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Business Trip Compensation: When Your Work Trip Goes Wrong

When the airline causes business travelers to get off to a late start, they could be owed up to $700 in business trip compensation.

Business Travel Compensation: When Your Work Trip Goes Wrong

These are the top 5 most punctual airlines for 2024

Top 5 in airline on-time performance

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Flight?

Hvor lenge på forhånd bør jeg bestille flybilletten?

Flugpreis: Wie weit im Voraus sollten Sie Ihren Flug buchen?

Planning a well-deserved getaway trip and trying to find the cheapest day to buy airline tickets can turn into a costly and frustrating game of hit and miss, for even the most experienced of travelers.
Sometimes even when it appears you&rsquo;ve won the game and managed to find the best flight deal, you can be faced with further challenges when you arrive at the airport. Unfortunately, flight mishaps like delays can strike when you least expect it. This often leaves air passengers stressed and out of pocket.
But did you know that when particular flight issues like delays occur, you could be eligible to <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/flight-delay-compensation/">flight delay compensation</a> from the airline? At AirHelp we make it our mission to help passengers understand their rights. We also make it easier for air travelers to be compensated when flight disruptions occur. With our free eligibility checker, you&rsquo;ll be able to find out if you are eligible to make a claim for your flight issue. If you are eligible, your cash compensation could be up to $700. This is something worth keeping in mind when you head to the airport.
Speaking of which, before one gets to the airport &ndash; there is the conundrum of working out how far in advance to book your flight.
There are also important factors to consider that determine the best day of the week to buy flights&mdash;your destination, when you plan to travel and whether you are booking a domestic or international flight.
According to CheapAir&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.cheapair.com/press/releases/cheapair-com-annual-airfare-study-reveals-the-best-times-to-buy-flights/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">annual airfare study</a>, &ldquo;The price of a flight changes on average every 4.5 days, and each change averages $33 up or down&rdquo;. This implies that booking a flight is all about timing. We recently divulged the <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/the-biggest-mistake-travelers-make-when-booking-flights-502/#.VWdT9JNViko" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">costly ramifications of early bird flights when purchasing your plane ticket</a>; alternatively, an expensive last-minute flight is likely to curb your spontaneity when booking trips in the future.
So is there a magic number to consider when locating the prime booking window to buy tickets for your dream trip? In this article, we&rsquo;ve done the grunt work for you and compiled a comprehensive guide with key travel insights that will save you from spending hours gazing anxiously at your screen in a bid to wait out the best day for a flight deal. <a name="domestic-flight"></a> Continue reading to learn all you need to know to buy airline tickets on a budget:
<ul>
<li><a href="#domestic-flight">How Far in Advance Should I Book a Domestic Flight?</a></li>
<li><a href="#international-flights">When is the Best Time to Buy International Flights?</a></li>
<li><a href="#popular-destinations">When to Book Flights to Popular Destinations &amp; Times</a></li>
<li><a href="#cheapest-day">What is the Cheapest Day to Book Flights?</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>How Far in Advance Should I Book a Domestic Flight?</h2>
So how far should you book in advance for flights within the country? When do airfares go down anyway?
We have good news in terms of how much lead time you&rsquo;ll need to buy tickets. When you&rsquo;re booking a domestic flight, book your tickets between one and three months prior to your trip.
If you are traveling within your country, Rick Seaney, CEO and cofounder of online research FareCompare, believes that the cheapest day to book flights is from about three months to three or four weeks before departure.
According to <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/how-far-in-advance-should-i-buy-my-airline-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Travel &amp; Leisure</a>, Kayak compiled one year of flight data and discovered the following:
<blockquote>&ldquo;Six months before departure, domestic ticket prices were about 20 percent higher than the lowest fares. They started dropping three months out and hit a low to seven weeks before departure.&rdquo;</blockquote>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45906" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/13135203/jeshoots-com-227882-unsplash.jpg" alt="Best time to book flights" width="1024" height="376" /> CheapAir weighed in on the topic by conducting a <a href="https://www.cheapair.com/blog/when-to-buy-airline-tickets-based-on-1-5-billion-airfares/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">survey</a> to determine how far in advance savvy travelers ought to book a domestic flight to get the lowest fare. From their findings, they concluded that on average, 47 days was the best time to fly. So be sure to check your flights, as this is the best time to check airfare prices.
It&rsquo;s important to remember that these numbers aren&rsquo;t written in stone, but rather, are to be used as a guideline on what to consider when searching for the most affordable booking window. In general, Kayak urges travelers against waiting too long, by saying:<a name="international-flights"></a>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Whatever you do, don&rsquo;t wait until the last week, when prices shoot up &ndash; by 25 percent&rdquo;.
</blockquote>
<h2>When is the Best Time to Buy International Flights?</h2>
It takes a lot more preparation to plan an international trip&mdash;and that includes booking your tickets further in advance. International flights don&rsquo;t see the same kind of fluctuation domestic flights do, so more often than not what you see is what you&rsquo;re going to get.
According to CheapAir, international flights:
<blockquote>
&ldquo; &hellip;stay fairly flat for a few months, then start to creep up slowly, until about 90 days before departure when the place of increase starts to accelerate.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
The travel connoisseurs from FareCompare insist that the cheapest days to fly international are between five and a half months and one and a half months from departure.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45935" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/13140147/frankie-guarini-157592-unsplash.jpg" alt="Cheapest days to fly international" width="1024" height="376" />
Put simply, three months out is when you want to start thinking of booking domestic flights &ndash; whereas for booking international flights, three months out is the last minute you want to be thinking of booking. Go more than three months out to book tickets for international flights to ensure that you&rsquo;re getting the best deal possible. <a name="popular-destinations"></a> <a href="https://www.cheapair.com/blog/how-far-in-advance-should-you-book-an-international-flight/">CheapAir</a> also advises that we take these digits with a pinch of salt because every international market is bound to be different, with its own unique caveat.
<h2>When to Book Flights to Popular Destinations &amp; Times</h2>
Airline ticket sales operate on complex formulas, but one thing that remains fairly simple is the concept of supply and demand. When there is less supply, there will be more demand. Understandably, when there is more demand, there will be higher prices.
What that means for your travel plans is that you&rsquo;ll want to book early when traveling to popular destinations and during peak times. Going to the beach or to Europe this summer, when everyone else is doing the same thing? Book early. Heading home for the holiday? Book early.
In general, apply common sense and you&rsquo;ll get a good deal. However, there is one caveat to remember: supply and demand don&rsquo;t mean airlines will lower their prices the month of a flight if seats aren&rsquo;t filling up. <a name="cheapest-day"></a> No matter how you dice it, trying to book a flight the same month of your trip (international or domestic) is going to cost you more.
<h2>What is the Cheapest Day to Book Flights?</h2>
There are a plethora of sources online that advise travelers on the best day and time to book their dream trip. However, as prices largely depend on airline routes and fluctuating prices make it difficult for research findings to stand the test of time, it&rsquo;s safe to assume that there are no hard- and-fast-rules.
Up until this year, there was the popular belief that the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/days-to-book-the-cheapest-flights-2018-1?IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cheapest day to book flights</a> was Tuesday at midnight, as travelers who purchased flights on this day saved about 6% on their flights. However, this is no longer the case because more business travelers are booking their flights during the week.
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46480" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/19075200/nicole-harrington-62045-unsplash.jpg" alt="Cheapest day to book flights" width="1024" height="376" />
It can be mind-boggling trying to keep up with air travel predictions on the <a href="https://www.farecompare.com/travel-advice/tips-from-air-travel-insiders/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best day and time to book flights</a>, so as a rule of thumb, we advise that if you&rsquo;re scouring the net and land on a deal that has you jumping up and down in excitement&mdash;providing you&rsquo;ve done your due diligence&mdash;regardless of what day of the week it is, it may be a good idea to snap it up as the price may not go down any lower.
<h3>And Lastly&hellip;</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-45945" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/13140906/andy-beales-53407-unsplash.jpg" alt="Best time to buy airline tickets" width="1024" height="376" />
To ensure you get the most affordable flight deal, don&rsquo;t forget to compare flight fares from different airlines, so you can ascertain the best carrier to get the cheapest deal.
In addition, although saving money on your flight means being able to spend money on more fun parts of your trip like restaurants and shopping, to ensure you take off for your trip on a good note, remember to use AirHelp Score to determine the <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/airhelp-score/airline-ranking/">best airline</a> and <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/airhelp-score/airport-ranking/">airport</a>.
Finally, if you follow our tips and your <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/how-do-i-know-if-im-entitled-to-compensation-for-my-disrupted-flight-594/">flight ends up being disrupted</a>&mdash;if you are entitled to <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/flight-delay-compensation/">flight delay compensation</a>, we are only a click away.
Flight delays happen, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to accept them. You may be <a href="https://app.airhelp.com/claims/new/trip-details">entitled to as much as $700 in compensation</a> if your flight was delayed, canceled or overbooked within the last three years.

