Airplanes are cramped spaces where every smell, sound, and crumb is shared. While most airlines allow passengers to bring snacks and small meals onboard, flight attendants say that doesn’t mean all foods belong in the cabin. A Reddit thread from the flight attendants’ community went viral after crew members listed the foods they dread most, and the answers show just how unpleasant one person’s snack can be at 30,000 feet.
The Story
It all started when one flight attendant asked fellow crew members: “What food/drink are you begging passengers to stop bringing on planes?” The responses poured in, ranging from stinky foods to some really shocking items people bring on planes. The comments highlighted that smelly and messy foods have an impact on everyone in the cabin.
Foodst Flight Attendants Hate
Some of the first replies showed how small habits of some people can affect the crew as well as passengers.
“Bananas. I am so sick of finding banana peels in the seat back pockets.”
It sounds harmless until you realize passengers often stuff peels into seat pockets, leaving sticky surprises for whoever sits there next.
Others mentioned foods that are simply impossible to ignore.
“Anything that creates too many crumbs when you have kids. Anything with a fishy or eggy smell.”
Crumbs spread everywhere on a plane, and the smell of fish or eggs just spreads through the entire cabin. Imagine how gross that would be?
Not all responses were serious; some added humor to make their point. One user said they would dislike it if someone brought KFC unless they are willing to share. “KFC, unless they share with me.” Which we think is an entirely fair point.
Of course, many of the flight attendants had their horror stories about strange foods on the plane, and they were not shy to share the best ones. Some were so extreme that even seasoned flight attendants couldn’t believe them.
“Had a guy consume a total of 3 egg salad sandwiches on a 1.5 hr flight. I nearly threw up. A couple of months ago, parents in the last row fed their kid Tuna Pizza... It should be common sense not to bring these things on board.”
Eggs and tuna taste delicious at home, but in a cabin with circulated air, they’re nearly unbearable.
The Worst of the Worst
Some flight attendants shared the most outrageous examples of what passengers have carried onboard. These foods sound amazing in a restaurant, but in a tight place, they can be a terrible choice. One crew member just said one word:
“Curry.”
A great curry is a super delicious food for most of us, but it is better to eat it in a restaurant.
If you enjoy snacks, be mindful of what you eat and where you store the leftovers. As another crew member stated:
“Pistachio and/or Sunflower seeds in the shell only to be left in the seat back pocket. I curse them under my breath as I dig 43,000 tiny pieces out.”
It's better to ask for a cup or a bag from the crew and collect the shells than leave them all around the place.
One commenter described a scene straight out of a nightmare:
“I was once on a flight out of PHL, and someone had a styrofoam takeout container with crabs in it. They were cracking them with one of those metal nutcracker tools. I was across the aisle, but I am pretty sure the passenger next to her was getting crab shrapnel every time she cracked one open.”
One user summed it up best:
“Honestly, anything that smells, either good or bad. Flying is probably the one and only time I would recommend bland food, if only to help your guts under pressure.”
Foods You Should Not Bring on a Flight
Beyond the stories shared on Reddit, there are other foods that people should not bring on flights:
- Onions and garlic-heavy meals: Both linger long after you’ve finished eating and spread through the cabin quickly.
- Fast food burgers and fries: They may be easy to grab at the airport, but the greasy smell hangs in the air and makes a mess of wrappers and trays.
- Soups or stews: These are risky for spills, and hot steam spreads odors quickly.
Foods You Should Bring Instead
Not all snacks are bad. It’s best to bring food items that don’t have strong smells and are also filling without bothering fellow passengers. But before you pack any food, make sure to check with your flight for any restrictions. Here are a few good options that are "approved" by the flight crew.
- Granola or protein bars: These are compact, healthy, and perfect for both short and long flights.
- Fresh fruit: Grapes, apple slices, and berries are refreshing and don’t stink up the cabin. Just toss peels and cores in the trash.
- Veggie sticks with hummus: You can bring carrots, cucumbers, and celery with mild dips. They are not only healthy, but also odour-free.
- Simple sandwiches: Turkey, chicken, or veggie fillings are easy to pack and eat.
- Wraps or pita pockets: More secure than sandwiches, wraps keep fillings together without crumbs.
- Cold pasta salad: Lightly dressed pasta with vegetables or chicken makes a delicious and filling meal.
- Trail mix (without shells): Nuts and dried fruit travel well and are healthy to eat. However, ensure to leave shelled pistachios at home. Even if you intend to bring them, don’t throw the shells everywhere.
The Takeaway
Air travel is stressful enough without adding bad smells and messy food waste. While most foods are technically allowed, that doesn’t mean you should bring them. Smelly dishes and crumbly snacks can make the flight miserable for everyone, including the crew who clean up afterward.
Pack foods that don’t have a strong odour, and are easy to eat. Being considerate about what you bring on board makes flying easier for everyone around you.
And if you’re unsure what’s allowed through security, check TSA’s food guide.
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