes, you could technically bring a sixteen ounce bowl of soup on your flight from the Panera Bread at the airport.

The TSA’s snacks page states:

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Common foods you can’t bring through airport security include:

• Any liquid (e.g., yogurt, juice, coconut water) over 3.4 ounces
• Any paste (e.g., peanut butter, hummus) over 3.4 ounces

If you have questions about a specific food item, check TSA’s foods page .

What Snacks Can You Bring on an International Flight?

For international flights, there are no restrictions on what you can or cannot bring on the flight. However, at some borders, there are restrictions on what you can or cannot bring into the country. For example, Australia has strict regulations on what travelers can bring past customs and will confiscate any fresh produce or homemade meals you have in your luggage.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to eat your food in-flight so you don’t get it tossed at the border. If you want to pack something just in case you’re hungry, but aren’t sure if you’ll eat it, go for a packaged snack like crackers or a protein bar.

Snacks Not to Bring on a Plane

While technically allowed, you should also avoid smelly foods and allergens as a courtesy to your fellow passengers. For your own sake, skip messy foods you could easily spill.

Foods to avoid bringing on an airplane include:

• Smelly foods like tuna
• Allergens like peanut butter or any peanut-based snack
• Liquids that are likely to spill and harder to get through security due to size limits

Also, a word about yogurt. We all know it’s a good last-ditch breakfast option when your airport has few healthy options, but it has a tendency to explode when you open it at high altitudes. If you choose to bring yogurt on your flight, open it veerrrry slowly to escape an in-flight disaster. The same goes for anything else that feels pressurized at altitude.

The best airplane snacks are un-messy, un-stinky food you can enjoy at room temperature, like dried fruit or a sandwich. If you’re bringing anything from home, make sure it’s TSA compliant, and won’t stink up the cabin.

If you’re not sure what to bring, use this list of healthy, packable airplane snack and meal ideas. Even the most amateur chef can pull off these recipes.

Healthy, Packable Meals (with Recipes)

If you have the time and motivation, make one of these healthy, easy-to-pack airplane meals before you hit the road.

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie (Vegan, Dairy-Free)

For a quick, in-flight breakfast that won’t get smashed, explode, or cause a mess, reach for one of these nutrient-rich and antioxidant-filled blueberry oat breakfast cookies.

Banana Bread (Vegetarian)

Banana bread is another packable airplane breakfast option. For health-conscious travelers, choose a whole-wheat recipe that uses coconut oil instead of butter. Whatever you don’t pack, you can freeze until you’re back from your trip.

Chickpea Salad (Vegan, Dairy-Free)

This easy lunch recipe also works as a make-in-advance airplane meal. The salad is healthy, TSA-approved, and doesn’t need to be reheated. Plus, the recipe is flexible: toss in some feta cheese or cucumbers to make this meal your own.

Chicken and Vegetable Wrap (Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options)

Wraps are one of the best sandwiches for flights. For a healthy option, make this chicken and vegetable-filled version from the New York Times. If you’ll be on a long flight, skip the lettuce to avoid a wilted mess at mealtime.

Fruit, Vegetable, and Cheese Bento Box (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Dairy-Free Options)

Fancy-looking but simple to make, a DIY snack pack is a versatile and easy-to-pack homemade airplane snack. Simply cut up a variety of fruits, cheeses, veggies, and meats. Throw in a few crackers or a piece of bread if you’d like.

Grapes and blueberries are good options for fruits. For cheeses, stick to something low-odor and hard, like parmesan. For meat, go for a dried salami, which is preserved and doesn’t need refrigeration. 

Kale Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free Option)

Salads, the world’s go-to for a healthy meal that’s still tasty at room temperature, are another good airplane food option. To make sure your salad isn’t a mushy mess by the time you board, keep your dressing in a separate (smaller than 3.4 ounce) container. Also, opt for a heartier green like kale, shaved brussels sprouts, or cabbage, which won’t wilt like lettuce or arugula.

Cold Asian Noodles (Gluten-Free and Vegan Options)

You’re an intrepid eater, so why not give your airplane food an international twist with an Asian-inspired cold noodle dish? Sesame soba noodles are a simple classic, but if you want more ideas, check out Brit+Co’s line-up of cold noodle dishes.

Vegan Pasta Salad (Vegan)

For vegans and omnivores alike, recipes like this creamy vegan pasta salad from Love and Lemons are a great food option for air travel . Not only is it delicious, but meat and dairy-free dishes don’t require refrigeration. Even if you don’t end up eating it until halfway through a long flight, it’ll keep.

Chickpea Pan Bagnat (Vegetarian)

A French picnic classic, the pan bagnat is an easy and delicious make-in-advance sandwich option that actually gets better (not sad and soggy) the longer it sits. However, the original recipe has tuna, a major airplane no-no. Instead, try this vegetarian twist with chickpeas to make one of the best sandwiches for long flights.

Airplane Snacks

For short flights or just-in-case-I’m-hungry moments, toss one of these healthy airplane snacks in your bag.

• Dried fruit: Unlike real fruit, you can’t crush these babies. If you’re crossing time zones, go for dried berries. Target (Good & Gather) and Trader Joe’s both have good options without added sugar. I’m partial to Target’s dried mango and pineapple.
• Popcorn: The perfect accoutrement to your in-flight movie binge.
• Almonds: A protein-filled snack to keep you feeling full for longer.
• Crackers: Go for a healthier whole-wheat option that’s great for kids and adults.
• Fruit and veggie slices: Pack a bag of snap peas, apple slices, or any other fruit or veggie you love. 

There are also a few snacks you can make with hot water from the drink service.

• Miso soup : For a warming, in-flight snack, bring a packet of instant miso soup. Just be sure to keep your cup ¾ full, or use a thermos with a lid to avoid any turbulence-induced soup burns.
• Instant oatmeal : Grab a packet of oats or throw some quick oats in a thermos with your favorite toppings.
• Instant noodles : Choose a low-sodium instant noodle, since salty foods exacerbate the dehydration caused by air travel. Again, keep your bowl or food jar only ¾ full.

How to Pack Snacks for an Airplane

With most homemade airplane meals, your food is only as portable as its container. When packing your carefully crafted sandwich, salad, or noodles, make sure to choose a leak-proof container that will keep your food intact. 

Vremi Collapsible Food Container ($20)

Vremi’s line of collapsible containers is leak-proof and will keep your food safe in transit. After you’ve finished your snacks, the container collapses flat so you can stash it in your bag without it taking up as much room as traditional Tupperware.

Zojirushi Food Jar ($28+)

Japanese brand, Zojirushi, makes an affordable but high-quality line of thermoses and food jars designed to keep your warm food warm and cold food cold. If you prefer sturdier Tupperware or want to keep your food hot or cold in transit, use Zojirushi’s food jar to transport your pasta, salads, or snacks.

Stasher Bags ($8+)

Use a reusable, silicone bag from Stasher to transport your sandwich, pretzels, dried fruit, or any other snack you’d normally toss into a Ziploc bag. These bags pack even smaller than collapsible Tupperware and can be reused during your travels or on your return flight home. Like Bee’s wrap, they’ll also help you create less trash while you travel.

Bee’s Wrap ($15+ for 3)

Unlike foil or plastic wrap, you can wash and reuse these natural, beeswax-covered wraps — a plus for eco-friendly travelers who want to reduce the amount of trash they create on the road. Use them to transport sturdier foods, like sandwiches or carrot slices, and pack them on the outside or top of your bag.

Humangear Spork ($4)

If you’re bringing a dish like noodles or salad, you’ll need a utensil. Toss one of these petite, BPA-free sporks by Humangear  in your bag, instead of disposable forks and spoons from airport stores. Go for the titanium spork ($14) for an upgrade.

Snow Peak Chopsticks ($38)

Prefer chopsticks with your noodles? Grab a pair of portable chopsticks from Snow Peak . Made from high-quality stainless steel and bamboo, these chopsticks break in half when not in use and, when put together, form a full-sized chopstick. They’re expensive compared to the $4 spork but incredibly well-made and designed to last. My partner, Jon, has been using his for over ten years.

Snacks on a Plane

You can eat healthier while saving time and money by packing your own foods and snacks in your personal item . Just make sure your food:

• Follows TSA’s 3-1-1 rule : Spreadables, liquids, and liquid-ish foods like hummus, yogurt, and nut butter must be in 3.4 ounce containers or smaller.
• Tastes good at room temperature : Consider sandwiches, cold noodles, and salads.
• Isn’t smelly or messy to eat : Just say no to in-flight tuna.

When packing airplane snacks, consider using eco-friendly collapsible Tupperware, beeswax wraps, silicone sandwich and snack bags, and camping sporks you can reuse throughout your travels.

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Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home and traveled to 45+ countries.

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These are the Best Airplane Snacks to Pack for Long Flights

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Airplane food (or no food at all) can take a flight from bad to worse. Whether you’re a picky eater, follow a strict diet, or hate the idea of going hungry, follow our readers’ recommendations for good airplane snacks so you know exactly what to pack!

Note: please read product labels for all airplane snacks in advance to ensure you are not allergic to the ingredients.

Airplane Food Ideas

Table of contents.

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

I’m in search of packable foods that don’t require refrigeration and that I can take from the U.S. into Canada in a carry-on. I won’t have a fridge or microwave in my room and I’m not sure if I’ll have hot water. A tight schedule of events for the conference I’m attending prevents me from having much time to seek out food from grocery stores in-country and a tight budget has motivated me to get creative with meals and snacks.

Many readers ask us, “can you bring snacks on an airplane?” The answer is yes, but not all food makes for the best travel snacks. Our readers share their recommendations for what snacks to bring on a plane.

Veggicopia Dips Variety Pack

Hummus and Crackers

Hummus and crackers is one of the best food to pack for long flights. While hummus is usually refrigerated, there are alternatives, including shelf-stable versions and hummus powder.

One reader says, “I bring single serving-size shelf-stable hummus and pack that with crackers.” Another adds, “I pack hummus powder and dried bean dip. Just add hot water from your hotel coffee maker or ask a flight attendant!”

GoPicnic Ready-to-Eat Meals Tasty Favorites Variety Pack

GoPicnic Boxes

A number of readers rave about  GoPicnic boxes  . These small, individual-sized snack boxes are delicious, nutritionally balanced, all-natural ready-to-eat meals that come in handy picnic boxes. No refrigeration, preparation, or heating required! If you’re looking for healthy snacks for long flights, these fit the bill.

One reader says, “My favorite travel snack is GoPicnic boxes,” while a second says, “I second GoPicnic boxes! They’re fantastic.” A third says, “I love these for the plane! They come in many different varieties and each are unique and delicious. They are packaged in such a way that the crackers or chips will not be crushed, and the meats do not need to be refrigerated. The box opens in so that you can lay it right on the tray and see everything inside. I take these on every trip.”

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

Nut Harvest Nut & Fruit Mix

Dried Fruit and Nuts

Like peanut butter and jelly, fruit and nuts go hand in hand. Several readers recommended mixed nuts, trail mix, and dried fruit strips. All of them are available in individual sized packets, making them easy to stuff into your carry-on.

You can also make your own trail mix for DIY airplane snacks. Combine nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate nibs or something sweet for the perfect combination of salty and sweet.

Nuts and Spices Variety Pack

Granola Bars

Like dried fruits and nuts, granola bars are a great snack for giving you a boost of energy. One reader says, “I usually just throw in some Kind bars in my bag,” while another reader recommended Nature Valley cereal bars.

Keep a few different granola bars in your bag so you can grab and enjoy them at any time. Look for those that have several grams of protein to keep you feeling full longer. Along with Nature Valley and Kind, we also love Luna and Clif bars.

World Gourmet Quinoa Ready To Eat Meal

World Gourmet Quinoa Meal Pots

Like the GoPicnic packs, these meals from World Gourmet are ready to eat anywhere and at anytime. While you can heat them up, you can also eat them as-is.

One reader says, “These are so great for travel! Yummy, healthy, and you don’t have to heat them up. Every flavor I have tried is delicious. It’s nice to have a real meal instead of a snack.”

Maple Almond Butter Squeeze Packs

Peanut Butter and Almond Butter Packets

While a peanut butter and jelly sandwich may be tricky to pack and keep fresh, packets of peanut or almond butter are easy to take on long flights. One reader says, “I like to bring crackers and small peanut butter or almond butter packs.”

Justin’s is an organic brand that offers individual-sized packets of peanut butter and several types of almond butter, including a delicious maple almond butter.

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal

Instant Oatmeal Bowls

Several readers recommend instant oatmeal as they’re easy to pack and make for a great meal when you want to eat more than a granola bar or snack. One reader says, “I like to bring instant oatmeal for a quick breakfast and as healthy snacks for airplane travels.”

While you do need hot water, you can ask a flight attendant for hot water if you’re on a plane, or use the coffee maker in a hotel room.

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Container

How to Pack Airplane Snacks

Our readers also shared their tips for packing snacks for flights, recommending  Tupperware and Ziploc bags. Freezer-size Ziploc bags are great for combining all of your snacks. Add your Tupperware or Ziploc bags to a packing cube in your personal item so that you can have easy access to your snacks when you get hungry.

With Tupperware, you can take it with you in your day pack for days out if you want to save money and avoid eating out. They’re also great for separating airplane snacks for toddlers.

A spork can also come in handy, or you can always carry around a disposable plastic spoon I you opt against these travel products. This is a must have essential in my pack but it may not be in yours!

What are your  favorite airplane snacks ? Share in the comments below!

For more airplane essentials, please read:

• What to Wear On A Plane
• What To Do on a Long Flight
• How to Alleviate Back Pain During Flights
• How to Survive Long Flights Over 20+ Hours

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Hope you liked these ideas for snacks for long flights. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

If you take a Justin’s packet on any flight TSA will bomb swipe search each packet do to it having a foil lining which will set off the alarms. Take it from me who has had each packet of my Justin’s Peanut Butter searched

Hi Pilar, thank you for sharing this with us! ?

My favorite snack I pack in Tupperware is Keema Matta and paratha . I also like a good sardine in easy open cans.

Hi Sunjar, thank you for sharing! Happy travels!

Instead of premixed peanut butter, I pack peanut butter powder.

