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Spanish airports to drop carry-on liquid restrictions from 2024.

Following a similar move by U.K. authorities, travelers in Spain will soon be able to take more than 100ml of liquid in their carry-on luggage

by Lauren Smith

February 27, 2023

Photo: Madrid Barajas Airport. Courtesy of Pedro Novales / Unsplash

Starting next year, travelers passing through Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) airports in Spain will be able to carry more than 100ml (3oz) of liquid in their carry-on bags. They won’t need to separate their electronics at security checkpoints.

Aena, the state-owned company in charge of all public-interest airports in Spain, announced that it would invest in new 3D X-ray scanners at the country’s major airports. Comparable to the CT scanners used at hospitals to visualize the inside of the human body, these next-generation scanners will allow airport security staff to zoom in on items in passengers’ luggage and rotate them for a clearer view. The system can also automatically recognize objects to augment the operator’s visual inspection.

Photo: Courtesy of CHUTTERSNAP / Unsplash

The scanners have already been successfully trialed at London’s Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN) airports and 15 airports in the United States.

The technology eliminates the need for passengers to remove laptops and tablets from their hand luggage for separate screening and makes the previous 100ml limit on liquids obsolete.

Along with many other countries, Spain introduced the 100ml cap on liquids, gels, and pastes in 2006, following the foiling of a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on flights from the U.K. to the U.S. The new security measures have been in place ever since, requiring travelers to ditch toiletries and drink bottles at deposit checkpoints or rely on travel sizes.

But at the end of last year, the U.K. government announced that it will relax cabin bag rules at airports from June 2024 as new 3D scanners are introduced at its airports.

Spain will join it, installing the scanners first at Madrid and Barcelona airports at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. The new technology and streamlined carry-on rules will debut at airports at Palma de Mallorca (PMI) and Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) in 2025.

Checking in at the airport / Photo: Unsplash+In collaboration with Getty Images

In 2026, the rules will also be eased at Gran Canaria (LPA), Tenerife Sur (TFS), Lanzarote (ACE), Fuerteventura (FUE), Alicante (ALC), Ibiza (IBZ), Menorca (MAH), Valencia (VLC), and Bilbao (BIO) airports.

At these airports, passengers can pack up to 2 liters of liquid in their carry-on luggage, meaning they can bring bottles of wine and olive oil back from Spain. They also won’t be required to unpack electronics from their bags, easing their journey through security and decreasing waiting times and crowds.

Other carry-on restrictions will remain in place, including the ban on corkscrews, knives, scissors longer than 6cm, non-safety matches, more than one lighter, fireworks, flares, and explosives.

The new scanners are part of a larger project by Aenas to modernize security systems at Spanish airports, which will also include the installation of automated lines and biometric controls at security checkpoints. Between 2018 and 2028, Aena will invest €1.17 ($1.23) billion in physical security measures at the airports it manages.

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Spain will let you bring liquids in your hand luggage from the end of this year

New scanners will be rolled out at all major Spanish airports by 2026

The 100-millilitre rule for hand luggage at airport security isn’t the most annoying thing in the world, but it’s definitely an inconvenience. It’s particularly bothersome for short-haul trips. After all, everyone needs toiletries but no one really wants to have to pay for hold luggage just to transport them.  

Plus, brands make a killing from selling mini hand luggage-ready toiletries – and, to make matters worse, all that plastic can’t be great for the environment (there’s a reason why hotels across Europe are banning tiny toiletries ). But this could all soon be set to change. From the end of 2023, air travellers in Spain might not be subject to a 100ml hand-luggage limit.

The rule changes come as a result of fancy new 3D scanners, which can detect banned substances even in large containers. It’ll mean that travellers will be allowed to transport liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 100ml in their hand-luggage. And it isn’t just liquids that’ll benefit from the new scanners. Travellers also won’t have to take electronics out of their bags to head through security.

The new scanners (and therefore the new liquid rules) will be rolled out gradually across Spain, with the country’s busiest airports getting the changes first. Madrid -Barajas and Barcelona -El Prat are set to get them from the end of 2023.

