Food on the plane: what food you can take on board. Is it possible to carry fruits in hand luggage and which fruits can be carried in hand luggage
Each company has its own requirements for hand luggage. Given them, the passenger will not have problems with the passage to the cabin and the flight itself.
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Hand luggage is a load of established dimensions and weight, which a passenger can take with him into the cabin of the aircraft without checking it in the luggage compartment for the duration of the flight.
Rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane in 2020 depend on the country and the airline carrying out the transportation. As a rule, in the economy class it is possible to take only one piece of hand luggage. Business and first class can take two seats.
Photo: carrying hand luggage and passing security control at airports
Items from hand luggage can be used throughout the flight. They are located nearby, on a shelf above the seats. But this does not mean that you can take on board anything you want. Before boarding, hand luggage is inspected for the presence of prohibited items in the cabin.
Permissible dimensions
For greater confidence that at the last moment you will not have to lay out extra things from your hand luggage (or you will need another bag or backpack at all), clarify the dimensions and maximize allowable weight available on the official website of the carrier.
This is especially important if a person chose a low-cost airline company. Offers of both Russian and foreign airlines at promotional fares may also turn out to be places without baggage or with one piece of the minimum size. Cheap flights are often sold with just such restrictions.
Most often, the maximum weight for economy class is 10 kg, for business class - 15 kg. If we consider specific airlines, then in each of them the internal documentation establishes its own rules:
Aeroflot | 10 (15 kg). Cargo dimensions - no more than 55x40x25 cm |
S7 Airlines | 10 (15 kg). Dimensions - up to 55x40x20 cm |
UTair | 10 kg for all classes. Maximum dimensions - 55x40x20 cm |
Azur Air | Up to 5 kg, excess is possible only after agreement (55x40x20 cm) |
Nordwind Airlines | Not more than 5 kg (the sum of three dimensions of the load is 115 cm) |
AirAsia | Two places with a total weight of up to 7 kg (56x36x23, 40x30x10 cm) |
Air France | 12 (18 kg), dimensions - no more than 55x35x25 cm |
Czech Airlines | Depending on the tariff - 8 or 8 + 3 kg (main cargo - 55x45x25, additional - 40x30x15) |
Emirates | 7 kg (55x38x20 for economy class) |
Finnair | 8 kg (business class - 2 pieces of baggage with a total weight of up to 10 kg). Dimensions - 56x45x25 |
Lufthansa | 8 kg (for first and business class - 2 pieces of 8 kg each) size 55x40x55 cm |
Malaysia Airlines | 7 kg (14 kg for two pieces of luggage in first and business class) |
Wizz Air | 1 place up to 10 kg (55x40x23) |
If a passenger is traveling with a regular bag or backpack, there will definitely not be problems with non-compliance with dimensions. Most often, there are questions for owners of luggage of non-standard length.
In addition to direct hand luggage, you can take some things into the cabin:
- outerwear;
- female female (portfolio - for men);
- folder with papers, umbrella;
- equipment - laptop, tablet, etc.;
- printed publications;
- baby food, cradle;
- crutches, cane;
- packaged goods from duty free shops.
Allowed to carry
It is allowed to take into the salon:
Valuables | Documents, small appliances, jewelry. It is not necessary that the passenger on board will need it, but for reasons of their safety, it is better to take all this with you. Cameras, computers are placed in the allowed hand luggage, but are taken into account when weighing a unit of cargo |
Medicines needed during the flight | During the screening, airport staff may require official confirmation of the diagnosis and the advisability of transporting medicines |
Sufficient baby food for the duration of the flight | It is desirable that it be in a small plastic container up to 100 ml. |
Non-hazardous liquids when properly packaged (capacities up to 100 ml) | All jars are placed in a transparent bag up to one liter |
For infants and the elderly | Cradle. Crutches, walking sticks |
Goods purchased in duty free | So, in accordance with the rules of most countries, you can buy and carry up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages, 2 packs of cigarettes and other goods. Although airlines and employees are very lenient with these restrictions |
All these goods can be bought after passing through passport control. Purchases are sealed in a special way in the store, and it is not allowed to unpack them.
What is prohibited
The requirements for prohibited items are generally the same all over the world, due to the activities of the international organization ICAO. Following her recommendations, although not mandatory, is still preferable. Along with ICAO acts, each state also has national legislation.
