Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI and BA rules on taking food onboard the plane this Easter

Buying food at airports and on the plane is expensive and can add to the overall cost of your holiday

If you're lucky enough to be jetting off on holiday for Easter, keeping the costs down is at the forefront of many people's minds.

With holiday prices at an all time high, saving cash is a priority for many families and one way to do that is to avoid buying food at the airport or while you're in the air.

While all airlines offer a trolley service with hot food and snacks, it can be more cost-effective to bring your own grub on board to tide you over until you reach your destination.

Airlines have their own rules for bringing your own food aboard and it's important to know your carrier's policy. And it's advised to eat it or dispose of it before you reach your destination to save falling foul of local rules on what you can bring into other countries.

For example, if you're travelling to the EU, you are not allowed to arrive with milk, meat, or animal products from a country outside the EU.

There are certain foods that are not allowed as they are classed as liquids which are still subject to the 100ml restriction. This rule does not apply to baby food and milk.

The government says when bringing food through security it is important to note: 'Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on X-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.”

But what are the rules on our most popular airlines that fly from Scottish airports?

easyJet

The airline is happy for passengers to bring their own food on board but points out that they do sell a wide range of food and ask customers to be aware of the rules surrounding bringing certain food types into country you are flying to.

Their website says: "You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board. 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."

And while easyJet allow you to bring a hot drink on board it must have been bought at the airport and have a secure lid, again for safety reasons.

Ryanair

Ryanair will allow you to bring any type of food or soft drinks into the cabin. But your hand luggage must be within their stated allowance for both weight and size. The low-cost provider, however, don't allow a couple of things.

They will not allow passengers to board carrying a hot drink, for safety reasons. And you cannot board with an alcoholic drink either. They state: "In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight."

TUI

On flights lasting more than seven hours, TUI passengers are provided with a meal and drinks. But on shorter routes passengers are allowed to bring their own food on board.

The company does suggest that these food items should be "low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold."

They also state that they cannot provide heating facilities for food apart from heating up bottles for babies.

British Airways

British Airways fliers can bring food such as sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, and nuts on board. But the carrier does not allow food such as jam, soups, sauces and jelly as they are classed as liquids.

They also say: "Many items are restricted, controlled or completely prohibited onboard our aircraft due to international law, aircraft safety or regulations at your destination." This could include items such as meats, fresh fruit and vegetables.

And there are no facilities to heat or refrigerate food brought on to the aircraft.

Jet2

Jet 2 are the only airline that state they do not allow hot food to be taken aboard a flight. Regarding bringing cold food with you they say: "You can bring cold snacks and treats, but they must be packaged appropriately and meet any applicable security regulations."

Jet2 has stated that passengers can't bring 'items which in our reasonable opinion are unsuitable for carriage by reason of their weight, size or character or which are fragile or perishable or which may affect the safety, health or comfort of other passengers or crew, this may include hot or strong smelling foods and drinks.'

So if you're flying with Jet2 it's best to bare this in mind.