Can you take these on a plane in your carry on?

Hi Kay, thank you for your comment! Yes you should be able to take these on a flight with you but it is always best to check with your airline directly first! 🙂

I have to say, I love tuna, but if someone opened up a can or pouch of tuna on the plane…ugh! The whole plane would smell like tuna! Maybe best to make and eat your tuna salad in the terminal 🙂

Hi Carrie, thank you for sharing!! 🙂

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25 Best Travel Snacks For Your Next Trip

These picks are approved by our registered dietitians and taste testers for your next adventure.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

CHOMPS Grass Fed Original Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oatmeal

Justin's Classic Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Frooze Balls Double Filled Energy Balls (6 Pack)

LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn (24 Pack)

Mariani Probiotic Prunes (4 Pack)

UNiTE Protein Bar Variety Pack (12 Pack)

Sweet Loren's Breakfast Biscuits, Cinnamon Sugar (30 Count)

Whisps Baked Cheese Bites (12 Pack)

Simple Mills Pop Mmms (3 Pack)

Ideal snacks for travel include ones that will keep in your backpack, purse or carry-on without melting or falling apart. If you're traveling by plane, you'll want to make sure the snacks are TSA-compliant , so no liquid or gel food items over 3.4 ounces. Most importantly, the best snacks should have a combination of protein and fiber to keep you fueled and satisfied. Try to aim for about four grams each of protein and fiber, and keep added sugar to a minimum (under eight grams is ideal per snack, which is the equivalent of two teaspoons). Always prioritize fresh produce when possible, since they offer a great combination of fiber and antioxidants to keep you feeling your best during your travels.

Fruits and vegetables also are packed with water, a smart way to stay hydrated during your trip. Hydration in general is the key to savvy travel — especially for long plane rides, so don't forget to bring an empty water bottle with you to fill after you go through security at the airport. Since the altitude is dehydrating, and turbulence/delays can make beverage service unpredictable, it’s worth the investment to buy a second, unsweetened drink at the airport. Pair that with these nutrient-dense snacks and you'll be sure to have a great vacation.

Made from sustainably sourced proteins, these convenient jerky sticks are a notch above from what you'll find at a traditional convenience store en route to your travel destination. The beef and venison varieties are 100% grass-fed and finished, and turkey options are free-range. Every CHOMPS option is hormone-free, antibiotic-free and has lower sodium counts than other options on the market.

Per serving (one stick): 90 calories, 6g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 25mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 0g total carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 9g protein

Oats are an easy base for when you're at a hotel or during any travel experience. Ones that come in a convenient cup like this from Purely Elizabeth just require a bit of hot water that you can ask for on the airplane. While oats can be a great source of fiber and whole grains, flavored varieties tend to be very high in added sugar and void of any protein. That's why these cups are a top pick for us since they only have six grams of added sugar and pack in nine grams of protein from collagen, creating a well-balanced choice.

Per serving (one container): 230 calories, 5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 130mg sodium, 37g total carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 6g added sugars, 9g protein

Nut or seed butter packs offer a great dose of healthy fats and you can add them to crackers, cereal, oatmeal, fruit or other snacks you've packed (or simply enjoy them on their own). Bonus: Packs smaller than 3 ounces, like these ones, get the thumbs-up from TSA . They even pack in seven grams of protein too.

Per serving (one pack): 210 calories, 18g total fat, 3.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 6g total carb, 1g fiber, 2g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 7g protein

These energy balls are the perfect bite to stash in your purse or backpack for your trip. Made from dates, nuts and fruit, each bite has two freshly made fillings inside and is seriously satisfying. Flavors include caramel chocolate peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut, dulce de leche, lemon, peanut butter and jelly, raspberry dark chocolate and triple chocolate fudge. The tiny packs are great for travel.

Per serving (two balls, peanut butter and jelly): 126 calories, 6g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 12g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 3g protein

Popcorn is a great volume-rich snack, meaning you can eat quite a bit of it for very little calories. It is also considered a whole grain and good source of fiber. Skip the movie theatre popcorn dripping in butter, and opt for air-popped or lightly oil-popped varieties. The convenient mini bags from LesserEvil are great to stash in your carry-on and are made with organic extra-virgin coconut oil.

Per serving (one bag): 50 calories, 3g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 7g total carb, 2g fiber, 0g total sugars, <1g protein

Between lengthy travel plans and a new environment, keeping things regular can be a challenge. That's why our dietitians suggest having some prunes on hand during any trip. Prunes have a slew of health benefits , and research suggests that prunes are as effective as over-the-counter products to help with constipation. We especially love these prunes from Mariani that add in probiotics for additional gut health and immune support to keep you healthy during your trip and beyond.

Per serving (five to six prunes): 100 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 26g total carb, 3g fiber, 16g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Protein bars can make for an easy travel snack, but not all of them are created equal (some mimic the nutrition facts of a candy bar more than anything else). We like these gluten-free bars from UNiTE that are nutrient-dense and made with dates, nut butters and whey protein. The churro flavor was a tester favorite and packs in 10 grams of protein and five grams of fiber at under 200 calories.

Per serving (one bar, churro): 190 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 35mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 19g carb, 5g fiber, 9g total sugars, 7g added sugars, 11g protein

We can't get enough of these sweet breakfasts biscuits that come in convenient packets of three and are made with better ingredients than others on the market. One serving makes for a light breakfast on-the-go or a layover snack, and is packed with 19 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and five B vitamins. Plus, the biscuits are gluten-free and come in blueberry, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate flavors.

Per serving (one pack): 200 calories, 8g total fat, 3g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 32g carb, 3g fiber, 11g total sugars, 11g added sugars, 4g protein

Bringing perishable foods like yogurts and cheese sticks might not be possible during your travels, but you'll get the best of both worlds with these baked cheese bites from Whisps that are shelf-stable. Whisps first ingredient is protein-packed cheese and each bite is super crispy and satisfying with a whopping 13 grams of protein per serving. They come in a few fun flavors as well and were a family-friendly hit in taste tests.

Per serving (23 crisps, parmesan): 150 calories, 10g total fat, 7g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carb, 0g fiber, 0g total sugars, 13g protein

Looking for something to crunch on mid-flight? These bite-sized popped crackers are baked and made with 1/3 cup of vegetables per serving like organic butternut squash. They have a cheesy flavor and are light and airy. Throw some in a handy reusable snack bag that you can refill all trip long.

Per serving (44 crackers): 140 calories, 5g total fat, 1g sat fat, 5mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 21g carb, 1g fiber, 1g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 2g protein

Natural Delights Medjool Date Strips with Tajin

Who knew that fresh Medjool dates and Tajin chili lime seasoning would pair so well together? This snack offers a unique flavor profile for sweet and spicy lovers, and the simple ingredient list is one to rave about. "Loved the spicy flavor. A flavorful snack and good for on the go," one tester said.

Per serving (one pouch, six pieces): 100 calories, 0.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 22g carb, 3g fiber, 19g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Prevail. Grass Fed Beef Jerky (4 Pack)

Our dietitians are fans of this jerky from Prevail since it is 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef jerky and is free from fillers and additives. Taste testers appreciated its tender texture and balanced flavor since it is cherrywood smoked and seasoned with organic spices. Most importantly, it has lower sodium and sugar counts than competitors, so you won't get bogged down on your trip. And with 12 grams of protein per serving, it's perfect to keep you fueled on those long rides in the car.

Per serving (one ounce, original): 70 calories, 1.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 30mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 5g total carb, 0g fiber, 4g total sugars, 12g protein

Jackson's Sweet Potato Chips (15 Pack)

A top performer in our potato chips taste test , these sweet potato chips from Jackson's come in perfectly sized snack packs for travel. They are made with premium avocado oil and cooked low and slow to maintain the stability and integrity of the oil's healthy fats. The brand uses non-GMO heirloom sweet potatoes , and while the sea salt is the healthiest options, the flavored choices are truly delicious.

Per serving (one ounce): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 1g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 16g total carb, 2g fiber, 3g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

Junkless Chewy Granola Bars, Chocolate Chip (24 Bars)

An upgraded version of your favorite chewy granola bar, this snack is actually significantly lower in sugar than other brands and is free from high-fructose corn syrup or sugar alcohols. Made from simple ingredients, we love the soft and chewy texture of the bar and that it has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. "Nice and chewy with just the right amount of chocolate chips to peanut butter," one taste tester said.

Per serving (one bar): 130 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 22g total carb, 2g fiber, 5g total sugars, 3g protein

Biena Roasted Chickpea Snacks, Sea Salt (10 Pack)

Crispy chickpeas are the perfect protein-packed snack to keep in your carry-on that won't crumble or fall apart. Of course you can make them on your own , but a pre-made pack like this is extra convenient for travel. We love that each portable pouch offers a filling combination of eight grams of both fiber and protein per serving.

Per serving (one pouch): 140 calories, 3.5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 20g total carb, 8g fiber, 1g total sugars, 8g protein

Sweet Nothings Nut Butter Bites (6 Pack)

Wholesome and delicious, these disc-shaped, organic bites feature a chewy outer shell of dates, oats and flaxseed wrapped around a nut butter filling with all-organic, no-added-sugar ingredients. Free from gums, stabilizers, preservatives or artificial flavors, each package offers up to four grams of plant-based protein. The bite size treat is perfect for tiding you over at the end of your flight.

Per serving (one package, oatmeal raisin): 145 calories, 5g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 23g total carb, 3.5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 4g protein

Siete Grain-Free Mexican Shortbread Cookies

Skip the oversized cookies at the airport and pack a few of these seriously delicious Mexican Shortbread cookies from Siete. Made with a lightly sweetened blend of almond flour and pecan pieces with a dash of cinnamon, testers couldn't believe that each cookie only has one gram of sugar. The grain-free treat has a crispy texture and won't fall apart in transit either.

Per serving (five cookies): 150 calories, 9g total fat, 5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 17g total carb, 1g fiber, 5g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 1g protein

Second Nature Antioxidant+ Protein Smart Snack Mix (12 Pack)

Trail mix is a favorite travel snack since it always keeps well and is also resistant to crumbling in your bag. These portion-controlled packets from Second Nature are great for stashing for a road trip or flight. We especially love the flavor combination in the antioxidant mix, and the filling fiber and protein makes this a smart choice. Plus, it doesn't have any chocolate chips like many other mixes which may melt in your bag in transit.

Per serving (one package): 250 calories, 17g total fat, 2.5g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 21g total carb, 4g fiber, 13g total sugars, 5g added sugars, 8g protein

RIND Snacks Straw-Peary Skin-On Dried Fruit (3 Pack)

This chewy whole fruit medley is packed with dried strawberries bursting with jammy flavor, bosc pears and sweet fuji apples. Our dietitians love that RIND maximizes nutrition and minimizes waste by taking upcycled fruit that would otherwise go to waste, retaining their nutrient-rich peels and gently drying them into snackable slices. Plus, dried fruit like this keeps really well when traveling.

Per serving (1/2 cup): 140 calories, 0g total fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 33g total carb, 5g fiber, 15g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 1g protein

RXBAR Chocolate Lovers' Protein Bars Box (10 Bars)

When it comes to simple ingredient lists, it doesn't get much better than RXBAR. These tasty bars come in a wide variety of flavors and are loaded with 12 grams of protein thanks to nutrient-dense egg whites. Plus, they are a good source of fiber too — the combo of protein and fiber can help keep you full for longer on those lengthy road trips and train rides. Our registered dietitians point out that these delicious bars are sweetened with dates for binding purposes and contain no added sugar.

Per serving (one bar): 210 cal, 9g total fat, 2g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 23g carb, 5g fiber, 13g total sugars, 0g added sugars, 12g protein

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All , Travel , Wellness , Wellness Tips · February 25, 2020

14 Healthy Travel Snacks For Long Flights

14 healthy snacks for long flights, all gluten free, vegan, & TSA approved to keep you full throughout your travel day!

Let’s talk healthy snacks for long flights!! So my trip over to Indonesia last month, took about a total of 22.5 hours of being in the actual air. Which is a lot haha! And any time the flight attendants came around with carts of pre-made air plane food, I politely declined. I swear they thought I was crazy, LOL! They were probably like, how is this girl not eating on this long flight?! They were so sweet though, & kept trying to offer me different options while I continued to assure them that I was indeed, okay!

It was a “no” to all of the above! LOL

The lack of food options while on my flight did not at all come as a surprise to me. As someone who has had Celiac for years & now being vegan , there really aren’t a lot of options in regards to travel food, & especially the food served on airplanes. It is what it is & I knew that!

So I came prepared!

I read some blog posts about healthy travel snacks to help me think of anything I wasn’t initially thinking of & really stocked up to make sure I had a handful of options to satisfy my hunger throughout my 24 hour travel day.

And that’s really all it comes down to. Preparation . If you eat a certain way, have food allergies, IBS, or any digestive issues, you know how important it is to plan ahead to make sure you aren’t going to be hungry & that you do have safe options available! Because when you’re traveling & you’re not prepared, it can definitely be tricky to navigate options, especially when you’re traveling in a foreign country, & there is an apparent language barrier.

For me personally, I’d rather not risk anything, so I’m more than happy to take care of my travel snacks on my own! That way it’s fully customizable & you have plenty of options that you know will satisfy your hunger & will also nourish your body! Bringing your own snacks also saves money too because airport food/snacks definitely tend to be a bit pricey!

So with that said, here’s the list of healthy travel snacks I packed for my journey over to Indonesia!

Healthy Snacks for Long Flights

1. An empty re-useable water bottle

It’s crucial that you stay hydrated anytime when flying, but especially on long flights! I think it’s always smart to pack an empty re-useable water bottle in your carry-on to make sure you’re consuming enough water throughout your travel day & you don’t have to rely on the water the flight attendants give you or spend unnecessary amounts of money on water bottles in the airport! And like I said, you’ll want to make sure it’s empty so that it makes it through TSA! Once you’re through security, then you can fill it up! Most airports have a water fountain that also has a little area to fill up your water bottle which is really convenient & perfect for staying hydrated!

