Food and drinks not allowed on easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and Emirates

All airlines have different rules about customers bringing their own refreshments onto flights Niall Carson/PA Wire
-Credit:Niall Carson/PA Wire


Airlines have different rules for what food and drinks are allowed on board. Airline food can be quite expensive and if travelling with the family it can quickly add up.

Instead of buying food on the plane many travellers like to find their meal in the departure lounge beforehand. With Boots and WHSmith both common stores to find at airports, they can be popular options and both typically offer meal deals for less than £5.

Some people even bring their own food from home to snack on when travelling on planes. As long as it isn't liquid and is consumed before getting off the plane, as some other countries may have different rules regarding what food is allowed through customs.

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Flying post-covid has led to a lot of changes. Many airlines continued providing food and drink on board but the in-flight service you receive may be different from what you previously experienced. It may be influenced by factors such as flight duration, the specific airline, and your chosen cabin class.

easyJet, Ryanair, TUI and British Airways all allow passengers to bring their own food on board. Jet2's rules are a little less clear but suggest cold food is fine. There are different rules for baby food, up to a litre of which can be brought on flights in solid form. Any liquids must be in individual, clear bottles with a capacity of no more than 100ml.

easyJet

You can bring food into the cabin. There's a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard. Different countries have different regulations about importing food and drink, so make sure you check the rules for your destination.

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You can bring hot drinks on board if you’ve bought them at the airport and they have a lid on. The 100ml liquid limit doesn’t apply to baby food, milk or sterilised water, provided that the total amount is no more than one litre. You may be asked to taste it for security reasons.

You can bring alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge into the cabin, as long as it’s unopened. Alcohol must be lower than 70% abv, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag. It’s strictly forbidden to drink any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution.

Tui

Passengers travelling with TUI can bring their own food on board. It says it advises passengers to bring 'low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold.' The airline add "However, we can't provide heating facilities on board - although for infants, we are able to warm bottles of milk in hot water."

Meals are included if you’re flying for seven hours or more. You’ll get a main meal with your choice of wine or juice, followed by a tea or coffee. If it is a long flight, before you touchdown, you’ll be served breakfast, afternoon tea or another light bite, depending on the time of the day.

Ryanair

Ryanair passengers can bring food and soft drinks on board, as long as they meet the hand-luggage size and weight restrictions. However, passengers are not allowed to bring hot drinks or consume their own alcohol on board.

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If you are 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

The airline say: "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 say "be aware" that there are no facilities to warm or refrigerate anything that you bring onboard.

They do not serve peanuts on board their flights, due to the number of customers with allergies, and they ask that travellers do not bring them into the cabin.

Jet2

Jet2 does not allow passengers to bring hot food or drinks onto their flights. This is for safety reasons. However, passengers can bring cold food and snacks, as long as they meet certain conditions. They add: "We're delighted to offer an enticing range of hot or cold drinks, sandwiches, pizzas and other tasty treats, at great prices."

Emirates

Emirates provides a full meal service on flights, you can bring your own solid food items on board. For babies, the airline say: "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."

It is advised to ensure that any food you bring is appropriately wrapped or sealed and does not emit strong odours. Depending on your destination, you might be required to declare any food items during the security check upon arrival.