Snacking at 30,000 Feet: Which Airlines Do It Best?
When it comes to air travel, opinions vary on just about everything—aisle vs. window seat, chatty seatmates vs. quiet time, in-flight movies vs. podcasts. But there’s one thing that unites all travelers: everyone loves a good in-flight snack. Here’s a rundown of the airlines that serve up great complimentary treats in Economy.
United Airlines: Sweet or Savory? You Choose!
- Morning Flights (before 9:45 AM): Enjoy a stroopwafel, a delightful Dutch treat made of two thin waffle cookies with a gooey caramel center. Pro tip: Warm it up by placing it on top of your coffee cup.
- Later Flights: Choose from savory snack mixes with flavors like Asian or Ranch.
JetBlue: Variety Is the Spice of Flight
While the days of rummaging through snack baskets are gone, JetBlue still offers a solid lineup of snacks:
- Cheez-It® Crackers
- PopCorners® Popcorn Chips
- 88 Acres Seed Bar Thins
- Goodie Girl Cookies™ (Brown Sugar Crunchy Oat Flour)
Plus, a wide selection of hot and cold beverages to wash it all down.
Delta Air Lines: Home of the Iconic Biscoff Cookie
Delta’s Biscoff cookie has reached legendary status. This cinnamon-spiced shortbread snack even has the Delta logo stamped on it.
- Available on flights over 250 miles.
- Not a fan of Biscoff? Delta also offers Goldfish crackers and Clif bars.
American Airlines: Keeping Up with the Biscoff Craze
American Airlines jumped on the Biscoff bandwagon, offering the beloved cookie on flights longer than 4.5 hours.
- Smaller Biscoff packs are currently in rotation due to “supply chain issues,” but the full-size version is expected to return soon.
- Bonus: You can always request an extra pack if one isn’t enough.
Hawaiian Airlines: A Class Above in Dining
Hawaiian Airlines isn’t just about snacks—it’s an entire inflight dining experience:
- Complimentary meals with tropical flavors.
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages for all passengers.
While its limited route network keeps it from dominating the list, Hawaiian Airlines offers some of the tastiest onboard snacks and meals.
Southwest Airlines: Simple, But Satisfying
Southwest keeps it basic with pretzels or peanuts and a complimentary drink. It might seem minimal, but compared to other budget airlines that offer no complimentary snacks, it’s a win.
Bonus Tip: Bring Your Own Snacks (BYOS)
- Yes: You can bring your own snacks on domestic flights.
- No: Don’t bring your own alcohol unless it’s unopened (FAA rules).
Curious about in-flight drinks? Check out our post on top inflight beverages to complete your snack-and-sip experience. Happy travels and happy snacking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Are the snacks on all flights the same?
Ans. No, snack offerings can vary depending on the flight duration, destination, and airline policies.
Q. Do airlines offer gluten-free or vegan snack options?
Ans. Yes, some airlines like JetBlue and Delta offer gluten-free or vegan snacks. Always check with the airline in advance if you have specific dietary requirements.
Q. Can I request extra snacks during the flight?
Ans. Yes, you can politely request extra snacks, and flight attendants will usually accommodate if supplies allow.
Q. Are in-flight snacks complimentary on all airlines?
Ans. No, while many full-service airlines offer complimentary snacks, some budget carriers may charge for snacks or not offer them at all.
Ready to Take Your Taste Buds to New Heights?
Book your next flight today and enjoy great in-flight snacks! Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a savory bite, choose an airline that satisfies your snack cravings. Happy flying and even happier snacking!