2. Lots of tea

Red Rooibos & Peppermint specifically…both very soothing & calming for the digestion system. I flew on Japan Airlines & they also offered the option of hot green tea, which I actually did take advantage of as well, for some extra antioxidants! As a tea-drinker, I love bringing along tea anytime I travel. Just kindly ask your flight attendant for a cup of hot water & I’m sure they’d be more than happy to accommodate you – I’ve never had an issue!

3. GoMacro Plant Based Protein Bars

GoMacro bars are always my go-to. I’m beyond obsessed with them…they’re vegan, gluten free, have great ingredients, are so filling, & never upset my stomach! Overall a really good brand too, I like supporting them & the bars are seriously awesome. I brought a TON on this trip. A few in my carry on & the rest in my checked luggage! Feel free to use code madi_rowan for 25% off your goMacro purchase!

Self-explanatory…I ate this before I boarded my first flight.

5. Chopped Carrots & Hummus

This was kinda a last minute decision but I’m SO happy I brought these two. I got a pack of mini Cedar’s hummus from Whole Foods, that I was planning to dip pretzels in, but when I was cleaning out my fridge the night before I left, I decided to peel & chop up the remaining carrots I had. Like I said, so glad I did that! The carrots & hummus were delicious & kept me full for a few hours! The Cedar’s hummus pack came with three little hummus containers & I went through them all. They were such a great snack & since they were mini, they met the 3 oz. TSA security requirement!

6. From The Ground Up Cauliflower Original Pretzels

Who doesn’t love a good crunchy bag of pretzels ?! And these are made from cauliflower & cassava flour?! Yum! I first found this brand at my local health food store, but I know Whole Foods carries them too! They were really delicious dipped in the hummus I brought.

7. Trader Joe’s Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn

Idk if you’ve ever had this popcorn from Trader Joe’s but wow is it tasty & contains just a few simple ingredients! This kettle corn comes in a larger pack with 6 small snack bags. I just brought one, because sometimes if I eat a lot of corn-based products it messes with my stomach & I didn’t want to risk it!

8. Purely Elizabeth Oats

I thought this would be a great idea because it’s so simple, but so nourishing & filling. Aside from everything else mentioned on this list, instant oats can act as a full “meal”, you can add in nuts or seeds, a nut butter, & these specific ones from Purely Elizabeth already had some freeze-dried fruit in it which was nice. I’ve really come to love Purely Elizabeth. Everything I’ve tried has been amazing & you cannot beat how clean the ingredients are! Two thumbs up! I’m really happy I brought along these! Super easy to make too – just add a little hot water, stir, & let sit for a few minutes!

9. Dried Mango

I like to get my dried mango at Trader Joe’s because there isn’t any sugar or nasty preservatives added to it, it’s just plain old mango. I ended up not eating it while on the flight, but did enjoy it as a little breakfast the morning after I landed! Any dried fruit is a great snack for flying though!

10. Medjool Dates

Like the carrots, I didn’t have the heart to throw away all of my Medjool Dates that I had left over in my fridge, so I brought them! I love a good date! They are delicious with almond or peanut butter too..seriously tastes like candy!

11. Almond & Peanut Butter Single Packets

Speaking of almond & peanut butter , I brought 5 individual packets of the two. I didn’t go through them all on the flight, but the single packets are really convenient if you want to spread it on a date, like I mentioned, if you want to pack celery, you can eat it that way, or you can add it to your instant oats, which was my reasoning for bringing it along. Another good source of protein, healthy fat, & will help keep you fuller for longer – I bought the little single packets from the brand Justin’s, they’re like $1.00 at Whole Foods!

12. Alter Eco Chocolate

Every traveler (near or far) needs some chocolate IMO! This is a brand that I’ve found within the past six months & I’ve really enjoyed their dairy-free dark chocolate…my favorite is the Quinoa Crunch , so that’s the one I brought! Find them at Whole Foods!

13. Smart Sweets

I’ve been hearing a ton about Smart Sweets lately, so I really wanted to give them a try on my trip! In case you’re not familiar, they’re a “healthy” gluten free, vegan, low sugar, non-GMO candy brand that has put their own healthy spin on classic candies such as peach rings, Swedish fish, & gummy bears. Peach rings, were a favorite of mine growing up, so that’s what I brought along!

14. Ginger Chews

Love a good ginger chew !! I usually find mine at either Trader Joe’s or Marshall’s actually & if I’m being honest, I prefer the ones from Marshall’s! They’re both the same brand, same type of idea, but just a little different. Ginger chews are great to freshen up your breath, settle an upset stomach, kick a sugar craving, & are the best little things to have on hand, especially when traveling! Also great if you’re looking for something to chew on while the plane is taking off, landing, etc.!

I know this all may seem like a lot to bring along with you through the airport, but trust me…it’s SO worth it! I was able to fit all of the above, plus a ton of other things rather comfortably in my carry on. And obviously, as you eat snacks throughout the duration of your travel day, it frees up space in your bag, so it really doesn’t end up being bad at all! In my opinion, I’d rather be prepared than left with nothing to eat or snack on – trust me, being “hangry” when traveling is never fun!!

Do you pack your own snacks for long flights?

join the club

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February 25, 2020 at 1:27 pm

This post is amazing! Definitely a one-stop shop for airplane snack ideas! Definitely pinning this to save for future reference! Thanks, Madi!

February 25, 2020 at 1:34 pm

Aw happy to share! Thanks for stopping by! xo

February 26, 2020 at 6:27 am

Whenever I travel, I always have dietary issues. Vegan & gluten-free is an option I often go for.

February 26, 2020 at 10:51 pm

Yes, traveling in general can be very disruptive for the gut – hope you found these ideas helpful!

February 27, 2020 at 5:25 pm

The ground up snacks are SO GOOD! I also need to check out the GoMacro bars. Do liquids stipulations still apply for foods like the yoghurt?

February 27, 2020 at 10:28 pm

You need too – they are my favorite!! And yes, all liquids, yoghurt included, must be under 3.4 ounces!

March 3, 2020 at 11:23 pm

We travel by plane quite a bit and, in fact, have a flight coming up in 5 days! One of my kids is vegan, so these ideas are certainly practical for me

March 4, 2020 at 12:31 am

Oh that’s awesome to hear! Happy to help!

March 4, 2020 at 1:02 am

Medjool dates and savory cashews have always been my favourite travel snack….These are kid friendly too and I am loving that….thank you for listing out these wonderful and easy to carry snack ideas…i am loving the idea of tea, popcorn and corn.

March 4, 2020 at 10:30 am

Ohh love the dates & cashew combo! Thanks for reading! xo

March 4, 2020 at 2:14 am

So many healthy treats for long flights! I’d love a good ginger chew to snack on too.

March 4, 2020 at 10:29 am

They’re the best!

March 4, 2020 at 9:41 am

This is a great list of healthy snack ideas for flights! I imagine choices would be limited on a plane for those diets.

It really can be difficult, especially on long flights!

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Delicious and Nutritious Snacks for Long Flights

When you have to fly, it’s always best to pack nutritious food. This list of healthy snacks for long flights includes a few bonus travel tips!

When it comes to traveling, long-haul flights can be exhausting. From getting to the airport hours before your flight to sitting cramped in a tiny airplane seat to then trying to wait patiently in line for immigration, a simple transatlantic flight can end up taking the best part of a day. 

One of the best ways to look and feel your best when you get off the flight is to eat a selection of nutritious snacks along the way. Since airports seem to want to charge you the equivalent of a month’s rent for a small package of not-so-fresh fruit or a salad, it’s a good idea to pack your own snacks before you leave home. This way, you’ll be guaranteed a great selection of healthy foods to choose from. 

This list of healthy, delicious snacks for long flights includes a few helpful travel tips that we’ve picked up along the way. If you overpack, don’t worry—you can take some of the snacks with you. Just remember that most countries won’t allow you to bring fresh fruits or vegetables through customs so make sure that you eat those up first.

Fuel up to explore your destination!

Before you take off, download our app and search our scavenger hunts ! Each one is designed to help explorers get to know cities around the world and there are hundreds of tours, pub crawls , art walks, and ghost hunts just waiting for you. After hours on a plane, it’s the perfect way to get your body moving again!

Why eat healthy snacks on long flights?

Ok, let’s just get this out of the way quickly. We know that you’re on vacation and that this is the time to splurge. We get it. However, it’s better to wait until you get to your destination for one very good reason—your health.

When you are thousands of feet in the air, gas begins to expand, including the gas inside your stomach. This can make you feel bloated, and lead to major stomach cramps and, later on, constipation. Airplane food is not well-known for being easy on your belly so it’s a good idea to mix this with healthier foods that will keep your digestive system working at top form.

Food that you consume before and during your flight should be relatively light on protein, have good fats, and be easy to digest with lots of slow-burning carbohydrates. Bringing your own snacks can help ensure that you’re getting the things that your body needs, and that you don’t end up overloading it with things that are hard to process and full of empty calories.

Pro tip: Try to avoid consuming too much alcohol or caffeine or too much salt as both of these can dehydrate you. It’s also a very good idea to avoid junk foods that are high in salt and sugar content like potato chips, cookies, and prepackaged cakes. We know that it’s very tempting, but it could leave you with an aching stomach. 

Remember that this isn’t just for air travel! You should follow the same healthy eating principles during road trips. Sitting for extended periods can have a negative impact on your body. If you load up on unhealthy foods, you’re simply adding fuel to the fire. While it may not cause too many problems the first few hours, you may soon begin to feel like you ate a rock.

The Importance of Hydrating

While this should be kind of a given, water is one of the most important things that you can bring on a flight with you. Rushing through the airport while gulping down coffee can already put you on the road to dehydration. Flying can then worsen this due to the lower oxygen levels and the dryer air that you find at high altitudes. Before you know it, you may find yourself feeling a bit like a pickle.

According to the Aerospace Medical Association, you should drink .2 to .4 liters of water per hour on a plane (or roughly half of a small bottle of water). You must drink plenty of water to battle the effects of dehydration, which can include headaches, tiredness, nausea, and dizziness. This is a very unpleasant way to start a trip, but drinking water can help immensely.

Drinking a lot of water can also help to relieve sinus pressure, and it can help keep your ears from popping during take-off and landing. If that isn’t enough, it can also be instrumental in easing the effects of jet lag. If you want to learn more tricks, check out our tips to conquer jet lag . 

Luckily, there is no need to pay the ridiculously high prices for water in the airport. Instead, you can bring a reusable water bottle with you and refill it after you pass through security, This will not only help you save money, but it’s also better for your health and the environment. If you’re worried about space in your carry-on bag, you can even look at getting a collapsible water bottle that can fold down to a fraction of its normal size when it’s empty. 

There is a wide array of reusable water bottles on Amazon that you can buy before your flight, or you can wait until you get to your vacation spot and buy one there. It’s a great way to make sure that you stay hydrated, and it doubles as a useful souvenir. 

10 Great Snacks for Long Flights

Below, you’ll find a list of some of our favorite snack ideas for long-haul flights. Keep in mind that these aren’t meant to replace full meals, but rather to help fill the gaps between mealtimes. If your airline is still offering free food onboard, make sure that you take advantage of it. If you have dietary issues (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc), don’t forget to order your meal at least a few days in advance. 

Pro tips: When you’re packing snacks for your flight, don’t forget that TSA guidelines place limits on the liquids you can bring in your carry-on. This includes salad dressings, sauces, purees, salsa, and so on so make sure that everything you bring on the plane with you is less than 3.4 oz (or 100 ml.)

Keep in mind that you are surrounded by fellow travelers who are unlikely to want to be able to smell everything that you’re eating. Try and avoid any foods that have a strong scent, like olives or beef jerky, as they may bother other passengers. 

1. Trail Mix

Made up of nuts like cashews, peanuts, almonds, dried fruit, granola, and, sometimes, chocolate, trail mix provides a delicious mixture between sweet and savory that hits the spot when you are sitting for hours on a plane. It’s also full of antioxidants, protein, and sugar that can give you a much-needed boost of energy if you feel yourself starting to fade.

There are plenty of different varieties of trail mix that you can buy pre-mixed at the grocery store, but if you want to be super healthy, you can even make your own at home. You simply need to get your favorite selection of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, coconut chips, pretzels—pretty much anything that you want to throw inside! 

2. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is another great sugary mid-flight snack that can give you a bit of an energy boost. Some of the most common dried fruit you find are pineapples, raisins, dates, prunes, and figs, but you can also find apples, and peaches as well. Packed full of vitamins and minerals, dried fruit can also pack in a lot of nutritional goodness in just a few bites!

Keep in mind that dried fruit is really high in sugar and you have to be a little careful which ones you eat. Apricots and prunes tend to clear out your system really quickly if you eat too many. Rushing back and forth to the bathroom is certainly not a fun way to spend a long-haul flight so you may want to eat just a few at any given time.

3. Homemade Sandwiches

Staring at the sandwich options in the airport can be a depressing exercise, especially if you’re a vegetarian. If you are on a budget, your options may be limited to just a basic sandwich in a triangular-shaped cardboard box, or if you can splurge, you may be able to get something made with decent bread and a few pieces of cheese piled on.

Rather than spending a fortune for something that doesn’t seem edible, it could be a much better, and cheaper, option to make your own. You just need to buy a loaf of freshly-baked bread or some baguettes, load them up with your favorite toppings, and wrap them up in plastic wrap. Once you get airborne, you can unwrap your delicious concoction and indulge!

Hummus has been an important part of the Middle Eastern diet for centuries, and it has also gained popularity as a vegetarian super-food. This delicious chickpea spread is usually made with tahini, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt, and it can be put on everything from crackers to carrots. They can also be used as a spread in sandwiches or wraps. 

You can find prepackaged, individual portions in the grocery store, or if you want something that tastes a bit fresher, and is healthier for you, you can make your own. Hummus is incredibly easy to make. You simply need to throw all of the ingredients in a food processor, or you can use a hand-held blender (the kind that you used to puree soups) to whip everything together.

Keep in mind that hummus will be considered a “liquid” by the TSA so make sure that your containers are less than 3.4 ounces each. Homemade hummus also has a very short shelf-life so make sure to eat this within a day or two of making it and wash out the containers immediately afterward.

