What foods can be taken on board an aircraft? The rules for eating in hand luggage are not always clear, so every traveler should inform themselves in advance. Who would think that Nutella, which is not only loved by children, is considered a liquid and is the last stop at the security check for the usual 400 gram glass?
When traveling abroad, important information on the import and export of food must also be observed. There are serious reasons for this, as viruses and bacteria can enter the country via food.
Which foods are generally allowed in hand luggage?
Non-liquid foods are clearly permitted on board an aircraft, from sausage sandwiches prepared at home to Tupperware with peeled carrots as travel provisions. However, certain things should be avoided out of consideration for fellow travelers. Who likes to sit in the haze when the neighbor suddenly unpacks a potato salad that smells strongly of garlic or a well-seasoned salami?
Taking liquids on board
For safety reasons, taking liquids with you is strictly regulated. Basically, liquids may only be taken in containers with a maximum filling volume of 100 ml in a lockable, transparent container.
The total amount of liquids must not exceed one liter. The rules include care products such as shampoos, hand creams and body lotion as well as drinks. The half-full water bottle or the Coke can intended as provisions are confiscated at the security checkpoint, as are smoothies and soups made in a thermos bottle at home.
These foods are classified as liquid
A tip if you don’t want to pay the high prices in the shopping area after the checkpoint: you are allowed to take an empty bottle and fill it with tap water after the checkpoints.
There is regular trouble with semi-liquid food, because many passengers are not aware that they are treated like liquid food at the security checkpoint. This includes:
- jams
- Nut nougat creams
- Honey
- cream cheese
- spreadable sausage such as B. liver sausage
Incidentally, in Great Britain, the confiscation of the popular Marmite spread regularly causes such a nuisance that at least passengers at London City Airport now receive small 70-gram jars free of charge if the normal size is taken from them at the security checkpoint.
Special regulations for baby food and medicines
Especially on long-haul flights, parents cannot do without liquid baby food. This can be taken with you without any problems (the presence of the baby is sufficient proof of its necessity), but must be presented separately.
Medications are also allowed, but you may need to present a medical certificate. So, to be on the safe side, take this with you (also in English when traveling abroad). Attention: As with food, everything that is not really solid is treated as a liquid. This includes, for example, gels and lotions in tubes.
Import and export of food
Not only security staff can confiscate your groceries. Customs may also strike. This is done primarily to protect the local flora and fauna. Island states such as Australia and New Zealand act particularly restrictively, wanting to protect their unique fauna and flora and strictly controlling every person entering the country. In New Zealand, passengers can be fined NZ$400 if an apple is found in their carry-on luggage.
There are some curious regulations: In the USA, for example, the import of surprise eggs is prohibited. You won’t be fined, but it’s best to refrain from buying the offspring several surprise eggs to take away in the duty-free shop before the long flight. Always find out about the import regulations of the destination country before you start your journey.
So that your souvenirs don’t cause you any trouble when you return to Germany, read through the import regulations for foodstuffs from German customs. Forbidden are e.g. B. larger quantities of animal products such as meat, eggs, milk and milk products. If you are unsure about certain products, use the app offered by customs – preferably before you buy it in the holiday country.