Home » AIRLINE NEWS » easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 Tighten In-Flight Food Rules as EU Import Restrictions and Onboard Safety Concerns Spark Major Policy Shift
Sunday, June 22, 2025
easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 have just made air travel a little more complicated. All three budget carriers have decided to tighten in-flight food rules, surprising passengers mid-travel season. But this isn’t just about snacks—it’s about safety, comfort, and rising concerns linked to EU import restrictions.
While many travelers bring food on board to save money, the skies are shifting. A major policy shift is now in motion, changing what passengers can pack, eat, or sip while flying. easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 are enforcing stricter rules than ever—targeting hot meals, alcohol, and strong-smelling items.
Meanwhile, new EU import restrictions are adding to the confusion, with foods like meat and dairy at risk of being confiscated at the border. And when onboard safety concerns meet cross-border rules, your favorite sandwich might cost more than you think. What triggered these changes? The answers may surprise you. Keep reading.
Packing your own snack for the flight? Think again. This summer, travelers flying with easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 out of major hubs like Luton, Stansted, Manchester, and Dublin are facing tighter restrictions on what they can bring and eat onboard.
From banning hot meals to prohibiting personal alcohol and clamping down on strong-smelling foods, airlines are getting strict—and fast. And it’s not just about comfort. These changes are fueled by rising safety concerns, passenger complaints, and new EU import rules that could see your sandwich confiscated before you even reach baggage claim.
For thousands planning European getaways, these policy shifts are more than just an inconvenience. They’re a wake-up call to rethink what’s in your carry-on—and why.
What You Can (and Can’t) Bring on Board
While most airlines allow some personal snacks, the fine print reveals a complex web of restrictions. And each airline has its own version of what’s allowed.
easyJet lets you bring food into the cabin but enforces a 100ml liquid rule on items like soup or yogurt. Hot drinks from the airport are allowed—but only if they’re securely lidded. No reheating. No exceptions.
Ryanair takes a firmer stance on beverages. While soft drinks and snacks are welcome, hot drinks are banned outright, and outside alcohol is forbidden—even if it was duty-free. It’s all in the name of safety and cleanliness.
Jet2, however, is the strictest. It bans all hot food and drinks, discourages smelly snacks, and insists that food items not be disruptive in size or scent. If it offends noses or clutters tray tables, expect it to be turned away.
Why the Crackdown?
So, why are these airlines suddenly changing course?
First, passenger comfort. Complaints about pungent foods or spilled drinks are more common than ever. Heated items can be disruptive and messy. Strong odors linger. And in crowded cabins, one person’s indulgence can ruin the experience for dozens of others.
Second, safety and hygiene. Hot food increases the risk of burns, especially during turbulence. Unpackaged or perishable items can spoil mid-flight, posing health risks. And outside alcohol is a liability—especially when mixed with altitude, anxiety, or fatigue.
Finally, there’s growing pressure from EU food import regulations, which apply at destination airports regardless of what the airline allows onboard.
The Hidden Risk: EU Import Rules Most Travelers Ignore
Even if your meal passes airline policy, you may face a surprise at the border. Under European Union import laws, bringing meat and dairy products into EU countries from non-EU regions is strictly prohibited.
That includes ham sandwiches, cheese snacks, and even airport-bought ready meals. The rules apply regardless of packaging or storage. Customs officials routinely confiscate items at entry points—sometimes with fines attached.
Passengers from the UK often find themselves caught off guard. They board with food purchased in a UK airport, only to have it confiscated upon arrival in Spain, France, or Germany.
The takeaway? Eat your food mid-flight—or don’t pack it at all.
What About Baby Food and Medical Items?
Fortunately, policies for babies and those with dietary needs are more forgiving.
Most airlines—including TUI, easyJet, and Jet2—allow up to one liter of solid baby food and 100ml containers of milk or formula, even if other liquids are restricted. Heating bottles is permitted onboard, though staff may require advance notice.
Medical food items may also be exempt, but travelers are encouraged to carry documentation and notify airline staff before boarding. Always check your airline’s website or contact them directly before flying with special items.
TUI and Long-Haul Policies
Flying long-haul with TUI Airways? You’re in better hands. TUI offers complimentary meals and drinks on flights over seven hours, reducing the need for personal food. For shorter routes, snacks and beverages are available for purchase via trolley service.
Passengers may bring cold, low-risk foods—think sandwiches, fruit, or crackers—but the same rules apply: no heating, no alcohol, and nothing too aromatic. Safety and discretion remain top priorities.
Airport Security vs Airline Policy: Know the Difference
It’s also important to remember that airport security rules and airline food policies don’t always align.
Security still enforces the 100ml liquid limit, even on soup or pudding. They may confiscate anything that qualifies as a liquid, regardless of airline permissions. So, while your airline might allow something, security might say otherwise.
Always pack snacks in clear, sealed containers, and keep them accessible during screening. Being prepared can save time—and your food.
Final Takeoff: What Travelers Need to Know Now
The age of BYO (Bring Your Own) flying is evolving. As easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2 refine their onboard food rules, passengers must stay informed to avoid frustration—or fines.
- Check both airline and destination country rules before flying.
- Avoid hot, strong-smelling, or perishable foods in your carry-on.
- Never consume outside alcohol onboard—it’s banned industry-wide.
- Eat or discard prohibited items before landing, especially when flying into the EU.
While inflight dining may feel more restricted, it’s all part of a growing movement toward safer, cleaner, and more respectful skies.
So next time you fly, skip the curry in a thermos. A sealed snack bar might just save your trip—and your seatmate’s nose.
Tags: airline food policy, dublin airport, easyJet, EU food import rules, European air travel restrictions, in-flight food bans, jet2, london stansted, luton airport, Manchester Airport, onboard alcohol ban, Ryanair, travel snacks, travel trends 2025, TUI Airways, UK to EU travel