5. Granola Bars

Although they aren’t the healthiest things on this list, granola bars are probably one of the easiest snacks to grab while you’re on your way to the airport. They may also be one of your best options if you forget to pack something from home.

Like a lot of the other snacks on this list, there are tons of different varieties of granola bars. If you want to try and eat as healthfully as possible, check out the nutritional information on the back. Try to avoid anything with excess sugar or fat, and if it seems like it isn’t much better than a Snickers bar, you may want to find another brand. (Or just eat the Snickers bar, we won’t tell!)

The other option is that you can make DIY granola bars at home! They are very easy to make using granola, honey, and peanut butter, plus any additional things that you want to throw in like dark chocolate pieces or M&Ms. Mix everything up in a bowl and then press it into a pan before popping it into the fridge for a few hours. Voila, homemade granola bars!

You can make your own protein balls or protein bars the same way by adding a few scoops of protein powder to the mix. 

6. Cheese and Crackers

For many of us, cheese and crackers have been a staple since childhood. Since Ritz crackers and slices of room temperature, brightly-colored processed cheese may no longer fulfill your cravings, why not dress it up a bit? You can grab some whole-grain crackers along with a selection of cheeses and throw them into some Ziploc bags. You can then munch on them throughout the flight. 

Pro tip: Be a bit careful with cheese as some countries also won’t let you bring cheese across borders. I lost two big blocks of cheese flying from the United States into Mexico. 

7. Fresh Fruits and Veggies

Full of vitamins and minerals, fresh fruit, and veggies are by far some of the healthiest airplane snacks that you can bring on a long flight with you. Apple slices, pears, cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes are usually great options, and it’s always a good idea to make your snack selection as colorful as possible! If you want to make things a bit more exciting, throw in a small tub of peanut butter, almond butter, or ranch dressing for dipping. 

When you’re deciding what fruits to bring, try to choose ones that are a bit more stodgy than juicy (i.e. bananas vs. oranges). If you cut them up beforehand, they are also one of the easiest things to eat on the plane. This should save your fingers from becoming sticky, eliminating the need to rush to the bathroom to wash your hands as soon as you are done nibbling. 

8. Fresh Salad

Another wonderful option to ensure that you’re eating healthy while in the air is to simply bring your own salad onboard. While it’s easy to simply stop and grab one as you are rushing through the airport, if you have the time, it’s much, much better to bring your own.

When you’re preparing it, don’t forget to overload it with goodies such as good fats, protein, and tons of different veggies. If you want to sweeten it up a bit, you can even throw in some fruit. As it’s likely that won’t eat it until several hours after you’ve made it, it’s a wise idea to store your dressing separately so you don’t end up with a leaky mess. 

9. Hard-boiled eggs

With a whopping six grams of protein per egg, hard-boiled eggs are an efficient way to feel full quickly and they do a great job providing your body with the nutrients it needs. Even more, they can calm any cravings that you have until you are able to eat a proper meal. 

Hard-boiled eggs are quick to make, easy to store, and can be quickly eaten without making too much of a mess. If you want, you can just add a pinch of salt and you have a ready-made snack. Otherwise, add it to a salad, or eat it along with your cheese and crackers, and some dried fruit for a well-rounded meal.

10. Instant Meals

While having a piping hot bowl of instant soup, or a filling bowl of oatmeal may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking about healthy snacks, they could be just the thing that you need in the middle of a long flight. 

Throughout the past 15 years or so, more and more healthy instant meal options have hit supermarket shelves. This has made it much easier to get your hands on a nourishing meal no matter where you are just by adding hot water. It’s also a great alternative if you forgot to order a specialty meal.

Depending on the airline (and how nice the flight attendants are feeling), you should be able to ask for some hot water. Disclaimer: This may not be possible if you’re flying on a carrier that charges for drinks as they won’t be as likely to offer free water. I also wouldn’t bother if they sell instant noodles as part of their in-flight service. 

Ready to roam?

We hope that you’ve found this list helpful and that you’re ready to pack up your carry-on bag full of healthy travel snacks and head to the airport! If you need a bit more inspiration for what to eat while you’re traveling, head over to your closest Trader Joe’s. They have an incredible range of healthy, high-quality foods that are perfect for traveling and don’t come with an absurdly high price tag!

If you’re struggling to figure out how you’ll carry a snack bag, carry-on bag, and your luggage through the airport, take a look at our “ Space-Saving Travel Packing Tips For Your Next Adventure .” Full of useful tips and travel hacks, this guide is sure to help you minimize your luggage a bit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the best snacks for long flights include trail mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, salad, and homemade sandwiches. These are sure to leave you full of energy and ready to hit the ground running!

Flying for hours can be tiring, packing your own snacks for long flights can help make it easier. Great options include trail mix, fresh and dried fruits, salad, cheese and crackers, and hummus.

To survive a long day in the air, pack healthy plane snacks and try doing light exercises or taking quick walks while in the air. After you land, hit the ground running with a fun-filled scavenger hunt !

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13 Best Snacks on Plane and Food to Pack for Long Flights

Wondering what are the best snacks on plane to bring with you? In this post, we listed down all the best food to pack for a long flight!

When you are about to embark on a long-haul flight, there are plenty of things you need to prepare. The long flight will be tedious and exhausting as it can challenge you physically and mentally. Preparing to ensure it won’t ruin your holiday is important.

Packing tasty and healthy snacks on the plane is essential to survive the flight . If you are unsure about the best food for long flights, you have come to the right place. In this guide, you will learn the essential snacks and food items you need to carry with you (along with ones to avoid).

You will also learn the importance of picking the right snacks, especially on a long flight. And if you are on a budget, packing your snacks will also save you a ton of money since airplane food is notorious for being quite expensive.

Table of Contents

Snacks on Plane: Food to Pack for Long Flights

How to pack food for the plane.

Long flights may give you enough time to catch up on your favorite TV shows, watch movies, play games on your phone or tablet, or read books . But eventually, you will need to eat and drink. If you’re planning a long-haul flight , make sure you include your meals and snacks. Here is a quick list of the best food for long flights:

Reusable water bottles

Moving and brisk walking through airports, security checks, and standing in line for buses, trains, and more are daunting tasks. These things can make you sweat and lose important electrolytes in your body. Dehydration is a common problem on long-haul flights.

Make sure you can always ask the flight attendant for a cup of water. Those tiny plastic cups won’t be enough throughout the flight. You can save yourself the hassle of dehydration and bring a collapsible water bottle .

You can fill the bottle after the security check or ask the flight crew to fill it. It is also just a small fracture of space in your carry-on bag. Some can be folded to a quarter of an inch and expand up to 20 oz. Or more. It saves you from the ridiculously expensive bottled water sold in airports.

Reusable containers and cutlery

Plastic single-use containers and cutlery are everywhere. You will be surprised how much of this plastic comes from airlines. For the most, they’re super convenient and way more reliable than their single-use counterparts.

You can help save the earth by not using single-use travel containers and cutlery from drugstores. Thus, it is best to have reusable containers and cutlery with you when you travel.

Here are the snacks you can bring with you on a long-haul flight

Here’s a quick list of healthy travel snacks.

The trail mix is a good choice if you want something to munch on while watching your favorite TV show on your phone or tablet. They’re light, nutritious, and even filling. Nuts are great sources of antioxidants, protein, and energy. It’s quite a popular all-around snack on the plane.

You can make your trail mix at home by mixing nuts like almonds, pecans, cashews, peanuts, dried fruits, seeds, popcorn, etc., in a zip-lock bag. Add some M&Ms or chocolate bits to make your mix more exciting.

Natural pitted olives, to be specific, are one of the less popular snacks for international flights. However, they’re a super healthy and guilt-free snack. You are free to add this to your list of healthy travel snacks.

Although it is highly discouraged to drink alcohol on a long haul flight to avoid dehydration. Those who wish to sip a glass of wine for a good night’s sleep can have a pack of delicious pitted olives to pair with their wine.

You can find these in almost any supermarket and food store. They also come in different flavors and seasonings, such as buffalo, chicken, lamb, bacon, etc. Again, you must be considerate of your fellow passengers, so choose beef jerky that doesn’t come with strong seasoning.

Homemade sandwiches

This premade sandwich is one of the more popular choices for airplane snacks. Homemade sandwiches and wraps are easy to make, carry, and eat on a plane. You need a secure container to prevent leaks. Also, remember to pack utensils, just in case.

Hummus and crackers

It is one of the most delicious foods to pack for long flights. Though hummus usually needs to be refrigerated, there are many different alternatives. There is hummus powder that comes in shelf-stable versions.

A single-serving shelf-stable hummus with some crackers can go a long way. Also, for powdered hummus, ask the flight attendant for hot water.

Granola bars

You can bring both homemade and commercially packaged granola bars on the plane. It’s rich in fiber, protein, iron, and micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. If you choose to make your granola bar, you are guaranteed its nutritious impact on your body.

Make sure you wrap it securely in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid. The nutrients depend on the ingredients in the granola bar. So if you want a healthy granola bar, ensure it includes oats, puffed rice, dried fruits, and seeds.

Protein bars

This is another great packable airplane food that provides much-needed protein while on a long-haul flight. Protein bars can pack as much as 15g of protein per serving.

Again, be mindful of other passengers on the plane and avoid protein bars with nuts or peanut butter-flavored, in case someone has an allergy.

Firm cheeses and crackers

When ordered in-flight, the classic combination of cheese and crackers can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, you don’t have to shell money for a great-tasting treat. You can get great cheese from Trader Joe’s Spanish Cheese Tapas sampler.

This includes three different types of cheeses sliced thinly for an easy and convenient snack. You can pair that with a suitable cracker packed inside a zip-top bag.

Dried fruits

You can purchase several different dried fruits and mix them at home. Pack it in a resealable bag or a container with a lid, and you have a healthy and filling snack on the plane.

Instant cup noodles

Though this is usually readily available as an in-flight snack, you can always bring your favorite instant cup noodles in your carry-on bag. They’re usually not particularly healthy, but they are super convenient.

Furthermore, it remains the best choice if you’re looking for a hot soup to sip. Simply ask the cabin crew for hot water when they roam around with their beverage cart.

If you enjoy ramen, you can check out this monthly Japanese ramen subscription package – Umai Crate from Japan Crate!

These are common in-flight freebies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your favorite brand. Pretzels are had low-fat content and are high in iron, folate, potassium, and zinc. They’re crunchy and super convenient to carry.

The best thing about this snack is you don’t need to worry about your stomach when you have too much of it. Keep pretzels in a sealed container to avoid getting smashed inside your bag. You can have your pretzel as it is or try to pair them with fruits like apples and pears.

Packing this can add fiber to your snack. Hummus and low-fat cheese are also good options. Nothing cures a long and boring flight more than a pack of sweet treats. Cookie crisps and butter cookies are perfect with coffee or tea.

Fresh fruits

The classic combo of apple and peanut butter makes an ideal snack for anyone looking for a fresh and healthy bite. You can keep your apple slices in a zip-top bag or bring a whole apple. Banana is also a convenient plane snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why bring your snacks on plane.

Bringing your food to the airport or snacks on the plane may sound silly, but you will be surprised how common this practice is among corporate and frequent travelers. It’s a great way to avoid overpriced meals sold in airports and planes, stay on track with your diet, and eat healthy food.

What are the prohibited items to bring in the plane?

First off, you need to know what kind of snacks you can take on a plane. This means you need to know the TSA-approved snacks. The TSA allows passengers to bring almost any food items, as long as they’re not liquid and don’t go more than 3.4 oz. (100ml). Make sure your food doesn’t exceed that amount.

So if you’re bringing salad dressing, maple syrup, creamy dips, salsa, etc., secure them inside a sealed container. Baby food, bread, cereal, cookies, cooked meats, chocolates, dried fruits, granola bars, protein bars, grain salads, pizza, and sandwiches, are allowed for carry-ons. However, there are also considerable exceptions.

Baby formula and breast milk are examples of this, which require special instructions. They’re allowed in reasonable quantities. Also, be sure to be considerate of other passengers. Don’t pack food with a strong odor, such as durian, jackfruit, strong-smelling cheese, fermented foods such as kimchi, etc.

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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10 Delicious Snacks to Pack Before You Fly

Posted: January 25, 2024 | Last updated: January 25, 2024

Settling into a long flight? Don't let hunger dampen your travel spirit. The key is in your snack bag. We've handpicked 10 top snacks that are both delicious and convenient for air travel. From light bites to fulfilling munchies, these snacks are your ticket to a pleasant journey. Say goodbye to bland airplane food and hello to tasty travel treats!

AUTHOR: Saad Muzaffar

1. Compact Energy Foods

Many recommend packing some "good energy sources that are compact." Beef jerky, breakfast biscuits, and granola bars are a few options. One user swears by the belVita Breakfast Biscuits because they make you feel full while being easy on the stomach. Their favorite flavor is coconut, but there's cinnamon brown sugar, blueberry, and chocolate!

2. Sandwich Saga

One member comments, "We always make ham, cheese, and lettuce sandwiches on premium bread like cheddar cheese bread or olive and rosemary bread." Another member recently took a whole sub sandwich with them on a plane. Initially, eating it felt like a bit much since everyone else was munching on their pretzels. However, they have no regrets, as it was a glorious experience.

3. Home Baked Goodness

If you aren't fond of store-bought snacks, you can try out one member's approach. They usually make chocolate chip banana bread or pumpkin muffins and try to make sure whatever they bring isn't a prevalent allergen. You don't want to risk a medical emergency on a flight!

4. Charcuterie: A Whole Meal

One member likes making a charcuterie bento box, which typically contains sliced meats, crackers, cheese, fresh fruits, and nuts. Pair it with a salad and some salty, crunchy snacks for a holistic meal.

5. A No Carb Diet

For those with dietary issues, knowing that you can't rely on long-haul flights to have food that fits is essential. Hence, a user has figured out what works well for them. They bring a cold lunch pack containing a chicken salad wrap, sliced cheese, meats, olives, and veggies like celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and pepper.

6. Avoid Going Overboard

Many members reiterate the need to pack only as much as you need. Ensure not to bring too much food because customs in many countries can be strict about what fresh foods can be brought in. This also means avoiding fresh produce.

