Flying with kids can be an adventure – a fun one, mostly! But let’s be honest, those long stretches in the sky can sometimes feel like an eternity, especially when tiny tummies start rumbling. That’s where a well-packed arsenal of best snacks for airplane for kids comes into play. The right snacks aren’t just about satisfying hunger; they’re also excellent boredom busters and can even help manage ear pressure during ascent and descent.
Forget the overpriced, unhealthy airport options. With a little planning, you can make your journey smoother, quieter, and much more enjoyable for everyone involved. We’re talking about mess-free, delicious, and engaging options that will keep your little travelers content from takeoff to landing.
Why Choosing the Right Airplane Snacks Matters
When you’re stuck in a confined space for hours, your snack choices can make or break the experience. Here’s why thoughtfully selected airplane snacks for kids are a game-changer:
- Boredom Busting: Munching can be an activity in itself, keeping little hands and mouths busy.
- Preventing Meltdowns: Low blood sugar can turn a happy child into a grumpy one in seconds. Regular small snacks keep energy levels stable.
- Healthier Options: You control the ingredients, avoiding excessive sugar, salt, and artificial additives often found in store-bought options.
- Saving Money: Airport and in-flight snacks can be incredibly expensive. Packing your own saves a good chunk of change.
- Mess Management: The right portable snacks minimize crumbs, stickiness, and spills, which is crucial in tight quarters.
- Dietary Needs: Easier to cater to allergies or preferences when you pack from home.
Ready to pack like a pro? Let’s dive into some of the top products that will make flying with your little ones a breeze.
Our Top 7 Best Snacks for Airplane for Kids (and Smart Snack Gear!)
Here are our top picks, ranging from delicious munchables to ingenious snack organizers, designed to make your next flight fuss-free.
Pirate’s Booty Aged White Cheddar and Cheddar Blast Cheese Puffs Variety Pack
When it comes to the best snacks for airplane for kids, Pirate’s Booty often sails to the top of the list! These light, airy, and cheesy puffs are a hit with most kids, offering that satisfying crunch without the heavy grease. What makes them particularly great for travel is their minimal mess factor – no sticky fingers or chocolate smudges to clean up, and they’re a fantastic alternative to traditional potato chips for a lighter snack.
- Contains 18 snack-size bags in a variety pack (Aged White Cheddar and Cheddar Blast).
- Always gluten-free, peanut & tree nut free, and contain no artificial colors.
- Baked, not fried, made with real cheese and a blend of rice and corn puffs.
- Great for any matey looking for a convenient and tasty snack.
Pros:
– Individual bags are perfect for portion control and hygiene.
– Allergy-friendly (gluten, peanut, tree nut free).
– Baked, not fried, making them a lighter option.
– Minimal mess, easy to eat in tight spaces.
Cons:
– Can be a bit dusty (cheesy powder) if kids aren’t careful.
– May not be filling enough for older kids on its own.
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise Pirate’s Booty for being a safe, delicious, and convenient snack, especially for kids with allergies. Many consider it a go-to for school lunches and travel alike, noting how much kids love the cheesy flavor.
Fun N Fly Foldable Travel Tray – Blue Red Portable
Okay, this isn’t a snack itself, but it’s an absolute game-changer for airplane snacking and entertainment! The Fun N Fly Foldable Travel Tray transforms your child’s cramped airplane seat into a multi-purpose play and snack zone. No more worrying about snacks rolling off the tray table or toys getting lost under seats – this ingenious tray keeps everything contained and within easy reach, making it one of the most useful travel accessories for feeding little ones on the go.
- Child-safe, multi-purpose play space designed for airplane travel.
- Folds and unfolds in seconds for quick setup.
- Durable and machine washable for easy cleanup of spills.
- Features mesh pockets, a cup holder, a folding front panel, and adjustable straps to keep items secure.
- Fits most standard airline tray tables.
Pros:
– Keeps snacks and toys contained, preventing messes and lost items.
– Provides a clean and stable surface for eating and playing.
– Folds compactly for easy storage.
– Machine washable for ultimate convenience.
Cons:
– Takes up a bit of space when set up on the tray table.
– Might be too large for very small children to comfortably use.
User Impressions: This travel tray is a lifesaver for parents, frequently highlighted for its ability to keep kids entertained and their belongings (including snacks!) organized on flights. Users love its sturdy design and the convenience of being able to wash it.
Genuine Fred MATCH UP Memory Snack Tray, Fun Interactive
This isn’t just a snack tray; it’s a “snacktivity”! The Genuine Fred MATCH UP Memory Snack Tray combines the fun of a memory game with the practicality of snack time. Fill the compartments with different small treats, and kids get to pop open doors to find matching pairs – a tasty reward for every correct match. It’s an incredibly engaging way to serve up the best snacks for airplane for kids, keeping them entertained and focused during long stretches of travel.