So, in Russia it is the Air Code, in the European Union there is a regulation. It is forbidden to take with you:
- weapons and toys imitating it;
- ammunition;
- combustible substances;
- piercing, cutting objects;
- magnets and magnetized materials;
- radioactive substances and materials;
- harsh chemicals, including household chemicals, hairspray, nail polish remover, etc.;
- liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, with the exception of baby food and medicines (they may need to be confirmed);
- infectious materials, toxins, poisons;
- food and drinks, except for those purchased after ticket verification;
- containers with liquefied or compressed gas;
- means of incapacitation (for example, pepper spray);
- items completely prohibited for transportation by air (pyrotechnics, lithium batteries);
- sports equipment, if it can serve as a means of incapacitation (sticks, bats, balls).
Products from DUTY FREE
Liquids (perfume, alcoholic beverages) bought in duty-free shops are recently packaged in special transparent zippered bags. You cannot open them until you arrive at your destination.
It is not worth buying too many goods at such points, especially for tobacco and alcoholic products. Upon arrival, people are subject to customs control, so you will have to pay for excess imports of tobacco and alcohol.
When flying with a transfer, going to duty free entails the need to re-pass control measures. Accordingly, all goods will become overweight in hand luggage. The cargo must still correspond to the allowed dimensions and weight.
Low cost carriers often count duty-free items in their total carry-on weight. And in this case, if initially the weight was back to back, you will have to pay extra for the excess.
Special Requirements
- Aeroflot allows electronic cigarettes to be carried only in hand luggage, in the cabin. They should not get into the luggage compartment in suitcases. The carrier explains the requirement by the rules of the Bermuda aviation authorities. It is possible that some planes are registered there. Liquids for cigarettes are stored in containers up to 100 ml (according to general rule for liquids).
- Power banks are usually carried in hand luggage. Many countries do not allow packing them in luggage. The exception is China, which do not have a clear understanding of where to put the chargers (in luggage or hand luggage).
- Pobeda is the only Russian airline that sets restrictions on cargo transportation. In view of more low prices, the low-cost airline asks to pay extra for the transportation of packaged goods from duty-free shops.
- As a general rule, you cannot carry food in your hand luggage, however, the restriction does not apply to a number of countries and their airlines - Greenland, Faroe islands, Norway, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
- Aeroflot allows you to carry small vehicles (gyroscooters, segways, electric scooters, etc.) as hand luggage, however, subject to certain conditions. They are usually powered by a lithium-ion battery and must be removed from the device and transported separately. It is important that the battery power is not more than 160 watts per hour. Devices with a built-in battery are not normally allowed to be transported - registration as dangerous goods is required.
- Aeroflot also asks its passengers to report to the company information about non-standard baggage and items in hand luggage when buying a ticket. If we are talking about strollers and animals, it is important to inform the carrier 36 hours before departure according to the schedule.
- Musical instruments in Aeroflot are allowed to be carried, including in hand luggage. However, when transported, the rules in the passenger seat apply. Maximum weight - 80 kg, dimensions - 135x50x30 cm.
Accordingly, if the free baggage allowance is exceeded, the instrument will have to buy a separate seat. However, in any case, such a trip must be agreed with the carrier at least one and a half days in advance.
So, the rules for carrying hand luggage, in general, are the same around the world. Certain aspects may vary depending on the class of the ticket, the country of the carrier and local regulations of the airline.
Each passenger goes through several checks before getting on the plane.. At check-in and passport control, no one will look into your bag.
Also about your travel lists.
Baggage that a passenger takes with him into the cabin is called hand luggage.. Its dimensions in economy class must not exceed a total of 115 centimeters (20x40x55). Weight cannot be more than 7-10 kilograms, depending on the airline.
In business class, the weight can reach up to 15 kilograms. On some routes, for example, to Beijing or New York, even in economy class, 2 pieces of luggage are provided.
Can I take food in hand luggage? Luggage during inspection will be sure to check for prohibited items. Food can also be included. This factor also depends on the rules of transportation of the country where the plane flies.
Is it allowed to bring sausage? EU countries ban meat and dairy products in any baggage manufactured outside the EU. This may include cheese, smoked meats, sausages, milk and dairy products.
Also chocolate and confectionery. Now you know whether it is allowed to carry lard or cheese on an airplane.
Some countries will not let vegetables and fruits in your luggage. All of the above categories are subject to special sanitary and epidemiological control. Plants are subject to phytocontrol.
The states that put forward such requirements are simply afraid that some kind of disease or other harmful microorganisms may “come” to their country with the products.
