Le Question: Airplane Snacks

If you peeked into the carry-on bags of almost any traveler at the airport, amongst the passports, boarding passes and iPhone cords you’d most likely find an array of treats and snacks perfectly suited for practically every palette—a packet of salty potato chips, a bag of sour, rainbow-colored, gummy bears or even healthy alternatives like dried fruit and trail-mix—yes, it’s fair to say that almost every traveler has a specific ‘go-to’ airplane snack (what’s yours?). Here’s a glimpse of what our favorite globetrotters are nibbling on at 41,000 feet!

Aerin Lauder, Founder and Creative Director, AERIN

“When I’m traveling I love to treat myself on the plane but I also like to pack some healthy snacks as well. I typically bring a few Kind bars to have in-flight and at my destination, but there’s nothing better than those warm nuts they give you and a Bloody Mary. I also love to have a Diet Coke with ice, some potato chips, and I always have a piece of dark chocolate right before landing. It gives me the extra energy I need to start the trip right.”

Maria Duenas Jacobs, Accessories Director, Elle

“I’m crazy for granola bars and usually take a box with me whenever I travel. I love snacking so it’s nice to always have the option of popping one in your bag! Currently I’m obsessed with Fig Bars—strawberry, raspberry and fig are my favorite flavors, but they are all delicious.”

Katie Goodwin, Director of Celebrity Relations, Valentino

“I’m obsessed with peanut M&M’s. Sometimes I’ll go for Reese’s Pieces if they don’t have them.”

Brenda Diaz De La Vega, Editor-in-Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Mexico & Latin America

I bring Juicy Fruit chewing gum to pop my ears during altitude changes on the flight, Trolli sour gummy worms for mid-flight snacks, and Mariage Frères mint tea bags so that I can relax when I board the plane.

Aurelie Bidermann, Jewelry Designer

“I love picking up snacks from Juice Press in NYC. I’ll pick up almonds, spicy kale chips, goji berries, and dried fruits like bananas and apples. And I always grab coconut water at the airport. I’ll also often bring orange blossom extract on the plane to mix with hot water, as it makes you feel relaxed and helps with getting some much-needed sleep on the plane.”

Jessica Minkoff, Senior Market & Accessories Editor, Teen Vogue

“I have to have pretzels and gum & mints when I travel on the plane! I find that pretzels are the safest option because they won’t hurt your stomach or give you indigestion.”

Jessica de Ruiter, Stylist

“My fave airplane snack is chile & lime raw dried mango from Moon Juice.”

Rickie De Sole, Fashion Market & Accessories Director, W Magazine

“My airplane snack is Mango Matt’s Munchies. They don’t sell them in many airports so I usually have to buy them at the health food store near my apartment and bring them with me. It’s the perfect sweet snack that I don’t feel guilty for eating. As for airport purchases, a large bottle of water and a copy US Weekly are my guilty pleasures!”

Stephanie Steinman, Founder, LePostcard.com

“I’m actually a super nervous flyer (that’s code for: I hate flying and am totally terrified!) so I don’t like to eat a lot on planes—I almost always refuse the meal they offer, which makes snacks a necessity (especially on long flights to India or Tokyo). I am a massive sugar addict (ugh, why can’t I be addicted to carrots?!) so I always have candy with me. Sour Patch Kids are my favorite, but I’ll happily enjoy a bag of jellybeans or gummy bears as well. If I have time I’ll stop at Dylan’s Candy Bar in LA and grab a bag of sweets (but I’ll admit it’s sometimes finished by the time I’ve gone through the security line!). I also usually keep a bag of pretzels with me and sometimes I’ll bring a bag of potato chips (I love the salt & vinegar flavor). Beef jerky is also one of my fave snacks to travel with and I’ve recently become obsessed with a brand called Country Archer. They have the most insane flavors like ‘sweet jalapeño’ and ‘siracha’. It’s all-natural and soooo delicious!”

Micaela English, Senior Web Editor, Town & Country Magazine

” I always stop by Le Pain Quotidien before hitting the airport and get their toasted avocado tartine with cumin salt & chia seeds to-go. It travels well, is delicious, and keeps me full. But when I’m at the airport I also love to buy some sort of ‘sour’ snack too (let’s just call it a comfort thing). Sour Patch Kids (especially the blue-raspberry flavor!) are my favorite!”

Dylan Lauren, Founder, Dylan’s Candy Bar

“I carry a Quest Bar as a sweet-but-healthy protein option, and also incase there are any flight delays. If there is a McDonald’s at the airport, or nearby, I like a fountain Diet Coke or their chocolate chip cookies. I’m also happy with an iced coffee (from anywhere) or a skim-caramel-machiato from Starbucks because it lasts long and gives me some caffeine to do work, if needed, on the plane. I also like oatmeal raisin cookies—some airports carry the giant packaged oversized ones. I love ‘gummies’ like swedish fish, Mike and Ikes, or Twizzler Nibs, and gumballs are fun to bring too. If there’s a Dylan’s Candy Bar store in the airport I’m in (there’s one at JFK in the Jet Blue Terminal) I love to be able to pick and mix my favorites but generally I already come prepared with my bulk bag. I also buy those deluxe trail mixes—I like to pick out the various items (first the raisins, next the yogurt chips, then the cashews, etc) as it alleviates boredom. But I find reading glossy magazines with colorful pages helps to combat boredom and my need to eat too much during a long flight.”

Rebecca Taylor, Designer

“I love to bring organic popcorn, as I always need a little bit of carbs while traveling. I really like Pret’s organic popcorn—I usually make a pit stop to get some before I leave for the airport. I also like a cup of fruit (as an attempt at having a healthy snack), Altoids, and dark chocolate.”

Anita Patrickson, Celebrity Stylist

“I buy 2 huge bottles of Smart Water at the airport, and bring along a bag of Whole Foods trail mix with almonds, cashews and cranberries. I also bring mint tea bags with me in my purse and just ask the stewardess for some hot water.”