Spanish flight regulations?
 

So I'm going to Spain next month and I just have some questions about dealing with airport security and that sort of thing in Spain. I know that in the US, you can only use those TSA apporoved locks. Is there any sort of rule like that for flying out of a Spanish airport? Do they let you lock your checked luggage? And also, does anyone have any other tips for traveling to Spain?

Expect security to be at least as intense as it is at home if not more so, depending on the airport, with the additional burden of removing your watch and belt.

You can use the TSA approved locks, but make sure anything of value is in your carry-on.

Remember, Spain does not use the American style TSA employee. The people in charge are the Guardia Civil, the Civil Guard, a little better trained than what you are used to.

You can lock your luggage, it doesn't have to be a TSA approved lock and they won't force it open. This isn't just Spain - it's throughout EU (and apossibly beyond).
The general EU rule about liquid in carry-on luggage is strictly enforced. Also from the middle of April you can only have one, approved-size carryon luggage through security. Anything else, like laptop, handbag etc has to fit inside.
Just allow extra time for security, as the lines at peak period can be long, but move fairly quickly. While Civil Guard may be in overall control, the security staff you actually meet are from subcontracted security firm (again quite a common feature in Europe).

Alec,
Where can we find the information regarding the new EU regulation concerning carry-on luggage? It's not listed on Iberia's web site, or on AENA.

Thanks for the info about the locks! Also, does anyone know exactly when they're going to start the new carry-on policy? My trip is actually for the middle of April (leaving on the 14th) so I just want to be prepared.

Robert..you still don't know the Spanish saying...don't do today what you can do tomorrow ? :)) They have not updated their sites yet..nothing new under the sun, but that thing of the "only one carry-on" is supposed to be an EU thing so it will be enforced here too.

kenderina, Gracias!

We'll have to check it out next month. We arrive on the 17th and should be able to see what's happening.

robert2533
to answer your question about EU rules for liquids and/or hand luggage here is a link.
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleases...guiLanguage=en

I'm familiar with the rules regarding liquids and gels, but from my understanding, the restriction of allowing only one carry-on has only to do with flights originating in the UK, not the rest of the EU. Is this correct? Or does it affect those with connecting flights?

From another thread "the UK proposal has been pushed back until November".

Go to www.iberia.com and check their news. Nothing has changed since last November. Iberia actually said that the maximum size for the one clear plastic bag of liquids is one liter.

Robert,
We are confused…your posting on the 26 March asks about new rules for carry on luggage. The web site I referred to is about the EU rules. The OP was asking about travelling to Spain. The U.K. is in Europe and the same rules apply.
Could you give us a pointer as to what other new rules you are referring to please?