20 Snacks to Pack to Avoid Airport Rip-Offs

Getting hungry while traveling is inevitable, but don't let the travel industry pick your pocket. Plan ahead and bring travel-friendly snacks to avoid buying the often mediocre food available at the airport or aboard the plane, where it might sell for more than triple the normal retail price. Consider Transportation Security Administration rules when packing, opt for foods that will stay fresh without refrigeration, and be courteous to others by avoiding foods that are smelly or require lots of fussing to enjoy. When traveling internationally, be sure to declare all food and check customs regulations for the country you're entering, which may not allow items such as fresh fruit.

If you do find yourself stuck without a snack, here's Where to Find a Good Meal at Every Major U.S. Airport.

Whether it's classic beef, turkey, or even salmon jerky, soft and chewy dehydrated meats make excellent on-the-go snacks. Most come in shelf-stable packages and pack a lot of flavor and protein into a small portion size.

Soft cheese tends to be stinky and gooey, especially when warming to room temperature, and creamy cheese is subject to TSA restrictions on liquids. But hard cheese will stay put between bread and not release much of a funky smell when opened. A simple cheese sandwich with a bit of mustard or fig jam is a satisfying snack anytime.

Homemade trail mix is cheaper than store-bought and allows customization. Load up on chocolate chips if you're feeling indulgent, or stick to heart-healthy seeds and antioxidant-rich dried berries. Just beware rules against nuts that guard against allergic reactions.

Related: With These Healthy Recipes, You Won't Miss Packaged Snacks

A chocolate bar can ease the tension of flying with its decadent, comforting flavor. It takes up virtually no space in a carry-on, and you can easily wrap up and save part of it for later. When traveling to or from a warm region, keep chocolate next to a cool bottle of water so it doesn't melt (and perhaps in plastic bag just in case).

Fruit is a great source of natural sugar and energy, and most can be eaten at any temperature. Hard fruits such as apples and fruits that have their own shell, such as oranges, make the best travel companions. Avoid softer fruits such as bananas that tend to mush in a bag.

Healthy and crunchy, veggie sticks are fun to munch on by themselves or bring with a small packet of dressing for dipping. Stick to vegetables that stay fresh for a long time without refrigeration, including carrots, celery, and bell peppers. Broccoli and cauliflower can get smelly, and cucumber wilts fast once peeled.

Related: 40 Low-Carb Snacks From Trader Joe's You'll Actually Enjoy

Salty snacks including chips, pretzels, and crackers will stay fresh for an entire trip. Opt for packages that protect the product, or snacks that tend to be hard rather than brittle, to avoid ending up with a bag of salty crumbs.

This comforting classic satisfies any hunger craving, sweet or salty. The hit of protein from the nut butter provides long-lasting energy, while the sweet fruit offers a pick-me-up.

Related: 11 Peanut-Free Snacks

Packing a salad for travel is all about layering ingredients correctly. Using the salad-in-a-jar method, place the dressing in the bottom of the container, followed by lettuce, then toppings. When it comes time to enjoy, shake to combine.

Stash a pack of gum and a favorite candy in a carry-on to have something to snack on during long waits. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies can also help alleviate ear pain from pressure changes.

This indestructible packet of wholesome goodness needs only a cup and some boiling water — most flights offer it for tea — to become a nutritious meal.

Freeze-dried miso soup comes in slender packets that can be mixed with hot water to create an umami-rich snack or light meal. Add other elements to the soup or enjoy simply as is.

A hand-held wrap can be an ideal travel sandwich. Ensure a wrap stays fresh for many hours by avoiding wet ingredients such as fresh mozzarella or roasted red peppers. Opt instead for flavorful spreads such as pesto and dry proteins such as grilled chicken.

A few homemade cookies stashed in a bag will come in handy when a dessert craving hits at the airport coffee shop pastry case. Packed in a zip-top bag, they will stay fresh for up to a few days (although they are likely to run out before that).

Bars have big nutritional value in a small package, making them a handy hack for those who like to travel light. Slip a few bars into coat pockets for easy access at any time during travel.

This hearty meal can be an alternative for those who dread airplane food. Choose a favorite grain; toss with vegetables and chicken or tofu; and dress with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Packed in a plastic container, it's a portable, no-fuss meal.

This picnic staple stays fresh for a long time. Ensure the best flavor and texture by using al dente pasta and a sauce based on olive oil and vinegar, not the more perishable mayo. Load it up with cheese and meats for extra satisfaction.

Bringing cake or pie may be too cumbersome, but brownies are easy to stash for mid-flight snacking. Wrapped individually, they can go in a purse or pocket for even easier access.

Pita pockets help keep sandwich ingredients contained, since they have only one open side. Stuff the pita with favorite fillings, such as deli meat or Greek salad.

Pre-slice a few different cheeses and pack into a plastic container with some dried fruit, a small bunch of grapes, and some crackers for a bit of decadence in the sky.