Following those, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga -Costa del Sol are expected to get the scanners in 2025, while Alicante , Bilbao , Fuerteventura , Gran Canaria , Ibiza , Lanzarote , Menorca, Tenerife and Valencia  will see the change in 2026.

Spain isn’t the only country getting rid of liquids limits, either. The UK has also committed to similar changes , saying that most UK airports will have ditched the 100ml limit by June 2024. 

Just think: no more debates with security about whether lip balm and hair gel count as liquids! Here’s to hoping that the upcoming changes in airport security in Spain and the UK will soon be rolled out far and wide.

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Home » News » From 2024, Spanish airports will permit liquids in carry-on luggage

• Airports , spain

From 2024, Spanish airports will permit liquids in carry-on luggage

• Author | Kaylen Achong
• February 23, 2023

The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best decisions in travel. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money .

Travelers in Spain can kiss the  liquid limit rule  goodbye as Spanish airports will soon allow people to take more than 100ml of liquids in their carry-on. No more jamming your travel-size containers into one clear bag and hoping for the best. 

Starting in 2024, restrictions on liquids will be lifted at some Spanish terminals, meaning travelers can bring items like full-size bottles of wine or olive oil in their hand luggage. In addition to these new rules, airports will allow travelers to leave electronics tucked in their luggage following the installation of 3D X-ray technology.

Which Spanish airports will follow these new rules? 

Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat will be the first two airports in Spain to eliminate rules regarding liquids and electronics. There are also plans to lift restrictions at Palma de Mallorca airport by the end of 2024.

In addition, the installation of new 3D X-ray scanners for electronics is scheduled to happen at Malaga Costa del Sol in 2025, followed by Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Fuerteventura, Cesar Manrique Lanzarote, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez, Ibiza, Bilbao, Menorca, and Valencia from 2026 onwards.

These new rules for travelers in Spain echo the  UK’s  recent moves to scrap liquids limits and laptop removal by June 2024. The introduction of new security rules aims to alleviate the increasing queues and delays at security checkpoints, which were partly responsible for the airport chaos witnessed this past summer.

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Spain to follow UK in relaxing airport liquids and electronic hand luggage rules from end of 2023

Regulations that stipulate passengers’ liquids must not exceed 100ml are set to be scrapped, article bookmarked.

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Visitors to Spain will soon be able to take liquids greater than 100ml in their hand luggage.

From the end of 2023, passengers at selected airports across the Mediterranean country will no longer have to separate and decant liquids into 100ml containers, with other airports expected to follow suit in subsequent years.

New 3D scanners will eliminate the need to separate and restrict liquids, gels and aerosols, meaning travellers departing Spain will soon be able to travel with bottles of wine, olive oil or jars of honey in their hand luggage.

The changes will also see an end to the current requirement to remove electronic devices and place them in a separate tray when passing through security.

Spanish airports with the highest traffic numbers will implement the new technology first.

According to travel news site Hosteltur.com , the first scanners will be introduced at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat airports at the end of 2023, with Palma de Mallorca and Malaga-Costa del Sol expected to follow suit in 2025.

Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Alicante, Ibiza, Menorca, Valencia and Bilbao are expected to install the scanners by 2026.

The news follows a similar announcement made by the UK government in December 2022, when it revealed the rules around taking laptops and electronic devices through airport security were set to be relaxed.

From June 2024, passengers at most UK airports will be able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres in what will be the biggest relaxation of aviation security regulations in decades.

Liquids have been prohibited on planes in many countries around the world since 2006, following a failed terrorist plot on a plane from London involving liquid explosives.

“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats,” UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said at the time.

“This won’t happen straight away – this is going to take two years to be fully implemented. Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.”

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Spain to relax airport security rules for liquids and electronics in 2024

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 Favorite

Spanish airport manager AENA confirmed on Monday February 20th that from the end of 2023 or early 2024, passengers will be able to take liquids greater than 100ml in hand luggage on flights from Spain.

The new changes won’t only apply to liquids, but also to electronic devices, meaning passengers will no longer have to take their laptop or tablet out of their bag and place it in a separate tray when they go through airport security.

Gone will be the days when you had to decant your shower gels, shampoos and other bathroom liquids into 100ml containers.

