20 Foods You Can Take On A Plane

Packing the right snacks can save you money, time, and midair hanger. Many foods are TSA friendly if you follow simple rules about liquids, packaging, and freshness. Think compact bites that do not spill, smell, or crumble everywhere. Here are reliable, traveler tested foods you can carry on without stress, plus tips to keep things tidy and delicious.

1. Whole Apples

Whole apples are sturdy, refreshing, and TSA friendly. Keep them whole to avoid browning and stickiness in your bag, then slice mid flight if needed. Choose smaller apples to fit easily in your personal item and reduce waste.

Pack a napkin and a small compostable bag for cores so you do not leave trash rolling around. Pair with nuts or cheese for a more satisfying bite. Avoid extra juicy varieties that can drip when you finally crunch in.

2. String Cheese

Individually wrapped string cheese is perfect for flights. It is solid, not a liquid, so it passes TSA easily when kept in its packaging. The mild smell keeps your row mates happy while giving you protein to stay full longer.

Keep it cool with a small ice pack, which is allowed if fully frozen at screening. Pair with crackers or fruit for a balanced mini meal. Eat it early in the flight so it stays pleasantly firm and not overly warm.

3. Trail Mix

Trail mix brings energy, crunch, and variety in a compact container. Stick to mixes with nuts, seeds, and a little dried fruit to avoid sugar crashes. Avoid yogurt covered pieces that may melt into a sticky mess under warm cabin conditions.

Pre portion into small bags to manage hunger and keep crumbs under control. Add a pinch of salt for electrolytes on long flights. If there are allergies in your group, choose a nut free version and label your bag clearly for courtesy.

4. Granola Bars

Granola bars travel well and deliver quick fuel. Choose softer bars that do not explode into crumbs the moment you open them. Look for lower sugar options and a little protein so you avoid a crash mid flight.

Keep them in easy reach for turbulence friendly snacking. If you pack chocolate coated bars, tuck them deeper in your bag to reduce melting. Consider oat based or date based bars that hold together when jostled in your carry on.

5. Peanut Butter Packets

Single serve peanut butter packets are convenient but count as liquids or gels under TSA rules. Keep them at or under 3.4 ounces and place them in your quart sized bag. Pair with crackers, rice cakes, or apple slices for a filling snack.

To avoid mess, knead the packet before opening and squeeze carefully. Consider almond or sunflower butter if peanut allergies might be nearby. Wipe surfaces after eating so no residue lingers on shared armrests.

6. Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are lightweight and surprisingly versatile. They can be paired with nut butter packets or cheese for crunch without crumbs. Choose smaller rounds to fit containers and reduce breakage in your backpack or tote.

Because they are dry, sip water as you snack to stay comfortable. Pack them in a hard sided container if you hate crushed edges. To keep flavors interesting, try multigrain or lightly salted varieties that still remain cabin considerate.

7. Hummus Cups

Hummus cups are satisfying but fall under the liquids rule. Keep each cup at or below 3.4 ounces and place them in your quart sized bag for screening. Pair with carrot sticks, cucumber spears, or pretzels for balanced snacking.

Choose thicker hummus to reduce spill risk in turbulence. Bring a small spoon to avoid dipping directly if the cup is deep. If you cannot find mini cups, transfer to a tiny container with a tight lid that meets TSA limits.

8. Baby Carrots

Baby carrots bring crunch, hydration, and vitamins without mess. They are solid, so TSA friendly, and they hold up well without refrigeration for several hours. Rinse them before packing to avoid drips inside your bag.

Combine with hummus or a cheese stick for a more filling snack. Keep portions modest to avoid juggling during turbulence. If you are sensitive to strong smells, carrots are a polite, neutral choice for tight cabin spaces.

9. Bananas

Bananas are portable and naturally packaged. They are allowed through security domestically, though fresh produce may face restrictions when entering certain international destinations. Choose firm bananas to reduce bruising inside your bag.

Open carefully to avoid stringy bits on the seat or tray. Keep a small bag for peels so you do not scramble for trash service. Pair with nuts for sustained energy and to balance the fruit sugars during long flights.

10. Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs deliver protein in a compact form. Peel them at home and rinse to minimize odor, then chill until departure. Keep them in a tight container with a napkin to manage condensation and any lingering smell.

Eat early in the flight for best texture and food safety. A little salt or everything seasoning adds flavor without mess. If cabin etiquette worries you, crack a window shade for ventilation and keep portions considerate.

