The standard hand-luggage liquid limit at Spanish airports remains 100 ml per container. Liquids, creams, gels, aerosols, toothpaste and similar items must normally go in individual containers of no more than 100 ml. Pack them inside one transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre per passenger.
The 100 ml Rule Has Not Disappeared
New security scanners can change whether you need to remove liquids and electronics from your cabin bag, but they do not mean you should arrive with oversized liquid containers. Aena’s current hand-luggage rules still say that ordinary liquids must be in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml, inside the one-litre bag.
A 200 ml bottle doesn’t become compliant because it’s only one-quarter full. The rule applies to the container’s capacity.
Madrid T4: New Security Filter Changes the Screening Process
Aena fully opened the new central security filter in Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4 in late July 2026. According to Aena, the new screening equipment allows all passengers using that T4 filter to keep liquids and electronic devices inside their hand luggage during screening.
Madrid’s Fast Track security in Terminals 4 and 2 also currently allows liquids, aerosols, gels and electronic devices to stay inside the bag. This only makes screening easier, though, so keep packing liquids within the applicable hand-luggage limits.
Barcelona: The Rule Depends on the Security Lane
At Barcelona-El Prat, Aena’s general departures guidance still tells passengers to remove permitted liquids and uncovered electronic equipment from their hand luggage at the security checkpoint.
Barcelona’s Fast Track security works differently: Aena currently says passengers using Fast Track can leave liquids, aerosols, gels and electronic devices inside their baggage. Follow the instructions at the checkpoint you’re actually using, rather than assuming every lane in the terminal follows the same process.
What Goes in the One-Litre Bag?
- Liquids and drinks permitted through security
- Perfumes and creams
- Gels, shampoo and toothpaste
- Aerosols and foams
- Other products with a liquid or similar consistency
Each ordinary container must hold no more than 100 ml, and all containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable bag of no more than one litre. Aena currently allows one such bag per passenger, including children.
Medicines, Baby Food and Special Diets
Liquid medicines you need during the journey are exempt from the ordinary liquid restriction. Aena recommends carrying the prescription or evidence of the relevant condition whenever possible. Medical equipment that would otherwise fall into a prohibited category may also need supporting documentation.
Liquid baby or child food needed during the journey, along with liquids required for special diets, also qualifies for an exception. Security staff may inspect these items separately, so keep them easy to reach.
Duty-Free Liquids
You can carry liquids bought at airport shops or on board an aircraft under the applicable security rules when you keep them inside the approved sealed security bag with the receipt. If you have a connection, don’t open the sealed bag before reaching your final destination, or you may lose its security status.
What Should You Do at Security?
- Pack ordinary liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml unless they qualify for a specific exemption.
- Use one transparent, resealable one-litre bag per passenger.
- At a standard lane, be ready to remove the liquids bag and electronics when instructed.
- At Madrid T4’s new central filter, the current Aena procedure lets passengers keep liquids and electronics in the bag.
- At Barcelona, don’t assume Fast Track procedures apply to the general checkpoint.
- Always follow the security officer’s instructions and the signage at the specific lane you’re using. Screening equipment can differ within the same airport.
Related Spain Travel Rules
For border-control changes rather than airport security, see our updated Spain EES and ETIAS guide. If you’re continuing by rail, use our Spain train travel guide for separate operator and baggage considerations.
Last verified: August 17, 2026. We checked the 100 ml limit and exemptions against Aena’s current hand-luggage guidance. We also checked Madrid T4 scanner procedures against Aena’s July 30, 2026 airport update, and Barcelona general and Fast Track procedures against Aena’s current Barcelona-El Prat passenger pages.