When I'm packing, my snacks are almost as important as my passport.
You shouldn't board a flight without some snacks. Sure, some airlines will provide a drink and a couple of snacks on the way over (or maybe a meal if it's a long flight) but I'm not a fan of the airplane food. Go figure. I'd much rather be in control of what I'll be munching on for 12+ hours, which is why I always pack my own snacks.
Luckily (or unluckily) I've had the opportunity to spend many many hours on long flights and on long layovers, and have come up with a go-to list of the best snacks to travel with, in my opinion. What foods you like is obviously a personal choice, but here are some guidelines to consider before you hop on your next flight or road trip.
I tend to pack a couple of salty/savory snacks that feel more like a meal if I skip out on whatever the plane is providing. Also, my salty snacks can sometimes be hard to pack because they are easily crushed ... which is why I either go with something like Pringles (already in a hard-to-crush container) or pack things in a jar or plastic container to be smash proof.
A word to the wise? Pack more substantial treats rather than a bag of candy unless you want to end up with a stomach ache and jet lag. I tend to pack sweeter treats on the healthier side, along with a couple of indulgent items to balance it all out.
Sometimes I pack up a few treats that work well once I get on the plane and can ask the stewardess for some hot water. I've been known to travel with tea bags (or hot chocolate packets) and a thermos for a hot drink mid-flight. Once I even packed those instant oatmeal cups and just got some hot water and had an instant breakfast.
Like everything else you're packing, your snacks must adhere to all TSA rules. You'll probably be most concerned with the liquids rules. According to the official TSA website, "You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item." Foods like peanut butter or hummus count as as creams/pastes, so they'll need to be in 3.4 ounce containers.
There are also some restrictions with fruit, nuts, spices, and other food items that you're bring into the United States. You'll need to declare any items when you're passing through customs (which is why I typically will just eat all my treats before landing back in the US to avoid the potential issue).
I always put my snacks in my personal item: remember, that's the small purse or bag that goes under the seat in front of you. That way, everything is really accessible and I don't need to stand up and grab my treats from my carryon that's stashed in the overhead bin. Wondering what else I pack in my personal item? That blog post has all the answers.
There aren't official TSA regulations when it comes to a few common courtesy rules, but you (and your neighbors) will thank you if you stick to these guidelines
Wondering where to next with all of these travel snacks?
Come see where you can volunteer with ILP! We have countries all over the world, plus we cover your flight, visa, housing, meals, and a few other perks during your semester.