Also, a lot depends on the customs officers.. There may not be official bans on transportation, but tacit agreements between air services are possible.
Not all foreign carriers feed passengers on board. More precisely, they do it only for a fee.
It is not profitable for them if the passenger eats his own sandwiches, and does not buy them on the plane at a huge price.
That's why you may be asked to throw away the "wrong" food when checking in. It can become “wrong” if it contains prohibited products. If it is not packed in a factory way or this package has been opened.
An important factor is the country of departure. Spanish customs officers can safely look at a piece of jamon, the Swiss at cheese, and the Belgians at chocolate. Thais look "through their fingers" at tons of daily exported fruits.
But do not count on it, it is better to do everything as the rules require.
Quietly allowed to carry purchases from DutyFree sealed in a special package.
Do not open the package! At many foreign airports, you can be fined for eating or drinking in the wrong place. Especially alcoholic drinks. In the buildings of Russian airport terminals, this is also increasingly common.
The stewardesses can reprimand you if they see you have open food or liquids. But in practice this rarely happens. And even more so in business class, eat and drink whatever you want.
Can I take baby food on a plane? Yes, here which is clearly allowed:
- baby food;
- therapeutic (dietary) nutrition.
All this should not exceed the consumption rate for the duration of the flight. During inspection, it must be in unopened factory packaging.
Can be brought into the salon:
- packaged dry foods - biscuits, chips, snacks, popcorn, bread;
- liquid and semi-liquid, less than 100 ml. We will cover this topic in more detail below.
What is prohibited:
- pieces of meat, sausages, smoked meats, hard cheese, products containing animal components (sandwiches, pastries, sweets, chocolate);
- any liquid and semi-liquid products, canned food with a volume of more than 100 ml;
- fruits, vegetables without factory packaging;
- in open packaging.
Transportation of liquids
How exactly and is it possible to carry food on a plane if it is liquid, for example, yogurt?
These include:
- water;
- and soft drinks;
- canned food;
- soups;
- oils (this should be remembered when buying home olive, coconut or other oils);
- syrups;
- juices.
To pass the screening and scanning procedure, all liquids in packages less than 100 ml must be placed in a transparent bag with a total volume of no more than 1 liter.
If you have containers with a volume of more than 100 ml, take care of their delivery to the main one in advance. Pack liquids properly.
The luggage department employees are not particularly scrupulous. If your containers break during transport, things will deteriorate.
Anything over 100 ml can be purchased at duty-free shops after the baggage check. But according to the rules of air transportation, all purchases must be packed and special packages.
At least, residents of the CIS often do this, foreigners are usually more law-abiding.
If justification is needed
You may be asked to confirm the reason for the food you need on the road. This can only be the case with children's and medical nutrition.
If questions are unlikely to arise regarding nutrition for children, then it is best to have a prescription or a certificate from a doctor with a diagnosis for medical purposes.
Take care of this in advance before the trip. Ask the doctor to duplicate the diagnosis in Latin. So there will be less nit-picking at foreign airports.
Going on a trip do not forget to read all the rules of baggage transportation in advance, especially regarding whether it is acceptable to carry food in hand luggage.
Then you will not have to part with provisions that are “expensive” for your heart and wallet and do not pay fines to customs officers.
Search for cheap flights
We, the inhabitants of cold expanses, who ended up in tropical countries, want to stock up on warmth and take it with us, at least in the form of incredibly tasty exotic fruits. Resting in Thailand, Vietnam or South China, you wonder how to take your favorite fragrant fruits home to feast on yourself or surprise relatives and friends with Thai fruits. Our review will answer all your questions.
Is it possible to take fruit out of Thailand
With the export of Thai fruits, you will not have problems. From Thailand it is allowed to carry any fruit by plane, except for the odorous durian. The maximum weight will be limited only by the requirements of the airline. Keep in mind that fruits being transported are added to the mass of things and they will be weighed all together.
If you fly with Aeroflot, you can carry 1 bag weighing 23 kg in your luggage (this includes things) and 1 bag weighing 10 kg in hand luggage per passenger.
But when entering Russia, rarely, but complications are possible. If the norm established by the sanitary service is exceeded, Russian customs officers have the right to confiscate the product. True, such cases are rare and usually only hand luggage is examined - it’s better to check it in.
Russian sanitary standards state that a passenger can bring in no more than 5 kg of fruits for personal use, if a certificate and payment of a fee are required if the weight is greater.
