Can You Take Food Through Airport Security? Complete Guide

Airport Security Food Rules (UK & EU)

Good news: You CAN bring food through airport security, but there are important rules to know about liquids and gels.

Solid Foods: YES

You can bring solid foods through security and onto the plane:

• Sandwiches - All types allowed
• Fruit - Whole fruits, cut fruit
• Snacks - Crisps, chocolate, biscuits
• Bakery items - Cakes, pastries, bread
• Cheese - Hard cheese blocks
• Nuts & dried fruit - All types

Liquids & Gels: RESTRICTED

The 100ml rule applies to food items classified as liquids or gels:

What Counts as a Liquid Food?

• Yogurt, soup, jam, honey: Must be 100ml or less per container
• Soft cheese, pâté, hummus: Must be 100ml or less
• Sauces, dips, spreads: Must be 100ml or less
• Baby food: Exception - reasonable quantities allowed

The Liquids Rule in Detail

• Each container must be 100ml or less
• All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag
• Plastic bag size: 20cm x 20cm (1 litre capacity)
• One bag per passenger
• Bag must be shown separately at security

What About Sandwiches?

YES, sandwiches are allowed! This is one of the most common questions. Sandwiches are classified as solid food and can be brought through security with no restrictions.

Tips for bringing sandwiches:

• Pack in clear containers for easier screening
• Avoid overly wet fillings (security may ask you to open them)
• Peanut butter sandwiches: Usually OK as it's spread, not liquid
• Mayo or sauce: Keep it reasonable - no excessive liquid content

Drinks Through Security

Cannot bring through security:

• Water bottles over 100ml
• Coffee or tea (even if sealed)
• Soft drinks, juice over 100ml

What you CAN do:

• Bring an empty water bottle (fill after security)
• Buy drinks after security (expensive but convenient)
• Small 100ml containers (not practical for most people)

Food on the Plane: Airline Rules

Short-haul Flights (easyJet, Ryanair, BA domestic)

• You can eat your own food onboard
• Hot food with strong smells: Discouraged but not banned
• Most passengers bring sandwiches, snacks

Long-haul Flights

• Generally OK to bring and eat your own food
• Meals are usually provided, so less common
• Avoid strong-smelling foods (courtesy to others)

International Destinations: Import Restrictions

Important: Many countries restrict bringing food through customs on arrival.

USA (Strict)

• No fresh fruit, vegetables, meat
• Packaged, commercially sealed snacks: Usually OK
• Declare all food on customs form

Australia & New Zealand (Very Strict)

• Extremely strict biosecurity
• Most food must be declared
• Fresh produce often confiscated
• Heavy fines for not declaring

EU (Relaxed Within EU)

• Travelling within EU: No restrictions
• Arriving from outside EU: Meat, dairy restricted

Special Cases

Baby Food & Formula

• Exempt from 100ml rule
• Bring reasonable quantities for the journey
• May need to taste it at security

Medical Dietary Requirements

• Inform security if carrying special dietary food
• Doctor's note helpful for liquid nutrition products

Christmas/Special Occasion Food

• Solid items (cakes, chocolates): YES
• Liquor-filled chocolates: Subject to liquids rule
• Puddings, preserves: Subject to liquids rule

Money-Saving Tips

1. Make your own: Save £10+ by bringing sandwiches vs buying airside
2. Snack packs: Crisps, chocolate, fruit for the flight
3. Empty water bottle: Fill for free after security
4. Breakfast items: Pastries, cereal bars for early flights

What Security May Ask You to Do

• Open food containers for visual inspection
• Separate food items from other belongings
• Discard items that violate liquids rule
• Taste baby food/formula

Final Advice: When in doubt, pack it in checked luggage or buy it after security. The rules are enforced strictly, and you don't want to lose food you've prepared or paid for!