When it comes knowing when to book a flight, it’s all about balance. There is a general best time to buy (called the “prime booking window”). Find out more.

What Are Your Rights For Self Connecting Flights?

When searching for flights from coast to coast or across the world we always want to find the best deals. If there are no direct flights available that means you&rsquo;ll have a connection somewhere in between. 
If you&rsquo;re really into hunting down bargain fares you might search for two separate flights, which connect to take you to your final destination. This is a self connecting flight, also known as non-protected transfer or self transfer flight. 
So what does self transer mean? It means that instead of having the airline choose an itinerary for you and put you on a connecting flight, you instead choose which flight to self transfer to next. Transferring flights yourself means less work for the airline.
Sometimes booking flights this way does work out cheaper than booking the journey as one itinerary as self connecting flights are often cheaper. But there are risks to this tactic, and we think it&rsquo;s important that passengers are aware of them. 
For example, what happens if your first flight is delayed, causing you to miss your self connecting flights? 
Who would be responsible for getting you to your last stop? Would you be able to claim compensation for the delay if you book a self transfer flight?
We have the answers to help you decide if booking a self connecting flight is worth the risk.
<figure id="attachment_167418" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-167418"><img class="size-full wp-image-167418" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/12155525/laptop-2562325-640.jpg" alt="man with pen and pad at computer" width="600" height="400" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-167418" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/laptop-computer-browser-research-2562325/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Stock Snap</a> via pixabay</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What is a connecting flight vs a self connecting flight?</h2>
A connecting flight is legally considered one continuous journey, booked as one single itinerary, but with one or more stops on the way to your final destination. 
Connecting flights are fairly common. When you&rsquo;re searching for a flight, airlines will either offer a direct flight, or they will try to find another way of getting you from A to B, flying via another airport, C. They might be able to do both legs on their own planes, or they might work with a partner airline, who will carry you on one of the legs. 
A self connecting or self-transfer flight is when you plan that connection yourself. So instead of searching for flights from A to B, you search and book a plane from A to C, and then another flight from C to B. The flight route you take might be the same &ndash; but airlines treat connecting and self connecting flights very differently. 
When an airline books you onto a connecting flight, you will be issued one booking reference. You will also be checked into all flights on your journey at the same time. The airline is responsible for helping you catch your connection &ndash; since they were the ones who suggested it. That means you usually don&rsquo;t need to collect your luggage at the connecting airport. 
The time between connecting flights can be pretty short &ndash; as little as 40 minutes for some airports. The airline is aware of your connection and will sometimes tell you which gate you need for your next flight. They might even offer assistance if you have a short connection time. Crucially, if your first flight is delayed, and you miss your second, they will put you on another flight to your final destination. They might even have to pay out <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/missed-connection-compensation/">up to $700 in compensation</a> per passenger if you miss your connection.
But when you piece together two itineraries to create a self connecting flight, each flight is booked under separate booking references, so they are completely independent of one another. In this case, you are responsible for all aspects of your connection. That might mean collecting your luggage and checking it in again, clearing security (both ways!), and getting to the next plane on time. You&rsquo;ll need to allow plenty of spare time in case there are any delays on the way.
<figure id="attachment_167473" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-167473"><img class="wp-image-167473 size-full" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/12160343/money-256312-640.jpg" alt="hand with pencil over receipt for self transfer flight" width="600" height="400" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-167473" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/money-bills-calculator-save-256312/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jarmoluk</a> via pixabay</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What missing a self connecting flight might cost you</h2>
When you book a trip under one itinerary, if your flight is delayed and you miss your connection, the airline would be responsible for rebooking you on next available flight out. They may also offer meal or hotel vouchers depending on the length of your delay. 
If you book a self-transfer flight and a delay causes you to miss the second leg of your trip, making it to your final destination is totally up to you. 
Speak with the airline staff once you make it to the airport and explain that you missed your flight. If you stay calm and kind they may be able to put you on standby for the next flight out. Some airlines may honor the &lsquo;<a href="https://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/2017/11/25/theres-flat-tire-rule-miss-delta-american-united-southwest-flights/">flat tire rule</a>&rsquo; that can offer you a little leniency in the case you miss your flight for good reason.&nbsp;
If airline staff can&rsquo;t help, you&rsquo;ll have to dish out money for a completely new ticket. If you missed the last flight of day you&rsquo;ll end up stuck overnight until the next available flight. That will cost you even more money for a place to stay, food, and other expenses. Or you can just sleep at the airport and hope they have good vending machine options.
<h2>Reclaiming expenses after missing a self connecting flight?</h2>
When you&rsquo;re hit with extra costs from missing your connecting flight there are ways to get that money back. If you&rsquo;re traveling out of the States and your first flight is delayed for several hours you may be able to recover certain costs thanks to the <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/air-passenger-rights/#international-rights-the-montreal-convention">Montreal Convention</a>.&nbsp;
The Montreal Convention protects passengers on international flights and says that airlines must pay damages resulting from flight delays. In real terms, this means in certain cases airlines should pay for your expenses incurred as a result of a delayed flight. So hold on to receipts for meals and accommodations.
Unfortunately, the Montreal Convention doesn&rsquo;t apply for flights that stay within the US. This is where opting for travel insurance may come in handy. If you purchase travel insurance you may be able to file a claim to get money back for unexpected costs if you miss your self-transfer flight. If you planned enough time between flights but a delay causes you to miss the second leg of your trip your travel insurance plan may have you covered. 
<h2>Can you claim compensation if you miss your self connecting flight?</h2>
One of the big advantages of a normal connecting flight is that if disruption causes you to miss a connection, the airline still has the obligation to get you to your final destination. 
In addition, if your flight is covered by EC 261 you may be entitled to <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/flight-canceled-or-delayed/">up to $700 in compensation</a> too. Even within the US where there&rsquo;s no legal basis for compensation you can still go to their customer service counter for options to get to your intended destination, and possibly receive vouchers to make your wait less costly.
With self-transfer flights, the itineraries are independent. That means your first carrier is only responsible for making sure you get to that first destination, not the second. &nbsp;
You can try to plead your case once you do finally make it to the airport but unfortunately, there&rsquo;s not much they can do besides rebook you &ndash; at your own cost. 
If your flights are covered by EC 261 you can claim compensation for the disrupted flight. However, the delay must have been longer than three hours to qualify, and you might get less compensation. Only the disrupted leg will be taken into account, not the full length of your journey.
<figure id="attachment_167501" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-167501"><img class="wp-image-167501 size-full" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/12160930/station-2923685-640.jpg" alt="kid sitting on bench with suitcases waiting for self transfer flight" width="600" height="400" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-167501" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/station-suitcases-child-train-2923685/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Victoria Borodinova </a></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Ways to prevent missing your self connecting flight</h2>
While a self connecting flight may save you money, it&rsquo;s up to you to make it onto your next flight. It&rsquo;s not impossible, even in the case of a delay.
When searching for fares, give yourself more than enough time between each flight. Follow the same suggestions on <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/how-early-should-i-get-to-airport/">how early you should be at the airport</a> as if it&rsquo;s your original trip.&nbsp;
Factor in a minimum three-hour window when flying to high traffic airports or traveling during peak days or hours. It&rsquo;s also important to know if you have to exit your terminal, collect your bags, and go through security again. If so, it&rsquo;s best to add another hour cushion for self-transfer flights.
Even though you may end up spending a few extra hours waiting for your second flight it&rsquo;s better than spending a few extra hundred dollars because your first flight was delayed.
Flight delays happen, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to accept them. You may be <a href="https://app.airhelp.com/claims/new/trip-details">entitled to a much as $700 in compensation</a> if your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked within the last three years.

Before you book a self connecting flight learn about what your rights are in the case of a delay on domestic and international flights.

