What passengers are banned from taking on board a Jet2 or Ryanair flight in 2026

Holidaymakers flying with UK budget airlines face a mixed bag of food and drink rules in 2026, with restrictions on what passengers can bring onboard to avoid surprises at security or mid-flight.

As we all look forward to warmer-weather travel and families pack for getaways, many opt to bring their own snacks to dodge pricey onboard menus. Airlines like easyJet, TUI, Ryanair, and Jet2 generally permit personal food, but policies vary quite a lot on hot items, liquids, and other provisions.

Hot drinks and food now restricted on main carriers

A major change catching passengers out is the ban on hot drinks for certain airlines. Ryanair and Jet2 now completely prohibit boarding with a coffee or other hot beverages, due to safety concerns, according to them. Ryanair states it “cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks,” even if you have been queuing up to board for the last 45 minutes. At the same time, Jet2 extends this to both hot food and hot drinks, advising against anything that could affect comfort or safety, including strong-smelling items. Apparently that includes egg mayonnaise sandwiches! In contrast, easyJet and TUI permit hot drinks purchased airside, provided they have secure lids. This means a terminal-bought coffee might need finishing before boarding Ryanair or Jet2 flights, or risk being discarded at the gate.

Additional bans: Alcohol, EU imports, and more

Other than hot items, strict rules apply to alcohol. No airline allows consumption of personal supplies onboard; only cabin-crew-served drinks are permitted, with violations potentially leading to confiscation. TUI limits heating to baby bottles only, while Jet2 discourages perishable or pungent foods like seafood or strong cheese.

Post-Brexit and continuing restrictions mean meat and dairy products from the UK cannot be taken into the EU, which affects cheese sandwiches, yoghurts, or meat snacks on flights to destinations like Spain, France, or Italy, even if bought at the airport. Liquids follow the standard 100 ml hand luggage rule unless purchased after security, though baby food and milk receive exemptions.

Passengers can safely bring cold, low-odour items such as fruit, crisps, cereal bars, sandwiches (without prohibited fillings), and soft drinks. Airport-purchased food often passes through to the cabin more easily. The issue is, of course, that airport vendors have a tendency to serve coffee up at the same temperature as the surface of the planet Mercury, and we’re not always lucky enough to finish gulping down that dose of caffeine before the flight.

These guidelines show the importance of checking airline-specific policies before travel. Booking through a travel consultant can provide tailored advice on flights, baggage, and packing to make sure of a hassle-free journey without last-minute surprises. With onboard options like Costa Coffee on Jet2 or varied menus elsewhere, passengers have alternatives, but don’t be surprised if whoever’s at the gate asks you to throw away your coffee before getting on the plane.