The new rule also means that if a passenger only has hand luggage, they will soon be able to travel with bottles of wine, jars of local honey, or olive oils.

Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat will be the first two airports in Spain where the liquid and electronics rule will be dropped AENA confirmed, while there are also plans to introduce it in Palma de Mallorca at the end of 2024.

Back in December 2022, the director of Mallorca’s Palma Airport Tomás Melgar said that after its renovations, the airport will be equipped with more modern technology in terms of safety and quality, meaning passengers will not have to remove items from their hand luggage, including liquids or electronic devices, such as computers, but at the time did not confirm a date of when this would happen.

All these changes are thanks to new 3D scanners and enhanced x-ray technology, which can accurately detect everything in greater detail inside your bag, and they are currently being rolled out across the world.

The scanners have already been successfully tested in more than a dozen airports in the US and next year they will be available in Europe, including Spain, from next year.

In December 2022, the UK government announced it would be using this technology and that liquid security rules would be eliminated at its airports from June 2024.

Ireland also said it would be trialling these new machines at airports in Dublin and Cork, putting an end to the 100ml liquid rule, as well as the necessity to remove laptops from bags.

The enhanced x-ray machines are also being implemented in the Netherlands and in Finland.

Liquids have been prohibited on airplanes in many countries around the world since 2006, after a failed terrorist plot on a plane from London involving liquid explosives.

The rule was even extended to most types of gels, pastes and emulsions, meaning that passengers have had to fit all their toiletries into one small clear plastic bag and if they were travelling with hand luggage only, like many in Europe do, they couldn’t bring back any drinks or bottles of perfumes (unless bought at the airport) with them.

In addition to the elimination of the restriction of liquids with the new scanners, AENA is also preparing for improvements in the control of hold luggage, the automation of hand luggage management and the implementation of new biometric control systems.

At the beginning of 2023, the company took out a loan of €800 million for security and innovation projects at Spanish airports.

Some €188 million will go into the implementation of security elements such as new scanners.

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Spain’s Airports - New Regulations For Liquids And Gadgets Starting 2024

spain travel news regulations airports liquids electronics

By Jake Adams | 2023-02-23 13:02:23

The Spanish airport management AENA has stated that prohibitions on carrying liquids would be lifted at some terminals beginning in the year 2024. With the installation of the new 3D X-ray equipment, passengers will have the option of leaving devices inside their checked bags.

Those going through airport security will, for the first time in more than a decade, no longer be required to fumble about while taking stuff out of their luggage or pouring toiletries into 100-millilitre bottles. As a result of the new regulations, travellers will also be permitted to bring in their carry-on baggage products such as wine containers or olive oil bottles.

Which airports are participating in the pilot programme for the new safety regulations?

The airports in Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat will be the first in Spain to remove restrictions on carrying liquids and electronic devices through security checkpoints. In addition to this, it is anticipated that limitations would be lifted at the Palma de Mallorca airport by the end of the year 2024.

After this, the brand new 3D X-ray scanners will be deployed in Malaga Costa del Sol in the year 2025, then in Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Fuerteventura, Cesar Manrique Lanzarote, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez, Ibiza, Bilbao, Menorca, and Valencia beginning in the year 2026.

Why are the regulations regarding electronics and liquids being changed?

As a result of a foiled terrorist plan involving aircraft departing from London in 2006, passengers are not permitted to carry any liquids in their carry-on bags. The terrorists intended to conceal their improvised bomb devices inside of jugs of carbonated beverages. The restriction of 100 millilitres currently applies to liquids as well as the majority of pastes, gels, and emulsions.

Electronics also have the ability to obstruct or conceal other objects, such as bombs or weapons. Yet soon, thanks to advancements in X-ray technology and 3D scanners, security personnel will get a far clearer view of the contents of the passengers’ luggage. They are also able to detect bombs without requiring people to empty their bag of liquids or electrical devices beforehand.

The technology has undergone extensive testing in the United States and will soon be used at airports throughout Europe. The government of the United Kingdom has also said that it would begin deploying the new scanners beginning in June of 2024, while the government of Ireland is now conducting tests at airports in Dublin and Cork.