Stranded on the Tarmac? Here's What You Need to Know

Fast på startbanan? Ha koll på dina rättigheter

When you&rsquo;re stuck on the runway, your mind will race with multiple questions. In this article we cover all you need to know about tarmac delay:<a name="tarmac-delay"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#tarmac-delay">What is Tarmac Delay?</a></li>
<li><a href="#tarmac-law">Tarmac Delay: Are You Aware of the Law</a></li>
<li><a href="#tarmac-plane">How Long Can an Airline Keep You on a Plane?</a></li>
<li><a href="#tarmac-us">U.S. Tarmac Delay Laws</a></li>
<li><a href="#tarmac-europe">European Tarmac Delay Laws</a></li>
<li><a href="#tarmac-deplane">What to Do If You&rsquo;re Stranded on the Tarmac (Or Have to Deplane)</a></li>
<li><a href="#tarmac-faq">Deplane&mdash;FAQ</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>What is Tarmac Delay?</h2>
Have you ever been stuck on a plane, sat on the tarmac, impatiently waiting for the aircraft to takeoff?
Or, have you landed at your destination and experienced your excitement fade to irritation, as passengers were restricted from getting off the plane? Both of these unfortunate situations count as tarmac delay. <a name="tarmac-law"></a>
When it comes to tarmac delays, there&rsquo;s a limit between what&rsquo;s normal and what constitutes a true delay. Since most air travelers have grown accustomed to some sort of a wait, the feeling that it could be a delay creeps up slowly until all of a sudden you think, is this plane ever going to take off? Are we going to have to deplane?
That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to take note of the time when the plane doors close. Then, if the wait feels like it&rsquo;s getting a bit longer than normal, you can measure how much time you&rsquo;ve been sitting on the tarmac. Believe it or not, there is something you can do if that wait is too long.
When your flight is cancelled you can often apply for <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/flight-cancellation-compensation/">flight cancelled compensation</a>. But when you are stuck at the tarmac, the rules are a bit different. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important that your know your rights in these cases as it can be a bit complicated. We will guide you through here.
<h2>Tarmac Delay: Are You Aware of the Law?</h2>
According to the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/tarmac-delays" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Department of Transportation</a>, the tarmac delay rule only applies to tarmac delays that occur at U.S. airports.
The Department of Transportation also adds that the tarmac delay rule only extends to &lsquo;covered carriers&rsquo;. The definition of a &lsquo;covered carrier&rsquo; is an airline that operates at least one airplane with airline seating of up to 30 or more, to, from or within the United States. <a name="tarmac-plane"></a> That means that although passengers who experience an extended tarmac delay at a foreign airport while flying to the U.S. may be protected against extended tarmac delays by the laws of another nation; they are not protected from extended tarmac delays by U.S. law.
<h2>How Long Can an Airline Keep You on a Plane?</h2>
In 2009, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (U.S.), reported that over the summer, there had been an estimated 500 delays of at least three hours.
According to the renowned legal website,<a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/tarmac-delays-airline-passenger-rights-33011.html"> Nolo</a>, in one particular incident that occurred in 2009,
<blockquote>
&ldquo;47 passengers spent almost six hours &mdash; longer than it usually takes to fly across the continental U.S. &mdash; sitting onboard a plane that was parked on the tarmac of Rochester International Airport in Minnesota.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Clearly, there was a problem and a need for the law to reign the situation in.
To tackle this blatant infringement of air passenger rights, the U.S. Department of Transportation created a set of regulations on tarmac delay which came into effect in April 2010.
These federal rules ensure an airline cannot keep passengers on a plane for hours on end. Within these regulations, clear time limits are set for how long an airline can keep you on a plane.
This is to ensure air passengers&rsquo; rights are protected.
We&rsquo;ve extracted the relevant parts of this U.S. regulation. <a name="tarmac-us"></a>
<figure id="attachment_51369" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51369"><a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp- content/uploads/2018/01/27121600/morre-christophe-121633-unsplash.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-51369" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/27121600/morre-christophe-121633-unsplash.jpg" alt="Tarmac delay" width="600" height="900" /></a>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-51369" class="wp-caption-text">Photography by Morre Christophe</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>U.S. Tarmac Delay Laws</h2>
According to U.S. laws on tarmac delays, any delay of two hours or more requires special attention. Here&rsquo;s a breakdown from the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/">U.S. Department of Transportation</a>:
After a tarmac delay of two hours, passengers must be provided with food, water, operational lavatories, and medical care (medical care only if needed).
<ul>
<li>After a tarmac delay of three hours in the U.S., passengers must be given the option to deplane.</li>
<li>After a tarmac delay of four hours outside of the U.S., passengers must be given the option to deplane.</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<a name="tarmac-europe"></a>
There are, however, exceptions to these rules. The rules above do not apply in the following circumstances:
<ul>
<li>If the pilot determines there is a reason to keep passengers on the plane, pertaining to safety or security .</li>
<li>If air traffic control advises that taxiing to a place where passengers can deplane would significantly disrupt airport operations .</li>
</ul>
<h2>European Tarmac Delay Laws</h2>
European tarmac delay laws vary for better and for worse. For better, passengers are eligible for compensation for sitting on the tarmac just the same way a flight delay is eligible for compensation in Europe. <a name="tarmac-deplane"></a> For worse, they don&rsquo;t require giving passengers the option to deplane until the tarmac delay reaches five hours. But if the runway delay is one hour or more, it is mandatory that the plane provide air conditioning, lavatories, and water.
