REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Travelling can feel overwhelming at times. There is a lot of packing to do, bags to weigh, boarding passes to take care of, and not to mention the long queues and processes to go through.
On top of all that, airport food can be pricey, so many people choose to bring their own snacks from home. It is cheaper, tastes better, and since you made it, you know exactly what you are eating.
But here is the big question: Can you actually bring homemade snacks through airport security?
The rules at airports can feel confusing, especially when it comes to food. Some items are allowed, some are not, and liquids have strict limits. Let’s break it all down in this guide.
The simple answer is yes, you can bring snacks to the airport. The security doesn’t care whether your food is homemade or store-bought. What matters is whether the food is solid or liquid and whether you followed the rules.
Anything solid is fine to pack in your hand luggage. This includes sandwiches, wraps, biscuits and cookies, crisps, chocolate, muffins and cakes, pastries, cereal bars, whole fruit (like apples or bananas), nuts, and more.
Anything soft, creamy, or spreadable is usually treated as a liquid and must follow the 100ml liquid rule. These include things like soup, yoghurt, smoothies, peanut butter, jam, cream cheese, sauces, and dips.
You can bring these, but only if each container is 100ml or less, and all containers fit inside the small clear liquids bag. Anything over 100ml will be taken away.
If you are travelling with a baby, you are allowed to carry baby food, baby milk, and sterilised water. Unlike the liquid rule, these items can be more than 100ml. Security may ask you to open or taste them, but they usually allow them through.
For medical or special diet foods, you can also bring more than 100ml, but you may need proof, such as a doctor’s note or prescription.
Choose snacks that are easy to carry and won’t fall apart in your bag. Dry foods are always the safest choice because they don’t leak, melt, or create a mess. Think of things like biscuits, crisps, fruit, sandwiches, or muffins.
Packing your snacks in clear containers or transparent bags makes everything easier. Security officers can see the food right away, and you won’t be asked to open things unnecessarily. Clear packaging is especially useful if you have cut fruit, sandwiches, or mixed snacks.
Try not to pack anything that is creamy, runny, or spreadable. Foods like sauces, dips, and soups take longer to check. They must also follow the 100ml liquid rule, and if they look too big or too unclear, officers may ask you to remove them or throw them away. Dry snacks are always faster and easier.
Bringing your own snacks to the airport is a great idea. It saves you money and gives you more control over the ingredients and food choices, so you can bring healthier options. It also makes it smoother and easier with kids when they have their favourite snacks.
So, the next time you travel, feel free to pack your favourite foods. Keep it simple, avoid messy items, and pack them properly. Airport security will let you through, and you will enjoy your trip with snacks you love.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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