Can You Take Food on Flights – International and Domestic

Last updated on Dec 12th, 2024 by Heena Ganotra

Can you take food on international flights? Absolutely but it also depends on your destination and type of trip. There are also certain food items that are forbidden and can’t be added to your carry-on. You need to be especially cautious when you are travelling internationally as different countries have different limitations. The answer to ‘can you take food onto an international flight?” can differ. 

Can You Take Food on an International Flight?

Yes, you can take food on an international flight. You can carry different kinds of food in your checked luggage. People pack spicy pickles, kimchi, homemade sweets, and more into their checked baggage. However, carrying food to eat in your carry-on can be a bit tricky. There are many items prohibited by different countries and airlines. 

We recommend visiting the airline’s website or looking at the destination country’s regulations before you start packing. What is permitted in one country may not be permitted somewhere else. 

Can You Bring Snacks on the Plane?

Yes, you can bring snacks on the plane. Things like chips, bread, sandwiches, fries, etc, are all allowed. The items should be solid and easy to identify. You should avoid anything that is heavily spiced or very odorous. Dishes like fish, fruits like durian, and spices are onion and garlic can have an impact on the aeroplane’s indoor environment. That’s one of the reasons why you need to avoid certain food items. 

Best Snacks to Take on a Plane

Finding great snacks to take on the plane isn’t difficult. Some of the most popular items include:

• Fruit salads
• Vegetable salads
• Chips and fries
• Biscuits and cookies
• Sandwiches
• Cup noodles
• Candies and chocolates
• Granola or protein bars
• Wraps 
• Bread and cakes

You can pack these items in your carry-on to ensure you don’t go hungry or spend too much on food during your trip. Having snacks with you is especially important if you’re on a long flight and have some health condition like diabetes or blood pressure. 

International Travel Liquids

In most countries, travellers are only allowed to carry 10ml of liquid in their carry-on. You need to avoid any liquids like soup, ketchup, sauces, etc. You can carry powdered soup and then add hot water onboard but you can’t pack a bowl of soup in a liquid state in your carry-on. You’ll be asked to consume it before boarding or discard it entirely. The restrictions on domestic flights aren’t as stringent. They usually allow you to carry a bottle or so of liquid without much fuss. 

But when it comes to international carry-on liquids, 10ml is usually the limit. Liquids you can’t carry include:

• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Tea
• Milk
• Milkshakes

You can carry all of these items in a dry form and then add water or milk onboard. You can enjoy a hot beverage without buying them entirely. 

Can You Bring Food on Domestic Flights?

Yes, you are allowed to bring food on domestic flights. Some people carry pizzas, burgers, and ice creams into the plane. Domestic flights have fewer restrictions because the journey is relatively short and happens within the country. However, it is still a good idea to check the local regulations before making a decision. 

Can You Take Water Bottles on Domestic Flights in Australia?

Yes, you can carry your own water bottle when you’re boarding a domestic flight in Australia. Carry a small bottle to make things easier. Make sure the water bottle has water or juice in it. Alcoholic beverages aren’t permitted.

Can I Take Food in Checked Luggage?

Yes, you can take food items in your checked luggage but make sure that the items are permitted by your destination country. Security will check items that look suspicious. It is best to not carry things that can’t survive the journey or are fragile. Many people transport wine bottles in their checked luggage, which can be risky. When you pack your food, make sure everything is sealed properly and can handle the rough journey well.

So, the answer to, ‘can I bring food on a plane international flight’ is yes. But you can’t bring everything. We also recommend looking at your destination country’s regulations to see what items are prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I take food on a Qantas domestic flight?

A: Yes, you can take some snacks and food items on your domestic flight via Qantas. As a courtesy, try avoiding food that is too odorous.

Q. Can you take food on Jetstar international flights?

A: Yes, but only in limited amounts and some items like ketchup, sauces, and fish aren’t permitted. We recommend taking easy-to-eat finger foods.

Q. Can you bring food into Australia?

A: It is best to finish your meals and snacks onboard and discard them if you can’t finish them.

Well, that’s all! Long story short, among the items that you can and can’t carry in a carry-on, food is definitely one thing that you can. 

Now that you know you won’t starve on the plane, it’s time to book tickets and MyTicketsToIndia can help you with that! We offer the best possible deals and will find affordable Australia to India flight ticket price for you. Just call or request a callback today and we’ll take things forth. 

About Heena | View Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness and kindness in abundance. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! :)