7. No Stinky Foods!

Remember, don't bring eggs, onions, fish, or fermented foods when on a long flight. "And for the flights from Asia…hopefully, no one is eating durian." Be kind to your fellow passengers by not having stinky foods and opt for low-odor items such as sliced steak, avocado, berries, or macadamia nuts.

8. Peanut Butter Problems

Carrying a jar of peanut butter can get you in trouble, so make a sandwich instead. Grab a squeezy pack if you fear smushing it in your bag. It's an excellent solution for single-time uses. However, have a backup meal ready if someone on the flight has a severe peanut allergy.

9. Instant Food On-the-Go

If all else fails, a cup of Mike's Mighty Good instant ramen can save you the trouble. Alternatively, you can bring some instant miso soup and ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water. It may be a simple meal, but it never goes wrong!

10. Frozen Foods

You can make a meal and freeze it to be fresh later. Many swear by frozen foods such as Uncrustables or cold pizza. Alternatively, you could do something simple like chicken and rice. Don't forget to pick up some sauce packets, plastic cutlery, and paper towels!

Source: Reddit .

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50 Kid-Friendly Airplane Snacks

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: January 25, 2022

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Flying with kids can be challenging, but flying with hungry kids is downright daunting! Many airlines have quite limited on-board food these days, and much of it is expensive and perhaps not what a picky kid wants to eat. This means that if you want to avoid the overpriced airline snack boxes and soggy sandwiches, you really need to pack your own meals and snacks when traveling with kids.

What snacks please the kids and also travel well? After hundreds of in-flight hours with my kids at various ages and stages, I’ve had a lot of practice figuring out which snacks work and which don’t. If you need inspiration for packing snacks for your next flight, look no further!

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Tips for Snacking & Eating on Airplanes with Kids

Before diving into all the specific snack suggestions, let’s talk about the challenges you might face with kids and snacks on a plane. There are more logistics than you might realize if you don’t travel often.

1. Consider TSA Liquid Rules

When traveling with snacks in your carry on bag, you’ll have to successfully get them through the airport security checkpoints. A lot of parents don’t think about the fact that some foods like applesauce and yogurt technically are treated as “liquids and gels” for purposes of the TSA rules. That means they need to be in containers that are less than 3.4 ounces. Select carefully!

If you are bringing drinks through security, the liquid rules of course apply there as well. Our family brings empty water bottles and fills them up at a water fountain on the other side. But if you need milk and juice for a younger child, that requires a little more preparation and most likely some extra security checks (Related: Tips for air travel with toddlers and milk .)

2. Pack Snacks to Minimize Spills & Messes

Messes are inevitable on airplanes with kids. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to minimize them for the sake of the flight attendants and airline employees who have to clean up the cabins.

With younger kids, a snack catcher style cup is an essential for serving bite sized snacks like Cheerios and goldfish so the entire snack doesn’t end up on the airplane floor.

You can also pack snacks in single serve Ziploc snack bags – either for distributing directly to your kids or to use to refill the snack cup. If you prefer a more environmentally-friendly version, Bumkins reusable snack bags are cute and inexpensive for travel.

I also have found traveling with snack-size bento boxes to work well, especially for serving several snacks together as a meal to my kids. The Yumbox MiniSnack box is durable with easy travel cleanup.

One more thing to pack to minimize messes – something to clean them up! We travel with napkins, a couple of paper towels, or even a small hand towel to wipe up the bigger spills. And I never board an airplane without an ample supply of wipes. WetOnes are perfect for wiping down sticky fingers and these travel sized Clorox wipes are essential for disinfecting tray tables (both before and after!).

3. Consider Durability and Spoilage

Before packing snacks for air travel, consider whether they are the kinds of foods that will do well in transit. Many of your child’s favorite things to eat at home just may not travel well.

In order to make my list below, snacks had to meet two important criteria: 1) not be too messy and 2) last for a long time without refrigeration. As much as my daughter loves strawberries and bananas, we rarely bring them on planes because the potential for messes or stains is just too high. Soft fruit gets squished and bruised.

There are some foods that need to be refrigerated but that can travel safely for several hours until the time that your child eats them – think cheese sticks, yogurt tubes, etc. If you pack these, just make sure you plan to serve them on the earlier side of a longer trip.

4. Stick with the Familiar

Air travel is not the time to try to expand a child’s picky palate. Pack snacks you know your family likes to eat already, so you aren’t in a situation where your child rejects the choices and is hungry or cranky. Familiar foods are also a safer bet, as you know they won’t do something like upset a sensitive toddler tummy.

5. Pack Plenty of Peanut-Free Choices

Peanuts and peanut butter are popular food choices on planes for many travelers because they provide filling protein options that don’t need to be refrigerated. But one important word of warning to keep in mind – on occasion, the airline you are traveling on may announce that your flight is peanut-free if someone with allergies is on board.

It happens rarely, but it is so important to pack variety of non-peanut snacks for situations like this. (I once found myself at 6 months pregnant on such a flight with nothing but a peanut butter sandwich and learned the hard way!). You really don’t want hungry kids and you REALLY don’t want to put someone with peanut allergies in a dangerous medical situation. Pack a variety of non-nut choices for flexibility.

6. Pack Extra Food for Flight Delays

Finally, always pack many more snacks than you think you might reasonably need. My kids often eat more on planes than they do at home, probably because they are bored and looking to pass the time.

And air travel is so unreliable that you never know when a simple 2 hour flight might turn into a full day of travel delays. You just can’t always count on airport food choices and airline-provided snacks to get you through a flight cancellation or delay. If you have plenty of extra snacks in your carry on bag, you’ll save your sanity on the food front at least!

40 (Mostly) Healthy Kid-Friendly Airplane Snacks

So now let’s get onto some snack suggestions. Here are my top picks for kid-friendly airplane snacks that aren’t of the treat variety.

• Annie’s Bunnies Crackers
• String cheese
• Babybel cheese
• Wheat Thins
• Mini bagels
• Ritz Bits sandwiches (cheese or peanut butter)
• Granola bars
• Cereal bars
• Fruit leather
• Dried fruit pieces
• Puffins cereal
• Pouches of applesauce or similar (the smaller the better for TSA lines )
• Baby carrots
• Animal crackers
• Mini muffins
• Apple slices
• Celery sticks with peanut butter or hummus (look for single-serve packets of hummus and peanut butter)
• Turkey jerky
• Clementines
• Mini rice cakes
• Hard boiled eggs
• Graham crackers
• Lara or Cliff bars
• Rice crackers
• Cheese quesadilla bites (refrigerate before your flight and most kids will eat them cold)
• Gogurt (or other brand of) yogurt tubes (freeze beforehand if you aren’t going to eat right away)
• Puffs (great for babies, but my older child loved stealing these snacks from her baby brother too)

Plus 10 Kid-Friendly Airplane Sweets & Treats

Packing a few treats and sweets is essential too. There are times on a stressful travel day where a little sugar rush can help get everyone through or bribery is needed – no judgment!

• M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or Skittles
• Marshmallows
• Gummy snacks/gummy bears
• Bite size cookies (like Mini Chips Ahoy or Mini Oreos)
• Jelly beans
• Sweet tarts
• Fruit loops
• Fruit rollups
• Rice crispy treats

 What are your favorite airplane snacks?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Tuesday 19th of March 2024

This helped me with a couple of ideas for my flight with my 1 year old in a couple of months. It's always nice to see what other mom's bring with them to make the trip easier and mess-free. On TikTok there is a couple of videos that were in my algorithm that mentioned a snack tackle box which I'm all for!

Monday 10th of August 2020

canned chicken salad with crackers or tuna salad, fruit snacks, I freeze the cheese sticks so they don't melt before eating. Flavored rice cakes are good also. Pringles pack well in a backpack and an empty Pringles can is a good place for mom's medications. I put them in snack size ziplocs and label a.m. and p.m. for the trip. Just have to be sure little hands don't get on those, but it is a nice disposable way to carry medications so that you don't have to have anything on the trip back like a pill case would be. This trip I'm also going to try taking a lunchable.

Monday 25th of September 2017

Great list! The first time I flew with our son he was 4 years old. We brought plenty of snacks to keep him busy. While the chips ahoy cookies were delicious, a piece ended up on the seat and when we exited the plane, I noticed melted chocolate chips stuck to his bottom and everything he had on his seat with him. Caution, don't bring chocolate!

I Flew Frontier Airlines... And It Was Just Fine - Trips With Tykes

Monday 19th of June 2017

[…] Pack Smart: Since you have done your research, prepare accordingly. Pack plenty of snacks for you and your kids and buy any drinks you might want in the airport beforehand to save money. […]

Monday 17th of April 2017

I was looking over the list does the babybel cheese need to be refrigerated?

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If You Have A Long Flight Coming Up, Here Are 33 Products That’ll Make It Less Miserable

Including on-ear headphones that not only resemble AirPod Max but lasted through an entire 13-hour flight. 😱

BuzzFeed Staff

1. The newest version of the Kindle Paperwhite  designed with a larger display, adjustable lighting options, a glare-free screen, weeks-long battery life, and (IMHO the best feature) it's waterproof! This may be your most-used item because you can load it with a bunch of different books so you don't finish your current read and then have to stare into space for the next 10 hours.

Promising review:  "I’ve held onto physical books for a long time, but with a two-week vacation planned, I decided to splurge on the Kindle for my birthday gift. I have read 11 online books since I bought it, and my only regret is that I didn’t purchase it sooner. I love the quick downloads, library organizing, and the ability to have so many options in such a small device. I now carry my Kindle everywhere I go to pass the time in various places. The feature of book suggestions has also helped me find a few new fave authors. The biggest plus for me is how you can change the lighting at night to read in bed without a book light. Total game changer. Buy the Kindle — you will love it." — Erin P.

Get it from Amazon for $149.99 (available in three colors and with or without Kindle Unlimited ).

2. An in-flight foot rest made out of memory foam because we can't all afford to fly first class, but this little gadget will make them feel like they can (even if it doesn't come with free champagne).

Promising review: "I got this for a 10-hour flight to Hawaii and back, and it was the best thing I brought in my carry-on. Made the long trip so much more comfortable. I am pretty short, and my feet barely touch the ground when in an airplane seat, so the edge of the seat usually pushes into the back of my legs and cuts off circulation. Attached very easily to the tray table, and the cushioning made it comfy. I was able to put my feet up and also gently swing my legs back and forth when I felt like I needed to move. I like that this particular one has a center partition, it separated my feet so they weren’t smooshed together like they are with cheaper versions. Don’t hesitate to get this if you fly often or have a long trip coming up; it's totally worth the cost for the extra comfort." — Maeve

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 . 

3. An external battery so powerful that it can charge your phone up to three times before it needs to be charged itself. This is perfect if you're stuck in the back of economy with no working outlets in sight, and if your phone dies, you'll have no way to entertain yourself until you get to your destination. 

Promising review: "I use the cable that came with my phone charger with my battery bank, and it charges my S9 Galaxy well. The speed of the charge isn't astounding, but when used to prevent going into very low percentages, this product will extend your battery's life dramatically. I use it mostly when I'm on long flights for work (Boston to Hawaii or San Diego most commonly), and it's never dead by the time I land, and neither is my phone. Perfect." — Ethan Lee

Get it from Amazon for  $25.98 .

4. Or a compact iPhone portable charger  if you loathe having to have a cord *and* charger. With this, all you have to do is plug your phone into the dock, and it will give it the juice it needs after you drained it by playing Two Dots while you sat on the tarmac for two hours. Also, you can charge the dock while it charges your phone!

It's able to charge an iPhone 8 1.5 times and a iPhone X one full time on a full charge. 

Promising review:  "Perfect for keeping phone charged while out and about on vacation. I used this for my iPhone Pro. I love how compact it is and that I didn’t need cords. This is essential for tiny purses. This could charge my phone at least once before needing another charge." — Jillypop

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors).

5. An acupressure anti-nausea wristband to make nausea and motion/morning sickness disappear so you can go on with your day without feeling awful and fighting the urge to throw up after riding that super-awesome roller coaster everyone recommended. 

The band applies pressure on the P6 acupressure point that is said to help relieve nausea and vomiting. Read more about acupressure and nausea at  Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Promising reviews:  "They really work for me. I like to travel but do not like to take flights because I get sick on planes all the time. I used them on a 15-hour long flight, and I didn't get sick from the very first time I was on a flight. Furthermore, one day I woke up in the morning with severe dizziness and could not stand up. I laid back down to the bed and put them on. It was amazing. I was able to stand up after 10 minutes and felt like nothing happened. I would recommend everyone who has the same issue to try these." — Grace

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $8.54 .

6. A  seat back organizer  that'll keep all the essentials you need for the duration of the flight organized and easy to grab. Sure, there *technically* is already a seat back pocket, but those are notoriously small, and there's a good chance you may forget something in the bottom of them. With this, your water bottle, snacks, tablet, magazines, and more will be at the ready. And as a bonus, when you land, you can simply unhook the organizer and stick everything in your bag, leaving nothing behind.

Airplane Pockets is a small business that created this organizer to make flying easier. 

Promising review: "Every time I whip this thing out, someone leans across the aisle, asks what it is, and then makes a note to buy one when they get home. On a long-haul flight, it's simply a must for organizing your reading materials, headphones, sanitizing wipes, etc. One seat back pocket just doesn't do the trick! My favorite use for this thing, though, is when I've fallen deep asleep along the way only to wake up in a fog and in a rush to deplane. Instead of having to hastily dig things out of the seat back pocket (and wherever else I've squirreled things during the trip), I just slip the entire thing off of the tray table, pop it in my bag and worry about sorting things out when I get to where I'm going — safe in the knowledge that I didn't leave anything behind because it's all in the pouches. Love it!" — justinglen

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 .

7. An LED reading light  you can wear around your neck instead of switching on your overhead seat light. Now, you won't disturb the people next to you when you can't sleep and are also enthralled with your current read.

Promising reviews:  "I was able to bend this small light to my book on a long flight from Florida to Washington State. So nice to be able to read without disturbing the person next to me!!!" — debbie frankenfield

"I couldn't be happier with this light. I use it for reading in bed and when I travel. It's comfortable, has different settings, is easy to use, and the battery stays charged for a long time. You can turn on either one or both sides of the light and its flexibility allows the light to be adjusted easily. I highly recommend this light for reading in bed, for outdoor walking at night, and for doing close work that requires good lighting." — Jean G

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+  (available in eight colors). 

