Airlines including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI and Emirates have different rules for what food and drinks are allowed on board, so make sure you don’t make a slip up
Purchasing meals on flights can be costly, especially for families, leading many travellers to opt for buying their meals in the departure lounge prior to boarding.
Boots and WHSmith are common airport stores that offer meal deals typically under £5. Some passengers even choose to bring homemade snacks for their journey, which you can do, provided they aren’t liquid and are consumed before disembarking, as different countries may have varying customs rules about food.
The post-Covid era has brought numerous changes to flying, including alterations to in-flight service which may vary based on factors like flight duration, specific airline, and cabin class. Airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and British Airways permit passengers to bring their own food on board.
Jet2
Jet2’s rules are somewhat ambiguous but seem to suggest 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 in individual, clear bottles with a maximum capacity of 100ml, reports the Liverpool Echo. Passengers are allowed to bring food into the cabin. However, there’s a 100ml limit for liquid food items like soup or custard.
It’s important to note that different countries have varying regulations about importing food and drink, so it’s crucial to check the rules for your destination. You can also bring hot drinks on board if you’ve purchased them at the airport and they are covered with a lid.
The 100ml liquid limit doesn’t apply to baby food, milk or sterilised water, as long as the total amount is no more than one litre. For security reasons, you may be asked to taste it.
Alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge can be brought into the cabin, provided it’s unopened. The alcohol must be lower than 70 per cent abv, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag. In addition, it’s strictly prohibited to consume any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found doing so may face prosecution.
TUI
Passengers travelling with TUI are permitted to bring their own food on board. The airline advises passengers to bring “low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold.” However, the airline adds: “However, 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. Passengers will receive a main meal with your choice of wine or juice, followed by a tea or coffee. If it’s a long flight, before landing, you’ll be served breakfast, afternoon tea or another light bite, depending on the time of day.
Ryanair
Ryanair has a policy that allows passengers to bring food and soft drinks on board, provided they adhere to the hand-luggage size and weight restrictions. However, hot drinks and personal alcohol consumption are not permitted on board.
For those travelling with infants (eight days to two-years-old), there is flexibility to bring as much baby milk, powdered milk, sterilised water, and baby food as needed for the flight, even if this exceeds the usual limit on liquids. These items don’t need to be placed in the transparent bag required for other liquids but must be ready for inspection by airport security.
British Airways
British Airways, on the other hand, states: “Many items are restricted, controlled or completely prohibited onboard our aircraft due to international law, aircraft safety or regulations at your destination.” Passengers can bring solid foods like sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, nuts, etc. on board, but liquid foods such as drinks, soups, sauces, jam or jelly are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids.
British Airways also warns passengers that there are no facilities to warm or refrigerate anything brought onboard. The airline does not serve peanuts on their flights due to allergy concerns and requests that travellers refrain from bringing them into the cabin.
Jet2
On the other hand, Jet2 has a strict policy against passengers bringing hot food or drinks on board due to safety concerns. However, they encourage the carriage of cold snacks and treats provided they meet specific requirements. Jet2 boasts: “We’re delighted to offer an enticing range of hot or cold drinks, sandwiches, pizzas and other tasty treats, at great prices.”
Emirates
Emirates takes it a step further by providing passengers with a full meal service during their flights. Even so, customers are welcome to carry their own solid food. For those travelling with infants, Emirates offers additional support: “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.”
Passengers are reminded to ensure any brought food is properly wrapped or sealed and free from strong odours. The possession of food items may require declaration at security checks upon arrival, depending on the destination.