From Vietnam, Russian travelers also often bring fruit. We do not recommend taking risks and taking Vietnamese coconuts, durians and watermelons on the plane.
What fruits to bring from Thailand and Vietnam
If you want to feel Thai at home:
yellow mango
a pineapple
mini bananas
Choose fruits that are slightly unripe, without dents, cracks or darkening.
If everything is eaten quickly:
papaya (stored up to 4 days)
lychee (stored 2-3 days)
longan (up to 5 days)
You can buy Thai fruits at the fruit market or in the supermarket, whichever is more convenient.
If you want to surprise your friends:
mangosteen
dragon fruit
rambutan
Explain to the Thais that you are taking fruits on the road - the seller will choose fruits that will endure a long flight and remain fresh for several more days.
Don’t forget to bring sapodilla, pomegranates and jackfruit from Vietnam, and also buy your favorite tangerines, they are so delicious here.
What is the best way to carry fruit from Thailand on an airplane
In order for the precious cargo to reach the house intact, you need to properly pack your luggage. You can carry fruits in a suitcase or in a special plastic container. We do not recommend using bags - the fruits will wrinkle and flow.
Write your last name on the fruit container, there will be many similar baskets on the flight.
We choose slightly unripe fruits, each one is packed in a paper newspaper, film or foil. We first add large dense and heavy fruits, then softer and smaller ones. We lay paper or soft things between the fruits, on top and on the sides. We wrap the outside of the package with a film for greater reliability.
Some travelers simply take a free cardboard box from the store and tape it over, but this is not the most reliable option.
Fruit transport containers are sold in large quantities in Taya BigCi and Tesco supermarkets. You can choose a model on wheels or with a handle - these are convenient to take in hand luggage.
Thai baskets attract the attention of fruit lovers among airport workers - wrap the contents in an opaque bag or seal the container with foil.
Fruit sets already packed in a basket for transportation are sold everywhere, take this one if you don’t have time for shopping trips and packing.
What fruits can not be exported
It is strictly forbidden to export durian from Thailand, Vietnam and China. Durian has a very strong, unpleasant and persistent odor.
You obviously haven't tried this fruit if you're wondering why durians can't be exported from Thailand. Its acrid and terribly unpleasant smell cannot be interrupted by anything, and it disappears for several days.
We also do not recommend taking coconuts and watermelon (whole) with you. The thick skin of a coconut cannot be scanned by the scanner and the bag will go through inspection, where the coconut will be confiscated or required to be opened, and watermelons can explode during the flight due to high pressure. If you really want to, you can carry the watermelon cut, but in the heat it will quickly deteriorate.
How to export durian from Thailand
As they say, if you can’t, but really want to ...
- choose a slightly unripe fruit, without dents, cracks and damage;
- we wrap it in several layers, alternating newspapers and film and trying to achieve maximum tightness;
- we pack in a container, carefully palletize the container with a film;
- put in a suitcase, wrap things around;
- We pack the suitcase again in a film
- at home we open carefully and better not in our apartment)
How many things I wanted to take with me: lychee, pitahaya, mangosteen, longan and many others. But, at the checkpoint at the airport, we ran into a small problem. Overload!
Rules for transporting fruits in aircraft baggage:
- Check with the airline the allowable baggage weight and the cost of payment for each 1 kg of overload. In some countries, the overload costs "fabulous" money and you need to think before taking "bales" with you.
- Fruit must be transported in special containers. Each container can be weighed at the airport to find out if the weight is within the allowed limit. Usually the weight of a fruit container is about 5-6 kg.
- Ask the fruit seller to pack each large fruit separately from each other in special "nets" for transportation (in extreme cases, plastic bags).
Also, it all depends on the country from which you plan to export fruit. For example, since the beginning of 2015, imports from Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have been banned into Russia. Therefore, before departure, be sure to check or study on your own whether your “country of rest” is included in the list of prohibited for Russia.
The weight of the fruit basket is usually adjusted to 5 kg. This weight is for 1 person, including small children. What happens if you exceed these limits? You will be fined, forced to pay extra for excess cargo, or simply confiscated "valuable cargo."
Ripe mango, sweet and sour papaya, exotic dragon fruit and unusual passion fruit - do you also want to take a piece of summer with you? Is it possible - how to transport Thai fruits? What species are prohibited for export? How many fruits can you take with you from Thailand and what kind of packaging can you “think up” so that everything arrives safe and sound?