It is anticipated that the new regulations would reduce the lengthening lines and increased wait times at security checkpoints, both of which contributed to the havoc that occurred at airports in Spain during the summer of 2022.

Source: euronews.com

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Madrid´s Barajas Airport Leads The Way Relaxing Liquid Rules

Spain’s AENA, a public company that manages the country’s main airports, has announced that passengers at Spanish airports will no longer have to put their liquids and electronic devices in security trays later this year or beginning of next.

The restrictions have for long been a bugbear for travellers to endure – causing disruption and delay for many.

At present the rules for going through Spanish airports are that “liquids, perfumes, creams, aerosols, foams, gels, shampoo and toothpaste must be in individual containers not exceeding 100 ml” and that they ”  must be carried in a transparent plastic bag that can be resealed, with a capacity of not more than 1 litre”. Each passenger may carry only one such bag (including children) and bags must be must be placed in security checkpoint trays, separate from luggage.

The first two airports in Spain where liquids and electronics rules will be dropped are Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El-Prat.

The announcement comes as the AENA network airports have exceeded pre-pandemic data for the first time, reaching nearly 17 million passengers in January.

Madrid´s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport recorded the highest number of passengers in the first month of the year with 4,433,209, up 1.1% on January 2019, as well as an increase of 64.8% compared to January last year.

From 2024, restrictions on liquids will be removed at some Spanish terminals, airport manager AENA has announced. Passengers will also be able to leave electronics in their luggage after new 3D X-ray technology is installed.

For the first time since the restrictions were introduced following the September 11th attacks, people will no longer be left fumbling at security while they remove items from their bags or have to decant toiletries into 100ml bottles.

The lifting of restrictions will also mean that you can bring other liquids like bottles of wine or olive oil in your hand luggage.

After this, the new 3D X-ray scanners will be installed at Malaga Costa del Sol in 2025 then Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Fuerteventura, Cesar Manrique Lanzarote, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez, Ibiza, Bilbao, Menorca and Valencia from 2026.

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Privacy overview.

Madrid-Barajas Airport

Information about hand luggage, liquids - medication - prohibited objects - food - travelling with weapons.

Passengers are allowed to check in their luggage according to the stipulations of the class of ticket they purchased from their respective airline company. They are also allowed to take with them some small, lightweight objects, with determined dimensions, into the airplane cabin. These objects are qualified as hand luggage .

Hand luggage consists of two pieces: one personal article and one carry-on luggage. The carry-on luggage has to fit into the device for hand luggage allowance , situated next to the check-in desks. Please make sure that it does not exceed the following measurements: 114 cm (56 x 35 x 23 cm) or 22'' length x 14'' width x 9'' depth. The check-in of the rest of your luggage must be done at the counter assigned to your airline .

Some low-cost airlines reduce hand luggage to a single small piece that must fit under the front seat, having to pay or upgrade the ticket to board the second piece of luggage (the largest) in the cabin, or having to check-in, sometimes free of charge, at the check-in counter. Check with your airline .

In accordance with the safety regulations, passengers may pass the filters or security checkpoints, before they access to the restricted safety areas of the airport, as boarding gates and passenger-only zones. These security checkpoints consist of metal-detector arches for the passengers and X-ray detectors for their luggage. Both systems might be carried out manually, if the security staff members so decide. If your hand luggage is a personal computer , or another electronic device, you usually will be asked to take it out of its protection case in order to be examined.

Would you like to skip the security checkpoint queues? Fast Track reduce boarding time and allows you to reach the boarding area or VIP lounges earlier .

Passengers are forbidden from taking articles to the security restricted area , or to the cabin of the aircraft, which constitute a risk for the health of other passengers, the crew and the safety of the aircraft and the cargo. Such items must be included at check-in as baggage and / or applied to them the relevant procedure to be accepted on board. Otherwise, the security staff can requisition. Security staff may also deny access to the boarding area and the aeroplane cabin to any passenger in possession of an object which, even if not considered forbidden, arouses their suspicions .

Do never check in or transport any luggage from unknown persons for your own safety and for the safety of other passengers.

Objects prohibited in hand luggage

Liquids and gel.

In 2006, the European Union established a series of restrictions concerning transport of liquids and gels on board of aircrafts.

