Travel Question: Is Christmas cake allowed in hand luggage?

Q Can I take homemade Christmas cake in my hand luggage on a plane?

Peter R

A Ahead of the great British takeoff for Christmas, that is an excellent question. Since the “liquid bomb plot” was uncovered in 2006, passengers have faced strict rules about the substances which are allowed on planes. In particular, what the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) describes as “liquid or semi-liquid foods” are allowed only in containers of 100ml or less, and packed into a clear, resealable plastic bag “which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm”.

The CAA warns: “Food items such as jam, honey and peanut butter are all considered to be liquids, as are all other items of a similar consistency.” But assuming it’s a regular, Santa-issue, doused-in-alcohol-but-baked-for-hours Christmas cake, there should be no problem.

Even the normally straightlaced US Transportation Security Administration says: “If you’ve spent time baking your favourite Christmas cookies, fruitcake, pie or other holiday treats, you can bring these sweets and other food items with you when you fly.”

Gatwick airport adds: “You can carry cakes, fruit, vegetables, sandwiches and all solid foods in your hand baggage. However, foods in sauces or with a high liquid content (such as sauces, pastes, soups and stews) cannot come through security.”

Be warned that cranberry sauce and brandy butter are banned from cabin baggage in quantities above 100ml. Some airports are strict about cheese, too, and not just soft varieties – I have had some firm and tasty roquefort confiscated at Lyon airport.

Every day our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder