Airport - Food

BigDee2

Hi,

Are you allowed to take your own food (sandwiches, crisps, ectc) through UK airport security? I know liquids are not allowed, of any type.

Am I correct in saying that on arrival to the US, no foodstuffs can be taken thro' their security?

Thanks.

Vikki_74

Not sure about the first part anymore - I know I remember taking sandwiches etc on a plane once but I'm pretty sure that was before 9/11 and all the heightened security.

With regards taking food into the US, we have taken cereal bars in our suitcases in the past, maybe some chocolate, but you won't get away with much else. You cannot take anything fresh through customs with you and they are strict about enforcing this - I've seen security out with sniffer dogs confiscating someone's packet of sandwiches!

Here is the official line on taking food into the US if it helps:

http://london.usembassy.gov/ukcust1.html

conradmum

Yes, you can take food though not liquids through security. Depending on the food, it may set off the scanners and they'll check your baggage. I set off the scanner with a banana.

This was true in Feb anyway when I flew to Spain.

Pollycat

We've never had a problem taking sandwiches and crisps through Security.

Last flew from Gatwick 20/2/2010.

Liquids up to 100ml ARE allowed as long as they are in containers no bigger than 100ml and are in a clear, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm.

FH_Brit

You can take ANYTHING (food) through onto the aircraft.
The restrictions are taking it into your destination country - US = NO fruit, plants, Meat, or meat products (Oxo etc) and no Dairy what so ever - no exceptions.

Most airlines will come round with a black bag for banned stuff before you land. They are especially "hard" on Brits because of the outbreaks in recent years of Foot & Mouth and BSE (Mad Cow) - unless your Mad Cow has a US passport like my mad cow does - sorry dear! Only joking!

Bear in mind too - Candles, Jam, Make up, Listick included, Hairspray, Lotions, ARE ALL LIQUIDS!

BigDee2

FH Brit - what you said is what I have heard but was unsure.

conradmum & Pollycat - I'll ensure we don't take any kinds of liquids inc. water but will take some snacks.

Vikki_74 - the US Embassy link was really useful.


Thank you all for your responses. I feel more relaxed now.

pilates39

Always take my own food especially on long haul as I am vegan and they never seem to get my food right. Last flight was February to India.
Another tip is to take an EMPTY plastic drinking bottle in your hand luggage (they will not take it from you) and refill in the drinking fountain which can usually be found near to the toilet areas of airports.
On long haul always ask the staff for bottled drinking water just before landing and take it with me.

soolin

I always take food as I am a coeliac and there ar every few places that can feed me if I get a delayed flight.

Flew to Lanzarote last month and took gf biscuits and ceral bars, peanuts cookies and cakes so that I even had snacks when I arrived if I couldn't be bthered to unpack the rest of the food from the hold luggage immediately.