People heading off on an early 2026 holiday for a break from the cold and wet British weather could be surprised to learn about an airport ‘rule’ that could save you money. It puts an end to a long-standing complaint that most people have about the food options – and prices – at airports.

It is a common annoyance for those who travel abroad through an airport that the price of food, drinks and snacks is a lot higher than some of the same brands found in your usual local shops. Some feel that, once you get through the security gates, there’s little to no choice for passengers.

However, people are just realising that they can avoid these extra charges and have the exact food they want for less. Posting on TikTok, Fran (@Letsbefranc) claimed that the little-known method could be helpful for anyone wanting to travel on a budget.

She said: “Buying food in the airport is so expensive, like £5 for a Pret sandwich. You can bring your own food through security, I’ve got my own snack bag [here].”

She showed the camera all of the items that she had packed at home, saving her the expense of a pricey airport meal. Alongside her array of snacks, Fran also brought her own water bottle to fill up in the terminal.

She added: “That’s just a little hack on how to save money at airports. A bottle of water is easily £3 at airports and sandwiches [can be] about £5.”

Searching online, other people have shared travel videos and claimed that not many people realise this ‘rule’ about bringing your own food into the airport is allowed. It could be a major help for those travelling with children or for people who need a specific diet.

People were amazed to learn that there are only a handful of rules preventing them from bringing their own snacks whilst they wait in the terminal. There might be some differences at certain airports across the UK (and in other parts of the world), so it is always best to double-check with your local airport about its individual policy on food and snacks.

What are the rules to follow when packing your own food?

Posting on its website, London Gatwick Airport explained what items can and cannot pass through the checkpoint. For most items, the process is surprisingly simple.

A spokesperson explained: “You can carry cakes, fruit, vegetables, sandwiches and all solid foods in your hand luggage. Foods in sauces or with a high liquid content (such as sauces, pastes, soups, stews, jams, honey and other preserves) can be carried in your hand luggage but must be in individual containers that do not exceed two litres in size.”

The webpage did state that no frozen foods of any kind were allowed. Drinks become a little more complicated but, for most, “containers that can be sealed” are generally allowed.

They add: “Items such as coffee cups or drink cans, which cannot be resealed, are not permitted through security and will need to be fully consumed or discarded before screening. The only exception to this is milk or sterilised water for babies.”

Baby food (including paste, liquid, gel or expressed breast milk) all fall under a different rule category. People should check with their airport ahead of travelling about the specific policies in place.