Airline Travel Restrictions in 2026: What Passengers Cannot Bring on Ryanair, Jet2, and Other Flights to Spain, France, Italy, and More – Here’s What It Means for Travelers

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Traveling with budget airlines like Ryanair and Jet2 in 2026 requires some careful planning when it comes to what you can bring onboard. If you’re flying to destinations such as Spain, France, or Italy, you’ll want to stay updated on the latest regulations about food, drink, and other items, as many travelers have been caught off guard by strict guidelines. Both Ryanair and Jet2 have introduced significant changes to their cabin policies, especially regarding food and drink.

In this article, we explore the latest travel restrictions that passengers should be aware of to avoid potential hassles at the airport or mid-flight. Whether you’re packing for a family holiday, heading to a business trip, or looking forward to a much-needed getaway, make sure you follow these new guidelines to have a smooth journey.

What You Can’t Bring on Ryanair and Jet2 Flights in 2026

1. Hot Drinks and Food Restrictions
A surprising update that travelers should be aware of is the ban on hot drinks. Ryanair and Jet2 now prohibit passengers from bringing hot beverages, including coffee, tea, or any hot drinks, onto the plane. This new policy stems from safety concerns and is part of their effort to ensure that nothing could disrupt comfort or safety during the flight.

If you’re traveling with these airlines, you won’t be allowed to bring coffee purchased before boarding, even if you’ve been waiting in line for an extended period. Jet2 extends this restriction even further to hot food. So, forget about bringing that hot sandwich or takeaway meal with you onboard. Even though this might be frustrating, it’s essential to note that such regulations are being enforced across several airlines in 2026 to create safer flying experiences.

Exceptions: EasyJet and TUI’s Approach to Hot Drinks

It’s not all bad news. EasyJet and TUI remain a bit more lenient regarding hot drinks. EasyJet, for instance, allows hot beverages bought airside (after passing through security) as long as they have a secure lid. Similarly, TUI permits passengers to bring coffee or tea onboard, provided it’s sealed properly.

If you’re flying with Ryanair or Jet2, you may want to finish your coffee at the airport before heading to the gate to avoid any inconvenience. Remember, the rules vary depending on the airline, so it’s always important to check before you fly.

Alcohol and Other Banned Items for Flights to Spain, France, and Italy

While Ryanair and Jet2 may have stricter regulations regarding hot drinks and food, many airlines share similar policies when it comes to alcohol. No airline allows passengers to consume their own alcohol while onboard, and only beverages served by the flight attendants are permitted. If you try to sneak your own, it could be confiscated, leaving you with a less-than-pleasant experience.

Additionally, travel between the UK and EU countries such as Spain, France, and Italy brings another layer of complexity. Post-Brexit, there are specific bans on carrying meat and dairy products from the UK into the EU. This means if you were thinking of packing cheese sandwiches or a yogurt snack, you might be in for a surprise when those items get flagged at security. Even if you bought the items airside, they could still be subject to the restrictions.

What You Can Bring: Low-Odour and Cold Items Are Okay

Not everything is off-limits, though. Cold foods, like fruits, crisps, cereal bars, and sandwiches with permitted fillings (nothing too pungent) are still allowed on board. You can also pack soft drinks, as long as they adhere to the standard security liquid rules. So, no need to give up your snacks completely, but just make sure they’re compliant with the airline’s regulations.

For those flying on routes like Spain to the UK, avoid meat or dairy, and stick to something simple like sandwiches with vegan fillings, which pass through security more easily. If you’re purchasing food at the airport, it generally passes through without any issues, so feel free to grab something from the vendors airside.

What You Need to Know About Liquids and Baby Food

When it comes to liquids, the standard 100ml limit applies to your hand luggage unless you’ve bought something after security. This means if you want to bring bottled drinks or liquids, it’s crucial to make sure they’re within the allowed quantity. Exceptions apply for baby food and milk, so if you’re traveling with little ones, they can still bring their own supplies onboard. Make sure to let security know in advance.

Travel Tips: How to Make Your 2026 Flight More Comfortable

While many travelers have faced challenges with food and drink restrictions, a little preparation can help ensure your journey remains smooth.

1. Pre-Purchase Snacks and Drinks Airside
If you’re flying with Ryanair or Jet2, it’s a good idea to pick up your snacks or drinks at the airport after you’ve gone through security. This way, you avoid any issues with what you can and cannot bring on board.

2. Keep Your Food Simple
When packing snacks for the flight, stick to cold foods that are easy to eat and won’t cause an odor. Cereal bars, fruit, and crackers make for great, travel-friendly snacks that won’t upset fellow passengers.

3. Avoid Strong-Smelling Items
Airlines like Jet2 recommend avoiding strong-smelling foods, including items like egg mayo sandwiches. These can be disruptive to the comfort of those around you, and there’s always the risk that they could be confiscated.

4. Check Specific Airline Policies
Policies can vary, so be sure to check your airline’s website for the most up-to-date restrictions before you board. If you’re unsure about certain items, it’s always safer to leave them behind than risk having them thrown out at the gate.

Other Notable Countries Affected by Post-Brexit Travel Rules

Along with the UK to EU travel, the post-Brexit restrictions also affect popular routes to Ireland, Germany, and Portugal. These rules continue to evolve, so be sure to double-check before flying to any of these destinations.

Final Thoughts on Travel in 2026

As travel continues to evolve post-pandemic and with changes in regulations, staying informed about what you can and cannot bring onboard is more important than ever. While the ban on hot drinks and the stricter food policies might feel restrictive, they are part of efforts to improve safety and comfort for all passengers. By planning ahead, you can ensure your trip to Spain, France, or Italy (or beyond) remains enjoyable without any surprises at the gate.