If it’s a day of long air travel, I’d be more inclined to go ‘light’, - after many hours of inactivity, I’d prefer ‘light’ - maybe a nice soup, salad or quiche, bread/cheese and fruit
I’d rather have breakfast food like eggs or bagels. It might help get back on a regular timetable.
Comfort food that can be reheated, in case they fall asleep (I have done this too many times).
I’d definitely offer some light sides, too, in case they are feeling ‘off’ after a long flight, nice bread, a cheese/fruit platter, some yogurt.
Make the stew, but like @somemom said, have lighter fare available in the frig. I’d have lunch meat if they just want a sandwich and everything else she mentioned.
@Iglooo I have a tradition of making homemade chicken soup with some hearty, crusty bread for family and friends who have been traveling. I feel like it helps fight off the sinus and chest “ick” that comes from flying.
@lookingforward Unless they are in first class or on an international flight…they will be lucky to see any food of substance.
I agree with making something they would like. I love beef stew, but after sitting for a long time, maybe they would like something a little lighter…a minestrone soup for example. If you search this site for “Minestrone for Dummies” I think you will find my crockpot recipe for this. It’s easy peasy…and with a baguette and some nice cheese makes a nice light meal.
Thank you all for great suggestions. They are getting in late but they will be hungry. They are young adults, 20 somethings. Not sure what they like to eat. I know they are not vegetarian.Great idea to also prepare a lighter side.
I know a lot of people who eat poultry and fish, but no red meat. I love stew, but I think I’d offer something lighter.
For twenty somethings-chili, sandwich stuff, sloppy joes, pizza.
Light and fresh seem like a nice idea to me. After sitting for a long time, the last thing I personally would want is something heavy before bed. If I hadn’t moved all day, I would like a big salad with protein and maybe some good bread with a crunchy crust.
Some people get heartburn if they have heavy meals and then try to sleep . . .
It all depends on your guests, though.
I’m loving the idea of quiche, salad or fruit and some good fresh bread. A soup if you like. Quiche is easy to make or buy (Costco!) - as long as you know they are not on any special diet.
One reason I had such good luck with serving the stew (and as many point out, soup or a similar one-pot meal is great) is that we had too many people at the same time for our vehicle to carry and I had to take two trips to the bus station to get everyone. Those who got to the house in the first ride were famished.
I was able to stick a bright, festive, enamel pot on a trivet in the middle of my table, stacked bowls / cutlery / napkins all around, and people were able to dig in. It presented as Friendly and Approachable rather than Hostess with the Leastest.
I would do chili for young adults over beef stew. Serve cornbread and brownies!
Thumper, I meant the breads crackers, et al, that they serve to keep flyers distracted. On top of whatever microwave main. Plus any drinking.
Surprised how popular beef stew seems to be. Agree to include a light option.
I 'd ask if they want something heavy or light when they arrive. Maybe give a couple ideas and see what they prefer. Many boys, in particular, are happy to gobble down some chili or pizza, even if they had a snack on the plane!
Many young women, too. 
You know that they have no medical (food allergy), religious, or other dietary restrictions?
For us it depends how late they get in at their destination. I also pass on anything they can get in airport shops or fast food restaurants. So I skip pizza, sandwiches, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, etc
7-10pm arrival is Chili corn bread and salad, Chicken Noodle soup, bread and salad,
Goulash and salad etc–
something hearty in small servings that is comfort food to make them feel at home
After 10pm arrival, I serve Crudites, crackers/ bread & cheeses, grapes or other fruits so
as to not disturb their sleep
Good to hear I’m not the only one who might “gag” at beef stew- never had it growing up, the chunks of beef don’t appeal to me, especially if peas are in it.
You won’t want what we (mother in law visiting then, too) made for son who arrived before our supper time- 3 hours ahead of his. Indian dish. I have known him to cook a hearty meal at midnight and for him to not eat on the plane for many hours so hard for us to know.
I like the idea of having a hearty and light options meal food available. You should know/find out food allergies/dislikes if possible. If they know what is in store for them that could determine their eating on the plane (from home/airport or on plane purchase).
Once we did a road trip and were at Indian vegetarian friends for lunch- all carbs, mostly spicy foods. Plus- yes, some bread but only spicy cheese to make a protein sandwich.
It is good to have options such as bread and cheese/peanut butter available. Who knows- I can’t predict my own son’s wishes regardless of the time of day.