8. A clear toiletries case  made to be the same size as a quart-sized plastic bag so you have a much chicer (and nicer) way to store your liquids in your carry-on bag. And you'll know exactly where your hand sanitizer is when the in-flight meal comes along.

Truffle is a women-owned small business that specializes in bags and accessories that are TSA approved or stadium approved. 

Promising review:  "I travel for work quite a bit and love to add this to my travel uniform. It’s hard being away from the comforts of home, but when the things you travel with are of the best quality and offer practicality, it can feel special. If you like quality, don’t hesitate! No more plastic bags for me! ;)" — SOFÍA J.

Get it from Truffle for $75+ (available in four sizes and nine colors). 

9. AirFly , a wireless transmitter that'll connect your  AirPods  (or any other wireless headphones) to the headphone jack on the flight so you can enjoy all the free entertainment without being forced to bring two sets of headphones or use the crappy ones they have the AUDACITY to charge for on some flights.

It also comes with a USB-C charging cable, travel pouch, keychain holder, quick-start guide, and a manual.

Twelve South  is a small business that has been creating innovative tech accessories since 2009. 

Promising review: "This is essential for long flights. I love to wear my AirPods for music and being able to connect my AirPods with the in-flight entertainment is just perfect. I'd definitely recommend this." — Leonardo N.

Get it from Amazon for  $34.99+  (available in four styles and in black and white).

10. Or a  hands-free (rotating!) phone mount  if you don't have a screen on the seat back (or just want to watch your own downloaded shows). You can mount this to the tray table or seat back so you're able to watch movies and TV shows without straining your neck.

Perilogics  is a small business.

Promising reviews : " Made a long flight so much better. I bought two of these for my family to use on a recent flight. At first, I was not so sure how well they would hold our phones in place as they seemed to be all plastic and perhaps cheap. I was happily surprised that they could be pivoted to use as either a tray stand or eye-level stand using the seat back in front of you. So nice to have your hands free and to not have to be looking down. The guy across the aisle asked me where I got it after he had to hold his phone to watch his movie. This was worth the money!" — Tahoe Dude

Get it from Amazon for  $13.97 .

11. A  Melissa & Doug Water Wow! pad  for a fun and mess-free activity to keep your child occupied. Each pad has four reusable pages and it comes with a refillable water pen that brings the "magic" colors to life. As an added bonus, you won't have to worry about getting marker or crayon all over the tray table.

Promising review: "These are amazing!! Got them for our 3.5-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl for long flights, and they far exceeded our expectations! Both kids love them, and it kept my 3.5-year-old busy for over an hour! Now we bring them with us to restaurants." — Marmar39

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six bundles). 

12. A mini size of  Tower 28 Daily Rescue facial spray  made without any alcohol, oil, or fragrance, so it's safe to spritz on all skin types to help soothe dry and irritated skin, which flying for hours always seems to make worse. Not only will your skin feel refreshed after a spritz or two, but it may make you feel a little more alive, as well. 

Tower 28 is a LA-based woman-owned small business that creates nontoxic, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types. 

Promising review: "I love this product — it has absolutely changed my skin for the better. My skin feels hydrated and clean, and I swear it makes my other products work better. I never get on a plane without the travel size in my purse. It is especially wonderful for long-haul flights. " — erinemily

Get the mini size from Amazon ,  Sephora , or Tower 28  for $12 (also available in a larger size).

13. Silicone earplugs  designed to help reduce the pressure in your ears because sometimes you can't avoid getting an ~earful~ when the plane is taking off (and from the woman sitting next to you).

Sure, it might be a placebo effect, but more than 3,700 reviewers swear by them for helping make flying more comfortable.

Promising review: "I have to first say, I had a few steps in my anti-ear popping process. First, I took a decongestant starting 48 hours before my flight going by the regiment on the box. The day before my flight, I used Debrox to unclog my ears according to the regiment on the box. The day of my flight I put the Earplanes in while we were on the ground and kept them in the entire flight. When I say I had NO EAR POPPING!!! I was on a long flight with a layover, and for the first leg, I had a little popping (like a painless crackle), but for the rest of the flight and the return, I had absolutely no popping. For one of my flights. I didn’t even realize we were landing because I was watching movies with no pain! I have used ear plugs before but there is something about Earplanes that set them apart from regular ear plugs. I normally get really painful popping (I mean scared to sneeze or cough because they hurt so bad), but I had absolutely no pain. I will be using this combination EVERY TIME I fly from now on." — jahnese

Get a pack of one from Amazon for $6.99 .

14. A  travel tray  so your kid has a little place for them to draw, eat, or play with toys on the flight. It has a tablet-viewing stand, a cup holder, a dry-erase board that doubles as an eating tray, and storage pockets for markers and toys. Genius!

Promising review: "Literal must-have for traveling with kids. We use this on long car trips or vacations. It’s a great place to color and keep markers and pencils close, and it's also great for eating in the car. Many vacations we grab fast food to eat while we are driving, and it’s so much easier for the kids to eat with this tray that keeps all their snacks and food close to them. I honestly don’t know how we traveled without this! " — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for  $22.90+  (available in 12 styles).

15. A strap-in airplane headrest/eyemask  that'll not only cover your eyes but also keep your head in place so the dreaded head bob doesn't keep waking you up again and again. Honestly, why am I just finding out about this amazing product right now?!?

Promising review : "This is exactly what I needed for when I travel. I hate that I constantly fall forward or to the side when I fall asleep. This makes it so much easier, and I can still wear my earbuds and be in another world and sleep comfortably. Great idea!" — Miss Erini

Get it from Amazon for $22.99  (available in three colors). 

16. Or a  sleeping mask  designed with a 3D-contoured shape, which just means there's more space where your eyes go so there's no pressure on them (you can also even  open  them). It still provides total darkness so you can try and catch some ZZZs and wake up refreshed and ready to take on your destination.

Plus, it comes with a set of earplugs to block out all the noise around you!

Promising reviews:  "Purchased this recently for a long haul flight and really enjoyed it. I was able to get some really cozy rest using this. Highly recommend." — Max

"This is an essential travel item for me. I purchased to use for travel. Best sleep on a flight I’ve EVER had . It helps me zone out. Loaned them to my daughter for her trip to Hawaii. She can NEVER fall asleep on flights but, with these, she slept like a baby! Adjustable and lightweight. Carrying bag can easily be dropped into travel tote or carry-on luggage." — Sharee A. Armstrong

Get the set from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven colors).

17. A JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase  I'm pretty sure is about to become your new favorite product for traveling with kids. Not only does it have wheels, but it's designed so your toddler can sit on it, making it easy for you to wheel them through the airport. Then when you get on the flight, it easily transforms into a leg rest or in-flight bed to keep your kids comfy while in the air. How neat is that???

It's recommended for kids ages 3–7 and fits most standard economy seats. Plus, it has an adjustable strap so you can carry it over your shoulder, a top handle, and a mattress inside that can be removed and used while in the flight. Parents have even used this product while in the airport waiting for the flight to keep their kids comfy and happy. 

Promising review:  " This is a lifesaver for long flights! My son enjoys riding and pulling it around, and he also loves the stickers that comes with it. The Bedbox is very sturdy, and it's way better than the inflatable foot rest. I'm getting another one this year for my second child." — AliS

Get it from Amazon for $229  (available in six colors). 

18. A pair of noise-cancelling on-ear headphones  perfect for anyone who has been lusting over the fancy-smancy  AirPod Max  one but who just doesn't have an extra $500 to spend. 😵‍💫 These not only look similar, but they have a great battery life (one reviewer said they lasted the entirety of a 13-hour flight !!!) and sound quality, have three noise modes (noise-canceling, transparent, and normal), and they're designed to fit comfortably over your ears.

Promising reviews:  "I got these to travel with as I travel a lot for work. They are extremely comfortable even if you have many ear piercings. I can’t speak to the noise canceling, as I have nothing else to compare it to, but they seemed to work pretty well on the airplane. Battery life is very long, and it lasted the entirety of my 13-hour flight plus some. I also got compliments on them and people thinking that they were AirPod Max Pros. Definitely happy with this purchase!" — Kaelynn Bowman

"These headphones are surprisingly awesome. I was rather impressed with the quality, considering the price. They are easy to pair, came charged, and are super cute. People have actually asked me if they were the Airmax Pros! I also really like how you can pause/skip and adjust the volume on the headphones (which many headphones lack). Noise canceling is pretty good. I can’t hear very much when I play music. When there’s no music, they still cancel a lot, but not everything, like most headphones. I do wish they could get a little louder, but they still have great sound quality. 4.5/5" — Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $69.99 (available in silver and black).

19. Or an affordable pair of  wireless Bluetooth earbuds  with more than 239,700+ 5-star ratings, proving just how great they are. You'll be able to block out most of the surrounding noise on your flight. (Looking at you, screaming toddler and jet engine noise!!!)

The earbuds come in a wireless charging case with up to 14 hours of charge. The earbuds themselves can play for up to four hours on a full charge, which means you may have to recharge during your flight, but reviewers do say the buds charge in the case very fast . You also get different sized silicone tips to make sure these fit your ear perfectly. 

Promising reviews:  "I bought these for a long flight and the sound was great and cancelled out the noise around me. Very impressed given the price point!" — Kelsey

"Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" — Kate Arnold

Get it from Amazon $18.99+  (available in five colors).

20. Or  wireless sleep headphones  if your goal for the flight is to "get as much sleep as possible." You'll be able to listen to music, a podcast, or even white noise to help you fall asleep without having to rest your head on uncomfortable earbuds that make a loud "doo doot" sound when they die.

The headphones connect via Bluetooth and have 33 feet of wireless range (meaning your phone doesn't have to be right next to you). The controls are on the forehead, which makes it comfortable for back and side sleepers, and they are made to block out ambient noise.

Promising review : "I purchased this product to be able to listen to affirmations as I fall asleep. It has been great for that and has also been very beneficial on long airplane flights when my ears hurt from the air pods being in for so long, also a great option when you are sleeping in a room with someone who snores! My kids keep stealing this from me so I purchased two more to get them for Christmas!" — Dawn Cooperider

Get it from Amazon for $15.99  (available in 26 colors). 

21. A 2-in-1  travel blanket and pillow  because you never really know if you're going to step on a sweltering or freezing airplane, but either way you'll be prepared with this. You can use it as a pillow if it's warm but unzip it and use it as a blanket if it's cold. Plus, it has a convenient handle pass-through that slips right on your suitcase to easily take it with you through the airport.

Promising review: " I bought this product before taking a six-hour flight, and it was a lifesaver. The pillow has a strap behind it to put it on your luggage so that it doesn't have to be carried. Very convenient when traveling. The blanket kept me warm on the plane and when the blanket is folded into the pillow it is also comfortable. Would definitely recommend." — Robynn

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors). 

22. A freezable snack box  designed with built-in cooling technology that you can fill with snacks that will stay cold all day long, even if your flight's delayed. Reviewers say this is not only great for storing snacks for littles, but also for people with food allergies, and even breastfeeding people who need to store milk while away from home. 

Promising review: "I love these bags!!! They stay frozen for a long time and hold a good bit. My son loves cheese, and we were traveling to Asia, so I bought this to take cheese for him on the 13-hour flight. It fit over four packs of cheese sticks and had room to spare. I’d highly recommend this for anyone who needs chilled snacks on the go!" — Jasy

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+  (available in 13 colors and prints).

23. A Trtl pillow made with fleece so you can sleep cozily in whatever position is the most comfortable for you. Plus, it only weighs half a pound and can easily be thrown in your carry-on without taking up a ton of space.

Promising review: "I travel on international and domestic flights quite a bit and have tried different kinds of travel 'pillows.' This is by far my favorite. I've read lots of reviews about an inferior brand. My first time to order the Trtl Pillow, I received the style most people prefer; the three-finger style. Anyway, it's an amazing product, and it really helps me actually sleep on long flights! I won't use anything else now. It fits in my backpack fine, but I can also strap it to the outside if I'm packed full. I bought it on the recommendation of a friend who also uses one for long distance air travel. I'll also be taking this on car trips as well!" — M. Summers

Get it from Amazon for  $59.99+  (available in five colors).

And check out our full Trtl Pillow review here.

24. Or an  inflatable travel and neck pillow  if you're a side sleeper to your core and want a little extra support to get comfortable. This rolls up small and can even attach to the handle of your suitcase. It easy inflates and straps around your body, so your head won't do that awkward bobbing that always leaves you with a neck-ache after you land.

Promising review: "This was great for long flights, I am a 'head bobber,' so struggle with finding a pillow that can stay in place and support me when I start to doze off. It was nice because you can leave it in place even when you aren't ready to fall asleep, and if you start to doze off, it is there. I also didn't have to worry about losing it because it deflates and goes in your bag, whereas other pillows I tend to lose because you have to carry them or attach them outside of your bag." — Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in four colors). 

25. *ORR* an  inflatable wedge pillow  for the stomach sleepers out there. This comfy pillow will make it so you can fully conk out and catch some ZZZs. Plus, if you aren't ready to sleep yet, you can put your phone inside it and use it as a comfy way to watch your favorite comfort show (that will hopefully help you fall asleep).

Promising review:  "I am a very frequent traveler and had lived through many 13+ hour flights prior to purchasing this pillow. After using it for the first time on my 13 hour flight to Tokyo, I will never fly without it again ! It was comfortable not only for sleeping leaning forward, but also for leaning against the window on the larger international plane. If you're traveling with a companion, it was also very comfortable being used between two people. I especially love how there are holes for your arms and can be used at different angles/positions. It made for a very restful flight overall." — Elizabeth B

Get it from Amazon for  $24.99.  

26. Or an adjustable  infinity pillow  you can wrap around your neck for ultimate support and comfort. Reviewers love this option because it supports their neck yet still feels like they're using a pillow. 

The pillow is made with a breathable, super soft bamboo fabric, and is fully machine washable. 

