If you’re jetting off on holiday in 2025, you may be planning to save money by bringing your own food and drink on board.
High-street chains such as Boots and WHSmith, commonly found at airports, often offer meal deals for under £5.
Some passengers prefer to bring homemade snacks for their journey. Provided these items are not liquid and are finished before you leave the plane(as some countries have different customs rules about food), this is generally acceptable.
But it’s worth noting that airlines have varying regulations regarding the types of food and drinks passengers can bring on board.
The post-Covid era has brought numerous changes to air travel. While many airlines continue to offer food and drink services on board, the nature of these services may differ from pre-pandemic times, influenced by factors like flight duration, specific airline policies, and cabin class.
Airlines including easyJet, Ryanair, TUI and British Airways permit passengers to bring their own food on board. Jet2’s policy is somewhat less explicit but seems to suggest that cold food is acceptable.
There are separate rules for baby food; up to a litre in solid form can be brought on flights. Any liquids must be contained in individual, clear bottles with a maximum capacity of 100ml.
Travellers are reminded that they can indeed bring food into the cabin, but there’s a strict 100ml limit for liquid foods such as soup. It’s also important to check the specific regulations of your destination country regarding the import of food and drink.
For those looking to enjoy a hot beverage during their flight, you’re in luck if you’ve purchased it at the airport and it comes with a lid, as the 100ml liquid restriction doesn’t apply here. However, when it comes to baby food, milk, or sterilised water, the total amount must not exceed one litre, and be prepared to possibly taste it at security.
Alcohol from the airside departure lounge is also permitted onboard, provided it remains sealed. Remember, the alcohol content must be below 70% abv and it should be stowed either in an airport shopping bag or within your cabin luggage.
A stern warning though: consuming any alcohol not bought on the aircraft is a serious no-no, with potential legal consequences for offenders.
Here’s what some of the major airlines have to say about bringing food into the plane cabin.
easyJet
Passengers are permitted to bring food into the aircraft cabin. However, there is a restriction of 100ml for liquid foods such as soup or custard.
As regulations regarding the import of food and drink vary between countries, passengers should consume anything they bring onto the plane before they disembark.
Hot drinks can also be carried on, provided they were purchased at the airport and have a secure lid. Exceptions to the 100ml liquid rule include baby food, milk, or sterilised water, with the condition that the amount does not exceed one litre.
For security purposes, you may need to taste these items.
Additionally, passengers can bring alcohol into the cabin if purchased from the airside departure lounge, ensuring it remains sealed. The alcohol content must not be higher than 70% abv and must be stored either in an airport shopping bag or within a cabin bag.
It is important to note that drinking any personally brought alcohol on board is strictly prohibited and could lead to legal action, which is a policy across most airlines.
TUI
TUI has confirmed that passengers are welcome to bring their own food onboard. The airline suggests opting for “low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold.”
They added: “We can’t provide heating facilities on board – although for infants, we are able to warm bottles of milk in hot water.”
If you’re flying for seven hours or more, meals are included. You’ll be served a main meal with your choice of wine or juice, followed by tea or coffee.
Depending on the time of day and if it’s a long flight, you’ll be served breakfast, afternoon tea or another light bite before you land.
Ryanair
Passengers on Ryanair flights can bring food and soft drinks on board, provided they meet the hand-luggage size and weight restrictions. However, passengers are not permitted to bring hot drinks or consume their own alcohol on board.
If you’re travelling with an infant (8 days-2 years), you can bring as much baby milk, powdered milk, sterilised water, and baby food as you need for your flight even if this exceeds the usual limit on liquids. These don’t need to fit in the transparent bag that is needed for all other liquids but you must have them ready for inspection by airport security.
British Airways
According to British Airways: “Many items are restricted, controlled or completely prohibited onboard our aircraft due to international law, aircraft safety or regulations at your destination.”
You can take solid foods like sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, nuts, etc. on board but the same restrictions for liquids apply to liquid foods, e.g. drinks, soups, sauces, jam or jelly.
British Airways advises passengers to “be aware” that there are no facilities to warm or refrigerate anything that you bring onboard.
Jet2
Passengers aboard Jet2 flights are prohibited from bringing hot food or drinks for safety reasons, but can bring cold food and snacks, with some conditions. The airline has said they also sell their own range of food: “We’re delighted to offer an enticing range of hot or cold drinks, sandwiches, pizzas and other tasty treats, at great prices.”
Emirates
Emirates allows passengers to carry their own solid food items and provides assistance for those travelling with babies, explaining: “If you prefer to bring your own meals, our cabin crew will help you with food and bottle warming. We also have milk formula and baby bottles on board if you need them.”
Travellers are reminded to pack food in a way that is appropriately wrapped or sealed to prevent strong smells and to be aware that they may need to declare any food items during security checks at their destination.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
