Can you bring food on a plane? The complete guide.

Generaly, you can almost always bring food on a plane, either in your carry-on or in checked luggage. There are some limits and procedures to follow though, so it’s important to know all the rules before heading to the airport.

Of course, before your airport experience even begins, make sure you book a reliable, safe and affordable transfer to the airport. GoOpti is definitely the right choice.

Security screening

• Solid foods: Generally, solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, nuts, and snacks are allowed through security checkpoints.
• Liquids and gels: Any liquid or gel food items (such as yoghurt, soup, or sauces) must comply with the 100ml limit per container and must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag along with other liquids, for example, cosmetics.

However, there are three exceptions: cake, pie, and pizza are all permitted, despite their potential for non-solid components like frosting, pie filling, and tomato sauce. They simply need to pass through the x-ray machine.

Another exception is food for your little ones. You can bring baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers in reasonable quantities exceeding 100 millilitres. These items do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag but must be declared at the security checkpoint for inspection.

Customs regulations

• Traveling within the EU: If you're traveling between countries within the European Union, there are fewer restrictions. However, always check for any specific regulations regarding agricultural products.
• Entering the EU from outside: There are stricter rules for bringing certain food items into the EU from non-EU countries. Meat, dairy products, alcohol and some fruits and vegetables may be restricted. So, before you fly, check the customs regulations of your destination country to see which foods are permitted.

Onboard consumption

• Airline policies: Most airlines allow passengers to bring their own food on board, but it’s a good idea to check with your specific airline for any restrictions or guidelines. If you have special dietary needs, bringing your own food is usually allowed and often recommended, given that in-flight meal options may be limited.
• Consideration for others: Be mindful of foods that might have strong odours, as they can affect other passengers.

What about alcohol?

You can bring alcohol on a plane, but there are specific regulations and restrictions you need to follow.

Any alcohol you bring in your carry-on luggage must not exceed the 100ml per container rule, and all containers must fit within a single, clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag. This rule applies to all liquids, including alcoholic beverages.

You can pack alcohol in your checked luggage with the following restrictions:

• Alcohol less than 24% alcohol by volume: No quantity limit.
• Alcohol between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume: Limited to 5 litres per person and must be in unopened retail packaging.
• Alcohol over 70% alcohol by volume: Prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage due to flammability.

If you purchase alcohol at a duty-free shop after passing through security, you can take it on board as long as it is in a sealed bag provided by the shop together with the receipt.

And one more important fact – most airlines don’t allow passengers to consume their own alcohol on board. Alcoholic beverages must be served by the flight attendants. You can read more about why the cabin crew always keep a strict tab on your alcohol consumption here.

While bringing your own (alcoholic) drinks is limited, you can bring an empty bottle and fill it post-security.

And some tips for bringing food on a plane

• Packaging: Use leak-proof containers or resealable plastic bags for easy inspection and to avoid spillage.
• Convenience: Choose foods that are easy to eat and don't require refrigeration.
• Quantity: Bring reasonable amounts even though you can pack as much food as you want in your checked luggage or carry-on. As long as you take into account your airline's general baggage size and weight restrictions, of course. You can read more about the airline’s luggage sizes here.

Bringing your own food on a plane not only ensures you have something tasty and familiar to eat but also allows you to save time and money. By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy a stress-free and satisfying culinary experience while flying to your destination.