Can you take food through airport security?

Are you allowed to bring your own food on board a plane, or eat your own meal while waiting for your flight to depart? Yes, you are! Did you know that (in theory) you can even take a cheeseburger with you? For if you choose to take healthy snacks with you, instead of buying something at the airport or on the plane, we've made a list of what you can and can't take with you through airport security.

1. What kind of food can be brought on a plane?

You can take everything in your checked baggage: from liquid to solid food. However, you are not allowed to carry liquid or gel-like food products in your carry-on baggage. This is only allowed if all liquids that you want to take with you are in packages of 3.4 oz (or less) AND these packages all fit in one clear quart-sized plastic bag. After the security check it is of course possible to purchase and eat liquid and gel-like food or to take it on the plane. For example, bring your own sandwich and get the ketchup, mayo, or mustard at the airport.

Most of the food that you take with you during the flight must be packed, such as sandwiches, pieces of fruit and cheese. And yes, that cheeseburger too! Put it in a plastic container or wrap it up.

Pay attention! In many countries you can't take all types of food into the country. So check the rules before departure or take no more than you can take with you during the trip, otherwise you may have to discard it upon arrival at your destination. And throwing away food is a shame.

2. What kind of food should you not take on the plane?

There are foods that you can theoretically take with you in the cabin, but of which we don't recommend it. You and your fellow passengers are stuck in the air the entire flight and you have the chance that these foods are refused at the security scan in order to prevent nuisance.

  • 'Special' foreign dishes or products, such as kimchi and durian
  • Blue cheese
  • Very spicy scented food, such as Indian curry
  • Fish
  • Garlic and onions

3. Why does food taste different on planes?

When you fly, your sense of taste changes. That is scientifically proven. This is because you smell less on the plane and smell is very important for your taste experience. A little extra salt and pepper always works. It is also nice to bring your own tea with a spicy flavor. Furthermore, it is good not to eat too much high-fat food. Digestion also changes in the air and eating fat is harder for your body to digest.

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