We have a flight to Spain next week with a four hour layover at Barajas before our connecting flight to Santiago. Some friends have offered to meet us. Has anyone done this before? To me, it seems a little risky with the time. We are flying Iberia both flights, so I imagine the terminal won't change. Would our friends be able to walk through security to meet us or is it like it is here in the US where you must be a ticketed passenger? If not, then will it be easy for us to exit and re-enter after a visit of a couple hours?

You shouldn't have any trouble leaving the terminal and then going back in. I assume your luggage will be checked all the way through.

My sister did this just a few months ago, Terminal 4, and also had a 4-hour layover. I went to meet her there for lunch, she came out and we ate in the terminal. She only had to go back through security with her ticket and passport - as only ticketed passengers can go back through security to the gates, just like in the USA. You won't have any problem.

Saludos, MadridMan

I would double check your terminal for the continuing flight. T4 is for international flights, and if you are continuing on with Iberia to a Spain destination, you might be in T1 or T2. Not sure.