Ryanair and Aer Lingus passengers face ‘fine’ for buying meal deal before flight

Passengers heading abroad may accidentally be hit with an unforeseen fine due to a lesser known travel rule.

While we all love a good airport meal deal, it’s definitely not worth the extra expense when you should be saving your money for your holidays.

If you are heading into the European Union from a non-EU country like the United Kingdom, be aware of governing rules that could affect you, especially if you fly with airlines that frequently go between the regions, such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus and TUI.

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Travel Expert Maryanne Sparkes at European Waterways explained that people going between the two areas cannot bring any meat or dairy products with them.

“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,” reports Birmingham Live.

She continued: “It is safe to consume these sandwiches in the airport and on the plane, but they must be disposed of either before you get off the flight or as soon as you enter the terminal at the other side. To avoid fines or potential criminal prosecution, ensure that any meat or dairy products are not carried into the EU.”

Passengers can bring a small amount of specific food, which can be found here.

Sandwiches that could see you being fined include: Chicken and Bacon, Ham and Cheese, BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato), Turkey and Swiss, Egg and Bacon, Chicken Caesar, Chicken and Stuffing, Ham Salad with Cheese, Beef and Horseradish, and Tuna Mayo and Sweetcorn.

Maryanne added: “When arriving in the EU, you may have to undergo official controls by the authorities. If you are carrying any undeclared meat or dairy products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. Additionally, you may be fined or face criminal prosecution,” she said.

“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,” she said.

“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.

“So, the next time you’re catching a flight from the UK to the EU, be sure to double-check your baggage and avoid packing any fish or meat products unless you want to risk a fine.”

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