When traveling on a domestic flight, it is important to be aware of the food items that are allowed in your cabin bag. Commonly allowed items include dry snacks such as nuts, crackers, crisps and easily transportable fruits such as bananas and apples. Sealed beverages, including bottled water and soft drinks, are also generally accepted. However, certain foods are prohibited due to safety, hygiene and security concerns. These typically include liquids and semi-liquids.
In addition, perishable foods, including raw meat, seafood and dairy products, are usually restricted as they can spoil or pose a contamination risk during transport. It is always best to pack travel-friendly foods to avoid inconvenience at security checks and ensure a smooth journey. Remember that restrictions can vary from airline to airline, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead.
Here is a comprehensive list of food items that are allowed and prohibited in your cabin bag on a domestic flight in India
1. Bread
If you plan to bring a baguette or a loaf of sourdough in your hand luggage, you can be sure that it is completely allowed. However, be sure to ask the bakery to wrap it securely to avoid the inevitable shower of breadcrumbs. After all, no one wants their trusty travel items covered in crumbs. Just remember that while bread is fine, any accompanying spreads, such as butter or jam, must follow fluid restrictions – so plan accordingly for your in-flight snack.
2. Sweets and sweets
Chocolates and sweets are the most common things people usually get back from a trip, especially as a gift option. While you may bring them on the flight, remember that only dry cakes are allowed on board for cakes and pastries. Smeared or moldy cakes must not be allowed on the plane. The same rule applies to Indian traditional mithais.
3. Canned food and cooked food
Cooked and tinned food is prohibited in hand luggage unless it is less than 100ml and adequately packed in a plastic bag. Wet food is prohibited, including a bottle of jam or Nutella or a cooked meal. But different airlines may have different rules, so check before boarding.
4. Ghee and oil
This is difficult depending on which airline you are traveling with. Airlines like Indigo may allow you to carry ghee-only check-in baggage, but Air India allows a limited amount to be carried in check-in and carry-on baggage. When it comes to oil or even greasy food, you are completely prohibited from taking it on board an Indigo flight, while Air India allows you to carry a limited amount. Ghee and oil are highly flammable items due to their excessive fat content and can pose a threat in the event of a fire in an aircraft.
5. Fruit and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are generally allowed on domestic flights in India in carry-on and checked baggage. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges are easy to carry, but it’s best to avoid foods that bruise or leak easily. Pack them securely to prevent mess. Vegetables are also typically allowed, but strongly smelling or perishable items may not be ideal for the flight.
6. Baby food
If you are traveling with an infant on an Air India flight, you can bring food and feeding bottles in your hand luggage. Most airlines allow baby food that exceeds the 100ml bar, depending on safety and airline regulations. But make sure to get the food in transparent bottles. After all, nobody wants an irritated or hungry baby around.
7. Tea and coffee
There is good news for those who are very concerned about your tea and coffee and don’t like what they serve on planes. Tea and coffee are allowed in both cabin and checked baggage on domestic flights in India. You can bring tea leaves, coffee beans or ground coffee without any problems. However, if you bring liquid forms such as prepared coffee or tea, they will be subject to the hand luggage liquid restrictions (usually 100ml per container). Dry forms of tea and coffee, whether in loose leaves or tea bags, are perfectly fine to have with you so you can still enjoy your favorite brew on your travels.
8. Cheese
Have you loved artisanal cheese on your travels and wondered if you’d bring it back? As it is a solid food item, cheese is something you can take in your hand luggage.
9. Fish and shellfish
You may be a seafood lover, but most airlines prohibit taking fish, shellfish or any kind of meat on board, whether dried, cooked or even frozen. You may not carry it in your checked baggage either.
10. Coconut
For several reasons, coconuts are prohibited in your check-in and carry-on luggage. Coconut meat, the white edible flesh inside the hard shell, contains a significant amount of oil, which can be flammable when exposed to high temperatures or open flames. Carrying a whole coconut is also a safety concern. Some airlines may allow you to bring small pieces, desiccated coconut or even copra in your check-in luggage, but taking it in your hand luggage is a complete no-no.
11. Pickles
You can enjoy your grandmother’s morning jambut unfortunately different airlines have different rules for this. If you take an Indigo flight, pickles are a no-go in your carry-on or check-in luggage. If you are taking an Air India flight, you can take your pickle, although chilled pickles are only allowed in checked baggage.
12. Condiments
Indian spices are second to none, especially the regional variety that you tend to find in different states. If you’re taking an Air India flight, you can’t take it in your hand luggage, but you can put it in your check-in bag. If you are traveling with another airline, be sure to check their rules and regulations beforehand.
13. Rice and legumes
When traveling on domestic airlines in India, rice and pulses are not allowed in hand luggage due to security regulations. However, you can pack these items in their checked baggage. Make sure they are packed securely to avoid spillage and adhere to airline policies for a smooth travel experience.
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