<h2>What to Do If You&rsquo;re Stranded on the Tarmac (Or Have to Deplane)</h2>
If you&rsquo;re stranded on the tarmac, keep the timing in mind. Once the delay hits 1-2 hours (depending on whether you&rsquo;re on a U.S. or European flight), you should know what rights you have.
Are the flight attendants offering water? Are you being kept informed of the situation? If the answer to these questions is no, talk to the flight attendants and (kindly) remind them of your rights.
If the tarmac delay extends beyond a few hours and you&rsquo;re not given the option to deplane, then the airline is not complying with the law. (Review the bullet points above to see which timeframe applies to your flight. You could also review your airline&rsquo;s contract of carriage for an update on their policy.) At that point, the airline can only keep you on the plane if it&rsquo;s for safety reasons or to prevent a disruption of airport services.
If you end up in a situation in which the airline is not compliant with the law, file a complaint:
<ul>
<li>Contact the airline via mail or email to register your complaint .</li>
<li>The airline has 60 days to respond to you .</li>
<li>If the airline doesn&rsquo;t respond &ndash; or if you&rsquo;re not happy with their response, you can then register a complaint with The Department of Transportation .</li>
</ul>
<a name="tarmac-faq"></a> It may not be as easy as going through AirHelp to <a href="https://app.airhelp.com/claims/new/trip-details">file a claim for compensation</a>, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you shouldn&rsquo;t fight for your rights when delayed on the tarmac! Air passenger rights are changing all the time and your diligence can impact that in a big way!
It&rsquo;s important to note that an airline is under no obligation to let you back in if you deplane.
<h2>FAQ</h2>
<h3>Deplane&mdash;What You Need to Know About the U.S. Regulations</h3>
With regards to domestic and international flights, what is the length of time an airline can keep me on a departing flight before the airline is obligated to move the plane to a safe location where passengers can deplane?
For domestic flights departing from a U.S. airport, the airline is obligated to move the plane to a location where passengers can deplane before three hours. For international flights, it is four hours.
For domestic and international flights, how long can an airline keep me on an arriving flight?
So how long can an airline keep you on the tarmac? For domestic flights landing at U.S. airports, airlines are obligated to give passengers an opportunity to deplane before three hours. With regards to international flights, it&rsquo;s four hours.
<figure id="attachment_51370" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51370"><a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/27122628/jacek-dylag-533180-unsplash.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-51370" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/27122628/jacek-dylag-533180-unsplash.jpg" alt="How long can an airline keep you on a plane" width="600" height="399" /></a>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-51370" class="wp-caption-text">Photography by Jacek Dylag</figcaption>
</figure>
What are the exceptions to these tarmac delay rules?
The time limits can be extended in the following circumstances:
<ul>
<li>Safety</li>
<li>Security</li>
<li>Air traffic control-related reasons</li>
</ul>
Remember, even if you are an <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/the-7-habits-of-highly-experienced-air-travelers/">experienced air traveler</a>, wait for permission by the aircraft to deplane safely before you disembark.
What if an airline allows me to deplane during a tarmac delay, is the aircraft responsible for alerting me when the plane eventually takes off, so I can board?
In the case of tarmac delay, if a passenger chooses to disembark, the airline is not obligated to let the passenger back on the plane. Therefore, in a situation where a passenger disembarks and the plane departs &ndash; it is the passengers&rsquo; responsibility to find another flight.
If the airline allows me to deplane during a tarmac delay and the aircraft eventually takes off, is the airline obligated to offload my checked luggage before take off?
No. In this situation, if you decided to <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/checked-baggage-vs-carry-on-luggage/">check your baggage and not carry on</a>, the airline is not required to remove your checked bags from the plane before taking off. You are responsible for contacting the airline to arrange the return of your luggage at a later date.
If I&rsquo;m stuck on the tarmac because of a tarmac delay, how will I know when I can deplane?
In the case of a tarmac delay, the airline must give updates at 30-minute intervals informing passengers if they can deplane safely.
This is often done in two ways. Either the pilot or flight attendant will make an announcement using the aircraft&rsquo;s speaker system. Or, the flight attendants may very well choose to alert passengers individually.
The airline is also required to inform passengers of the reason/s behind the tarmac delay.
<figure id="attachment_51371" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51371"><a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/27123012/owen-spencer-500933-unsplash.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-51371" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/27123012/owen-spencer-500933-unsplash.jpg" alt="Deplane" width="600" height="899" /></a>
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-51371" class="wp-caption-text">Photography by Owen Spencer</figcaption>
</figure>
Try as we might, we can&rsquo;t always have our travel plans run smoothly. Air mishaps occur.
The important thing is to know your rights when they do. If you ever happen to be stranded on a plane, you&rsquo;ll now be more savvy on the best action to take to turn your situation around.
Safe travels!
Flight delays happen, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to accept them. You may be <a href="https://app.airhelp.com/claims/new/trip-details">entitled to as much as $700 in compensation</a> if your flight has been delayed, canceled, or overbooked within the last three years.

