Navigating Airport Food Claims: A Traveler's Guide

Airport security has strict regulations when it comes to food, particularly regarding liquids, gels, and perishable items. Travellers often worry about having their snacks confiscated, dealing with liquid restrictions, or even facing delays at security checkpoints. Understanding the rules before you pack can save you time, hassle, and frustration. So, what types of food can you bring through airport security?

Liquids, gels and spreads are restricted

Some international flights or destinations also have restrictions on fresh produce, meats, and dairy products due to customs regulations. If security flags your food, you have a few options. If the item is not completely banned, such as a large container of hummus or a drink over the allowed size, you can consume it before going through security to avoid wasting it.

You can bring a variety of solid and some liquid foods through airport security, but certain restrictions apply, especially for liquids, gels, and spreads. Baked goods (bread, muffins, cookies, cakes, pastries) and fruits can be packed in carry-on bags without restrictions.

If you’re travelling with someone, you may also be able to transfer the food to their checked baggage if it is still accessible before passing through security.

Fresh produce, meats and dairy products may be restricted

If you are travelling with someone, you may be able to transfer the food to their checked baggage if it is still accessible before passing through security. If your checked luggage is lost or delayed, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline, so it's always a good idea to keep essential snacks in your carry-on luggage.

Some foods can be packed in carry-on bags without restrictions. These include baked goods (bread, muffins, cookies, cakes, pastries) and fruits. If you are travelling to the US, you may need to declare your food at a kiosk if the airport has gone paperless.

You can bring baked goods

If you're travelling with someone else, you may be able to transfer your baked goods to their checked baggage if it is still accessible before passing through security. This can be a helpful option if you're concerned about your baked goods complying with the liquid restrictions. However, keep in mind that if your checked luggage is lost or delayed, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline.

In addition, some airports have gone paperless, which means that instead of filling out a paper form to declare your food items, you will need to go to a kiosk and fill out the same information electronically. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you're travelling to the United States, as some travellers have reported not being given the usual CBP form to declare their food items.

Overall, while you can generally bring baked goods through airport security, it's important to be mindful of any liquid or gel components in your baked goods, as well as any specific restrictions that may apply to your destination country. Understanding the rules before you pack can save you time and hassle at the airport.

You can bring fruit

If you are travelling with someone else, you may be able to transfer your fruit to their checked baggage if it is still accessible before passing through security. This can be a good option if you are unsure whether your fruit will be allowed through security, or if you want to avoid the hassle of carrying it with you.

It is important to note that the rules around bringing food through airport security can vary depending on the country or region you are travelling to or from. For example, some countries may have stricter restrictions on fresh produce or meat products. It is always a good idea to check the regulations for your specific destination before packing any food items.

In addition to the restrictions on liquids, there may also be other restrictions on certain types of food. For example, some countries may prohibit the import of certain types of meat, dairy, or fresh produce. It is important to be aware of these restrictions and to declare any prohibited items when entering a new country. Failing to do so could result in fines or other penalties.

You can transfer food to someone else's checked baggage

Airport security follows strict regulations, particularly regarding liquids, gels, and perishable items. If your food exceeds the 100 ml liquid limit, such as yoghurt, soup, or peanut butter, security will likely require you to discard it. Some international flights or destinations also have restrictions on fresh produce, meats, and dairy products due to customs regulations.

If you are travelling with someone, you may be able to transfer food to their checked baggage if it is still accessible before passing through security. You can also transfer food to someone else's checked baggage if you are travelling with them. This is a good way to avoid having to discard food that does not comply with security regulations.

If security flags your food, you have a few options. If the item is not completely banned, such as a large container of hummus or a drink over the allowed size, you can consume it before going through security to avoid wasting it. You can also bring a variety of solid foods through airport security, such as baked goods (bread, muffins, cookies, cakes, pastries) and fruits.

Frequently asked questions