- Interactive snack tray that doubles as a memory game.
- Unique design with 18 compartments for small snacks (e.g., goldfish, fruit, nuts, pretzels).
- Constructed from BPA-free, food-safe plastic with tight-closing pop-up doors.
- Travel-friendly size (10” x 8.75”) and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Encourages healthy eating and is great for picky eaters.
Pros:
– Engages kids mentally and provides a fun activity during snack time.
– Perfect for offering a variety of healthy small snacks.
– BPA-free and durable.
– Easy to clean and travel-friendly.
Cons:
– Requires pre-filling with individual snacks, which takes prep time.
– Some smaller snacks might be tricky for very tiny hands to retrieve from deep compartments.
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about this tray’s creativity and effectiveness in making snack time exciting. Parents of picky eaters, in particular, find it a brilliant tool for encouraging children to try new foods and stay engaged on trips.
MENZOKE Kids Travel Tray, Travel Tray for Kids Car Seat
While listed as a car seat tray, the MENZOKE Kids Travel Tray is equally phenomenal for airplane travel, especially for younger kids who need a dedicated, stable surface for activities and, of course, their best snacks for airplane for kids. This robust tray creates a personal little world for your child, complete with a dry erase board, storage pockets, and a cup holder, preventing spills and keeping everything tidy.
- Sturdy and specially designed for long-distance travel, suitable for children 12 and under.
- Large 16.5″ x 13″ dry erase board (comes with educational papers) for drawing and learning.
- Portable design with a detachable adjustable strap for securing to a car seat or child’s lap.
- Features a cooler cup holder, two zipper pockets, pen holders, and collapsible storage organizers.
- Raised soft edges prevent items from falling off.
Pros:
– Provides a large, stable, and clean surface for eating and activities.
– Lots of storage pockets keep essentials organized and accessible.
– Dry erase board offers a built-in entertainment option.
– Raised edges help contain spills and wandering items.
Cons:
– Might be a bit bulky to carry if you’re already loaded down.
– Requires a child to be sitting somewhat independently to use effectively.
User Impressions: Often called a “life saver” for travel, parents love how much this tray keeps kids entertained and organized. The dry erase feature and ample storage are frequently praised for making long journeys more manageable and mess-free.
Lusso Gear Kids Airplane Tray Table Cover with Pockets – Mermaids
Elevate your child’s plane travel experience with the Lusso Gear Kids Airplane Tray Table Cover. This isn’t just a cover; it’s a hygienic barrier, entertainment hub, and snack catcher all rolled into one. If you’re concerned about germy airplane surfaces (and who isn’t?), this cover provides a clean, personalized space for your little one to eat their best snacks for airplane for kids and play. The fun Mermaids pattern adds a touch of style!
- Transforms germy airplane trays into a clean, personal space.
- All-in-one toddler travel essential with a tablet holder and snack catcher.
- Available in five chic patterns, including Mermaids.
- Designed to fit travelers of all ages, from babies to adults.
- Durable and machine washable for easy cleaning.
Pros:
– Provides a clean and hygienic surface for eating and playing.
– Integrated tablet holder for hands-free entertainment.
– Acts as a snack catcher, minimizing dropped food.
– Stylish designs appeal to kids.
– Machine washable for hassle-free cleanup.
Cons:
– May not fit unusually sized tray tables perfectly.
– Requires pulling out and setting up upon boarding.
User Impressions: Parents appreciate the peace of mind this cover offers regarding cleanliness. The integrated tablet holder and ability to catch crumbs are frequently mentioned as standout features, making plane travel with kids a much neater affair.
GoBe Kids Small Snack Spinner Flip Bundle with Hand Strap
The GoBe Kids Small Snack Spinner is designed for interactive, mess-free snacking, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of best snacks for airplane for kids accessories. Kids love the “spin-and-choose” feature, letting them independently select their snack from five different compartments. It’s a fun way to offer variety, encourage healthy eating, and keep them engaged during a flight.
- Features 5 snacking compartments with an interactive button for spinning.
- Combines snack bowls and cups into one lightweight, easy-to-use container.
- Each compartment holds 1/4 cup of solid food, perfect for portion control.
- BPA and PVC free, made from durable polypropylene, and top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Transparent, airtight, and leakproof lid (for solid food) reduces messes.
Pros:
– Interactive design makes snacking a fun activity for kids.
– Encourages variety and independent snack choices.
– Portion-perfect compartments.
– Airtight lid helps keep snacks fresh and prevents spills (for solids).
– Durable, safe, and easy to clean.
Cons:
– Only suitable for solid snacks, not liquids or very moist foods.
– Might be too small for older kids with larger appetites.
