AVE train - check-in? security?

Hmm: Just saw at http://www.seat61.com that there seems to be a check of luggage (but not of persons). Guess it is relatively fast.

15 mins before departure might be a bit tight, you have to go through a baggage security check. It is fairly quick but I would not want to risk less than 30mins. The stations are fairly safe but a haven for pickpockets.

Yeah, the last time I've been there, they had a security check, it was preety fast, but better be save then sorry and
be there 30 min before departure...pickpockets are everywhere even in such a save haven like Switzerland.

As above, I´d schedule arriving at the station some 30 min before, just to be on the safe side – passengers are admitted on the train up to 2 minutes before departure but you have to go through luggage security check, also Sants train station is quite big so if you´re there for the first time it might take you a few minutes to understand where you have to go.

There is usually a cafeteria in long distance trains, though I´ve never tried the food they sell so can´t comment on the variety & quality.

Barcelona is notoriously known for pickpockets, just use common sense – don´t leave your luggage unattended or wallets/passports in the outer pockets of your bags..

The Sants train station where your AVE departs in Barcelona is full of pickpockets. My parents got their stuff stolen while I, at their side, even fell for the diversion.... Watch your belongings carefully.

Yes arrive at least 30 minutes before train - food on Spanish trains very good, mainly light snack type food but I've found it to be good quality plus you can get beer and wine. I've found Spanish AVE trains to be one of best in world.

There will almost certainly be some food on any high-speed train, but it will always be cheaper to pick up something at the station or elsewhere to take onto the train for a picnic.

Do make sure all your valuables are completely hidden and unreachable.

Thanks for all the replies.
Seems that the stations are pretty lawless. Thinking that two persons with luggage, photo equipment and having passport, money, cards etc somewhere in the clothes or bags are VERY vulnerabel if the police do not "clean" the main stations. I mean I have seen a group of thives surrounding two tourists in another country - they did not havea chance, they were ripped in less than 30 sec.

Consider renting a car or flying.

I may have exaggerated a bit. It is not the wild west - there is police. But also loads of people. If you are careless, you stand a good chance of getting something stolen. If you take care, you won´t. Thieves go for easy targets.