Ryanair has reminded passengers that a popular €4 airport purchase is not allowed onboard due to safety concerns.
Ryanair plane waiting for passengers(Image: Getty Images)
With winter weather still lashing Ireland, many households are already dreaming of a sunny getaway. Budget airline Ryanair, a favourite for holidaymakers, is once again reminding passengers about a small but often overlooked rule that could catch people off guard, especially just before boarding.
Most flyers are familiar with the standard travel dos and don’ts – such as baggage limits, liquid restrictions and security rules – but some airline policies still come as a surprise, even to seasoned travellers.
One such rule involves a common airport purchase, typically costing around €4, that Ryanair does not allow onboard. After passing through security and browsing duty free, many passengers make a beeline for food and drink before their flight.
For early morning flyers, one item in particular has become almost essential – a takeaway coffee or hot drink. But if you were planning to take that cup of caffeine with you onto a Ryanair flight, think again.
The airline has reminded passengers that hot drinks are not allowed during boarding due to safety concerns. A spokesperson for Ryanair said: “In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight.”
The main worry is the risk of spills, especially during the boarding process. Hot liquids could pose a burn risk to passengers or crew if spilled, particularly in the narrow, crowded aisles of an aircraft.
Ryanair isn’t alone in this policy. Aer Lingus enforces a similar restriction. When a customer asked on social media why takeaway coffee wasn’t allowed, an airline representative explained: “We ask people not to bring hot drinks onboard when boarding as a safety precaution. Apologies for any disappointment.”
Passengers can still purchase hot drinks once in the air. Cold drinks and snacks are also allowed, as long as they follow airport security regulations.
Separately, alcohol purchased in duty free must remain unopened during a Ryanair flight and drinking your own alcohol is not allowed.
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