These restrictions apply to all passengers, departing from airports of the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland - independent of their countries of destination. The limitations refer to the quantity of liquids or products of a similar consistency, passengers are allowed to transport in their hand luggage.

The regulations allow passengers to take liquids in their hand luggage , under the condition that:

• The liquids must be transported in individual containers with a capacity of less than 100 ml.
• These containers must be carried in a resealable, transparent plastic bag (for its easy inspection), with a capacity of not more than 1 litre. Maximum one bag per passenger.

The following list indicates the kind of liquids you may transport in your hand luggage:

These limitations apply only to products, the passengers bring with them. Passengers can purchase these liquids after passing the security checkpoints, in the duty free shops of the airport and also on board of the aircraft. If you buy these products in sealed bags, please don't open them until you finished your journey. If you are planning to continue your journey from another airport of the European Union, don't open the sealed bag until you have left the last airport, member of the EU.

These security measurements only affect the luggage you carry with you inside the aircraft or in your hand luggage. All previously mentioned articles can be transported in your checked luggage.

Medication, baby food and dietary products

If you have to travel with solid medication, we recommend, to take it in your hand luggage. You should accompany your medication with a corresponding receipt, a medical prescription or a specified statement about the passenger's health condition, in case the security staff so requires.

All liquid medication is excluded from the restrictions, affecting the transport of liquids in hand luggage , if its usage is indispensable for the passenger during the journey and possible extensions: outward flight + stay + return flight.

Even if the regulations for liquids do not apply in this case, all liquid medication should be demonstrated to the security staff, apart from the transparent plastic bag, used for the transport of other liquids.

In case that you need to transport other types of medical devices such as syringes for diabetics, measurement devices, etc., we recommend you to get the correspondent information about the specific regulations of your Airline Company prior to your flight.

Travelling with solid food in hand luggage

Yes, you can travel with food in your hand luggage. Just keep in mind the airline's hand luggage size and weight limitations. It is also advisable to transport it in an airtight container to avoid spills or odours. Regarding the transport of liquids in the cabin, please refer to the section on liquids .

The European Union restricts entry to products of animal origin: meat, dairy products or by-products, to prevent the introduction of diseases. The regulation does not apply to small quantities of milk powder, baby food or pet food if they weigh less than 2 kg. Nor does it apply to small quantities for personal consumption from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland. Other countries in the rest of the world may apply similar laws, please consult the health authorities and the consulate of the country of destination.

Dangerous objects

Any object or item which constitute a risk for the health of other passengers, the crew and the safety of the aircraft and the cargo, must be included at check-in as baggage and / or applied to them the relevant procedure to be accepted on board. There is no a specify or definitive list of dangerous objects due of its ambiguity (rods, tripods, sports accessories, etc.) The final decision rests with the security staff . If you have doubts about some object, please access the security control with enough time in advance.

Remember that even if your airline accepts certain ambiguous items as carry-on baggage, these may not be allowed into the security area at subsequent security checks, or vice versa.

All objects described hereinafter may not be transported as hand luggage and must therefore be checked in.

• Any type of firearms: pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, etc.
• Replica or imitation firearms or blank cartridges.
• Firearm parts (except ordinary or telescopic sights).

In case that you intend to transport firearms, contact the Department of Central Inspection for Arms and Explosives at the airport in order to receive the corresponding authorization. All kind of firearms should be wrapped in an appropriate case. They will be returned to you at the Department of Central Inspection for Arms and Explosives at your destination airport, provided that you received the necessary authorization at your airport of departure.

Other types of weapons

• Air pistols, air rifles and pellet guns.
• Signal flare pistols.
• Starter pistols.
• Toy guns of all types (BB gun, etc.).
• Industrial bolt and nail guns.
• Crossbows, slings, harpoon and spear guns.
• Slaughterhouse guns or devices that stun or provoke shock, such as cattle prods or laser guns.
• Cigarette lighters or other lighters that imitate firearms.

Department of Central Inspection for Arms and Explosives ("Intervención de Armas")

Terminal T4 floor 0, Arrival hall. Official hours from Monday to Friday: 7.00 am to 11.00 pm. Contact phone T4 (+34) 917 466 410.

