Best Airplane Snacks: What Are the Best Snacks to Bring on a Plane?

The best airplane snacks are your saving grace when traveling, because it’s so hard to get enough calories in when you’re stuck at 30,000 feet for hours on end. 

But don’t settle for whatever they have at the airport and risk overpaying. Plan ahead to save money and make sure you have the real nutrition you need. These are the snacks to bring on a plane:

• Carnivore Snax Meat Chips
• Protein or Granola Bars
• Pretzels
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Jerky or Biltong
• Vegetable Chips
• Popcorn
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
• Cheese Crisps
• Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix
• Rice Cakes
• Dehydrated Fruit
• Crackers or Flatbread Crisps
• Whole Fruit 
• Protein Powder

Learn more about what each option brings to the table below and how to pack the best plane snacks. We’ll also share some tips on what you should not pack for your flight. 

What Makes For a Good Airplane Snack?

Airplane snacks have to survive security, get tossed into a carry-on, sit around for hours, and still taste good when you’re cramped in a seat with dry air and limited patience. 

The best snacks for airplane travel keep hunger in check, don’t make a mess, and won’t leave you regretting your choice halfway through the flight. We chose plane snacks that check these boxes:

• Easy to Pack: They need to fit into your backpack or personal item without leaking, crumbling, or getting crushed. 
• Shelf-Stable: Flights get delayed, connections get missed. By the time you reach your gate, it’s probably been well over an hour since you left home. It goes without saying you need snacks that can sit at room temperature (or warmer) without spoiling.
• Nutrient-Dense: You’re often in a caloric deficit on travel days without time for full meals. Pack foods with protein, fats, and slow-burning carbs to keep you full and avoid the mid-flight crash. 
• Actually Enjoyable: Taste matters. You’ll still end up buying overpriced airport food if you aren’t genuinely looking forward to what you brought. The best plane snacks are satisfying. 

Basically, you need your airplane snacks to fit all the same criteria as road trip snacks or hiking snacks - but way stricter as far as packability goes. So, what are the best snacks to bring on a plane?

The 15 Best Plane Snacks for Short and Long Flights Alike

Whether you want something light to nibble on or a snack that can stand in for a missed meal, the best airplane snacks come in many forms. We’ve put together the most well-rounded list possible, so you can find the best plane snacks no matter what you’re looking for!

Carnivore Snax Meat Chips

These carnivore chips are absolutely the best snacks for airplane travel. They’re clean, compact, and deeply satisfying without any of the usual travel downsides. They’re especially great for long travel days because you’re getting real cuts of meat - AKA tons of protein and healthy fats. 

Carnivore Snax comes from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation. They’re seasoned only with Redmond Real Salt, so they fit any diet - keto, carnivore, you name it (just not veganism!). They’re slow-dried to perfection, resulting in a light, airy chip that turns into a pastry as soon as you start chewing. Plus, there are tons of varieties to choose from:

• Ribeye Chips: Rich, buttery bites that feel indulgent even at cruising altitude.
• Steak Chips: Classic, savory flavor that works any time of day.
• Pork Chips: Crispy and satisfying with a lighter chew.
• Brisket Chips: Softer pieces with a deeper, slow-cooked taste.
• Chicken Chips: Lean, clean protein when you want something lighter.

A small bag carries serious staying power, helping you stay full through delays, layovers, or long stretches without service. They’re shelf-stable, TSA-friendly, and easy to stash in a backpack or seat pocket. Don’t overlook these as the best airplane snacks for your next trip!

Protein or Granola Bars

One of the most obvious snacks to pack for a flight - a protein bar. Like a mini meal in a wrapper. Protein and granola bars are compact, filling, and easy to eat without a tray table. They work especially well on early flights or during long layovers when meals get skipped.

We recommend bars with nuts, oats, and simple sweeteners tend to feel more satisfying than candy-style bars. Look for ones that won’t melt or turn rock-hard at altitude. Buy these in advance, because you’ll overpay for the exact same thing at the airport. 

Pretzels

You can pack pretzels yourself, or wait for the flight attendants to come around and pass them out - these are the best airplane snacks, even the airlines themselves keep them stocked!

Pretzels are light, crunchy, and easy on the stomach. The salt helps counter dry cabin air, and they’re one of the least messy snacks you can eat in a cramped seat. They’re also easy to portion and don’t have a strong smell. But, they’re just pure carbs - very little nutritional value. 

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Your seat-mates might hate you, but boiled eggs are filling, nutrient-dense, and easy to prep the night before a flight. They’re a good option if you want real food instead of packaged snacks, especially on short flights.

These can be some of the best snacks to bring on a plane when peeled and packed tightly to avoid cracking. If you aren’t afraid of being that passenger on the plane that stinks up the whole cabin, these can work - especially for short flights (they don’t spoil fast, but they should be consumed within a few hours of leaving home).

Jerky or Biltong

Jerky and biltong work well on planes because they’re shelf-stable, protein-rich, and take up almost no space. They help keep hunger in check when flights run long or meals are delayed. 

Biltong is usually softer and easier to chew if you’re looking for something fast. Jerky makes you work a little harder for it, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. 

Whatever you do, make sure to check ingredient labels. Most store-bought varieties are loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors. Oh - and try to buy in advance if you can to avoid paying double at the airport. 

Vegetable Chips

These are among the best airplane snacks for plant-based eaters. Veggie chips give you a delightful crunch without the grease or artificial junk that traditional chips are notorious for. 

They’re light, flavorful, and feel like a treat when you’re stuck in a seat for hours. They pack well and don’t require refrigeration. The tradeoff is that they’re not very filling, so they work best as a side snack rather than your main source of fuel.

Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the most underrated airplane snacks. It’s light, easy to portion, and doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. Air-popped or lightly seasoned versions travel well and don’t get greasy.

Popcorn also gives you something to munch on slowly during longer flights, which helps pass the time. A perfect pairing for your in-flight entertainment, be it a movie or TV show! Be careful in how you pack it, though. It can get crushed easily.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Want a little more sustenance? Consider making a PB&J at home before you head out the door! This is one of the best airplane snacks because it’s familiar, simple, nutritious, and easy to make. You get a good mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. 

Using thicker bread helps prevent sogginess. It’s best for short to medium flights, since freshness matters. Pack it in foil or a reusable wrap so it doesn’t get crushed in your bag.

Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps are crunchy, salty, and completely shelf-stable. We’re not talking about stuff like Cheeze-Itz, though. We’re talking the real deal. They satisfy the urge for chips without grease or crumbs, and they don’t have to be refrigerated.

A small bag goes a long way when you want something savory during a long flight. They’re also quiet to eat, which matters more than people admit on packed planes. Pack them where they won’t get crushed, or accept a few broken pieces as the price of convenience.

Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix

Mixed nuts and trail mix work well on planes because they’re calorie-dense and easy to snack on slowly. A small portion can carry you through delays or skipped meals without taking up much space. They hold up well at altitude and don’t melt or leak. You can make your own, too, for more control over the ingredients!

Rice Cakes

They may not be the most exciting or flavorful snacks for airplane travel, but rice cakes are light, neutral, and easy on the stomach. That’s good enough for some people! You won’t have to worry about grease on your hands or digestion issues, either. 

Our advice if you’re going to go with these plane snacks is to pair them with other snacks like nut butter packets or cheese crisps. They’re more filler than fuel on their own.

Dehydrated Fruit

Another one of the best airplane snacks for the vegans or vegetarians reading along - dehydrated fruit like mango, apple rings, pineapple, and banana chips. They’re a sweet, travel-friendly snack that’s always mess-free.

They’re compact and don’t bruise like fresh fruit, and a little goes a long way since the sugar is so concentrated. Just make sure to pack other options from our list of the best snacks to bring on a plane, because you need some protein and fat to go with the carbs and sugar. 

Crackers or Flatbread Crisps

Crackers and flatbread crisps are durable, shelf-stable, and easy to eat in tight spaces. They don’t crumble as badly as chips and work well on their own or with nut butter or cheese snacks. 

Flatbread-style crisps tend to hold up better in bags than thinner crackers. Again, though, they’re more of a comfort snack than a filling one, so use them to round out your snack bag rather than replace a meal.

Whole Fruit 

Whole fruit is TSA-friendly, hydrating, and refreshing during flights. Apples, oranges, and bananas travel best since they don’t bruise easily and don’t require cutting. Fruit helps counter the dry cabin air and gives you quick energy without heaviness.

Again, though, you’re only getting carbs and sugar here - you need some variety in your backpack or personal item to fill in the nutritional gaps.

Protein Powder

This is among the best low-calorie high-protein snacks, and it makes perfect sense for the airport as well. Just pack a shaker bottle with protein powder and add water at your convenience. Shake it up and toss it back for 20-30g of protein!

The problem is, protein powder on its own isn’t very filling - especially whey, which is the fastest absorbing (and most common) option. You can find better protein powder alternatives for your next trip, but this works if you’re desperate for a quick hit of protein.

Tips on Packing Snacks for a Flight

There you have it, all the best airplane snacks! But how you go about packing them matters just as much as the snacks you choose for your flight. Here are some tips as you prepare for takeoff:

• Stick to dry, solid foods: Liquids, spreads, and anything scoopable invite TSA issues and messes in your bag.
• Pre-portion everything: This is to protect you from yourself, because it’s so easy to overeat when you’re stuck in your seat for hours. 
• Choose snacks that don’t crush easily: Flat, dense snacks hold up better than anything airy or fragile.
• Avoid strong smells: What seems fine at home can feel awkward in a packed cabin.
• Pack snacks where you can reach them: A seat-back pocket or top pouch in our personal item beats digging through your carry-on mid-flight.
• Plan for delays: Bring more than you think you’ll need, especially on connecting flights.
• Balance filling and light options: One hearty snack plus a few lighter ones - per flight.
• Skip anything sticky or greasy: You don’t want to have to push through the cabin to go wash your hands after indulging.

Pack smart, and your flight feels a lot shorter and less hectic. 

Bringing Our Guide on the Best Airplane Snacks to a Close

The best snacks to bring on a plane travel well, taste good at altitude, and keep you satisfied when airport food falls short. You have plenty of options on this listof the best airplane snacks, so get to packing! 

Whether you’re looking for the best airplane snacks or snacks for fishing, golf snacks, or anything in between, you can’t beat Carnivore Snax. Find out what makes our high-fat snacks a must-have on your upcoming trip - order now!

Frequently asked questions

What food should I pack for a long flight?

You need snacks that are shelf-stable, filling, and easy to eat, like protein-based snacks, nuts, bars, or meat chips that won’t leave you hungry an hour later.

Are certain snacks TSA-approved?

Anything solid should be fine - liquids is where you’ll run into issues. 

Can snacks go in your carry-on?

Yes, snacks can go in your carry-on or personal item with no issue, as long as they aren’t liquid or gel-based beyond TSA limits.

What foods won’t travel well through the airport?

Messy, greasy, strongly scented, or perishable foods don’t hold up well, especially during delays or flights with connections.

Can I make my own sandwich and pack that for a flight?

Absolutely - homemade sandwiches travel fine, especially simple PB&Js. Anything with deli meat, cheese, or mayo is going to pose an issue, though.