What is and isn’t allowed in terms of food and drinks in your hand luggage? More is allowed than you might think, so make yourself comfortable and make sure you have something tasty with you.
“In principle, everything is allowed in hand luggage, unless it is on the list of dangerous items. Food is also allowed,” says Dennis Muller, spokesman for Schiphol Airport. “For liquids – including drinks – there is a maximum of 1 liter, in packages of 100 milliliters each, which are in a resealable transparent bag of 1 liter.”
You usually can’t get through security with a bottle of water. “It is better to take an empty bottle with you; there are water points everywhere at the airport to fill the bottle once you have passed security,” says Muller. The ‘liquid rule’ is to prevent terrorists from bringing large quantities of liquid explosives on board the aircraft. Liquids purchased after the security check are allowed, provided they are sealed and have valid proof of purchase.
Bringing your own food has advantages. Cookbook author Susan Aretz, for example, finds it nicer to eat when it suits her than to have to wait until it is her turn for the meal. “And you have the chance that what you want is already gone. If you get a meal on board, of course. On flights where you are not offered food, it saves money to bring your own food.”
Take whatever you feel like, advises Aretz. She always takes all kinds of small containers with goodies with her when flying. “Everyone usually thinks of sweets, but at some point you’re done with sweet things. So also raw vegetables with hummus or something else to dip. Also make sure you have something crunchy with you, like crackers. Especially nice because you often drink extra water and then you can get such a queasy taste in your mouth.”
Furthermore, according to her, it is also a matter of taking into account those who are sitting next to you. “Don’t bring food that smells strong and that the environment can therefore enjoy. And bring cold things, such as a pasta or tuna salad. You can’t have anything warmed up in the plane, except perhaps a jar of baby food. At high altitude, the taste of dishes also changes. Therefore, be generous with your herbs. And if you have a sandwich with cheese, you could put some sambal or mustard on it.”
Also take something healthy with you
Think in advance how long the flight will take and how much you would eat at home during that time. “You tend to eat more on a plane, out of boredom. That’s why it’s smart to also bring a number of healthy things,” says Aretz. “And during long flights you move much less than on the ground, so you don’t really need much energy intake in terms of food.”
Traveling with children requires extra attention, Aretz notes. “Provide boxes of raisins and dried fruit, or sliced apple in a bowl. Food is also a distraction for children, which is a plus. If you are taking a long flight with young children, take something nice for your neighbors too. That immediately creates some goodwill if your child isn’t feeling so well for a moment.”