Terminal T1 floor 0, baggage claim area. SERVICE TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Official hours from march 1st to september 30th : 7.00 am to 15.00 pm. Official hours from octuber 1st to february 28th: 7.00 am to 23.00 pm. Contact phone "Intervención de Armas": 913 936 294.

Contact phone Chief Public Prosecution Service ("Jefatura Servicio fiscal y Aeroportuario") (MANJAS) 917 438 787

Chemical and toxic substances

The following articles may neither be transported in your hand luggage, nor stored in the luggage department:

• Acids and alkalis (for example, wet batteries that could cause spills).
• Corrosive or whitening substances (mercury, chlorine, etc.).
• Disabling or incapacitating sprays (mace, pepper spray, tear gas, etc.).
• Radioactive material (for example, isotopes for medical or commercial use).
• Infectious materials or those that constitute a biological hazard (for example, contaminated blood, bacteria or viruses).
• Material capable of spontaneous ignition or combustion.
• Fire extinguishers.

Security authorities may deny the transport of any hold luggage, containing an article arousing their suspicion, even if it is not listed.

Further information

Security forces at the airport: Guardia Civil and Police, see complementary passengers services .

Read more information about forbidden articles in your hand luggage and in your checked baggage at aeropuertosenred.com .

Rules for liquids in hand luggage to be more lenient in Spain next year

Anyone boarding a plane with liquids in hand luggage is bound by rules. And these are currently still strict at Spanish airports. However, in a few months that is going to change.    

Until now, shower gels, perfumes or aerosols and other liquids may be carried in plastic containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres. These must be packed in a clear plastic bag with a closing and opening system. Each passenger may carry a maximum of 1 litre of liquid substances, including creams, perfume, deodorant, etc. At security, the plastic bag must be removed from the carry-on baggage to be checked.  

Faster security check

The Spanish aviation authority AENA has confirmed that from 2024, passengers carrying liquid products will no longer have to remove them from their luggage to go through a scanner. Therefore, the security check can then be more effective and faster.  

The new scanners are part of a global project to modernise airport controls. In the United States, these scanners are already being deployed at a number of airports. Starting next year, new scanners with X-ray and 3D technology will be implemented in Spain. Barajas airports in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona will be the first to have them.  

Liquids carried on flights

It is also likely that the amount of liquid that may be carried will be adjusted. The new technology will be able to identify whether these liquids are a threat or not. Also, plastic packaging will soon no longer be required.  

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Liquids Rule

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

• Medications
• Infant and child nourishments

Inbound International Flights

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if:

• The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
• The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
• The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.

The items inside the secure, tamper-evident bags must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Why it could take airports extra year to lift liquids ban

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Say goodbye to cramming as many tiny shampoo bottles , deodorant cans and sun lotion tubes as you can into equally tiny plastic bags.

Well, at some airports .

A Department for Transport source told the BBC that London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester airports are all expected to miss the June 1 deadline,

This will likely spark confusion as airports such as Birmingham and Luton are set to relax their rules, meaning some airports will have the 100ml liquid rule and others won’t.

For almost two decades, airport passengers have only been allowed to have liquid containers of no more than 100ml in their hand luggage.

And that’s only after packing them in a small, clear plastic bag before going through airport security.

However, the government has given airports until June to scrap the limit by installing new scanners that provide 3D images of the contents of a passenger’s bag.

This would also mean passengers no longer have to take out big electronics, like laptops or tablets, out of their carry-on bags.

The insider said the delays are for ‘genuine’ reasons, with problems including supply-chain issues in making the new technology and renovations to security halls.

When could the airport liquid ban be lifted completely?

Each airport can apply for a year-long extension to the June 1 deadline . Though, the Civil Aviation Authority can fine airports that keep missing it.

Airports were initially told to get the new screeners up and running by 2022, but officials extended the deadline due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The systems use X-rays to peak into people’s bags and use ‘highly advanced threat detection algorithms’ to detect anything that might be a threat.

This will replace restrictions on hand luggage first introduced in 2006 after the police foiled a terrorist plot which would have used liquid in bottles

Government advice still states that there are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage.

