Can you take food through airport security?

IT’S important to know the rules of what you can take when going to the airport.

To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, here we take an in-depth look at which food items are permitted.

Can I take food through airport security?

Some people may prefer to take their own food to the airport due to the inflated prices once you get there.

Cakes, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables and all other completely solid food stuffs are fine to take through UK airport security.

However, there are a number of items that you need to treat as liquids.

For example, pots of jam, hummus, syrups, honey and guacamole all have to be in 100ml or under containers.

They also must all fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.

However there are some exceptions such as, if you took the hummus out of the pot and spread it on a slice of bread, it would be considered acceptable to go through the security check.

Jars of olives and gherkins also count as a liquid — even though they are mainly solid — because they contain a considerable amount of juice.

Items in cans, such as tuna, are also banned as they exceed 100ml and contain liquid.

This also means sauces, yoghurt, vinegar and oil are banned if they exceed 100ml.

But sweet treats such as caramel or liquid-filled chocolates are allowed – but they must also fit in your resealable plastic liquids bag, along with all your other fluids.

Hard cheese is fine in your hand luggage, but soft cheese has to go in the hold.

Soup also counts as a liquid.

The general rule of thumb when taking food through airport security is to have it in your hand luggage, as in most cases it will cause issues on the x-ray machine.

This could lead to delays and you having to empty out all of your hand luggage.

It is also worth checking if you have US customs pre-clearance – where US customs are stationed at UK airports — if you are travelling to the US.

Some travellers have complained that they were made to ditch items like ham sandwiches because they didn’t comply with US customs laws.

Just remember that airport security reserves the right to confiscate anything they deem as dangerous, even if the item in question technically fits within the rules.

Can I take drinks through airport security?

All liquids must be under 100ml at airport security or they will be confiscated.

This rule has been in place since 2006.

Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security, even when the container is only part full.

There are some exemptions, including items needed for essential medical purposes and any dietary requirements.

Once you have passed through security, you can buy drinks in the departure area to take on the plane.

You can also take an empty water bottle through security and then refill it at a water fountain.

If you buy a bottle of bubbly or other alcohol above 100ml at the airport, this should be fine to take on board as it will be sealed in an airport bag.

However, you must not open the security bag until you reach your final destination.

In November 2022, it was revealed that the 100ml restriction will be ditched by the end of 2024.

The new rules will allow drinks, makeup, and liquids up to two litres in volume to be carried in hand luggage.

It is worth noting that there are exceptions to the rules, with the stating that you can take liquid containers of greater volume than 100ml if they are for essential medical purposes, are for special dietary requirements, or if they contain baby food or baby milk.

Can I take baby food through airport security?

If your child is two or under, you are allowed to carry some items in your hand luggage, including baby milk and sterilised water – the full amount required for your entire journey.

Expressed breast milk can be taken in unlimited quantities, as long as it’s in individual containers that are no larger than two litres, and baby food in liquid, gel or paste form is also fine.