Can you take your own food on a plane? Everything you need to know

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If you've got a holiday already booked or are eager to book one and need to confirm the baggage regulations, we've got everything you need.

– often the simple act of being at the airport can put a strain on your finances.

The cost of airport food and drink is higher than what you'd normally pay in most town centres, so you might prefer to spend your cash on some tapas with a view, rather than a sandwich at your gate.

So, with that in mind, what are the rules, then?

Can you take food items through airport security?

When it comes to bringing food through security checks.

The UK government advises: ‘Food items and powders in your hand luggage can interfere with images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked manually by security. You can pack these items in your hold luggage to avoid delays.’

However, it also states: 'You are generally not allowed to carry frozen items in your hand luggage, such as liquids, food, or ice packs.'

Please note that there are restrictions on carry-on luggage, so be sure to double-check before you travel.

Do any companies enforce their own rules?

EasyJet's guidelines for taking food on a flight

You are more than welcome to bring your own food on board their planes.

The website says: 'You are allowed to bring food into the cabin, but we also offer a variety of tasty food and drink for sale on board. Please note that there is a 100ml limit for liquid food items, such as soups or custard.'

‘Ensure you familiarise yourself with the varying regulations regarding the importation of food and drink in the countries you are visiting.’

You are allowed to bring into the cabin alcohol that you've bought in the airside departure lounge, but it must be sealed and not opened as you can only drink alcohol that's been bought on the plane.

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– please feel free to bring your own refreshments, including snacks and drinks, onto the plane.

However, they do have a couple of exemptions - hot beverages and alcoholic drinks.

They say: 'In the interest of safety, we cannot permit passengers to bring hot drinks on board the aircraft or to consume their own alcohol during the flight.'

They also let you 'bring as much baby milk, powdered milk, sterilised water, and baby food as you need for your flight, even if this goes beyond the normal limit on liquids,' and 'as much liquid medicine as you need for your flight.'

5. If a passenger is found to be carrying prohibited food or drinks onboard, Wizz Air may ask them to dispose of the items before boarding the plane.

Passengers are free to bring their own food on planes as long as it is in solid form and can fit in their carry-on bag.

However, they do stress that it should be securely packed and not have a strong odour to prevent other passengers from feeling uncomfortable.

Packaged items must adhere to strict safety guidelines.

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To bring on board 'solid foods like sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, nuts, etc. but the same rules for liquids apply to liquid foods, e.g. drinks, soups, sauces, jam or jelly'.

However, the website advises that certain food items may be subject to restrictions in light of your destination country, for instance, numerous countries prohibit the transport of meat, fresh produce, and vegetables.

* Open or unpackaged food

‘Food items and powders in your hand luggage may cause issues with x-ray images. Your bags might need a manual check by security. To avoid delays, you can pack these items in your hold luggage instead.’

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‘You are not permitted to bring hot food or hot beverages on board the aircraft. Nevertheless, a wide range of food and drink options are available for purchase during your flight.’

What about taking food on planes in the United States?

It's a bit more complicated in the US, as there are distinct rules for each type of food.

It states that solid foods (not liquids or gels) can be taken in either your hand luggage or checked baggage.

TSA officers may ask travellers to remove items from hand luggage such as foods, powders, and any materials that could clutter bags and obscure images on the X-ray machine. Travellers are advised to keep their hand luggage tidy and uncluttered to speed up the screening process and keep queues moving.

13. Toothpaste

• Baby food
• Bread
• Candy
• Cereal
• Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables, excluding liquids
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Dried Fruits
• Fresh Eggs
• Gum
• Nuts
• Pies and cakes
• Pizza
• Protein or energy powders
• Salt
• Sandwiches
• Snacks and snack bars
• Spices (dry)
• Tamales
• Tea

However, some items have specific requirements that you must comply with in order to take them on a plane, as they may only be permitted in hand luggage.

10. Lithium batteries (spare and installed in equipment)

• Alcoholic beverages
• Baby formula
• Bottled water
• Breast milk
• Canned foods
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Creamy Dips and Spreads
• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
• Fresh Meat and Seafood
• Frozen Food
• Gel ice packs
• Gravy
• Honey
• Hummus
• Ice cream
• Jam and jelly
• Juice for babies
• Juices
• Live lobster
• Maple syrup
• Oils and vinegar
• Peanut butter
• Pet food
• Salad dressing
• Salsa and sauces
• Soups
• Yoghurt

In both hand luggage and checked luggage.

The website also advises passengers travelling from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland that they cannot bring most fresh fruit and vegetables on board due to the risk of spreading non-native plant pests.

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