Can Airlines Stop You from Eating Your Home-Brought Food on Flights?

Shashwat Dwivedi
6 hours ago
2 min read

By Shashwat Dwivedi

Published: 15 December 2025 | Updated: 15 December 2025

Understanding airline policies on passengers bringing and eating their own food during flights.

The Transportation Security Administration is surprisingly relaxed about its policy regarding food brought by passengers on flights, yet many times flight attendants on board do not encourage you to eat the food you have brought.

The TSA policy permits solid food items, and the emphasis on the word solid is necessary. Liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) are removed from your possession at the security checks.

While not something they would broadcast in bold letters, many airlines reserve the right to limit when passengers can eat outside food, especially during take-off, landing, and the start of cabin service. This has more to do with avoiding delays, odours and aisle congestion than preventing you from having the sandwich you so lovingly prepared.

American Airlines and Delta have on many occasions noted publicly that they discourage food with strong smells and scents which may cause discomfort for other passengers. It is not an outright ban but something that would be encouraged.

Take-off and landing are a strict no for eating food. Unpacking your meals and juggling metal utensils and containers can lead to you being stopped for safety reasons.

When the flight is mid-air and you can remove your seatbelt, the crew will not cause any issue if you are eating your personal food, although if someone nearby has a severe peanut or sesame allergy, crew may temporarily limit what is being opened or eaten. This is one situation where your food might actually get banned on the spot for safety and medical reasons.

Cold snacks do not get a second look from the crew members, but hot food is more likely to be restricted. Heat, steam and spills are messy, smelly and risky. If your container is looking hot, you will be the one who is ‘drawing heat’.

At Brookfield Aviation, we provide expert insights into airline policies and passenger experience. Understanding these rules helps you travel confidently and avoid unnecessary issues on board.