2026 Guide: Food and drink restrictions on UK budget flights

By Molly Grace • Updated: Feb 4, 2026 • 4:22 PM • 2 min read

2026 Guide: Food and drink restrictions on UK budg...

Budget Airline passengers are being urged to familiarise themselves with updated food and beverage policies this year. It's that time of year again, folks – time to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of budget travel rules. And honestly, with the price of everything going up, squeezing every penny counts, right?

While EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI all offer in-flight refreshments, each carrier maintains specific rules regarding what passengers can bring onboard. So, before you pack that delicious-smelling curry your aunt made (been there!), it's probably worth a quick check.

Across all four airlines, consuming alcohol brought from outside the aircraft is prohibited, although sealed, duty-free purchases are permitted. This is a pretty standard rule, but worth reiterating. These measures aim to ensure passenger safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and manage onboard behaviour. Travellers are encouraged to review the rules before travelling to avoid potential confiscation or inconvenience at security or during the flight. Imagine having your meticulously planned pre-flight G&T confiscated! That's a holiday buzzkill right there.

TUI passengers on flights exceeding seven hours receive complimentary meals and drinks, reflecting the Airline’s approach to long-haul passenger comfort. On shorter routes, a trolley service offers snacks and drinks, but passengers are permitted to bring their own food. The airline recommends low-risk cold items, such as pre-made sandwiches or packaged snacks that do not require reheating. Cabin crew cannot heat personal food, except for baby bottles. Personal alcohol is also prohibited on TUI flights, and travellers are reminded to comply with both airline and airport regulations. So, think "picnic basket" not "three-course meal," and you'll be golden.

EasyJet provides a snack trolley and drinks service throughout flights. Passengers may bring their own food but should check destination-specific import regulations, as rules for bringing in certain foods and beverages vary between countries. There is a 100ml limit for liquid foods, including soups and custards, to comply with airport security. Hot beverages purchased at the airport may be taken onboard only if they have secure lids. These precautions are designed to prevent spills, ensure passenger safety, and maintain hygiene standards within the cabin. That sneaky soup you were thinking of? Probably not worth the hassle.

Ryanair allows passengers to bring cold food and non-alcoholic drinks under its “feel free” policy. However, hot drinks and the consumption of personal alcohol are strictly prohibited during flights, in the interest of safety. Passengers are responsible for ensuring that all items they bring onboard comply with both cabin safety and airport security regulations. Ryanair's "feel free" policy is generally appreciated, though remember that hot beverages are off limits. You'll have to survive on lukewarm airplane coffee like the rest of us, sadly.

Jet2 does not allow hot food or beverages onboard. The airline advises passengers against bringing items considered unsuitable due to weight, size, fragility, perishability, or potential impact on passenger comfort or safety. This includes hot or strong-smelling foods. Alcohol may only be consumed if purchased onboard, and Jet2 provides a variety of refreshments during flights for passenger convenience. Leave that pungent blue cheese at home, folks. Your fellow passengers will thank you for it.

Travellers should also be aware of new EU customs regulations prohibiting… (Article incomplete)