What are the rules for transporting food on a plane? Returning from a trip, the most appreciated souvenirs (for oneself and for others) remain the typical products to eat and drink but, when you have to take a flight, taking them with you can be complex. Not only for reasons of space – especially if you only have hand luggage – but for rules issues.

Food on the plane: the rules you need to know

Indeed, there are various limitations to be respected. They concern first and foremost liquids and liquid foods when traveling within the European Union, and many other categories of food – above all cured meats and dairy products – when instead the destination (or origin) is a non-EU country, such as the United States or Australia, which also impose very heavy fines for violators. How to orient yourself, then? We asked the experts at AirHelp, the largest organization in the world specialized in defending the rights of air passengers, with a network of law firms in more than 30 countries, including Italy. Here’s what you need to know.

Can I bring food in my hand luggage?

The general rule is that You can carry solid and packaged foods in your hand luggage. The AirHelp experts, in fact, explain that «Sandwiches, cereals, sweets and crackers, even if homemade, and as long as they are appropriately sealed and placed in transparent bags, are allowed. There are limitations, however, regarding “liquid” foods. «They must respect the rules on liquids say the experts, «and therefore do not exceed the quantity of 100 ml. Examples of liquid foods? Soft cheeses such as camembert or mozzarella, spreadable creams, desserts such as cheesecake, but also pickles and pickles. «Even canned foods say the AirHelp experts, «must follow the same rules as liquids. Cans in particular do not x-ray well and are difficult to test, which poses a safety risk. It is recommended not to carry them with you to avoid problems.” No limitations – it is worth remembering this – for any type of food or drink purchased directly at the airport.

Can I bring food in my checked baggage?

Regarding hold baggage, the general rule is “green light”. You can bring whatever food you want, even liquid, and without limitations. What makes the difference is the origin and/or destination of your flight because there are some categories of food for which different countries set very strict limits, as we will see later.

Are there any restrictions on food and milk for babies on the plane?

«Among the foods allowed in hand and hold baggage there are also those for children such as artificial milk, breast milk, baby food and juices Of fruit, the AirHelp experts point out. «Drinks and liquid foods in hand luggage must always be within the quantity established by airport security. In the EU”, they reiterate, “the quantity allowed for liquid foods is less than 100 ml and everything must fit into a 1 liter transparent bag”.

How much alcohol can you bring on the plane?

Alcohol deserves a separate chapter. «Alcoholic drinks are allowed at security checks as long as they respect the 100 ml limit. If they exceed the limits, they cannot be transported in hand luggage and must be placed in the hold, while respecting the specific rules of each country. For example, if you fly into the EU from a non-EU country, you can bring one liter of alcohol with a volume greater than 22% without paying VAT and excise duties. Furthermore, it is not allowed to bring alcohol into countries where it is illegal, such as Saudi Arabia.”

Can you bring seeds and seedlings onto the plane?

Even when it comes to seeds and seedlings, it’s good to know the rule and the exception. «It is possible to bring seeds on the plane, both in hold baggage and in hand luggage: however, if you fly outside the EU you must follow the rules established by the destination country, say the experts at AirHelp, underlining that what makes the big difference with respect to what you can bring – or not bring on the plane – is always the place from which you come or to which you travel. “Destinations outside the EU can be very strict with regards to fresh foods, in particular fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products”, continue the AirHelp experts, recalling that if you do not respect the rules you can incur in very heavy fines.

The rules on food on planes when traveling to countries outside the European Union

Basically, it is good to remember at least three rules: theThe European Union prohibits the transport of cheeses, cured meats and filled foods if you arrive from a non-European countryunless it is Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland. Australia, on the other hand, prohibits the import of fruit, including dried fruit, cured meats, spices and seeds, and has specific limitations for cured meats and milk, as do the USA. For this reason, if you travel to non-EU countries, it is always a good idea to consult the embassy websites, but also to declare the presence of food in your luggage at the time of check-in. Returning to the example of the United States, fines for those who do not respect the rules can reach 10 thousand dollars.