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

Airports can be expensive and with holiday prices higher than ever, many of us are looking for ways to save money - and one of those is bringing our own food on board

If you're fortunate enough to be heading off on an Easter holiday, keeping expenses low is a top concern for many travellers. With the cost of holidays skyrocketing, families are looking for ways to save money, one of which is to avoid purchasing food at the airport or during the flight.

While all airlines provide a trolley service with hot meals and snacks, it can be more economical to bring your own food to keep you going until you reach your destination. It's crucial to understand each airline's policy on bringing your own food, and it's recommended to consume or dispose of it before arriving at your destination to avoid violating local regulations on what can be imported.

For instance, if you're travelling to the EU, you cannot bring in milk, meat, or animal products from a country outside the EU. Certain foods are prohibited as they are considered liquids and are subject to the 100ml limit, although this does not apply to baby food and milk.

The government advises that 'Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on X-ray machines, leading to potential manual checks by security. To minimise delays, these items can be placed in your hold luggage, reports the Daily Record.

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. The airline's website advises: "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."

It also reminds travellers to check the regulations of their destination country regarding the import of food and drink. For those flying with easyJet, you're allowed to carry a hot drink onto the plane, but it must be purchased at the airport and have a secure lid to prevent spills.

Ryanair

As for Ryanair, they permit a variety of food and non-alcoholic soft drinks in the cabin, provided your hand luggage meets their size and weight requirements. However, they draw the line at hot beverages and alcoholic drinks for safety reasons, stating: "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 offers a different approach for longer flights exceeding seven hours, where passengers receive complimentary meals and drinks. On shorter journeys, however, customers are free to bring their own food onboard.

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.'