Spanish Airports to Scrap 100ml Liquid Limit with New Security Scanners

Spanish airports are phasing out the long-standing 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage thanks to the introduction of advanced 3D X-ray scanner technology. This upgrade means passengers will no longer need to separate toiletries or remove laptops at security — but only at airports where the new scanners are already operational. Here’s what travellers need to know before flying.

End of the 100ml Liquid Limit at Certain Airports

For almost two decades, passengers have had to follow strict hand luggage rules: liquids in containers of 100ml or less, all packed into a single 1-litre transparent bag, with large electronics removed from carry-on bags. These rules are now being relaxed at airports equipped with the new 3D Automatic Explosive Detection System for Cabin Baggage (EDSCB) scanners.

Where these scanners are active, travellers can carry liquids of any size and keep electronics such as laptops inside their hand luggage. Transparent bags are no longer required, and there is no total liquid volume limit.

Airports Where the New Rules Apply

The rollout began in 2024 with Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat. Palma de Mallorca Airport followed later that year.

During 2025, Malaga Costa del Sol is expected to join the list once scanner installation is complete. By 2026, upgrades are scheduled for major airports including Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Fuerteventura, César Manrique Lanzarote, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Ibiza, Bilbao, Menorca, and Valencia.

At airports without the new scanners, the old rules — 100ml liquid limit and electronics removal — remain in place.

What Items Are Now Allowed Without Restriction?

At upgraded airports, travellers may carry the following items in their hand luggage without size limits or special bags:

• Perfume, creams, gels, foams, and lotions
• Shampoo, toothpaste, and cosmetics
• Jams, sauces, and other liquid- or paste-like foods
• Baby formula, dietary liquids, and liquid medications (no justification required)
• Beverages, including wine and olive oil

Why the Change Is Happening

The 100ml rule was introduced in 2006 after a failed terrorist plot involving liquid explosives. While effective, the policy caused security delays and long queues.

The new scanners generate detailed 3D images that allow security officers to inspect luggage more accurately without requiring passengers to unpack liquids or electronics.

Check Before You Travel

Because the rollout is gradual, travellers should verify the current security rules at both departure and arrival airports. If either airport has not installed the new scanners, the traditional 100ml limit still applies.

This is especially important for connecting flights, where passengers may pass through multiple airports with different rules on the same journey.

European Parliament and Hand Luggage Costs

Separately, the European Parliament has expressed support for the principle that all passengers should have the right to carry a standard cabin bag free of charge — including on low-cost airlines. While not yet law, the European Commission is drafting legislation to make this mandatory across the EU.

If approved, the change would complement the scanner upgrades, making air travel more consistent and passenger-friendly.

Summary Table – Scanner Rollout in Spain

Bottom Line

For the smoothest travel experience, always check the official security rules of the airports on your route. If the new scanners are operational, you’ll enjoy faster security checks and a far more flexible approach to packing your carry-on bag.

Protect Your Health While You Travel

Frequent travellers know that health issues can arise unexpectedly — even mid-journey. Ensure peace of mind with comprehensive private health insurance that covers you in Spain and abroad. See our Sanitas health insurance plans here.