
Gatwick Airport has strict guidelines on the type of food passengers can bring through security. Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, and packaged snacks are generally allowed, while liquid-based foods like soups, yogurts, sauces, jams, and spreads are restricted to containers of 100ml or less. These containers must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag for easy inspection. Passengers with infants are allowed to carry baby milk, baby food, and powdered milk formula exceeding the usual liquid limit. It's important to note that some countries have strict rules about bringing in fresh produce, so finishing these items before arriving at your international destination is advisable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Liquids are restricted and must be in containers of 100ml or less. |
| Containers | Containers must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag. |
| Solid foods | Allowed, including sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, packaged snacks, etc. |
| Spreads | Allowed in small quantities (travel-sized containers of 100ml or less). |
| Baby food | Allowed in sufficient quantities for the journey. |
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What You'll Learn

Liquids, gels, and other restricted items
Liquids, gels, and other items with similar consistency are restricted at Gatwick Airport. This includes drinks, water, soups, yoghurts, sauces, jams, preserves, and other food items with high liquid content. Spreads and items that are creamy or gel-like are also restricted. These items must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml. Each container must not exceed 100ml, and all containers must be presented for examination in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre or 20cm x 20cm.
Baby formula in powder form, on the other hand, is not subject to any restrictions and can be carried in hand luggage without limit. Additionally, parents are allowed to carry enough baby milk or baby food for their journey in their hand luggage. However, any remaining quantities should be packed in checked-in baggage.
It is important to note that the restrictions on liquids do not apply to items purchased at airport shops beyond the security checkpoints. These items are allowed through security, but they count towards your hand baggage allowance for your next flight.
To avoid any issues at security, it is recommended to opt for solid foods such as crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, and nuts. These items are generally hassle-free and provide convenient snacking options during your journey.
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Solid foods and snacks
When travelling through Gatwick Airport, it's important to be aware of the regulations regarding food items. The guidelines primarily focus on the type of food and its consistency, with restrictions on liquids, gels, and items that could spill easily.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Sandwiches and wraps are permitted, as long as they don't contain excessive sauces or dressings that may spill. This includes classic options like ham and cheese or homemade creations.
Cakes and Pastries
Cakes, muffins, croissants, and brownies are usually fine to bring through security, as long as they are not cream-filled or filled with excessive amounts of jam or jelly.
Packaged Snacks
A variety of packaged snacks are allowed, including crisps, nuts, crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, biscuits, and chocolate. These items are often available in travel-friendly packaging and can also be purchased at airport shops after passing through security.
Fruits
Whole fruits, such as apples, bananas, and oranges, are generally allowed and provide a nutritious option for your travels.
It's important to note that while solid foods are convenient and less likely to be restricted, some countries have strict rules about bringing in fresh produce. Always check the regulations of your destination country before travelling with food items. Additionally, keep in mind that there are no facilities to warm or refrigerate food items that you bring onboard.
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Liquids for babies and infants
When travelling with babies and infants, you can carry breast milk in your hand luggage, even if you are not with the baby. Individual containers of breast milk must not hold more than 2,000ml. Each container will be screened at the security point, and staff may need to open them.
You can also carry formula milk powder in your hand luggage, with no limits on the amount. If you are carrying pre-mixed liquid formula, it must be in containers of 100ml or less. You can carry enough baby milk or baby food for your journey in your hand luggage, but pack the rest in your checked-in baggage. You can warm baby bottles in Pret A Manger in both the North and South Terminals.
Gatwick Airport has family security lanes and a dedicated special assistance lane for families. There are also baby-changing and feeding areas in both the North and South Terminals, as well as in check-in areas, transfer areas, and arrivals.
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Food items for passengers with medical devices
If you have a pacemaker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, you must inform Gatwick Airport's security officers before going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.
Gatwick Airport security primarily restricts liquids, gels, and anything that could spill easily. Solid foods are generally allowed, but there are strict limits on liquid-based items like spreads, jams, and sauces. If you are carrying liquid food items, they must be in containers that hold 100ml or less.
- Solid foods such as sandwiches, fruit, crackers, dried fruit, and granola bars.
- Cakes and pastries that are not cream-filled or contain excessive amounts of jam or jelly, such as muffins, croissants, and brownies.
- Packaged snacks like crisps, nuts, chocolate, and other items that come in travel-friendly packaging.
- Fresh produce, although it is recommended to finish these before arriving at your international destination as some countries have strict rules about bringing in fresh foods.
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Shops and eateries at the airport
Gatwick Airport offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or last-minute shopping, the airport has something for everyone.
Restaurants and cafes
There are about 15 different cafes and restaurants throughout the North Terminal, including well-known chains and independent options. Some of the most popular restaurants located at the airport include:
- Wetherspoon - Red Lion (near Departures): A pub-style restaurant offering British dishes, including breakfast, burgers, and fish and chips, along with a wide selection of beers and spirits.
- Starbucks (near Departures): Perfect for a quick coffee, pastry, or sandwich before your flight.
- Pret A Manger (North and South Terminals): Warm baby bottles here if you're travelling with infants.
- Caviar House & Prunier (near Departures): A seafood bar offering caviar, smoked salmon, and other seafood delicacies, along with wines and champagnes.
- Costa Coffee (near Departures): Another popular coffee chain offering coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
- Jamie Oliver Coffee Lounge (North Terminal): A great option for coffee lovers.
- The Nicholas Culpeper (North Terminal): A sit-down restaurant for a more substantial meal.
- Wagamama (North Terminal): A popular choice for a quick bite.
- Pure (North Terminal): Known for its healthy and fresh cuisine, made with organic ingredients. It also offers an extensive wine and beer list.
Shops
Gatwick Airport also has a variety of shops, including high street stores and specialty retailers. Some of the shops you'll find include:
- WHSmith (North Terminal)
- M&S Simply Food
- World Duty Free (North Terminal)
- Boots (North Terminal)
- Harrods (North Terminal)
- FatFace (North Terminal)
- JD Sports (North Terminal)
- Sunglass Hut (North Terminal)
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Frequently asked questions
Solid foods are generally allowed, but there are restrictions on liquid-based foods.
Solid foods such as sandwiches, fruit, crackers, dried fruit, biscuits, and packaged snacks are usually allowed.
Liquids, gels, creams, and anything that could spill easily are restricted. This includes foods like soups, yogurts, jams, and sauces. You can bring small amounts (up to 100ml) of these liquid-like foods in travel-sized containers.
Yes, you can carry enough baby milk or baby food for your journey in your hand luggage. There are no restrictions on taking baby formula powder through security.
There is a child-friendly play area after security in the North Terminal where you may be able to eat your food. There are also cafes and restaurants in both terminals before Security.











































