Food in Carry-On Luggage 2026: These Rules Apply to Food on Airplanes

Whether it's a sandwich, fruit, or a homemade snack for the kids: If you want to take your own food on the plane, you quickly run into the question of what is actually allowed at the security check. Especially on intra-European flights with Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, Eurowings, or Wizz Air, many travelers save themselves the expensive in-flight catering and prefer to pack their own. In this guide, you'll find out which foods are allowed in hand luggage, where the EU liquids rule applies, which special rules individual airlines have, and how to best pack your provisions for the journey.

In-flight catering is no longer a free service on most European airlines. Especially with low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air, you can quickly pay ten euros or more for a simple snack menu. If you bring your own instead, you not only save money but also have the peace of mind of having something tolerable in your luggage – practical for children, diabetes, allergies, or simply long waiting times at the gate.

Within the EU, the same security regulations apply to food in hand luggage as to other items. A key distinction here is between solid and liquid.

Solid foods such as sandwiches, cookies, fruit, or chocolate can be carried with virtually no restrictions. Creamy, gel-like, or liquid foods, however, fall under the well-known 100-milliliter rule: each container may hold a maximum of 100 ml and must be stored together with other liquids in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum volume of one liter – only one bag per person is allowed.

What actually counts as "liquid"?

This is the biggest source of error: Even thick or spreadable foods are considered liquids at the security check. These include, among others:

●        Honey, jam, and chocolate-hazelnut spreads

●        Yogurt, quark, and cream cheese

●        Soups, sauces, pesto, ketchup, and mayonnaise

●        Smoothies and other drinkable foods

These products can theoretically be taken in hand luggage, but only if each individual container holds a maximum of 100 ml and fits into the liquids bag. Larger quantities belong in checked luggage or should be left at home.

This overview will help you pack at a glance – also ideal as a checklist just before departure.

Tip: Pack snacks in resealable containers or bags. This speeds up the inspection, contains odors, and prevents leakage in your bag – especially for sandwiches with fillings, a leak-proof box is worthwhile.

For families, an important exception applies: Baby food and drinks for toddlers are exempt from the 100 ml rule. You may take the amount realistically needed for the duration of the journey – but only in unopened original containers. At the security check, personnel may open or test the food for inspection; this is normal and no cause for concern.

While there are hardly any restrictions on food imports within the EU, the situation is different for flights to or from third countries. Many countries – such as the USA, Australia, or New Zealand – strictly prohibit the import of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products for animal and plant protection reasons. Even within the EU, special rules apply to entry from non-EU countries to contain animal diseases: Meat, sausages, milk, cheese, and eggs from numerous third countries generally may not be carried – neither in hand luggage nor in checked luggage.

●        Before international travel, inform yourself about the customs and import regulations of the destination country.

●        Eat any fresh fruit and vegetables you bring with you during the flight instead of importing them.

●        For transit flights with renewed security checks, even sealed duty-free items can be confiscated.

Security regulations (e.g., the 100 ml rule) apply equally to all airlines, as they are specified by the EU or national aviation security authorities. However, there are differences in in-flight catering itself and in individual goodwill rules. This overview shows how major European airlines handle brought-on food:

Important: This information reflects the general practice of airlines and may change. Before each flight, check the current regulations directly on the respective airline's website, especially for special diets, onboard allergies, or travel outside the EU.

●        Leak-proof containers instead of cling film: Protects clothes and electronics in the suitcase from stains and odors.

●        Store liquid bags within easy reach: Saves time at security control, as it must be presented separately.

●        Prefer odor-neutral snacks: Consideration for fellow passengers, especially on short-haul flights with limited fresh air circulation.

●        Cooling elements for perishable foods: Practical for baby food or medications that need to be kept cool.

●        Take an empty water bottle: Fill it at water dispensers after security instead of buying expensive water at the gate.

●        Use a lightweight packing system: With well-organized suitcase compartments or packing cubes, your provisions will also stay in place.

A well-organized suitcase makes all the difference: With the right packing bags, cooler bags, and carry-on suitcases from our range, your provisions will be safely stowed, while you simultaneously adhere to all baggage regulations of your airline. Feel free to browse our shop for suitable travel accessories.

Can I take sandwiches onto the plane?

Yes. Sandwiches are considered solid foods and are fully allowed in hand luggage, as long as no liquid sauces leak out.

Is yogurt allowed in hand luggage?

Only in small quantities up to 100 ml per container, as yogurt is considered a liquid and must fit into the liquids bag.

Can I take fruit and vegetables onto the plane?

Within the EU, yes, in household quantities. For flights to or from non-EU countries like the USA, strict import bans often apply to fresh fruit and vegetables.

Can airlines prohibit passengers' own food?

Generally, no. However, airlines can impose restrictions situationally, for example, in case of a known severe nut allergy on board.

What happens if a food item is not allowed during screening?

It will be sorted out at the security checkpoint and must be disposed of. Most solid foods can be checked in as hold luggage without any problems.

Food in hand luggage is explicitly allowed by almost all European airlines and is a practical, inexpensive alternative to expensive onboard catering. The key is to distinguish between solid and liquid foods and to check import regulations for international travel. With appropriate packaging and a well-organized carry-on suitcase, nothing stands in the way of a stress-free snack above the clouds.

Sources

Your Europe – EU Commission: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/luggage-restrictions/index_de.htm