In this article, we will talk in detail about all the subtleties and nuances associated with this topic. Also, we will dispel some myths and stories that people like to scare tourists with.
Is it possible to export fruit from Thailand
Yes, any exotic delicacies are allowed for export. Of course, we are talking about parties for personal consumption.
Transportation can be carried out in any way - both in baggage and in hand luggage. Any personal export must not be in conflict with the customs regulations of the country of export and the country of import. In addition, the agreements prescribed by the carrier company must be respected.
How many kilograms of fruit can be taken out of Thailand
Thai customs limits export to 20 kg. Exceeding this figure indicates that the party is of a commercial nature. This means that it must be drawn up and paid according to the letter of the law.
Another thing is the Russian side. Rosselkhoznadzor has set requirements for the import of products of plant and animal origin. So, for one person it is possible to carry only up to 5 kg of products.
Again, tourists often claim that carrying more than 5 kg is possible - no one pays attention. Indeed, at most airports, “Thai fruit imports” are treated with loyalty. So to speak, turn a blind eye to excesses. However, how do you know that it is you who will not become the very “demonstrative option” for paying a fine and problems with customs?
What fruits are prohibited for export from Thailand
In addition to the popular "stinky and powerful" durian, whole coconuts and watermelons are prohibited for export. Their peel does not allow to "enlighten" the insides of the product. By the way, in the "broken" state, transportation is possible.
As for durian, the ban is due to its specific smell. By the way, its transportation is prohibited not only in airplanes, but also in public transport Thailand. Also, I bring fruit to hotel complexes, shopping centers, souvenir shops.
Is the weight of fruit in checked baggage and carry-on baggage taken into account or is it considered separately
The weight of fruits is included in the total weight of the baggage, it is not calculated otherwise. This rule also applies to hand luggage.
As a rule, carriers limit 23 kg in the luggage compartment and 10 kg in hand luggage. Your things or fruits will lie there - it's up to you. Another thing is customs. After all, you remember about the 20 kg batch limit intended for personal consumption?
Handbags, laptops and cameras are not considered hand luggage. Some airlines may change the rules.
Is it necessary to buy a special fruit basket to take them out of Thailand?
No, it's not necessary, but it's quite convenient. Plastic containers will keep the shell of the fruit, protect them from the fight. This is especially true for connecting flights.
When buying a basket, consider the dimensions. It is important that the container fits into the luggage rack above the seats. Otherwise, you will have to keep it on your hands or under your feet. The height of the shelf, depending on the model of the aircraft, is from 35-40 cm.
Fruit baskets can be found in markets, less often in supermarket chains like BigC and Tesco.
Some tourists use cardboard boxes. But, for full transportation, it must be wrapped with tape. The slightest leak of fruit is a chance to soften the whole cardboard.
How to pack fruit so that it doesn't wrinkle
Depending on the type of fruit, they are packed in newspaper sheets or lined with parchment paper. Also, an alternative in the form of ordinary towels is possible. However, the weight of the Thai fruit box will increase significantly.
Some stores offer to buy (rarely give out for free) special foam nets. Most often, they are worn on mango, passion fruit and papaya. Ask the seller about this accessory if the purchase is not made in a chain supermarket.
What fruits to buy to bring them - green and unripe
A common mistake of tourists is to choose frankly green fruits, hoping for their ripening during the flight and staying at home. Indeed, experienced travelers recommend taking not the most ripe fruits, but it is better to leave the clearly “green” option on the counter.
The thing is that sweetness and taste, exotic fruits are gaining in the sun. Together with a tropical, humid climate, the product is juicy and tasty.
Unripe fruits in our climate will become softer, but their "green" taste will not disappear anywhere.
How to buy Thai fruits for export, small life hacks and some tips
- Do not tell the seller that you plan to make a purchase for transportation to Russia. Although not often, it happens that sellers intentionally sell bad goods. You won't come back to make claims.
Say you need a big batch of fruit for a party in a couple of days. That is, emphasize that a slightly unripe fruit is needed. In addition, a bulk purchase should be a reason for an additional discount. Don't be afraid to bargain!
- Do not buy goodies on the central, tourist streets. Prices are definitely higher there.
- It is not recommended to purchase peeled, cut fruits. Their shelf life varies within a few hours.
- Green mango (fruit variety) - transported much better than its yellow counterpart.
- Before flying, read the rules of the airline. Some firms have introduced complete restrictions on the transport of fruits from Thailand in hand luggage. As a rule, this applies to charter flights and small carriers.