FLIGHT passengers are being advised to not to pack their own food into their hand luggage.

New Government guidance has alerted holidaymakers that food and powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible.

Although such items are still permitted in hand luggage, passengers who take them on on board should allow extra time at security.

This is because they can obstruct images on the x-ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items. Therefore,  putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks.

Aviation minister, Baroness Sugg, described how the UK has “some of the strongest aviation security measures in the world,” adding: “The restrictions are in place for a good reason - to keep passengers safe.”

“By simply checking the guidance before they set off for the airport, passengers can have a smoother and less stressful start to their journey,” she added.

As usual, passengers are being reminded that the following items are prohibited from hand luggage:

  • liquids, gels and pastes should be packed into hold baggage where possible. If carried in hand luggage, they should be in containers that hold 100ml or less, and packed into a sealed, clear plastic bag (maximum one-litre capacity) which must be placed in the tray at security. However, empty flasks or bottles can be taken through, and water fountains are available in the departure lounges of most UK airports for refilling
  • sharp items and tools cannot be carried in hand luggage at all
  • large electrical items such as laptops or tablets can be taken into the cabin, but must be removed from hand luggage at the search area and placed in the tray