When preparing for a holiday flight, many travellers consider packing their own refreshments to avoid potentially expensive onboard purchases. Major UK airlines including easyJet, TUI, Ryanair and Jet2 generally permit passengers to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the cabin. However, each carrier enforces specific prohibitions, and there are universal restrictions that all jet-setters must heed to ensure a smooth journey.
Universal Restrictions and Key Considerations
Regardless of which airline you choose, several critical rules apply across the board. Fresh EU regulations strictly prohibit passengers from bringing any meat or dairy products into member states. This ban extends to items like pre-made sandwiches, even if purchased airside at the departure terminal. Furthermore, all airlines maintain policies against items deemed unsuitable due to weight, size, fragility, perishability, or potential to affect the safety, health, or comfort of other passengers and crew. Strong-smelling foods often fall into this category.
TUI's Specific Food and Drink Policies
For flights exceeding seven hours, TUI provides complimentary meals and drinks to passengers. On shorter routes, a trolley service operates, selling a selection of food and beverages. Travellers are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks, but TUI recommends opting for "low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold." The airline explicitly states that cabin crew cannot reheat passenger food, with the sole exception of baby bottles. Crucially, consuming any alcoholic beverages not purchased onboard the aircraft is strictly forbidden during the flight.
easyJet's Guidelines for Passengers
easyJet confirms that passengers may bring food into the cabin, while also highlighting the availability of various snacks and drinks for purchase during the flight. The carrier imposes a 100ml limit for liquid food items, such as soup or custard. easyJet strongly advises travellers to check destination-specific regulations concerning the importation of particular food and drink items, as rules vary significantly between countries. For safety reasons, hot beverages are only permitted if they have been purchased at the airport and come with secure, fitted lids.
Ryanair's "Feel Free" Policy Explained
Under its "feel free" policy, Ryanair allows passengers to bring food and non-alcoholic soft drinks onboard. However, the airline's website clearly states that, in the interest of safety, passengers cannot board the plane with hot drinks. Additionally, consuming your own alcohol during the flight is prohibited. Ryanair emphasises that only alcoholic beverages purchased from their onboard service may be consumed while in the air.
Jet2's Prohibitions and Onboard Offerings
Jet2 explicitly does not allow hot food or hot drinks on its services. The airline's guidance reads: "You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft." Jet2 reassures passengers that a variety of refreshments are available for purchase during the flight. Similar to other carriers, Jet2 prohibits items considered unsuitable for carriage, which may include hot or strong-smelling foods and drinks. The rule regarding alcohol is consistent: only alcoholic drinks purchased on board may be consumed during the flight.
Planning Your In-Flight Refreshments
To avoid any issues at security or onboard, passengers should carefully plan their packed snacks. Opt for cold, pre-packaged, and non-perishable items. Always check the latest guidelines on your airline's official website before travelling, as policies can be updated. Being aware of these common bans—on hot items, personal alcohol, and certain EU-regulated foods—can help ensure your flight is comfortable, compliant, and free from unnecessary delays or confiscations.
