Homemade Food, Fruits, and Dry Snacks
Dry vegetarian or non-vegetarian snacks allowed in cabin; oily curries and gravies must be checked.
Dry snacks, sandwiches, and cut fruits are fine in cabin as long as they aren’t greasy or liquid-heavy. Curries, chutneys, and gravies fall under the 100ml liquid rule and should go in checked baggage.
Key highlights
- Dry sandwiches, stuffed parathas, khakhras, biscuits, nuts.
- Cut fruits without syrup—pack in airtight steel/food-grade boxes.
- Powdered spices under 100g (declare if asked).
Security isn’t judging your lunch; they just need to see texture on the X-ray. Dense metal boxes packed with oily gravies look like suspicious blobs, so officers will open them or ask you to check them in.
Dry foods— rotis, parathas, idlis, cakes, baked goods—sail through if wrapped neatly. Avoid strong-smelling items (durian, jackfruit) that airports ban to keep the cabin bearable.
For international flights, remember customs at the destination may have separate restrictions on meat, seeds, or dairy. India lets you leave with homemade food, but other countries may seize it on arrival.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Use stackable stainless or BPA-free containers with tight lids.
- •Line boxes with parchment to absorb oil residue.
- •Pack a small trash bag to collect used tissues and cutlery.
🚫 When it's NOT allowed
- •Don’t pack foods with bones or skewers that can be considered sharp.
- •Don’t carry soups or sambar unless frozen solid; they will be treated as liquids.
- •Avoid packing loose powders without labels; customs may suspect narcotics.
Items to check-in or avoid
- ✔Curries, chutneys, gravies exceeding 100ml per container.
- ✔Pickles or achar in oil without leak-proof jars.
- ✔Strong-odour fruits like durian; airports explicitly ban them.
Food acceptance guide
| Food type | Cabin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry snacks | ✅ | Wrap in foil or steel boxes |
| Liquid chutney | ❌ | Counts as liquid >100ml |
| Pickles (sealed) | ⚠️ | Allowed in checked baggage |
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry non-veg items?+
What about baby snacks like mashed banana?+
Do spices and powders have quantity limits?+
Travel tips
- ✈️Freeze parathas or idlis overnight—they stay fresh longer and don’t leak.
- ✈️Carry biodegradable cutlery to avoid begging crew for utensils.
- ✈️Label boxes with your seat number so you spot them quickly on trays.
Related guides
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.