Quick Answer
Passengers are generally allowed to bring food onboard airplanes, with some restrictions. TSA regulations allow solid foods in reasonable quantities through security screening. Most airlines also allow passengers to bring food in carry-on bags or personal items. However, there are limitations on liquids, gels, and spreadable foods in carry-on luggage. Passengers cannot bring their own alcohol. Some airlines may have additional restrictions or fees for bringing outside food onboard. Checking with your specific airline is always advisable. Being courteous of fellow passengers regarding odors and mess is also recommended when bringing food.
Carry-On Food Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows solid foods in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. This means you can pack sandwiches, snacks, fresh fruit, and other solid foods in your carry-on bag to bring onboard your flight. However, the TSA restricts liquids, gels, and spreadable foods in carry-ons under the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
- Containers must be 3.4 ounces or less
- Liquids must be in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
- 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin
This means food items like yogurt, pudding, sauce, or anything that can be spilled or spread must adhere to the quantities and packaging outlined in the 3-1-1 rule.
Many airlines do allow exceptions for special medical foods needed during the flight. Passengers should contact their airline for policies on medical liquid exemptions.
Some Examples of Allowed Carry-On Foods
- Solid foods like fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, protein bars, granola bars, hard cheese
- Food in sealed packaging like chips, bread, crackers, cookies, nutrition bars
- Baby food in containers of 3.4oz or less
Some Examples of Prohibited Carry-On Foods
- Yogurt, pudding, applesauce, spreadable cheese over 3.4oz
- Drinks, soups, stews, chili, oatmeal over 3.4oz
- Unpacked condiments like peanut butter, jelly, syrup, salad dressing, oils
- Any liquids, gels, spreads over the 3.4oz limit
Checked Bag Food Options
If you don’t want to be restricted by TSA carry-on limits, non-liquid foods can be packed in a checked bag. This allows you to pack things like:
- Dips, dressing, condiments, oils, sauces
- Opened jars of jams, jellies, spreads
- Larger quantities of yogurt, pudding, hummus
- Soups, stews, oatmeal in containers of any size
Keep in mind that some food items are still prohibited in checked bags for customs reasons, like:
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants
- Meats, seafood, eggs
- Anything that could leak and damage other luggage
Also remember checked bags are subject to search by the TSA, so pack appropriately.
Airline Policies on Bringing Food
While the TSA defines what can and cannot be brought through security checkpoints, individual airlines set their own specific policies for food brought onboard the aircraft itself. Many airlines allow reasonable amounts of outside food in carry-on bags with little to no restrictions. However, some key airline policies to be aware of include:
| Airline | Food Policy Highlights |
|---|---|
| Delta | Allows food in carry-on and personal items |
| American | No restrictions on solid foods in carry-on bags |
| Southwest | Outside food allowed on domestic flights only |
| United | May restrict cabin food to aircraft type or destination |
| Alaska | Limits pre-made meal boxes in first class cabins |
| Spirit | $3 charge for bringing food onboard |
Many airlines request that passengers consume outside food within reason and be mindful that flights may not have refrigeration or ample room for large coolers or spreads. Airlines also commonly ask that passengers keep odors contained to avoid disturbing fellow travelers in tight quarters.
Alcohol Policies
Federal aviation regulations prohibit passengers from bringing their own alcoholic beverages onboard aircraft. All alcoholic beverages served on flights must be provided by the airline. Trying to bring personal alcohol through security checkpoints will result in confiscation by TSA agents.
If wanting to enjoy alcoholic drinks before a flight, passengers must finish their beverages before boarding or dispose of them before entering the secure boarding area. Adhering to airline and federal alcohol policies helps ensure legal and safety compliance.
Food for Medical Needs
If you need to bring your own food onboard due to medical conditions or dietary restrictions, special accommodations can be requested.
The first step is notifying your airline of your needs well ahead of your flight and requesting an accommodation. Most airlines can provide documentation of medical necessities that can then be presented at security checkpoints.
Passengers with diabetes, celiac disease, allergies, and similar conditions may be allowed to bring items like juice, gels, or baked goods in carry-on bags needed to manage conditions during flight. Documentation from a doctor may be required by airlines or TSA.
Working directly with airlines in advance is key to ensuring needed food items are permitted onboard flights.
Food for Infants and Children
Food for babies and small children is generally permitted on planes, both in carry-ons and checked luggage. However, the quantities and packaging rules still apply.
For carry-ons, baby food jars larger than 3.4oz cannot be brought through TSA checkpoints. Some options for babies include:
- Empty bottles to fill with pumped breastmilk after clearing security
- Formula powder and mix with bottled water after security
- Baby food pouches of 3.4oz or less
- Jars of 3.4oz or less
- Prepared bottles with expressed milk, formula, or juice of 3.4oz or less
For young kids, small amounts of fruit purees, yogurt, pudding, or applesauce can be brought through security. But larger quantities or liquids meant for multiple meals will need to be packed in checked baggage. Child-size versions of allowed solid foods like sandwiches and snacks can also be carried on.