A tarmac delay can ruin your travel plans. Learn more about what your airline passenger rights are (in the U.S. or Europe) when you're stuck on the tarmac.

Flight departed early? You could get compensation

Can your flight leave without you? Yes, but in some cases you could be owed compensation by the airline.

Flight departed early? You could get compensation.

Checked Baggage vs Carry On—Which is the Best Travel Option?

At one point or other, if you travel regularly, you&rsquo;re bound to have been faced with the conundrum of whether to check your bags or to carry on.
Do you prefer to pack light and skip paying checked bag fees? Alternatively, would you rather have the liberty of packing more travel items whilst avoiding the frustration of trying to stuff your bulky luggage into a cramped overhead bin?
As well as sourcing the right luggage, knowing your air passenger rights should also be an important part of your pre-travel checklist. At AirHelp, we make it our mission to educate air passengers about their rights. We also use our expertise to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. For instance, if your long-awaited trip is delayed, AirHelp does the legal legwork to make sure you get the <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/flight-delay-compensation/">Europe flight delay compensation</a> you deserve.
After you&rsquo;ve brushed up on your air passenger rights and compensation knowledge &ndash; it&rsquo;s now time to turn to your luggage.
Fees, the risk of lost or damaged luggage and waiting time aside&mdash;deciding whether to check your bags or carry on boils down to your top priority when traveling. Is it comfort, time or money?
Whichever factor tips the scales will let you know how you&rsquo;ll be traveling for your next trip. <a name="checked-baggage"></a> If you require more information on carry-on luggage regulations to make your decision, our concise guide will nudge you in the right direction.
<a href="#checked-baggage">The Checked Baggage vs Carry-on Debate</a>
<a href="#carry-on">What is a Carry-on Bag?</a>
<a href="#baggage-allowance">What is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?</a>
<a href="#luggage-size">How Big Can Your&nbsp;Carry-on Luggage Be?</a>
<a href="#luggage-choice">How to Choose Your Carry-on Luggage</a>
<a href="#check-luggage">Is it Better to Check Your Bags or Carry-on&mdash;Yes or No?</a>
<h2>The Checked Baggage vs Carry On Debate</h2>
The difference between checked bag and carry on are simple. A checked bag is the luggage that travels in the hold of the plane. It is often bigger and holds more items, including greater liquid limits.
So is a checked bag a suitcase? It can be, but other bulky items can be checked in too.&nbsp;
A carry on bag is a smaller cabin bag or airport bag that you take onto the plane with you. Depending on the airline, even a purse can be considered a carry on.&nbsp;
So if you are traveling, what's better?
Travel experts from <a href="https://travel-made-simple.com/what-to-pack-in-your-carry-on-bag/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Travel Made Simple</a> are of the strong belief that traveling with carry-on luggage makes travel easier because &ldquo;there&rsquo;s no way the airline can lose your luggage if you haven&rsquo;t checked anything&rdquo;.
According to <a href="https://www.sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/baggage-report-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SITA</a>, the air transport industry has cut down the number of wandering luggage by 50%. However, if you&rsquo;ve had the misfortune of falling under the other 50%, you&rsquo;ll know that lost or damaged baggage is a traveler&rsquo;s nightmare.
We recently discussed the importance of <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/what-to-do-if-an-airline-loses-your-luggage-662/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">knowing your luggage rights</a> and the steps to take once you realize your baggage has been lost or delayed. Despite this, some travelers rather skip the risk altogether by opting for carry-on luggage.
<a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21155724/9358311711-4697fbf18c-z.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46646" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21155724/9358311711-4697fbf18c-z.jpg" alt="Checked Baggage vs carry on" width="1024" height="376" /></a>
Travel writer, Ali Garland is opposed to checked in luggage because she dislikes getting, &ldquo;weighed down by heavy bags&rdquo; and would rather avoid having to &ldquo;deal with expensive checked bag fees.&rdquo;
I&rsquo;m of a different opinion. I&rsquo;m prepared to pay checked bag fees for the pleasure of being able to forego the nightmare of trying to cram all my travel necessities in a small carry-on bag.
When it comes to choosing whether to check your bags or carry on, don&rsquo;t feel like you have to come up with a perfect answer for all of your travels. Instead, just decide what makes the most sense for your next trip.
<h2>Ask Yourself the Following Questions:</h2>
Do you need extra room for souvenirs? Are you willing to ship them or do you want to have them on you on your way back?
Are you able to pack light for this trip? Or are the activities varied enough that you need more?
Do you like to have more with you when you travel? Or does the idea of carrying less make you feel freer? <a name="carry-on"></a> If you attempt to pack light, will you end up spending more money acquiring what you need on the trip? Or can you pack light and still have all you need?
Do you prefer to spend the money for the convenience of packing light? Or will that bother you?
Are you okay with carrying all of your bags on the plane versus dropping them off at check-in?
<h2>What is a Carry-on Bag?</h2>
A carry- on bag is the type of luggage travelers are allowed to take into an airplane. On the other hand, checked baggage is transported in the cargo area of the plane.
<a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21163312/1402653693-f1ffd7d3fc-o.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46653" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21163312/1402653693-f1ffd7d3fc-o.jpg" alt="What is a carry on bag?" width="1024" height="376" /></a> <a name="baggage-allowance"></a> Airplanes are designed with luggage compartment spaces to store carry-on luggage. The storage space is situated in overhead lockers or under seating.
