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Snacks are a necessary tool when you have kids. They prevent meltdowns and can encourage good behavior. However, snacks are even more important when flying with kids. On an airplane, snacks can save you from temper tantrums and keep kids occupied. But, not all snacks are created equal. Here is a list of the best airplane snacks for kids, which are guaranteed to help you have better flights with your family.
The Best Airplane Snacks for Kids
There are actually a lot of great options when it comes to picking airplane snacks for kids. Some of these are more suited for older kids, while others are perfect for little ones. And still others can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. Many of these choices are healthy, while a few of them are just yummy treats.
1. Goldfish
Goldfish are a universal favorite snack for kids of all ages. They make a great airplane snack because they are not messy, they take up very little space, and they won’t spoil.
2. Annie’s Bunnies
Annie’s Bunnies are similar to goldfish. They are good airplane snacks for kids for the same reasons as above.
3. Pretzels
Pretzels are a smart airplane snack for older kids. They are durable, portable, and can be eaten anywhere. I recommend grabbing some of the small bags to throw in your carry-on for the flight.
4. Ritz Crackers
Ritz crackers are perfect if you have kids of varying ages. Even babies can enjoy gumming on one of these buttery discs. And, other than crumbs, they are mess-free.
5. Gummy Bears
If you are looking for something a little sweeter, look no further than gummy bears. They are easy for kids to eat and, generally, don’t involve sticky hands. And, as a bonus, you can usually find them in airport gift shops.
6. Cheerios
Cheerios are another universal favorite of kids. It seems like every mom starts buying Cheerios when her first kid is a baby! Throw some in a ziploc bag and take them with you on the plane. Chances are, the bag will be empty by the time you reach your destination.
7. Cookies
Another sweet option is cookies. Whether your family likes Oreos, sugar cookies, or oatmeal raisin, they are sure to be a hit on the plane. I recommend staying away from anything with chocolate, though, because they can get messy if the chocolate melts.
8. Grapes
For a healthy choice, my favorite airplane snack is grapes. My son loves them. They aren’t messy and don’t need to be kept cold. If your kids like them cold, freeze them before putting them in your bag. Just be sure you pack the seedless variety.
9. Apple Slices
Apple slices is another wonderful airplane snack for kids. To avoid them turning brown, either pack store-bought slices or squeeze some lemon juice on them after you cut them up.
10. Graham Crackers
Many young children love graham crackers. They make smart airplane snacks for kids because they are easy to tote and will leave your kids nice and clean. Both the traditional crackers and the bear shaped ones are great for flights.
11. Popcorn
Popcorn is a crowd pleaser in any setting. You can buy small bags of already-popped popcorn or you can pop your own and put it in ziploc bags. Either way, your kids will love it.
12. Sandwich Crackers
Whether you prefer cheese or peanut butter, sandwich crackers are great for taking on airplanes because of their portability. They can fill little bellies without making a kid-size mess.
13. Animal Crackers
Another snack loved by kids and moms alike is animal crackers. Buy some individual boxes or fill some ziploc bags and throw them into your carry-on bag. They are guaranteed to hold off the hunger pains while in the air.
14. Cheezits
Cheezits have always been one of my favorite snacks. The little cheezy square crackers are a good pick when your kids want a crunchy bite.
15. Dried Fruit
Packages of dried fruit make great airplane snacks for kids. Choose from banana chips, dried cherries, raisins, or other dried fruit. They take up little space, are healthy, and aren’t messy.
16. Fruit Snacks
Most kids love fruit snacks. The small packages make them perfect for taking on your flight. Pack a few for each child and you will be ready to go.
17. Trail Mix
For older kids, trail mix is a wonderful airplane snack. The varieties are endless. And it is pretty filling too.
18. Pringles
If you have a chip lover in the family, Pringles are an excellent choice for taking on airplanes. The small tubes are perfect for traveling.
19. Licorice
Another sweet treat that travels well is licorice. Grab a bag from the airport gift shop and take it with you. Your kids can snack on these fun sticks throughout the flight.
20. Cereal Bars/Granola Bars
For healthy goodness in a portable package, you can’t go wrong with cereal or granola bars. Handing one of these to your starving child midflight can curb the hunger pains until you land.
The Worst Airplane Snacks for Kids
Everything on this list of the worst airplane snacks for kids made the list simply because they are not practical for eating in the small confines of an airplane. They are simply more hassle than they are worth.
1. Cheesy Chips
Any variety of chips, such as Cheetos or Doritos, that leaves that orange cheese residue on your fingers is a bad choice for an airplane snack. Not only do you have to clean your child’s hands when they are finished, but you also have to worry about them getting the residue on everything around them.
2. Chocolate
When traveling on airplanes, you can’t control the temperature of your surroundings. Because of this, chocolate makes a terrible snack option. You can’t guarantee it won’t melt. If it does, you either end up with a huge mess or a crying kid because their snack is gone.
3. Starbursts
The biggest problem with Starbursts on an airplane is that they are individually wrapped. This means that you will have a pile of wrappers with no place to put them. Just not worth the effort.
4. Lunchables
Lunchables are wonderful for school, but not for airplanes. It is just too hard to keep them cold. The last thing you want on vacation is a child with food poisoning!
5. Yogurt
Yogurt, even in tubes, may be healthy and portable, but it is too messy for eating on airplanes. There is nothing worse than being midair and having yogurt all over everything. Plus, you can’t keep it cold or guarantee that it won’t spoil.
6. Whole Fruit
I don’t recommend whole fruit for your flight. Most of it comes with either peels, cores, or seeds that need to be thrown away. Additionally, the juice in them can make your child’s hands, face, and clothes sticky.
7. String Cheese
String cheese is another bad snack for flights because, like yogurt, it needs to be kept cold. This is difficult to do when traveling.
Conclusion
Packing snacks is an easy way to make flying with kids smoother. Snacks can prevent meltdowns and motivate your kids to behave during the trip. However, some snacks are better for airplanes than others.
This list of the best airplane snacks for kids is guaranteed to make your travels even easier. With the above good snacks in your carry-on, you are sure to have a wonderful flight.
For more on traveling with kids, see our complete guide to happy travel with kids, tips on flying with kids, preparing kids for long flights, best airplane snacks for toddlers, and common mistakes when flying with toddlers.
For road trips, see our best road trip snacks for kids.
Happy travels!
I like that you did not mention too much with peanut butter. We have been on several flights with others who have allergies and there has been an announcement asking passengers not to open anything with nuts.
Lindsay,
You have a great point about the peanut allergies. I didn’t even think about that! I generally don’t include a lot of peanut butter products because no one in my family are big fans of peanut butter. But, you’re right, it does make things easier for those with allergies.
How do you get the snacks to the plane? Every time we try to bring snacks even water it’s discarded by TSA employees. We have to purchase food after the first checkpoint
and scanning of our carryon bags.
Food courts, snack places, and restaurants are expensive in the area of the airport before boarding.
All liquids, including water, and even foods like yogurt are generally not allowed through security unless they are less than 3 ounces and in a clear ziploc bag. But, you shouldn’t have any problems getting solid snacks, such as crackers, cookies, or pretzels, through security. I have taken these snack items through security and onto planes many times over the years. Sometimes, TSA will require you to remove them from your bag during the screening process and sometimes they won’t. As far as drinks go, your best bet is to either wait until you are past security to buy them or take an empty water bottle and then fill it after you are past the security checkpoint. I hope this helps! -Christy