More than one time the StudentUniverse office has dissolved into chaos over a never-ending debate that we just cannot agree on: if you were going on a plane trip, would you not be able to go without headphones or snacks?
Snacks, right? Thankfully, it’s probably not a choice that anyone is going to ask you to make any time soon. However, it’s not even more important to make sure you pack your snacks for the plane, as many airlines are no longer offering food and beverage services due to COVID-19.
To make sure you have the best trip possible, here is the official StudentUniverse staff-approved list of best snacks to bring on an airplane. Make sure to grab a few before you head out to the airport for your next cheap flight.
Airplane snacks for the health-conscious:
Protein bars. An easy snack to throw in your carry-on for the plane, protein or energy bars can help hold you over between meals without too many calories or unhealthy ingredients. We like RX bars, because they have very few ingredients and are still tasty.
Fruit. Make sure to pack fruit that is easy to eat without making a mess, like apples, bananas or grapes.
Veggies. Celery and carrot sticks with some hummus dip are a great, easy snack for staying healthy while flying. Just make sure your hummus is less than 3oz to stay TSA-compliant.
Dried Fruit. Some dried fruit is an easy, healthy snack for the plane. Dried mango slices, apple chips, raisins, etc. can help satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you satisfied on the plane.
Sweet snacks for the plane:
Chocolate. Need we say more?
Cookies. Both pre-packaged or homemade will do just fine to satisfy those cravings for sweets when you’re traveling.
Snacks for pretending you’re in first-class:
Make your own cheese plate. Bring a few different cheeses (make sure they’re already pre-sliced!), a few slices of deli meat, some of your favorite crackers and maybe a few grapes, and you’ll feel just like you’re flying first-class.
Make a filling grain salad. Pack a nice salad full of veggies and grains for a nice healthy and delicious meal on the plane.
Sandwich. Pack yourself a nice sandwich (with whatever you like on it) and you’ll be sure to have a much more enjoyable flight than the hangry guy next to you.
Airplane snacks for your inner-child:
Cheesy Crackers. Cheez-its or Goldfish crackers will take your right back to childhood and make your snacking thoroughly enjoyable.
Lunchables (or this adult version). Nothing will feed your inner child and make your flight enjoyable like lunchables as a snack for the plane.
Peanut Butter and Jelly. PB&J is a classic for a reason: it’s easy to make, delicious and can go a long time without being refrigerated.
Classic plane snacks:
Here’s a few of our favorite snacks you usually would be offered on the plane. If you’re looking for a real authentic experience, bring these classic snacks for the plane:
Popcorners
Terra Chips
Pretzels
And don’t forget the sky’s favorite cookie treat!
Important tips for packing snacks for the plane:
- make sure your snacks are approved by TSA.
- pack all of your snacks in one big ziploc bag so you can easily pull it out for security. (This will also protect you if anything breaks open in your bag.)
- Pack yourself napkins!
Make sure you do NOT bring these snacks for the plane:
- Nature valley granola bars. Sorry, but there are just too many crumbs!
- Tuna, or any kind of fish—don’t be that person
- Soup: it’s just too difficult to heat or to eat on a plane, and you’ll certainly regret it if there’s turbulence
- Egg salad / hard-boiled eggs: too stinky!
- Salad in the wrong type of container—you don’t want to end up with dressing all over the place
- Peanuts or other nut products. Some airlines have implemented policies asking passengers to avoid bringing nut products out of consideration for those with allergies.
- Yogurt, peanut butter, and other spreadable foods over 3oz – likely to be taken away by TSA