Depending on which airline or country you fly from, carry-on bags are also labeled as hand baggage or cabin luggage.
<h2>What is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?</h2>
Both sides of the checked baggage vs carry on debate are very compelling. However, before you make your final decision, it&rsquo;s best to know <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/what-can-you-bring-on-plane/">what you can put in your carry-on bag</a>.
To travel with confidence, we advise you to always check the rules and regulations of the airline you&rsquo;re traveling with to be sure you&rsquo;ve packed <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/what-can-you-bring-on-plane/">what is permitted on a plane</a>.
Being frequent fliers ourselves, we&rsquo;ve compiled a list of essential items that should always be in your carry-on luggage.
<a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21162602/33604409895-2fed0817cc-o1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46649" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21162602/33604409895-2fed0817cc-o1.jpg" alt="What is allowed in a carry on bag?" width="1024" height="376" /></a>
<ul>
<li><a name="luggage-size"></a>Important travel documents (E.g. Passport)</li>
<li>Money</li>
<li>Items of monetary value (E.g. jewelry)</li>
<li>Daily medications</li>
<li>Electronics</li>
<li>Toiletries (E.g. toothbrush and toothpaste)</li>
</ul>
Can you bring scissors in a checked bag? A lot of people wonder if they can bring sharp objects such as scissors and knives in a checked bag. Usually, this is no problem, especially if you bring an item such as a kitchen knife as a souvenir. However, there is a limit. It is always best to check with your airline what their policy on sharp objects are.&nbsp;
How about liquids? Can you pack liquids in checked bags? The answer is yes! Most drinks, including wine can easily be packed in your check in luggage. However, be careful of high proof alcohol, or corrosive liquids and chemicals, as these will be subject to screening or even outright banned due to the risk involved.&nbsp;
<h2>How Big Can Your Carry-on Luggage Be?</h2>
With regards to carry-on baggage size, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_luggage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">International Air Transport Association</a> (IATA) provide guidelines that state:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Cabin baggage should have a maximum length of 56 cm (22 inches), width of 45 cm (18 inches) and depth of 25 cm (10 inches) including all handles, side pockets, wheels etc.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<a name="luggage-choice"></a>It&rsquo;s important to note that these rules are not mandatory. There is no standardized &lsquo;one-fits-all&rsquo; rule when it comes to carry-on luggage weight and size. Rather, individual airlines are entitled to change carry-on bag size requirements. Examples of factors that determine how big your carry-on luggage can be include booking class and the model of aircraft.
Consequently, to avoid being at the brunt end of carry-on luggage restrictions at the airport, read your airline&rsquo;s regulations carefully before you pack your carry-on bag.
How heavy can checked bags be? It depends on what you paid for, but 32kg is standard.&nbsp;
<h2>How to Choose Your Carry-On Luggage</h2>
So you&rsquo;ve followed our advice and read your airlines&rsquo; carry-on baggage restrictions, now it&rsquo;s time for the fun part. You are now ready to select a practical and stylish carry-on bag.
If you want to get the perfect visual on what a carry-on bag is and the different styles available to suit your travel needs and personal taste&mdash;our <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en-gb/blog/best-carry-on-luggage-for-travellers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">definitive list of carry-on brands</a> will see you through.
<a href="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21162641/24968810373-fca70030ba-o.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46650" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21162641/24968810373-fca70030ba-o.jpg" alt="How to choose your carry on luggage" width="1024" height="376" /></a> <a name="check-luggage"></a>
From the most affordable to the carry-on bag that will make heads turn at the airport&mdash;we give you the essential information you need that will make it easier for you to choose the perfect carry on luggage for your next trip.
<h2>Is it Better to Check Your Bags or Carry On&mdash;Yes or No?</h2>
In a nutshell, it depends.
Interestingly enough, Airlines for America conducted a <a href="https://tarriss.com/the-joys-of-carry-on-and-when-you-are-better-off-checking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">survey</a> that showed that in recent years, despite increased baggage checking fees, more travelers were choosing to check in their bags.
In addition, the whole idea of carrying on your luggage to save money may be going by the wayside as airlines encourage travelers to check their bags instead. And if you pay for priority boarding so you can get on the plane early enough to keep your bags close, then you&rsquo;ve just exchanged one fee for another. For a quick analysis, consider this:
<ul>
<li>If you really want to save money, then you should carry on your bags. (Just make sure you check your airline&rsquo;s policy to ensure they don&rsquo;t charge a fee for this.)</li>
<li>If you really want to save time, then you should pay for priority boarding and carry on your bags.</li>
<li>If you really want to maximize comfort, then you should check your bags but make sure your carry on has all the conveniences you want for the flight.</li>
</ul>
Where do you stand in the checked baggage or carry on debate? Are you a light packer or do you like to pack everything but the kitchen sink?
Also, what do you tend to pack in your carry-on luggage?
Do share your packing preferences with us!
Flight delays happen, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to accept them. You may be <a href="https://app.airhelp.com/claims/new/trip-details">entitled to as much as $700 in compensation</a> if your flight has been delayed, canceled or overbooked within the last three&nbsp;years.