User Impressions: This snack spinner is a big hit with kids, who enjoy the novelty of spinning for their treats. Parents love that it promotes independent eating and helps introduce a variety of snacks without creating a huge mess.
melii Snackle Box – 12-Compartment Divided Snack Container
For the ultimate in snack organization and variety, look no further than the melii Snackle Box. With 12 spacious, adjustable compartments, this container is a dream for parents wanting to pack an array of best snacks for airplane for kids. From fruit pieces and crackers to cheese cubes and small cookies, you can cater to every craving while keeping everything neatly separated and fresh. It’s truly a multi-purpose powerhouse for on-the-go nibblers.
- Multi-purpose divided snack and storage container with 12 spacious compartments.
- BPA-free, 100% food-safe plastic construction.
- Versatile for all ages – great for kids’ snacks or organizing small items for adults.
- Easy-to-open and close clear lid, designed for little hands.
- Removable and adjustable dividers for custom storage.
- Compact, portable, and convenient with a secure snap-lock lid.
Pros:
– Offers extensive variety with 12 compartments.
– Adjustable dividers allow for customization of compartment sizes.
– Easy for kids to open and close independently.
– BPA-free and durable construction.
– Highly versatile for snacks, crafts, or small item organization.
Cons:
– Not leakproof for very wet items (like yogurt or applesauce).
– The number of compartments might be overkill for very short flights.
User Impressions: Users consistently praise the melii Snackle Box for its incredible versatility and robust design. Parents love being able to pack a wide range of snacks, and the adjustable dividers make it super functional for different needs.
Tips for Packing Airplane Snacks for Kids
Beyond choosing the right snacks, how you pack them makes a huge difference:
- Go for Low-Mess Options: Think dry, non-crumbly, and non-sticky. Pre-cut fruits, crackers, cheese sticks, puffed snacks, and dry cereal are excellent choices.
- Pack in Layers: Use reusable snack bags or containers for different items to keep them fresh and separated. Our reviewed snack containers are perfect for this!
- Don’t Forget Hydration: While water isn’t a snack, it’s essential. Bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it after security. Small juice boxes can also be good for a treat.
- Bring Wipes, Always: Sticky fingers are inevitable. Pack plenty of hand wipes or baby wipes for quick cleanups.
- Overpack, Don’t Underpack: It’s always better to have too many snacks than too few. Delays happen, and hungry kids are unhappy kids.
- Consider Ear Popping: Hard candies, lollipops, or chewy fruit snacks can help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing by encouraging swallowing.
- Nut-Free Zone: Be mindful of other passengers with severe nut allergies. Opt for nut-free snacks to be considerate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of snacks are best for toddlers on a plane?
A1: For toddlers, focus on small, easy-to-chew, and mess-free options. Think pre-cut fruit (grapes, berries), soft cheese sticks, yogurt melts, whole-grain crackers, dry cereal, fruit pouches, and small puffs. Avoid anything that can be a choking hazard or overly sticky.
Q2: How do I keep snacks fresh on a long flight?
A2: For perishable items like cheese or fruit, use an insulated bag with a small ice pack. Pack snacks in airtight containers (like the GoBe Kids Spinner or melii Snackle Box) to maintain freshness. Dry snacks like crackers or pretzels usually last well on their own.
Q3: Can I bring homemade snacks on a plane?
A3: Absolutely! Homemade snacks are often the healthiest and most cost-effective. Just ensure they adhere to TSA liquid rules if they contain any liquid (e.g., hummus or dips should be in containers 3.4 oz or less). Solid foods generally have no restrictions.
Q4: What snacks should I avoid on an airplane?
A4: Try to avoid anything excessively sticky (like gooey caramels), super crumbly (some cookies), strong-smelling foods, and anything that requires refrigeration if you don’t have an ice pack. Also, be wary of overly sugary snacks that might lead to a sugar crash mid-flight.
Q5: How many snacks should I pack for a flight?
A5: A good rule of thumb is to pack at least one snack for every hour of travel, plus a few extras for unexpected delays. It’s always better to have too many options to keep boredom at bay and hunger satisfied.
Q6: Are there any restrictions on liquids for snacks?
A6: Yes, for carry-on bags, the TSA “3-1-1” rule applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols. This means any liquid-based snacks (like yogurt, applesauce pouches, or dips) must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and fit in one quart-sized bag per passenger. Breast milk and formula for infants are exempt from this rule and can be brought in larger quantities.
Q7: What if my child is a picky eater on the plane?
A7: Pack familiar “safe foods” that your child consistently enjoys. This isn’t the time to introduce new foods! Offer a variety of their favorites in small portions, perhaps using an interactive container like the GoBe Kids Snack Spinner or the Match Up tray to make it more engaging.
Happy Travels!
Flying with kids can be a truly wonderful experience, and having the best snacks for airplane for kids packed strategically is a cornerstone of smooth travels. By planning ahead and utilizing smart snack gear, you’ll not only curb hunger and boredom but also create a much more relaxed and enjoyable journey for your entire family. Happy flying!