Can you take food through airport security?

• Up to 24% ABV (most wines, sparkling wine, beer) — no specific restriction
• 24–70% ABV (vodka, rum, whisky, gin) — allowed, but must be in original retail packaging and capped at 5 liters per person
• Over 70% ABV — not allowed at all, checked or carry-on, as it’s classed as a fire hazard

Permitted food

• Sandwiches and wraps (wrapped in transparent film or stored in a box)
• Bread and rolls
• Chewing gum
• Fruits and vegetables
• Crisps, biscuits and other sweets such as chocolate bars
• Tea bags and instant drinks
• Homemade foods without liquid sauces or dips

Prohibited foods

• Jelly-like spreads such as jam, chocolate spreads, honey, peanut butter, dips, ketchup, etc.
• Sauces, dressings and dips
• High-proof alcohol (see above)
• Soups

Good to know:

Duty-free liquids and alcohol bought airside are packed by staff into a sealed, tamper-evident bag. This exempts them from the 100 ml rule for that flight, but the bag must stay sealed until you reach your final destination — it shouldn’t be opened for consumption during the flight, and if you have a connecting flight, it may need to be re-screened. Any specific duty-free allowances (how many liters of spirits or wine you can bring in without paying duty) depend on where you’re travelling to and from, so check your destination’s customs guidance before buying in bulk.

• Pack your food in airtight, see-through containers.
• Observe the liquid limit: up to 100 ml per container, 1 liter in total.
• Baby food and medicine are treated separately — check the current guidance in advance.
• Know the rules for your specific route, especially if you’re flying outside the EU.
• If in doubt, it’s easier to eat the item before security than risk having it confiscated.