Where do you stand in the checked baggage vs carry on debate? We tell you all you need to know to choose the best travel option for your trip.

Checked Bag vs Carry On—Which is the Best Travel Option?

Puoi far Passare del Cibo Attraverso i Controlli in Aeroporto?

Can You Bring Food Through Airport Security?

Você Pode Passar com Comida pela Segurança do Aeroporto?

Czy możesz przejść z żywnością przez kontrolę bezpieczeństwa?

Darf man Essen mit ins Flugzeug nehmen?

Est-ce que vous pouvez prendre de la nourriture à la sécurité d’un aéroport ?

¿Puedes Pasar Comida A Través de la Seguridad del Aeropuerto?

If you&rsquo;ve ever had to eat stale, overpriced food when you fly, you have probably asked yourself, can I bring food through airport security? Bringing&nbsp;your own food in your carry-on luggage would be convenient, and not to mention cheaper too. It would be a great way to keep your hunger pangs at bay while waiting between in-flight meals. 
But with security agents becoming stricter than ever, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what is and isn&rsquo;t allowed on a flight. Many people have had to throw away entire bottles of water when passing through security, or have had jars of jam confiscated. So can you take your own snacks on a plane? 
It depends. Here's everything you need to know.&nbsp;<a name="bring-food"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="#bring-food">Can I Bring Food Through Airport Security?</a></li>
<li><a href="#snacks">Can I Take Snacks Through Airport Security?</a></li>
<li><a href="#cookies">Can I Bring Cookies Through Airport Security?</a></li>
<li><a href="#cheesecake">Cheesecake? But That&rsquo;s Not a Liquid!</a></li>
<li><a href="#cheesecake">Can I Bring Distilled Water on a Plane?</a></li>
<li><a href="#chips">Can I Bring Chips Through Airport Security?</a></li>
<li><a href="#alcohol">Can I Bring Alcohol Onto the Plane?</a></li>
<li><a href="#sealed">Can I Take Sealed Food or Canned Food Through Airport Security?</a></li>
<li><a href="#homemade">Can I Take Homemade Food Through Airport Security?</a></li>
<li><a href="#fresh">Can I Take Fresh Foods on the Plane?</a></li>
<li><a href="#baby">What If I Need To Bring Food For My Baby?</a></li>
<li><a href="#enjoy">Enjoy Your Meal!</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Can I Bring Food Through Airport Security?</h2>
So, can you actually bring food through airport security and onto the plane, or do you have to settle for subpar snacks from the cart? 
Well, the short answer is yes, you can. You may absolutely bring your own food, as long as it meets the airline&rsquo;s standards. Of course, international flights tend to be a little stricter compared to domestic flights, but most airlines allow you to take food on the plane with no problem.
However, before you decide to bring your own food on the plane, remember that most security personnel may ask you to place all food items in a separate bin from your luggage to allow for closer inspection. If you are in a rush, this can easily add several more minutes to the time spent passing through security checkpoints.&nbsp;You should also be prepared to answer several questions about what you are bringing on board. This entire process can sometimes <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/what-to-do-if-you-missed-your-flight-because-of-long-tsa-lines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lead to delays</a>.&nbsp; 
If your flight do happens to be delayed and you have to wait in the airport, having some nice snacks on hand that aren't overpriced could be a good thing. Just remember that in case you're eligible for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en/flight-delay-compensation/">compensation for a flight delay</a>.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_161116" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-161116"><img class="size-full wp-image-161116" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/03152413/nuts.jpg" alt="Assorted nuts" width="600" height="400" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-161116" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/health-nuts-food-diet-nutrition-712980/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Untavilordo on Pixabay&nbsp;</a><a style="font-size: 16px;" name="snacks"></a></figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Can I Take Snacks Through Airport Security?</h2>
<a name="cookies"></a>As a general rule, you&rsquo;ll want to bring solid, dry foods that have been properly sealed in a leak-proof container. Snacks in&nbsp;their original packaging usually pass, as they&nbsp;are sealed, properly labeled, and easy to identify. So feel free to bring in those packs of peanuts and protein bars!&nbsp;
<h2>Can I Bring Cookies Through Airport Security?</h2>
<a name="cheesecake"></a>Some good news for those of you with a sweet tooth: Yes, you can have cookies on an airplane! Most cookies, bread, and other baked goods can easily be taken through airport security. In other words, you can totaly take packaged snacks on plane.
In fact, you can even bring a whole cake, provided it is properly sealed in its packaging and does not contain any liquid.&nbsp;For example, an apple cake or a chocolate cake will probably go through just fine, but something like a jelly cake, an ice cream cake, or a soft cheesecake, will probably be denied.
<h2>Cheesecake? But That&rsquo;s Not a Liquid!&nbsp;</h2>
<figure id="attachment_159118" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159118"><img class="size-full wp-image-159118" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20111339/soft-cheeses.jpg" alt="Soft cheeses classify under liquids" width="600" height="399" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-159118" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jrmvvWB7AJmEwpj9f1JWgV3B6CBYPE9gnn3wTX3QsfQ/edit?ts=5c1a5e2f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jill111</a></figcaption>
</figure>
Yes, items like cheesecakes probably won&rsquo;t go through. Why? Because it is considered a liquid.
Most flyers are familiar with the <a href="https://www.airhelp.com/en-gb/blog/do-you-know-what-you-can-bring-on-a-plane/#liquid-plane" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">3-1-1 rule for liquids</a>, which states that you can only take 3.4 oz or 100 milliliters of liquid per container and that all of these individual containers must fit in a single, one-quart size bag. So 3.4 oz, 100 milliliters, and one-quart result in &ldquo;3-1-1&rdquo;. 
While this rule is easy enough to follow, it does cause confusion if a food item contains no obvious visible liquids. For example, canned goods are a common source of confusion, but so are jams, gels, condiments, and most types of sauces or gravy. 
Even certain types of cheese, which usually look like a solid if covered in a crust, still fall under this rule. Cheeses like camembert, brie, and blue cheese are all considered liquids and must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. <a name="chips"></a>
In fact, all types of pastes and creamy foods are considered liquid, including butter, peanut butter, chocolate spread, p&acirc;t&eacute;, hummus, and yes, even cheesecake.
<h2>Can I bring distilled water on a plane?&nbsp;</h2>
