BRITS heading to Europe this summer will need to check their airport meal deals before landing in their holiday destination.
A travel expert has warned holidaymakers that a trusty airport meal deal could land them in hot water this summer.
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Since the UK left the EU, Brits have been banned from bringing meat and dairy items into Europe.
While most Brits now know not to bring items like legs of ham and blocks of cheese from the UK, some holidaymakers may not be aware of the rules surrounding airport meal deals.
Sandwiches – and other items – from airport meal deals that contain meat or dairy products aren’t allowed to be brought into the EU from the UK.
Travel expert, Maryanne Sparkes from European Waterways, said: “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you – this includes those you would find in a meal deal sandwich.”
Brit holidaymakers flying from the UK into the EU may have to undergo official controls by airport officials.
Any passengers found carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products will have those items confiscated and destroyed.
Brits may also be fined or face criminal prosecution, if they’re found with meat and dairy products.
Maryanne Sparkes added: “You may carry animal-derived products when travelling within the EU.
“However, most EU countries have strict regulations on transporting endangered animals or plants, or products derived from them, and in some cases, a permit may be required.
“These new regulations are part of stricter biosecurity measures implemented by the EU to prevent the spread of animal diseases.
“While travellers have always been restricted from bringing in certain animal products from non-EU countries, the new rules specifically target those coming from the UK following its exit from the European Union.”
A statement from the European Union website reads: “If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you.
“You can however bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products and honey.
“Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed.”
Brits who don’t want to be caught out by the rule will need to eat their meal deals at the airport or on the plane.
Any leftovers containing meat or dairy products should be binned on the plane.
Ahead of the school summer holidays, Brit holidaymakers will want to familiarise themselves with food and drink rules at airports in the UK.
Some people may prefer to take their own food to the airport because of the inflated airport prices.
Solid food like cakes, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables are all fine to take through UK airport security.
Holidaymakers should be weary about other items such as pots of jam, hummus, syrups, honey and dips.
Jars of olives and gherkins also count as a liquid — even though they are mainly solid — because they contain a considerable amount of juice.
These items all need to be in 100ml or under containers until new CT scanners have been successfully installed at airports across the UK.
Until new CT scanners are installed at UK airports, all liquids must be under 100ml at airport security or they will be confiscated.
Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security, even when the container is only part full.
There are some exemptions, including items needed for essential medical purposes and any dietary requirements.
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year’s Global Traveler’s awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader’s Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars – so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: “Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants.”
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.
Meanwhile, this is why your plane food is always terrible – and which meal option is the tastiest.
And this is where you should sit on the plane if you want the best food.
