Plane Food: Smart Snacks for Air Travel

After aisle versus window, your next big choice when flying is deciding what to eat. "Go with the option that will give you the most protein and fiber to keep you full until you land," says Charles Stuart Platkin, MPH, founder of diet detective.com.

Here, his favorite in-flight foods on five top carriers:

United

Pick the 580-calorie Rightbite, which includes tuna, hummus, pita chips, and a chocolate treat.

Continental

Your best bet is a turkey or ham sandwich. "You'll get a good mix of protein and carbohydrates for less than 205 calories," says Platkin.

Jet Blue

The protein-rich cashew halves are a satisfying snack for just 170 calories.

American

Opt for the Cinn-a-Berry Breakfast Blend (149 calories for 4 ounces), a mix of nuts and fruits, including raisins and cinnamon almonds.

US Airways

Ask for the Snack Pack and zero in on the 110-calorie dried fruit and nut mix.

Need more ideas? Check out our snacks section!

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, July 2007.