Carrying water has always been a problem when traveling, as liquids in general cannot go past security. It doesn't matter whether it's distilled, sparkling, otherwise. However, you can still take water onto the plane with you, provided that you either purchased it at the airport after having passed security, or if you brought your own bottle to refill at a water station. If you want to save money, it pays to bring an empty reusable bottle with you, as many airports now have free water fountains or refilling stations available past the security check.&nbsp;
<h2>Can I Bring Chips Through Airport Security?</h2>
<a name="alcohol"></a>Since chips fall under packaged goods, it&rsquo;s usually no problem bringing them in. Whether they are potato chips, tortilla chips, or even organic kale chips, chips of all types are welcome on the plane. Just remember not to munch on them while everyone is sleeping! The sound can be very distracting.
<h2>Can I Bring Alcohol Onto the Plane?</h2>
<a name="sealed"></a>Alcohol on a plane can be very tricky. Alcoholic beverages obviously must follow the 3-1-1 limitation as well, but that is not the only issue. If the beverage is more than 140 proof, they cannot be packed in your carry-on or in your checked in luggage &mdash; so better leave those high-proof vodka and rum bottles behind!
<h2>Can I Take Sealed Food or Canned Food Through Airport Security?</h2>
Most types of sealed food in plastic or foil packets can be brought through airport security. Canned food however, is much trickier. This is because canned foods typically contain some kind of liquid in them, which must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Additionally, cans do not X-ray well and are difficult to verify, which poses a security risk. <a name="homemade"></a>
If you absolutely must bring canned goods on the plane, pack them in your checked-in luggage. Unfortunately, snacking on a tin of tuna or can of beans is not an option on the plane.
<h2>Can I Take Homemade Food Through Airport Security?</h2>
<figure id="attachment_159145" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159145"><img class="size-full wp-image-159145" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20111620/homemade-salad-bowl.jpg" alt="Homemade chopped salad in a bowl" width="600" height="398" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-159145" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://stocksnap.io/photo/Q2043WMV36" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jeffrey Betts</a></figcaption>
</figure>
While it should be easy to bring homemade food onto the plane, some choices can be tricky. Packaged snacks such as bread, cereals, candies, and crackers usually go through with no problem, but if you want to prepare your own food, you have to be careful with how you pack it and how much liquid it contains. 
Saucy or soupy dishes are obviously a no-go, so you can&rsquo;t bring your grandma&rsquo;s special spaghetti bolognese on board. While sandwiches are often not a problem, you still have to be careful with your condiments. Most security personnel will let it go through, but if there is liquid pooling at the bottom of the container they may ask you to throw it out. 
When you pack your food, be sure to place it in an air-tight, leak-proof, and resealable container. Pack extra plastic wrap if needed.&nbsp;<a name="fresh"></a>
But what about aluminum? Can you bring aluminum foil on a plane? Well, food wrapped in foil is usually acceptable, but it may cause extra security checks. So better opt for clear containers to&nbsp;allow security to screen the foods quickly.
And of course, always be mindful your fellow passengers. Avoid packing foods that have a strong scent &mdash; you don&rsquo;t want people to be complaining about the stench during the flight. 
<h2>Can I Take Fresh Foods on the Plane? </h2>
Fresh foods such as raw meat, seafood, fresh fruit, vegetables, and even eggs are usually fine to bring in your carry-on luggage so long as they are sealed to prevent any smells and juices from leaking out. While you will probably not end up snacking on these items, it's perfectly fine to bring food on the plane with you.&nbsp; <a name="baby"></a>
However, this is only true for domestic flights &mdash; international flights are typically very strict with fresh foods, especially fruit and vegetables. These measures are in place to prevent the introduction of invasive species or diseases into new environments.&nbsp;
But can you take fruit snacks on a plane? That depends. Processed fruit such as raisins or dates are usually not an issue if in a sealed bag, but airline requirements may vary.&nbsp;Always check with immigration and customs first if you plan on bringing fresh foods onto the plane.&nbsp;
<h2>What If I Need To Bring Food For My Baby?</h2>
<figure id="attachment_159172" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 600px;" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-159172"><img class="wp-image-159172 size-full" src="https://static.airhelp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/20111813/baby-food-juice-and-fruit.jpg" alt="Baby food, juice, and fruit. " width="600" height="399" />
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-159172" class="wp-caption-text">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/food-health-diet-nutrients-cooking-3245355/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Maple Horizon</a></figcaption>
</figure>
If you are traveling with a child of up to two years old, airlines will allow you to bring your own food &mdash; and let you bring as much as you need! They have relaxed the rules for bringing items like juice, milk, and baby food onto the plane so that you can feed and care for your child. 
But don&rsquo;t forget to declare it! Even if it is just baby food or powdered formula, you must declare it with customs to prevent any holdups. 
While food, breast milk, distilled water, and other baby items are excluded from the 3-1-1 rule, security officers still expect you to bring a reasonable amount that is just enough for your trip. Keep the items in an accessible area, as they will likely be subject to additional screening. Expect security personnel to prod, open, and sniff the containers. 
<h2>Enjoy Your Meal! </h2>
Traveling with food can make the long waits at the airport and your plane ride much more pleasant. Though it takes a little bit of work to make sure that it complies with airline policies, it&rsquo;s worth it if it means eating what you like and not complaining about a grumbling stomach. 
Still unsure about what food can go through airport security? If there is something that you are not sure about, you can always contact the airline and ask them directly. If you are traveling to or within the US, you can even download the <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/mobile" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyTSA app,</a> where you can take a photo of your item and ask them if you are allowed to bring it through security. <a name="enjoy"></a>
So don&rsquo;t fret and feel free to bring your own snacks on the plane. Once you are boarded, all that is left is for you to enjoy your meal.
Flight delays happen, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you have to accept them. You may be <a href="https://app.airhelp.com/claims/new/trip-details">entitled to a much as $700 in compensation</a>. If your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked within the last three years.
Header image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/sausage-bun-sausage-topping-1341091/">congerdesign</a>.&nbsp;

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