10 Airplane Snacks for A Happier (and Quieter) Flight

Planning and executing a successful family vacation takes exhaustive hours of careful research and preparation. You’re navigating arguments about Disney vs Yellowstone. You’re counting suitcases. And you’re trying to figure out which stuffed animals will fit (sorry, Princess Narwhal). –

And then there’s the flight.  

Shepherding hangry kids into the back rows of economy class while maintaining composure? That requires a calm, almost military precision only the most elite parents have cultivated. Luckily, we at Lorissa’s are here to walk you through the preflight checklist with our proven airplane snacks. 

Let’s buckle you in for a buffet at 30,000 feet that’ll please even the most challenging of eaters. Here are 10 easy-to-pack, nutritious portable snacks that are “clear for takeoff.”

What Kind of Snacks Can You Take on a Plane?

First, let’s talk logistics. From baby food to fresh produce, TSA has detailed regulations on what you can and can’t bring through airport security checkpoints. The most important is the “3-1-1 rule” (a handy and helpful shorthand!) which states that:

• Each liquid or gel item must be 3.4 ounces or less.

• All your liquid and gel foods and toiletries must fit in one (1) single, clear quart-sized bag.

• Each passenger is allowed only one (1) quart-sized bag of liquid and gel items. 

The good news is that most solid food items can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. The bad news is that the “liquid or gel” distinction applies to a wide range of food items, including salsa, salad dressing, yogurt, peanut butter, hummus, and other paste-like spreads. Boo. 

International traveler? There may be restrictions on fresh fruits and vegetables based on your destination. This is also true of return flights to the mainland U.S., including flights from Hawaii and several Caribbean locations. If you’re packing snacks for international flights, be sure to check requirements.

The Best Airplane Snacks for Families

You’ll be stuck in seats that restrict your ability to do so much as scratch your ankle, let alone prepare a proper lunch. You need a stockpile of rations that:

• Are portable or individually packaged

• Are easy to access

• Don’t require refrigeration

• Satisfy temperamental appetites

• Provide crucial nutrition

• Aren’t sticky or messy

• Last the duration of the flight

• Won’t offend your neighbor (leave the tuna at home)

Let’s look at how you can feed everyone in your tour group while ticking the boxes above. Here are 10 tried-and-true snack ideas for the friendly skies:

1.  Meat Your Connecting Flight With Lorissa’s

Yeah, that’s right: meat is a verb now, and meat sticks are a sure way to keep frequent flyers from frequent hunger pains. All products from Lorissa’s are certified top 9 allergen-free and gluten-free and are a quality source of protein. 

Our ready-to-travel snack options come in a variety of flavors to keep everyone on your itinerary satisfied:

• Smoke Show Beef Sticks: A classic savory stick, sure to please all eaters.

• Heat Seeker Jalapeño Beef Sticks: For those who like it hot.

• Chicka Boom Chicken Sticks: Chicken and chili make a tangy alternative.

• Herb-A-Licious Turkey Stick: Savory goodness that won’t cause turbulence.

2. Raise the (Protein) Bar or Have a Ball

Keep a box or three of your favorite protein bars on hand so you always have a satisfying and portable carry-on treat ready to pack.

For a fun and flavorful change of flight path, consider making your own energy balls. Customize the flavors and use ingredients that accommodate your family’s food allergies and preferences.

3. Slice Through the Air

Apples. Carrots. Cukes. Grapes. Peppers. Shall we continue? There are so many fruits and veggies to keep your troopers busy and fortified. Just be sure to prep things ahead of time. That way, you have fresh produce ready for clearance. And remember: Fruits and vegetables may have restrictions, so check!

4. Blaze a Trail 

Nuts and trail mix (or scroggin, as the Aussies and Kiwis call it) is a sure-fire source of fiber to help keep you full for red-eye departures and early morning returns. Buy individual packets for easy distribution or make your own to ensure your preferred balance of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit.  

5. Travel Concessions 

In-flight movies aren’t the same without the proper snacks. When you need food to bring on a plane, especially for longer flights, popcorn and pretzels are the ticket. Buy bulk packs of small bags and hand them out throughout the flight. 

6. Runway Sweets

What’s your favorite sweet treat? Candy bars, fruit snacks, and gummy worms can be used to reward well-behaved travelers, including yourself. But beware: A sugar high could make younger passengers antsy and increase your cabin pressure when there are several hours to go.

7. Bake Off Before Take Off

Baked goods travel well, and muffins can be made in a seemingly endless variety of sizes and flavors to meet your tastes, preferences, and packing constraints. Have a family baking spree before your trip and let everyone create a muffin (or three) to meet their needs. 

You could even theme them for your travels: Add pineapple or citrus for tropical destinations, maple for northern forests, or seeds for midwest prairies.

8. The Gran(ola) Tour

Sweet, salty, and nourishing! Our favorites. Like trail mix, a custom granola mix with oats, fruit, nuts, honey, dates, and other ingredients adds some fun and variety to your snacks. Add to an existing commercial blend or make your own from scratch. It’s the breakfast of champions, no matter what time zone you’re traveling through. 

9. Standby for Standards

Are you facing long travel days where you need to plan meals ahead? Nothing satisfies like a homemade sandwich or wrap. They’re standards for a reason! Let each member of your family choose and make their favorite. 

Snacks for International Flights

If you’re flying across international lines, you need more than a good book. You need a healthy variety of snacks with good protein content for long-lasting energy. Lorissa's meat sticks are a perfect complement to any of the above snacks, especially for families looking to get through customs without declaring their sanity.

Remember that fresh fruits and vegetables may be restricted, depending on your destination, so be sure to check before you hop into that rideshare. 

Make Lorissa’s Your New Travel Buddy!

Get ready to check your hunger at the gate! Travel is a rewarding experience for families, but don’t start off on the wrong flight by neglecting to pack the right airplane snacks. Lorissa’s makes it easy to fuel your next adventure.