Food in the hand luggage on the plane

Last update: 03/06/2026

Food in the hand luggage on the plane

You can carry the food both in the hand and checked-in luggage. Remember that the products should be in unbroken commercially branded packaging. Some of the airlines may refuse the carriage of the fresh products, not lasting a long time, especially on a long-haul flight. When you bring food on board, you should remember about the customs regulations of the destination country.

Outside the European Union

If you are travelling to the country outside the European Union, usually you are not allowed to bring fresh products. Meat, dairy products, fruit, vegetables also cannot be brought to EU country if you are travelling from a country outside the European Union.

  • bringing food is usually not prohibited by the airlines
  • if you wish to bring food, check the law before you travel. Check the regulations of the destination and transit countries, some of them, like the USA or Australia, prohibit bringing fresh food on their territory.
  • when you travel to an EU country you cannot bring milk, meat or animal products from a country outside the EU
  • food taken onboard must be packed in the commercially branded packaging with the expiry date on it
  •  the majority of airlines doesn't allow the passenger to carry products not lasting a long time

Remember!

Taking liquids in the hand luggage is restricted by the safety regulations. Liquids must be carried in the 100ml containers, you’re limited to 1 litre of liquid containers. 
The list above is for information purposes only and it contains the information about carrying the products within the European Union.

 

Type of product

hand luggage

check-in luggage

Home-made cakes

YES

YES

Candies, biscuits, chocolate bars, crisps

YES

YES

Infant food required for the travel time

YES*

YES

Sausages, ham, canned meat

YES

YES

Stock cube

YES

YES

Honey

YES**

YES

Fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs

YES

YES

Products in cans or jars: including soups, sauces, jellies, spices, honey, chocolate

YES**

YES

Liquid oriental spices

YES**

YES

Powdered sauces, soups, jellies

YES

YES

Parmesan type hard cheese

YES

YES

Preserves in jars (including jams and compote)

YES**

YES

Dried mushroom jars

YES

YES

Solid food e.g. sandwiches, biscuits, cheese, cereal bars, nuts

YES

YES

* Infant food juice, water, milk – can be taken in the hand luggage and its quantity is not restricted by law. However, you should reported them to separate safety control.

** Liquid carriage is possible in the containers up to 100ml.

This article was created with the help of AI. The advice and suggestions contained in this and related articles are provided for information and guidance purposes only and shall not form the basis of any claims against eSky.co.uk.

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