If you're planning a holiday and want to save some money, one way is to bring your own food on the plane. Airplane food can be pricey and not very nice, and while airports have lots of food options, they can also be expensive.

You can buy food from shops like Boots, Pret and M&S Food in UK airports before your flight or even do it yourself in a packed lunch. Just remember, it can't be a liquid like soup. Sandwiches and salads are usually okay. But make sure you eat it or throw it away before you land. There are rules about what types of food you can bring into other countries which could get you in trouble at the border checks.

For example, you can't take fresh meat or dairy from the UK into EU countries. Different airlines have different rules. But easyJet, Ryanair, TUI and British Airways all let passengers bring their own food on the plane. Jet2's rules aren't as clear, but it seems like cold food is okay. If you're travelling with a baby, you can bring up to a litre of baby food on the flight, the MEN reports.

Remember, you can take solid food through airport security, but not liquids. Any liquids must be in individual, clear bottles and they can't hold more than 100ml.

You must not drink your own alcohol on flights, even if you bought it from Duty Free. If you want to have a drink on the plane, you have to order it from the trolley. It is wise to check rules for the country you are visiting on the Foreign Office website here.

easyJet

If you want to bring food on an easyJet flight, that's fine. But if you're bringing any liquids from home, like soup or custard, make sure they're in clear containers and under 100ml. You're also welcome to bring non-alcoholic drinks, including hot ones, as long as you bought them in the departure lounge.

Wizz Air

Passengers can travel with food in their carry-on bag as long as it is in solid form, packed securely and does not have an odour.

Ryanair

Ryanair says you're free to bring your own food and soft drinks on the flight. But unlike EasyJet, they don't allow hot drinks.

"In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight," Ryanair says.

Jet2

Jet2 does not allow you to bring hot food or drinks onto its planes. The rules don't mention anything about bringing cold food, like sandwiches, from home or the airport.

But Jet2's rules state that customers are not allowed to bring food on board if it is 'prohibited from being carried by the applicable laws, regulations or orders of any country flown from, to or over.' This could mean that meat and dairy from the UK could potentially be taken away if you're flying to the EU.

Jet2 has stated that passengers cannot bring 'items which in our reasonable opinion are unsuitable for carriage by reason of their weight, size or character or which are fragile or perishable or which may affect the safety, health or comfort of other passengers or crew, this may include hot or strong smelling foods and drinks.' However, if you can get it through security, fit it in your bag and it doesn't have a strong smell, you should be okay to bring your own cold food and snacks on board.

Emirates

Bringing food in your carry-on baggage is permitted when flying with Emirates Airlines. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the carry-on guidelines, as certain items may not be permissible. Emirates has outlined its key guidelines for carry-on luggage, known as the golden rules. These rules specify that liquids, aerosols, and gels must be packed in containers not exceeding 100ml capacity. Additionally, these containers must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.

Moreover, it is advised to ensure that any food you bring is appropriately wrapped or sealed and does not emit strong odours. Depending on your destination, you might be required to declare any food items during the security check upon arrival.

Larger food items, such as fruits and vegetables, may be allowed in your carry-on baggage as long as they are free from insects and comply with relevant local regulations. So, bring along what you love to eat and relish while flying Emirates.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin is not absolutely clear on its website but does say that baby food is allowed, and on the issue of allergies, the airline says that it won't stop people bringing food on. In a warning to people with allergies, it said: " We also can’t stop other passengers from bringing (or eating) their own food onboard, which may include nuts."

TUI

TUI allows passengers to bring their own food on board. They suggest bringing 'low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold.' TUI also says: "You can also carry foods for special dietary requirements as long as it's essential for the flight or holiday."

British Airways

British Airways allows passengers to take solid foods, including 'sandwiches, biscuits, fruit and nuts,' onto the plane. Liquids like drinks, soups, sauces, jams and jellies must be in clear containers with a capacity of no more than 100ml. British Airways adds: "You can buy duty-free liquids, gels or cream products of more than 100ml from airport shops or on board, provided that they have been sealed at the point of purchase in a Security Tamper Evident Bag with the receipt inside."

However, British Airways has issued a warning: "The country of your destination may restrict the types of food allowed into the country, e.g. meat, fresh fruit and vegetables are forbidden by many countries."