Promising review: " We got a few different types of travel pillows for a red-eye to Europe, and this was overall our favorite due to its versatility. The loop actually allows you to have various self supporting positions, and this will contort all sorts of ways to be a pillow, neck rest, arm rest… anything. It’s actually just good for any type of travel in general and got a lot of use on the whole trip. The material is soft and comfortable." — Tom Shaw

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in 10 colors). 

27. A kid-size neck pillow  specifically designed to fit around their necks so they can comfortably sleep either on a flight or in a car. It will also prevent that bobblehead action that happens when they oh-so cutely try and avoid sleep. "I swear I'm not tired!!" 😴😴😴

Promising review: "We bought this for our 3-year-old for an extra-long car trip, and it was amazing! It supported her head well, and she said it was cozy and soft. It allowed her to actually sleep on the car trip whereas before her nap was completely ruined because her head wouldn't stop falling down and waking her up, and she was miserable. Highly recommend!" — R. Thompson

Get it from Amazon for $34.97 (available in two sizes for kids 3-7 and 8-12 and in six colors). 

28. An inflatable foot rest  both adults and kids love because it gives them the ability to keep their feet up. The foot rest can be inflated to three heights and comes with an eye mask, earplugs, dust cover, and drawstring bag. 

Promising review: "This footrest pillow is essential for those who travel very long distances. It is not only uncomfortable but unhealthy to leave feet dangling down for many hours or days at a time while traveling. I purchased this pillow to situate between my airplane seat and the seat in front of mine. It is wonderful to be able to prop my feet up, with bent knees, while watching movies or sleeping. I regularly fly the same route that is about 30 hours (including layovers), and when I am unable to get a seat up front, this footrest pillow keeps me more comfortable at the back of the plane ." — Yvonne N

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+  (available in four colors). 

29. A pack of Wisp brushers  because, honestly, there's not much worse than the feeling of grimy teeth after being on a plane for hours and hours. And if you don't want to use the tiny airplane bathroom, these don't require any water or rinsing. Just give your teeth a quick brush, and you'll feel SO much better.

Promising review: “These come in so handy on long flights. Much easier than trying to brush your teeth in a small airplane bathroom. The are small and discrete but do a great job of getting your teeth clean. I also, use these at work and even have a few in my car!” — JustANormalWoman  

Get a 24-packs from Amazon for $7.29 .

30. A pair of compression socks to help stop your feet and legs from swelling up as much as Violet Beauregarde did in Willy Wonka's factory.

Read more about compression socks for travel at  Johns Hopkins  and  The Huffington Post .

Promising review: "These socks do the job and have become essential travel gear for my wife and me. They help prevent tired and bloated feet and legs on long flights and ensure our feeling safe from the attendant risks of poor circulation from lack of movement on these fights (which we take regularly). Have immediately purchased pairs for friends." — Burt

Get them from Amazon for $16.02+ (available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in 18 colors).

And check out our full  Physix Gear compression socks review here.

31. Or a  short version  designed to help decrease swelling and fatigue by providing targeted compression throughout the foot. Reviewers say this option is comfortable to wear all day  and on long flights, too.

Promising review: "This is my third pair over five years, and I love these socks. I still have and use my first pair. They reduce my ankle swellings and are comfortable to wear all day and on long flights. I would highly recommend." — AGP

Get them from Amazon for  $10.95+ (available in four sizes and nine colors).

32. A HappyLuxe travel wrap designed to be used as both a chic scarf and then as a blanket when it gets super cold on the plane and you want to sleep comfortably.

Promising review: " This is truly the best purchase I have ever made for travel and life in general!! It is the perfect size, and is so soft and packable! I was able to stay warm on a very long flight. I have used it as a beach cover-up, a shawl in chilly restaurants, and the office environment, a scarf. In a pinch, I wore it as a top over a cami with jeans for an impromptu girls' night out. It has also been used for an infant who needed to be snuggled and comforted. I have purchased one for a friend who travels frequently, and she also loves it! I am planning on ordering several more for friends and family for Christmas presents!!" — tk1

Get it from Amazon for $46+ (available in nine colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Flight attendant reveals what cabin crew really do on long-haul flights

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There’s no doubt that flight attendants spend most of their time diffusing arguments between passengers who recline their seats , and passengers who don’t.

The air hostesses can’t be perpetually preparing packaged dinners or checking overhead lockers for hours on end though.

In fact, a flight attendant revealed what goes on on a long haul Emirates flight when its cabin crew need some rest or down-time.

It turns out there’s a secret door which leads to a flight of stairs and up to a passageway.

Along here are the beds where crew members can catch some shuteye and we have to say, we’re pretty jealous of their long haul accommodation.

Along the corridor is a selection of wide beds built in to the walls, which look far more spacious than your average plane seat which has likely cost you hundreds of pounds for a lengthy flight.

@justyourgray Where do flight attendants of Emirates rest during a flight? The Answer: #emiratescabincrew #emirates🇦🇪 #flybetter #emiratesbestairline ♬ original sound – JustYourGray – JustYourGray

They even come equipped with their own curtains and TV. While it doesn’t quite rival first class, we’d say it isn’t far off, and you wouldn’t have to deal with any annoying passengers either.

Amassing an impressive 8.2 million views and 359,000 likes, people were quick to share just how jealous they were of the flight attendant’s secret beds.

One user @jawj said: ‘Why can’t they sell passenger tickets in pods like this.’

@jayce2023 said: ‘I’d genuinely ask for an upgrade to this area of it were possible.’

Other’s said ‘I’d genuinely ask for an upgrade to this area of it were possible’ and ‘it looks so cosy’.

Passengers were similarly jealous of the cabin crew sleeping quarters on an Airbus 350-900.

@khlq02 ♬ Luxury fashion (no vocals) – TimTaj

This flight attendant shared that each crew member was entitled to four hours rest on a 15 hour flight.

This corridor is guarded by a door with a secret combination code and leads to three big bunk beds and three small bunk beds.

An anonymous flight attendant previously told Metro.co.uk: ‘In the aft of the Boeing 777, there is a secret door that can be opened with a special pin code.

‘When you open the door, it leads you up a staircase where you will find up to eight very spacious bunks for flight attendants to take a nap.

‘Rest was less relaxing on the Airbus A380 as the sleeping cubicle was located between passenger sections and you could hear toilets flush and babies cry. There were nine tiny bunkbeds stacked over each other.

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‘Newer Airbuses had a better layout down below. It felt like climbing into a submarine as there was a steep ladder that led down from the front galley.’

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13 tips for navigating food poisoning when traveling

There are few things worse than getting sick while traveling.

TPG has collected tips from both medical experts and seasoned TPGers with firsthand experience to help you minimize your chances of getting food poisoning. We've also collected advice on what to do if you find yourself ill while on vacation.

Here are 13 things to remember if you get food poisoning while traveling.

What can increase the risk of food poisoning?

Understandably, travelers with dietary restrictions and chronic conditions may find themselves at higher risk for foodborne illnesses. They should be more mindful of where and what they eat, particularly when dining at street stands or night markets.

"Individuals have different tolerances," Dr. Jenny Yu, a medical advisor at Healthline , said. "It's best to understand what one can tolerate while considering food choices."

Yu also advised travelers to stick to drinking bottled water and be wary of raw food such as fruit and vegetables if they're unsure how the produce was washed.

It's difficult to ensure that all of the food you eat while traveling has been prepared safely and won't give you food poisoning. However, there are other precautions you can take to lessen your chances of getting sick.

"Precautions such as hand washing and wiping down of eating surfaces are the things a traveler can control," Yu said. "Dependent on travel destination, traveling with portable utensils may be advised."

Before your trip

Secure travel meds and remedies.

If you have time before you travel, consider making an appointment at a private doctor or travel medicine clinic, such as Passport Health . It provides travel immunizations, vaccines and medicines, such as anti-nausea and traveler's diarrhea meds.

"If it's a big trip, I make an appointment with Passport Health well in advance," TPG senior product manager Gabe Travers said.

Gabe also always travels with over-the-counter and prescription medications that were shipped directly to his door via Duration Health. Duration makes a personalized kit for users following a doctor consultation. If you cannot make an appointment at a clinic, try CVS Minute Clinic.

If you can't get a prescription, throw some Tums, Pepto Bismol or other anti-diarrhea medicine into your suitcase just in case. However, make sure any remedies you take are the right ones to address your illness. "While anti-diarrheal medications can be useful for symptom control, if a fever is present, anti-diarrheal medications may not be the best option," Yu noted.

As we've previously reported , just be sure to double-check local laws regarding medication.

"I know Immodium is illegal in at least one or two countries since it acts on opioid receptors," TPG senior aviation reporter David Slotnick noted. "That's just a good practice in general with any prescription and OTC [over-the-counter] meds when traveling abroad since even things like diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, Advil and Tylenol PM, are banned in some countries, like Japan."

Those with dietary restrictions know that eating while traveling can often lead to accidentally ingesting problematic food.

"As a vegan, accidentally drinking milk one time in Asia was real fun," photo editor Emilia Wronski said. "Now I travel with lactaid or generic dairy relief."

Consider travel insurance

Use a credit card with medical assistance coverage policies.

You may not need separate travel insurance if you have a credit card that covers most of your expenses and medical insurance with adequate coverage abroad.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express covers up to $250,000 for emergency medical services . Be sure to check your travel rewards credit card before booking to determine your coverage amount.

Travel insurance packages

If your medical insurance doesn't cover your desired destination, or you don't want to be on the hook for medical evacuation bills or a last-minute flight home, consider purchasing travel insurance . Buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it if you travel frequently.

Although there are several options with various forms of coverage, pay attention to whether the plan covers a single trip or multiple trips annually. Also, note whether preexisting conditions are covered and how much the price varies based on travel destination and trip length.

Additionally, check whether the plan offers any add-ons, such as the ability to cancel a trip for any reason and a specific reimbursement amount. See whether you can tack on children for coverage and get specific bundles for certain items, such as baggage or pets.

During your trip

Know when to avoid certain food.

When visiting a country where the tap water is unsafe to drink, avoid having drinks with ice and fruit without peels or skin, TPG senior editor Christine Gallipeau said.

One of the most common fish poisonings is scombroid , which occurs in both temperate and tropical waters, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fish typically associated with this food poisoning include mahi mahi, sardines and tuna.

"I love seafood, but I've learned the hard way that if you're traveling to an area with warm ocean waters, it's best to avoid eating shellfish," TPG associate editor Mae Hamilton said.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information , warming ocean temperatures make certain marine foods — such as oysters, shrimp, clams and others — more susceptible to contamination.

Know local emergency medical numbers

According to the U.S. State Department, travelers should know the local equivalent number for 911 wherever they travel. For example, in the Bahamas and Jamaica (and many other places), it's also 911; in the European Union , the emergency number is 112.

Apps that can be used to see doctors abroad

Apps such as Doctorsa , Doctor on Demand or Air Doctor can easily and quickly help users locate a doctor when traveling.

If you get sick while traveling

Drink electrolytes.

One thing that helped Christine when she fell ill during a visit to London was finding an electrolyte drink to help her rehydrate. Depending on your location, this may not always be easy, and certain products readily available at home may not be easily sourced abroad. They also might be sold under a different name. When in doubt, ask for advice at a local pharmacy.

"A tip, if you find yourself sick, is to remember to stay hydrated and look for Pedialyte (oral electrolyte solution to replace fluids and minerals) or the equivalent in whatever country you're in," she said. "My husband was grabbing stuff for me but didn't know that Pedialyte is called Dioralyte in the U.K., so note that it might go by a different name wherever you are."

Similarly, TPG managing editor Ellie Nan Storck searched high and low for the U.K. equivalent of Dramamine (an over-the-counter medication used to treat motion sickness and nausea) before a pharmacist told her they didn't have it there.

"So now I travel everywhere with Dramamine," she said. "If I'm going to a non-English speaking country, I'd advise looking up a few phrases related to getting sick before you go, such as 'I have food poisoning, do you have medicine for that?' or 'Where is the closest pharmacy?'"

Eat bland food while you're recovering

Once you start feeling better, jumping right back into the food you intended to eat on your trip may be tempting. However, based on her experience, Christine advises a slow, steady approach in the first few days.

"When you can keep food down, start slow and go for bland things like crackers, bananas, toast and rice," she said. "You should be able to find more things with a quick Google search, but those are the main things I was aware of and that helped me when I was sick."

According to Piedmont Health , eating bland foods or following a BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) diet can help you recover more quickly. Those foods are easier to digest and keep down.

Rest and don't overextend yourself

Also, continue listening to your body first and foremost, even if that means missing out on your previously scheduled activities.

"Stay put and rest if that's possible. I missed out on a paid tour of Windsor Castle, but getting that full day to just rest and be sick made the world of difference in helping me bounce back and feel well enough the next day to do touristy things again," Christine said. "It's easy to put pressure on yourself to just deal with it and do what you'd planned, especially if it's a short trip, but it can prolong your recovery if you don't listen to your body and take it easy."

If you are sick in a hotel, TPG creative director Jill Bressler advises asking the staff to recommend a local doctor who can help, such as a mobile IV service.

"I had an IV doctor come to the hotel, which helped me feel better when I couldn't keep anything down," TPG senior PR manager Grace Farley said.

"I'd be forward in asking the front desk for what you need, especially if the hotel restaurant gave you food poisoning," Ellie agreed. "I asked if they could send ginger ale, Gatorade and saltines up, and they just kept them coming."

When to delay your flight home

The decision to fly home when sick is ultimately yours.

On the one hand, Yu warns that flying home when sick might make you feel worse.

"Being on a plane puts one at a precarious spot of not having facilities readily available if you are having gastrointestinal (GI) upset," she said. The plane ride can also worsen symptoms of nausea, [so it's] best to recover before boarding a plane."

However, if you prefer to fly home, consider upgrading to a business-class flight, David said. He got food poisoning in the Maldives after an overnight stay in Abu Dhabi.

"The best advice I can give is to fly business class," David said. He also noted that it helps to have a "flat bed with a blanket so you can sleep" and that "there are no lines for the bathrooms."

