Homemade Food, Fruits, and Dry Snacks
Limited
Dry vegetarian or non-vegetarian snacks allowed in cabin; oily curries and gravies must be checked.
Quick answer
Security isnât 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 foodsâ rotis, parathas, idlis, cakes, baked goodsâsail 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.
Cabin-friendly items
- âDry sandwiches, stuffed parathas, khakhras, biscuits, nuts.
- âCut fruits without syrupâpack in airtight steel/food-grade boxes.
- âPowdered spices under 100g (declare if asked).
Items to check-in or avoid
- âCurries, chutneys, gravies exceeding 100ml per container.
- âPickles or achar in oil without leak-proof jars.
- âStrong-odour fruits like durian; airports explicitly ban them.
Food acceptance guide
| Food type | Cabin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry snacks | â | Wrap in foil or steel boxes |
| Liquid chutney | â | Counts as liquid >100ml |
| Pickles (sealed) | â ď¸ | Allowed in checked baggage |
Do this
- â Use stackable stainless or BPA-free containers with tight lids.
- â Line boxes with parchment to absorb oil residue.
- â Pack a small trash bag to collect used tissues and cutlery.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât pack foods with bones or skewers that can be considered sharp.
- â ď¸ Donât carry soups or sambar unless frozen solid; they will be treated as liquids.
- â ď¸ Avoid packing loose powders without labels; customs may suspect narcotics.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry non-veg items?
Yes, if they are dry (e.g., kebabs). Liquids or gravies face the 100ml limit.
Q. What about baby snacks like mashed banana?
Allowed if travelling with the child. Declare it as baby food.
Q. Do spices and powders have quantity limits?
Not for personal use, but carry receipts for large quantities and declare at customs if over 1kg.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Freeze parathas or idlis overnightâthey stay fresh longer and donât leak.
- âď¸ Carry biodegradable cutlery to avoid begging crew for utensils.
- âď¸ Label boxes with your seat number so you spot them quickly on trays.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â 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.