Bringing your own food onboard a flight can be a real lifesaver. Whether you're looking to save a few dollars, catering to specific dietary needs, or simply prefer snacking on your personal favourites at 30,000 feet in the air, packing your own snacks makes sense. 

Please note that while Changi Airport typically allows food through security, international rules at your destination, particularly regarding liquids, fresh produce, and meats, will apply.

Yes, to a reasonable degree. Certain food items may be restricted, and liquid food items must be stored in a specific manner.

Solid food items that are allowed on planes

You can typically bring solid food such as sandwiches or biscuits in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, the airline might restrict you from carrying certain food items in your cabin and/or checked luggage if they are deemed offensive to other passengers.

Interestingly, durian is often permitted in checked luggage but is usually not allowed in cabin baggage due to its strong odour.

Liquid food items that are allowed on planes

For liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs), they must be stored in containers not exceeding 100 millilitres (ml). This includes items like drinks, soups and sauces, and canned food with liquid content.

Ensure that all your carry-on liquid and gel items are in containers of 100ml or less in volume. If you purchased any LAG items at Changi Airport in containers larger than 100ml, they should be kept in their sealed tamper-evident bags provided by the shops, with the receipts clearly displayed in the sealed bags.

» Learn more: Our guide to arriving on time at Changi Airport

If you're travelling with a baby, you can usually bring larger quantities of baby food, breast milk, and formula, as these are exempt from the 100ml rule. Just be ready to declare them at security for potential extra checks. 

Take advantage of nursing rooms and milk-warming services available at airports like Changi. Sealing and labelling baby food clearly, particularly for international travel, can help speed things up.

» Learn more: The 7 best baby-friendly travel destinations

There are no rules against bringing frozen food onto an airplane, but you’d have to figure out how to make sure it stays frozen through security checks. All frozen items should also be securely packed, whether in carry-on or checked luggage, to avoid leaks upon thawing.

Yes, anything you buy after passing the security checkpoint at Changi Airport is generally allowed onboard. So, treat yourself to that bubble tea, a hot meal, or bottled drinks. 

However, if you've purchased duty-free alcohol and have a connecting flight with secondary screening (e.g., in Australia or the US), be aware that liquid restrictions might still apply. Be sure to keep your receipt on hand.

» Learn more: What you need to know about carry-on vs. checked bags

Generally, most airlines do allow you to eat your own food onboard, although it’s always a good idea to be considerate of your fellow passengers. Try to avoid anything too messy or with a strong odour. 

However, budget airlines such as Scoot typically do not allow you to consume any outside food or beverages on board unless you have special dietary requirements, and even then you’d have to notify them at least 72 hours in advance.

There are a few common restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, liquids exceeding 100ml in carry-on bags are prohibited, as per the earlier liquid and gel rule. Secondly, while security may sometimes permit pungent foods like durian or sambal, airlines often have their own policies against them due to passenger comfort, so caution is advised. 

Be aware that many countries, particularly Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, have strict import regulations on meat, dairy, and fresh produce to protect their agricultural industries. If you intend to travel with local favourites like bak kwa and sambal paste, whether for yourself or as gifts, always verify the customs rules of your destination. These items are often flagged or confiscated due to their contents (like meat in bak kwa) or packaging.

Consequently, understanding agricultural regulations and quarantine declarations is essential, as undeclared items can result in significant penalties. Doing your homework beforehand can save you from disappointment and potential fines.

Here’s a quick rundown to help you pack smart for your flight:

✅ Solid food such as sandwiches and biscuits

✅ Baby food and formula (just be sure to declare them) 

✅ Items you’ve bought after passing through security

❌ Liquid or gel food items in containers larger than 100ml (if they’re in your carry-on).

❌ Perishable foods that are likely to spoil.

❌ Foods that are restricted by the customs regulations of your destination country.

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