Always separate food items from the diaper bag during screening. This allows agents to clearly inspect items. Communicating with TSA officers about children’s food needs often results in cooperative screening.
Food Purchased at the Airport
One option for bringing food onboard a flight is purchasing items once inside the secure area of the airport. This allows you to buy beverages, sandwiches, meals to-go, and snacks right before boarding. Since these items are obtained after passing security screening, there are little to no restrictions on the type, quantity, or packaging.
Anything purchased airside can be taken right onto your flight without issue. This provides a way to bring restricted items like yogurt, drinks, salads, and more. Just budget extra time before your flight for picking up items, and factor in airport pricing, which tends to be more expensive.
Courtesy When Bringing Food
While allowed to bring outside food on most flights, passengers should be mindful of courtesy toward other travelers. Since airline cabins are tight spaces, issues around odors, spills, trash, and storage can occur.
To help keep flights comfortable for all:
- Opt for non-aromatic foods to avoid disturbing neighbors with strong smells
- Use leakproof containers for anything that could spill
- Have napkins and wipes on hand in case of messes
- Bring single-serving portions instead of family-sized dishes
- Take along small, reusable bags for containing waste
- Store carry-on food neatly under the seat to save overhead bin space
Being proactive with planning food can help reduce the chance of disturbances. But if an issue does occur, apologize and address it promptly. Flight crews are trained to help resolve conflicts as needed to keep the peace.
Food Restrictions for International Flights
There are much stricter regulations around bringing food through customs and onto international flights. Because of agricultural inspection rules to prevent transmitting diseases and pests, many foods banned from entry altogether.
Prohibited items often include:
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants
- Meats, eggs, dairy, seafood
- Rice, seeds, nuts, spices
- Homemade foods or baked goods
- Pet food
Failing to declare prohibited foods can result in fines or confiscation by customs agents. Instead, plan to purchase any needed food once arriving at your destination. Pack non-perishable snacks that are allowed, like packaged candy, crackers, chips, sealed packaged foods.
Some airlines may have extra restrictions on international flights, so always verify directly with your carrier. Rules tend to be much stricter than domestic flights.
Food Allowances by Airline Alliance
Many airlines are part of larger airline alliances that align policies between partners. Rules for things like baggage, boarding, meals, and food allowances are often consistent across an alliance.
Star Alliance Food Policies
The Star Alliance airlines generally permit outside food in reasonable quantities for economy passengers on long-haul international flights. This includes carriers like:
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Air Canada
Short-haul economy fliers may have more restrictions and are encouraged to purchase meals. Business and first-class cabins typically provide dining as part of the fare.
SkyTeam Food Policies
The SkyTeam airlines have varying policies depending on the carrier and flight. But food is typically allowed in carry-on bags in economy cabins for international flights. This includes popular airlines like:
- Delta Air Lines
- Air France
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Exceptions like Aeromexico may prohibit food brought onboard. Business class passengers and transoceanic flights generally provide all meals.
Oneworld Food Policies
The Oneworld carriers enforce more limits on outside food being brought onboard flights. Airlines in this alliance include:
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Qantas
Food is often restricted to only airline-provided meals in all cabins on long-haul international routes. Shorter economy flights may allow limited snacks. Policies vary across airlines in this alliance.
So always verify food rules directly with your operating carrier, even when flying partner airlines on the same itinerary. Policies can differ between carriers and individual flights.
Tips for Bringing Food Through Security
To maximize your chances of getting food items successfully through airport security screening:
- Separate food: Take all food out of bags and place directly in bins.
- Consolidate containers: Group similar foods in same bins to avoid spills or contamination.
- Identify contents: Let agents know you have medically necessary foods.
- Follow rules: Adhere to all TSA liquid, gel, and size allowances.
- Re-pack after screening: Clear bins completely before re-packing items.
- Communicate needs: Explain children’s food necessities.
- Have documentation ready: Carry any medical waivers for inspection.
- Pack smart: Use secure, non-messy containers optimized for transport.
Being organized, compliant, and upfront with TSA staff about your food items helps minimize hassle during airport screening.
Conclusion
Airline food policies aim to balance passenger needs with safety and operational concerns. While bringing food from home is allowed on planes, limitations apply.
Adhering to TSA rules for carry-ons and checking restricted items is key to getting food past security. Passengers should also research and abide by their airline’s specific outside food rules to avoid problems at the gate or onboard.
When thoughtfully prepared and packed, home-cooked meals, snacks, and other food can definitely be brought for enjoyment inflight. A little proactive planning goes a long way to a tasty, hassle-free travel experience.
Bon appétit and happy travels with your favorite flight foods!