11. Turkey Sandwich

A turkey sandwich is a classic bring aboard meal. Build it with sturdy bread, dry turkey, lettuce, and a thin cheese slice to avoid sogginess. Skip tomatoes and heavy sauces, or pack condiments separately in TSA sized packets.

Wrap tightly in parchment and then a zip bag to contain crumbs. Cut into halves for easier eating during turbulence. Add mustard after security if you prefer, keeping packets within liquid limits for a smooth screening experience.

12. Greek Yogurt Cups

Greek yogurt is creamy and filling but considered a liquid or gel by TSA. Bring 3.4 ounce mini cups in your quart bag or buy larger ones past security. Choose thicker yogurt to reduce sloshing and spills.

Add granola or nuts at the last second so it stays crunchy. Pack a compact spoon and a napkin for cleanup. If you prefer dairy free options, coconut or almond yogurt works too, as long as it meets the same size rule.

13. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit gives you sweetness without refrigeration. Apricots, mango, and raisins pack easily and resist squishing in transit. Go for unsweetened varieties to keep your energy steady and your teeth happy during a long flight.

Mix with nuts for a balanced snack that satisfies cravings. Portion into tiny containers to avoid sticky fingers in tight seats. Keep a wet wipe handy, especially for sugary varieties that can leave residue on your fingertips and tray table.

14. Crackers

Crackers offer crunch without overpowering smells. Choose sturdier, whole grain varieties that do not shatter instantly. Hard sided tins keep them intact and minimize crumbs spreading under your neighbor’s seat.

Pair with cheese, tuna packets, or nut butter for real staying power. Bring napkins to brush away tiny flakes after eating. If you expect turbulence, pre portion smaller stacks so you can nibble without fumbling a full sleeve on a shaky tray.

15. Instant Oatmeal Packets

Instant oatmeal is a warm, comforting option for early flights. Pack plain packets and ask the flight attendant for hot water after takeoff. Stir slowly in a travel friendly cup to avoid splashes on your clothes and seat.

Add nuts or dried fruit you already packed for texture. Choose quick cooking varieties that thicken fast in modest water. Be mindful of fragrance if using flavored packets, selecting subtle options that will not overwhelm the cabin.

16. Tuna Packets

Tuna packets are protein dense and shelf stable, perfect for long travel days. Opt for pouches instead of cans to skip sharp edges and openers. Drain carefully into a napkin if needed, then mix with mustard packets for flavor without mayo.

Open discreetly to minimize smell and eat promptly. Pair with crackers or cucumber slices for crunch. Dispose of the pouch quickly in a sealed bag so residual scent does not linger in the surrounding seats during your flight.

17. Jerky

Jerky delivers long lasting protein without refrigeration. Choose lower sodium options to avoid getting extra thirsty in the dry cabin air. Pre open the bag at home to check for tough pieces that might be hard to chew quietly mid flight.

Turkey or plant based jerky can be gentler in aroma. Keep a small resealable bag for leftovers to control smells. Sip water between bites and be considerate of nearby passengers who may be sensitive to strong flavors.

18. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate feels like a treat without a sugar rush. Break it into squares before packing so it is easy to portion during turbulence. Choose bars with higher cacao content that resist melting and have minimal added oils.

Store in a small tin or wrapper inside a zip bag to catch flakes. Pair with nuts or coffee for a moment of in flight calm. Avoid filled chocolates that ooze under pressure or temperature changes in the cabin.

19. Couscous Salad

Couscous salad travels better than leafy greens. It is less likely to wilt and handles room temperature for a few hours. Dress lightly to avoid sogginess and keep any extra vinaigrette in a tiny TSA compliant container if needed.

Add chickpeas, diced cucumber, and herbs for freshness without strong odors. Use a fork and napkin to manage stray grains. Pack it tightly so the couscous does not bounce out when the plane hits a little turbulence.

20. Energy Bites

Energy bites are compact, satisfying, and easy to customize. Blend oats, nut butter, seeds, and a touch of honey, then chill into small balls. They are solid, so they breeze through TSA when packed in a simple container.

Dust lightly with shredded coconut to reduce stickiness. Keep portions small so they are one or two bites each, making turbulence snacking simpler. For variety, rotate flavors like cocoa, cinnamon, or espresso for a subtle pick me up mid flight.