What To Eat at the Airport, According to a Travel Editor

If you’ve ever found yourself browsing an airport food court, you know traveling and sticking to a regularly scheduled diet is not always synonymous. Juicy burgers, perfectly salted fries, towering sodas, sugary coffee and big pretzels … while each is delicious in its own right, one can be driven to madness as they navigate bustling terminals in search of a singular piece of fruit or fresh vegetables. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love junk food as much as the next gal, but sometimes, after being on the road, I want nothing more than to chow down on something a little more in line with what I’d eat back home. If you can relate, know you don’t need to go hungry. Instead, try digging into these tried-and-true airport eats that satisfy that itch for something a little more nutritious while being simultaneously delicious.

Fruit Cups

Ok, I know I just said fruit is hard to come by, but when you find a fruit cup at an airport grab it. Seriously, don’t pass up that fruity goodness! Why, you ask? Well, not only is fruit tasty and a nice boost in natural sugars, but it’s also a good source of fiber ensuring you’ll stay full for longer than you might if you snack on artificial sweets like candy and cookies. Not to mention, fruit is high in water content helping to keep you hydrated, a must while traveling. 

Sandwiches

Sometimes, when you’re feeling extra hungry, a side of fruit simply won’t cut it. When this is the case, I turn to a trusty PB and J sandwich to get the job done. While it might be high in sugar and fats, the comforting flavor combo of salty peanut butter paired with a healthy smattering of jelly is hard to beat. And while whether they’re actually “good for you” is still up for debate, PB and J makes for a filling and satisfying option that’s rich in protein, healthy fats and fiber.

Nuts

It’s no secret, nutritionists are nutty about nuts and so am I. Not only is the beloved snack believed to lower one’s risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but they also give your body an extra boost of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When it comes to traveling, nuts are a relatively cheap option that will keep you full and energized throughout your journey. Not to mention, they’re easy to pack on-the-go and have a long shelf-life allowing you to continue snacking long after you leave the airport. 

Bananas

Similar to ready-to-grab fruit cups, to me, bananas are the airport holy grail. Not only are bananas a coveted staple in my daily life, making the grocery list week after week, but they’re a filling and nutritious snack that rarely disappoints. In addition to being a reminder of home, bananas are easy to transport while scurrying from gate to gate and their high potassium content helps to fight off those nasty leg cramps sometimes associated with long flights.

Cheese and Crackers

Perhaps it’s the Midwesterner in me, but I can’t seem to leave an airport without picking up a box of cheese and crackers. Whether they’re served with a side of cured meat — hello, pepperoni and salami — or a handful of grapes, these tasty charcuteries are my kryptonite. Sure, this snack may be salty, fatty and high in calories, but there’s no denying it hits the spot. Besides, filling up on a serving of cheese can aid in achieving your average daily calcium intake — it’s all about looking on the bright side.

Water

Did you know flying makes you dehydrated? Thanks to low humidity levels onboard, traveling via airplane can literally leave you parched. To combat landing feeling like the equivalent of a moisture-depraved sponge (insert SpongeBob “water” meme here), I like to fly with a refillable water bottle, something that’s especially easy to do thanks to handy water bottle filling stations located within virtually every U.S. airport. Of course, if you don’t have a refillable bottle or forget yours at home, you can easily purchase one before boarding.  

Chocolate

When the need for something sweet hits, you can’t go wrong with chocolate. And if you’re trying to stay somewhat healthy with your choices, dark chocolate is the ticket thanks to its large supply of antioxidants which are thought to lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation and reduce the risk of clotting. In addition to being delicious, reach for dark chocolate when you’re feeling sleepy as the treat boasts energy-boosting properties, making it an ideal choice for weary travelers.

Fruit Snacks

Here I go again with the fruits, this time of the artificial variety, but if one thing is true about me, it's that I will always purchase a bag of fruit snacks while traveling. High in sugar and undeniably delicious, a quick fruit snack or two keeps my blood sugar up when I feel myself starting to fade after a long day.