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 their toiletries or remove laptops at security, but only at airports where the new scanners are operational. Here’s what travellers need to know before flying.    

End of the 100ml Liquid Limit at Certain Airports

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

At airports with these scanners in place, you can carry liquids of any size in your hand luggage and keep electronics such as laptops inside your bag during screening. Transparent plastic bags are no longer required, and there is no maximum total volume limit for liquids.

Airports Where the New Rules Apply

The rollout began in 2024, with Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat becoming the first Spanish airports to lift the 100ml limit. Palma de Mallorca Airport followed at the end of 2024.

In 2025, Malaga Costa del Sol is expected to join the list once its scanner installations are complete. By 2026, other major airports — including Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Fuerteventura, Cesar Manrique Lanzarote, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez, Ibiza, Bilbao, Menorca, and Valencia — are scheduled for upgrades.

At airports without the new technology, the old 100ml liquid restriction and electronics removal rules still apply.

What Items Are Now Allowed Without Restriction?

At upgraded airports, travellers can pack a wide range of items in their hand luggage without size limits or special packaging. These include:

• Perfume, creams, gels, foams, and lotions
• Shampoo, toothpaste, and cosmetics
• Jams, sauces, and other food items with a liquid or paste consistency
• Baby formula, special dietary liquids, and liquid medications (no prescription or justification required)
• Beverages, including wine and olive oil

Why the Change Is Happening

The 100ml liquid restriction was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terrorist plot involving liquid explosives concealed in drink bottles. While effective, the rule caused delays, passenger frustration, and large queues at security checkpoints.

The new scanners produce high-resolution 3D images, allowing security officers to examine luggage contents more accurately and quickly, without passengers having to unpack items.

Check Before You Travel

Because the rollout is gradual, travellers should always confirm the current security rules at their departure and arrival airports before packing. If either airport does not yet have the upgraded scanners, the traditional 100ml liquid limit and electronics removal rules still apply.

This is especially important for connecting flights, as you may pass through multiple airports with different rules during the same journey.

European Parliament and Hand Luggage Costs

In a separate development, the European Parliament has supported the idea of passengers having the right to carry a standard cabin bag free of charge on all flights, including low-cost carriers. While not yet enforceable, the European Commission is working on legislation to make this a common rule across the EU.

When fully implemented, these changes will not only make air travel in Spain more convenient but also align with broader European efforts to improve the passenger experience.

Summary Table – Scanner Rollout in Spain

Bottom Line

For the smoothest journey, always check the official website of your departure and arrival airports. If the new scanners are operational, you can enjoy faster security checks and more freedom in what you pack in your carry-on luggage.

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