‘Check the  rules for liquids  before you travel,’ the advice page states.

A spokesperson for the Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, said it is making ‘good progress’ on introducing the new screening equipment.

‘This is a complex programme of work requiring the expansion of terminal facilities, while at the same time maintaining operations during construction,’ they added in a statement to Metro.co.uk .

‘We are currently rolling out the new technology lane-by-lane at Manchester and London Stansted airports, with several new lanes already in operation. Work is also underway on major construction projects at both Manchester and East Midlands airports to expand the size of the terminals to accommodate the new equipment.

‘This will see the new scanners in place on a large number of our security lanes by June 2024, with the full completion of the programme expected the following year.’

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Heathrow and Gatwick airports have been approached for comment.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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• Rules on liquid in hand luggage relaxed in Spanish airports

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family. A carta de invitation completed by your hosts is one of the options available.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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Jet Set: The Best Fragrances for Travel

From a floral scent liquid balm and a solid compact to a rollerball and glitzy atomizer, these are the best travel-sized perfumes that we’re loving and coveting right now.

Welcome to  Jet Set , a recurring feature in which we highlight our favorite accessories and travel must-haves that are perfect for any kind of trip. Travel is back and better than ever, and whether you’re already packing for your next adventure or you’re just beginning to contemplate venturing out again, we’re here to help with all your jet setting needs. Even the most gifted of packers knows that there's one particular toiletry that tends to be more difficult than others when it comes to prepping for a trip, and that's fragrance. It's even trickier for those of us that prefer to stick with a carry-on bag, because not only is toting around a full-size perfume a no-go, but doing so also brings with it the possibility of your favorite fragrance breaking and spilling all over your clothes. Plus, no one wants to lose a full-size bottle of their most beloved scent at airport security. Luckily, there are plenty of travel-sized perfumes perfect for throwing in your cosmetics bag or keeping in your purse for easy application. And no, we're not *just* talking about mini-sized versions of your go-to scents—there are now plenty of other formulations, too. From a floral scent liquid balm and a solid compact to a rollerball and glitzy atomizer, these are the best travel-sized perfumes that we're loving and coveting right now.

Diptyque Paris Refillable Solid Perfume in L'Ombre Dans L'Eau

Maison francis kurkdjian 724 eau de parfum travel set with refill, glossier you solid perfume, le labo rose 31 liquid balm, chanel chance eau fraîche eau de toilette twist and spray.

You won't have to worry about size limits or your favorite perfume bottle breaking in your bag if you bring a solid perfume. Diptyque's balm-like solid perfume comes in several of the French brand's beloved scents; this one features rose, bergamot, patchouli and fruity tart blackcurrant berries. Simply dab it onto your neck and wrists with your fingers. Best of all, it's refillable.

$75, shop now

If you're a fan of Maison Francis Kurkdjian's elegant scents, consider splurging on one of these sets, which include five TSA-approved travel-sized perfume refills of your chosen fragrance (the 724 is delightful, with top notes of bergamot oil, along with white floral accord, jasmine, sandalwood and white musk), and a gold Globe Trotter travel spray case, which conveniently holds your perfume of choice to spritz on while on the go.

$275, shop now

Glossier's cult-favorite Glossier You perfume, with its notes of pink pepper, ambrette, musk and white florals, comes in a very convenient solid version, in a refillable pink enamel compact. It's travel-friendly and also just a great option for everyday on-the-go application; you either directly pat it into your skin or use your fingertips.

$32, shop now

While Le Labo's best-seller Santal 33 tends to get most of the attention, we highly recommend trying a less obvious signature scent from the brand, like this rose perfume that comes in a convenient rollerball formulation, for a warm yet floral fragrance with rose absolute, cumin, vetiver, musks, cedar and amber.

$105, shop now

Chanel's Chance Eau Fraiche is, in our opinion, one of the brand's most slept-upon fragrances, often looked over in favor of the classic pink Chance. This is one of our favorite scents from Chanel; it is a lovely and enticing combination of fresh citrus with jasmine and teak wood, for a bright yet floral aroma. The on-the-go mini perfume format comes with two travel-sized refills and a chic green atomizer.

$120, shop now

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