The excitement of flying to visit family and friends or to discover a new destination is truly unparalleled. We believe that, just like us, you enjoy bringing along some food items to enjoy during your travels. Although you might pack unique snacks for a lengthy journey, India’s aviation safety regulations surprisingly classify some everyday items – such as dried coconut, pickles, spices, and ghee – as restricted or banned foods. These rules, set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and enforced by airlines and airports, prioritize fire safety, hygiene, security screening, and passenger comfort.
Dry Coconut (Copra / Khopra): A Hidden Fire Hazard
- What it is: Dried, oil-rich coconut flesh – known as copra or khopra.
- Why it’s banned:
- High oil content leads to self-heating, posing fire risks mid-flight.
- It’s now classified in safety guidelines and banned in both carry-on and checked luggage since March 2022.
- Airports like Mumbai have flagged hundreds of such items, highlighting ongoing non-compliance.
Pickles & Achar: Spilled Flavor, Security Concerns
- BCAS stance:
- Standard pickles are allowed in any baggage if sealed properly.
- Chilli pickles (hot and pungent) are prohibited in cabin baggage.
- Practical implications:
- Even if BCAS permits regular pickle jars, airlines and airports may further restrict them, particularly in checked baggage due to leakage and odor issues.
Spices, Ghee & Oily Foods: Hidden Hazards
- Spices (powders):
- Not allowed in cabin baggage (can obstruct X-rays, cause allergies).
- Allowed in checked bags.
- Ghee and cooking oils:
- Cabin bags must follow the 100 ml liquid rules (LAGs).
- In checked baggage, BCAS allows up to 5 kg, though individual airlines may restrict more.
- Oily foods & sauces:
- Generally treated under LAGs in cabin; allowed in checked if sealed, but airline discretion may apply.
Enforcement & Compliance
- BCAS directives set the national standard, including the 2022 ban on copra.
- Airlines publish restricted item lists – Air India outlines LAGs, powders, oils, and more.
- Airport screening uses X-ray and manual checks to detect violations – confiscations are common for leaking or odoriferous items.
Tips for Travelers
- Avoid packing copra altogether – it’s non-negotiable, banned.
- Use sealed containers and zip-lock bags for pickles and oily foods.
- Prefer checked baggage for allowable but messy items.
- Check both BCAS and airline policy, especially if traveling internationally (e.g., India–UAE corridor).
- Be prepared to lose items – security staff have the final authority.
Summing Up
Legends reach new heights when packaged as snacks, but air travel safety takes precedence. Dried coconut remains one of the banned foods due to fire risks. Spices, ghee, and oily foods are allowed with precautions. Pickles, especially chilli variants, fall afoul of odor and safety rules. To avoid unpleasant surprises—like losing that carefully packed achar – follow BCAS guidance, seal your snacks smartly, and when in doubt, check with your airline ahead of time.
