snack struggles on long flights: what’s actually worth packing?

Last month, I spent nearly 10 hours flying from Toronto to Los Angeles, and let me tell you, airplane food just doesn’t cut it anymore. I tried to be smart and packed a whole bunch of snacks—everything from chocolate-covered pretzels to dried mango and even a banana nut muffin. My carry-on was basically a mobile pantry. But here’s the thing: some snacks were a total hit, while others turned into a mess or just didn’t taste right at 30,000 feet. For example, I thought bringing grapes and a cup of fruit would be refreshing, but by hour six, they were a soggy disaster. The Nature Valley bar crumbled everywhere (seriously, those crumbs are still in my bag), and the cheese didn’t survive the eight-hour mark. On the other hand, peanut butter Ritz and those tiny gas station donuts were a lifesaver—no mess, no fuss, and they actually made me feel like I was treating myself. It made me wonder: is there really a perfect snack for long flights, or are we all just settling for whatever survives the journey? I’ve tried everything from protein bars to M&Ms, but nothing seems to check all the boxes—tasty, easy to pack, and not a disaster to eat in a cramped seat. I can’t be the only one who’s ended up with melted chocolate or a crushed muffin all over my travel pillow. #travelstruggles #snackdilemma #longhaulflights #Travel