When planning a trip, whether within the national territory or to another country, the question arises about the possibility of bringing food aboard aircraft. Although carrying some items is generally permitted, there are important caveats.
The National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) does not impose extremely detailed or rigid rules regarding the boarding of food. For this reason, the conditions for bringing food and drinks onto planes can change depending on the airline, the type of product, or the travel destination, especially on international flights.
Both the Federal Government and regulatory bodies authorize passengers to bring food intended for consumption during the flight in their carry-on baggage. However, it is essential to pay attention to liquid and creamy items, as these may be subject to volume limits or specific packaging requirements.
To know exactly which foods are allowed, it is necessary to check the guidelines of each airline. Latam, for example, accepts food in both carry-on and checked baggage, provided it is in sealed containers to prevent leaks and unpleasant odors; this rule also applies to perishables such as fish and seafood.
On Azul, food for consumption during the flight can be transported in carry-on baggage, but the company reserves the right to refuse items that are not properly packaged. Gol has a more restrictive policy regarding perishables in checked baggage, stating that certain destinations do not accept any such products.
On domestic flights, the rules for transporting liquids in carry-on baggage must also be followed, covering beverages and foods with a liquid or paste-like consistency, such as soups and jams. On Latam and Azul, the established limit is up to 300 ml or 300 g per container. For Azul, the total amount of liquids cannot exceed 1.2 liters or 1.2 kg, while on Latam, the passenger can take up to four packages, each with a maximum capacity of 300 ml.
Alcoholic beverages have their own rules: Latam, for example, allows the transport of up to five liters per person, combining carry-on and checked baggage, provided the alcohol has an alcohol content between 24% and 70%.
The requirements become stricter on international trips, mainly due to airport security procedures. The traveler must strictly adhere to the sanitary restrictions imposed by the destination country.
In Brazil, the International Agricultural Surveillance (Vigiagro), linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, imposes restrictions on the entry of animal and plant products, such as meat, fruits, vegetables, and seeds. The purpose of these measures is to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could harm agriculture and the environment.
Restrictions vary by country. A notable example is Chile, where the entry of pork products from Spain is prohibited due to African Swine Fever. This country also requires the declaration of several animal or plant origin items upon arrival.
The United States, in turn, maintains very severe restrictions on the importation of meat, fruits, and other agricultural goods. Therefore, before traveling, it is advisable to consult the destination's requirements and declare all food when requested by the competent health authorities.
Generally, processed and packaged products are accepted more easily. Fresh or natural items tend to face various prohibitions or absolute restrictions. Food purchased at the airport terminal itself, moments before boarding, can be consumed on board, unless the airline specifies otherwise.