Tips for flying home when sick

If you are sick and ultimately decide to fly home, keep these tips in mind:

• Preselect an aisle seat. Many travelers opt for window seats on short-haul flights but aisle seats for long-haul travel simply because they offer more freedom of movement. Moving around every few hours also helps prevent blood clots.
• Hydrate as much as possible, ideally in small sips every few minutes.
• Keep a paper sickness bag handy.
• Don't hesitate to ask fellow passengers to let you cut the line to the bathroom if needed.

Once you get home

Again, this is recovery-dependent, but you may need to address your issues further after the trip.

"My story is an example of when it gets bad. It's great to prep and bring OTC things, but sometimes, you need medical treatment after you get home," David said. "I know you can find medical services abroad, but once I could tell I was legit sick, my number one objective was to just get home and see a doctor."

Yu said that if you experience any of the following symptoms, it's time to visit a medical professional:

• Three days of diarrhea
• Bloody diarrhea
• A fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or above for 24 hours or more
• The inability to tolerate liquids

Bottom line

Travel comes with inherent risks — there's ultimately only so much you can do to prevent illness. Focus on what you can control. Come prepared with OTC medications, maintain proper hygiene, keep hydrated and get enough sleep.

Also, having the right credit card can help mitigate the consequences when things go awry.

Related reading:

• How the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad
• Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories
• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Best credit cards for paying your medical bills
• What's covered by credit card travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance?

clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

Snacks on the plane: Chefs share their favorite high-altitude bites

The golden age of air travel, when the onboard meal was something to happily anticipate, is so far behind us it seems almost fictional. Unless you’re in business or first class, or on a long international flight, you probably won’t be served a meal. Some flights don’t even offer food for purchase, and if you don’t bring something to eat, you’ll have to sustain yourself on miniature bags of pretzels and a can of tomato juice. Don’t expect the airport restaurants or concession stands to save you, either. The options there are usually underwhelming and overpriced, and they risk making you feel worse upon landing.

The completely correct guide to eating and drinking on a plane

As a frequent flier, I’ve learned to pack something suitable to snack on for longer flights — something that keeps my hunger in check but doesn’t fill me up so much that I risk getting queasy if we hit turbulence or feeling uncomfortably bloated when I deplane. Now that we are traveling more as the coronavirus pandemic seems to wane, I wanted to switch up my snacking game. So, I turned to six pro chefs to find out what they bring. Follow this advice, and you’ll never be hangry at 35,000 feet again.

Level up your liquids

Always carry a durable water bottle. Many airports now have filling stations, usually near the water fountains, so you can fill up after passing through security.

But you don’t need to stop there. Pastry chef Paola Velez , co-founder of Bakers Against Racism and host of Food & Wine’s “Pastries With Paola” video series, likes to add Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier and Immune Support powder to her water. “It’s basically an energy drink,” she says. “It helps me stay hydrated and feeling good.”

If caffeine is your thing and you want to perk yourself up without standing in Starbucks or Dunkin’ lines, there are both iced tea and coffee powders. Civilized and Cusa make instant cold-brew coffee granules that transform simple H20 into eye-opening fuel. Of course, you can always bring bags of your favorite tea, coffee or chocolate beverage and ask for heated water on the plane.

Create bento boxes

For “Top Chef” star Bryan Voltaggio , chef of Thacher & Rye and Showroom in Frederick, Md., compartmentalized, covered bento boxes are key to successful in-air snacking. They allow him to arrange a variety of tasty bites and create a multitude of flavor combinations, which keeps snacking interesting over the long haul. “I’ll put together a selection of salumi, a couple of cheeses, crackers, pretzels and maybe some homemade hummus,” he says. “It’s whatever I’m in the mood for.”

Sandwiches satisfy

When the flight is longer than a few hours — such as a cross-country nonstop from D.C. to Los Angeles — Voltaggio carries something more substantial to sustain himself. A handmade sandwich offers a comforting taste of home that will satiate almost as much as a meal. His favorite combos include sunflower butter and cream cheese (“It sounds odd, but trust me,” he says); turkey with avocado and bacon; and chicken salad enlivened with mustard, chopped dill pickles and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper.

Gluten-free seeded breads are great for long flights, because they fill you up and are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats and nutrients. Because the brick-like loaves are so dense, you don’t have to stop at sandwiches. Consider using them to make open-faced sweet or savory tartines. You can try nut butter and a little honey; roast turkey and Swiss cheese with mustard and mayonnaise; or ricotta topped with sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, cracked pepper and Maldon sea salt.

Baller snacks

When he flies, Diego Oka , executive chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio in Miami, is all about Japanese onigiri (seaweed-covered rice balls). His favorites come packed with miso-seasoned pork or umeboshi (salted Japanese plum). “They are meant to be eaten at room temperature, they come perfectly wrapped and they are convenient,” he says. “You can just throw them in a bag, and you don’t need utensils.”

Nuts about nuts

All the chefs are big fans of snacking on nuts. Because nuts are brimming with protein, they satisfy hunger for a longer period than other options. Velez loves cashews, especially in Larabar products. For Voltaggio, Marcona almonds are king, especially when tossed with Old Bay seasoning or rosemary snipped from his garden. When chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro in New Orleans wants something sweet but still healthy, she’ll pick up a nut-rich Kind bar .

Salty goodness

If sodium is your weakness, a five-hour flight seems like the perfect excuse to crush a mega-size bag of Ruffles or a box of Cheez-Its. However, the chefs suggest slightly healthier salty snacks. Velez leans into PopCorners — triangular chips somewhat similar to popcorn — which come in three flavors: sea salt, white cheddar and kettle corn. Or she’ll bring along plantain chips, because she finds they help her feel full for a longer period than other chips. Voltaggio always packs a few strips of biltong (beef jerky). “I love chewy texture, and it has a little more fat to it, so it’s not dry,” he says. “Plus, it’s flavorful and has a lot of protein.”

Don’t forget fruit

A container of freshly cut fruit can be pure pleasure at cruising altitude, offering a hit of natural sweetness and hydration. Dried fruit may not pack the water content, but it still has plenty of fructose to help placate your sweet tooth. Velez always travels with Pure Organic layered fruit bars. “I’m hypoglycemic, so if my sugar level drops, I can quickly bring it back up,” she says.

Refreshing pico de gallo

Iliana de la Vega , chef and co-owner of El Naranjo in Austin and a James Beard Award finalist this year for Best Chef: Texas, makes fresh pico de gallo to sustain her on trips. Though you can use whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand to make the salsa, she prefers large, easy-to-pick-up chunks of jicama, cucumbers, oranges, grapefruit, radishes, mangoes and pineapples. Quickly toss it all with salt and chili powder to taste, and pack lime slices to squeeze on when you’re ready to eat. “It’s refreshing and not heavy on your stomach,” she says. “And there’s no fork required. You can just reach in for a piece of whatever you want when you’re in the mood for it.”

Personalize your trail mix

Can’t make up your mind on whether to bring something salty or sweet? Craft an as-you-like-it blend of nuts, seeds, dried fruit pieces and small candies, such as M&M’s, chocolate chips or Reese’s Pieces. There’s a lot of protein for sustenance, and plenty of sugar for a quick rush.

Indulge yourself

Is a metal tube full of strangers cruising about 500 mph high above the Earth’s surface not your happy place? Give yourself something to look forward to by bringing a special treat to savor. Some of my favorites are Cretors caramel popcorn , a mixed bag of gummies from Sockerbit or a crunchy, salted-almond Toblerone bar .

Conversation starters

Especially when traveling alone, I’ll slip a few individually wrapped sweets, such as small bags of M&M’s or miniature chocolate bars, into my carry-on to share with my seatmates. I don’t always have the interest or time for conversations on long flights, but when I do, proffering a little goody creates an instant icebreaker. It can start a dialogue that gives me the opportunity to see a new perspective, hear an unusual story or simply have a moment of connection.

Get nostalgic

When she was growing up, Sara Bradley — a “Top Chef” star who owns Freight House in Paducah, Ky. — had a tradition of buying special snacks at the airport to celebrate her travels. She still purchases longtime favorites: everything spiced bagel chips, Twizzlers and a can of root beer, if she can find one at the airport. “Even if I’m on a stressful trip — I just have to fly somewhere, be there for a day, and then fly right back — those snacks chill me, because they take me back to being a kid.”

Spice up your life

Sometimes it’s not about the food you bring, it’s about how you season the food you get on your trip, whether during your flight or after. Compton always carries a little container of Jacobsen’s flaky salt and a bottle of Crystal hot sauce ; Voltaggio packs a tin of Maldon smoked sea salt . I usually carry a small spice kit with me, which includes tiny jars of Urfa biber chiles, merquén (Chilean smoked chiles), za’atar, MSG and truffle salt. All of these options can turn bland and boring dishes into ones with personality and pizazz.

Practice patience

Whatever you bring to nibble on, Voltaggio recommends restraining yourself. You don’t need a full meal. “What’s exciting about travel are the destinations I get to go, where I try new food, meet up with old friends and make new ones,” he says. “The snacks in between are just designed to hold me over until I get to my next great meal.”

Martell is a writer based in Silver Spring, Md. His website is nevinmartell.com . Find him on Twitter and Instagram : @nevinmartell.

WNBA to begin charter travel for all teams this season

This change in the way wnba players will travel to games will end league’s long-standing policy of mandated regular-season commercial flights..

The WNBA will begin charter travel for all 12 of its teams this season “as soon as we logistically can get planes in places,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told sports editors at a league meeting Tuesday afternoon, confirming a report on X by USA TODAY sports columnist Christine Brennan.

This very significant change in the way the world’s best women’s basketball players will travel to games will end the league’s long-standing policy of mandated regular-season commercial flights for its players. 

“We intend to fund a full-time charter for this season,” Engelbert said. "We're going to as soon as we can get it up and running. Maybe it’s a couple weeks, maybe it’s a month … We are really excited for the prospects here.”

The WNBA’s decision comes as the league is seeing unprecedented growth, ticket sales and interest as the most recognizable rookie class in WNBA history, led by Caitlin Clark — arguably the best-known athlete in the nation — begins regular-season play May 14. 

It also comes as Clark and the rest of the WNBA rookies had to take their first commercial flights as professional athletes for preseason games last weekend and be exposed to members of the public walking near them, approaching them and taking photos and videos of them, including in unsecured airport areas. All teams are traveling with security personnel this season. 

"It was all right," Angel Reese said of flying commercial to Minneapolis for last Friday's game against the Minnesota Lynx.

"We have a great security team. Chicago has done a great job being able to put in place some great guys and they've been amazing for us," Reese said before the Sky's preseason game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

In June 2023, Phoenix star Brittney Griner , who spent nearly 10 months in Russian custody in 2022, was harassed in the Dallas airport by a right-wing YouTube personality who yelled at her and tussled with Phoenix Mercury security in an airport concourse. The WNBA allowed Griner to fly private charters the rest of the season.

This season, the league was already planning to allow teams to charter when playing back-to-back games as well as during the playoffs but otherwise fly commercially. The league hasn’t allowed charter flights over the years because it said that would create a competitive advantage for teams that wanted to pay for them over those that did not. 

Flying commercial has been a part of the WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement with its players, which was signed in 2020. Ironically, many WNBA newcomers flew on charters throughout their college careers.

WNBA player reaction

During a call with reporters on Tuesday, New York Liberty stars Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart weighed in on what charter travel would mean to players.

"As we continue to add more games into the season and change the way the Commissioner's Cup is being played this year, it just adds a little bit more travel into our schedules and stuff," Jones said. "If we can try to find some kinds of help with our recovery and, you know, just being able to get rest so that we can put our best product out there on the court."

Stewart agreed with Jones.

"It's exactly that, obviously. Understanding (it’s) player health and wellness but also player safety, and making sure that we can get from point A to point B and have the focus be our jobs and our team," Stewart said.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, who had been an outspoken proponent of adding charter flights after spending eight years as an assistant with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, said the immediate reaction from everyone is "great!"

"This is something that the league has been pushing for for a long time for its players," Hammon said. "I look at it as we can put a better product out there."

Contributing: Roxanna Scott, Christine Brennan , Nancy Armour, Lindsay Schnell

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House signs off on FAA bill that addresses aircraft safety and the refund rights of passengers

FILE - A Federal Aviation Administration sign hangs in the tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, March 16, 2017. Congressional negotiators have agreed on a $105 billion bill designed to improve the safety of air travel after a series of close calls between planes at the nation’s airports. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

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Congress gave final approval Wednesday to a $105 billion bill designed to increase the number of air traffic controllers, add more safety inspectors at aircraft factories, and require airlines to automatically pay refunds to travelers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

The House passed the measure to reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration programs by a 387-26 margin and sent it to President Joe Biden. The Senate passed the measure last week .

Supporters called the provisions of the legislation a key step in improving aviation safety after a number of close calls between planes at U.S. airports in the last two years.

“This bill recognizes while our aviation system is safe, we have to continue raising the bar for safety,” said Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which produced the first version of the legislation 10 months ago.

The Republicans and Democrats who lead the key aviation committees in the House and Senate negotiated over the bill’s final shape last month, then fought off amendments that might have slowed the measure’s passage.

One of the most contentious issues turned out to be the addition of 10 long-haul flights a day to and from Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C. Lawmakers from Virginia and Maryland tried to kill the provision.

Rep. Donald Beyer, D-Va., said the extra flights would “aggravate dangerous conditions” and cause more flight delays at the busy airport across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital. But lawmakers from Western states, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, fought for the flights, as did Delta Air Lines.

The final version of the law authorizing FAA and National Transportation Safety Board programs for the next five years checked in at more than 1,000 pages. Congress has been critical of the FAA since it approved Boeing 737 Max jets that were involved in two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.

The bill’s major provisions include directing the FAA to hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors, to increase the use of collision-avoidance technology at airports and to improve access for passengers with disabilities.

It also bans airlines from charging fees to let families sit together and requires them to issue automatic refunds when flights are canceled or delayed for several hours.

Airlines are suing the Biden administration to block a new Transportation Department rule on the automatic refunds , and inclusion of the provision in law could help the administration’s legal case. Graves said the issue could lead to higher fares or result in refunds to travelers who would prefer being booked on another flight, but it didn’t prevent him from supporting the bill.