Passengers Contacts in the Bookings
Need Help?
Hand Baggage
Updated on 23 Sep 2024

BAGGAGE ON BOARD

Travelling with hand baggage on TAP

Find out what baggage can the passenger take in the cabin, and the maximum sizes and weights of hand baggage allowed.

Allowance - Maximum Dimensions ans Weight
Hand luggage allowed in the cabin ( adults and children ages 2 and up ):
 

Economy Class

Business Class

Business Class

to/from all destinations

to/from North America

to/from Europe, Africa,

South America or domestic flights

1 item of hand baggage + 1 personal item

1 item of hand baggage + 1 personal item

2 items of hand baggage + 1 personal item

 

Maximum size and weight (regardless of destination)

Hand baggage

 

  • maximum height x length x width: 55x40x25cm 
  • maximum weight: 10kg

Passengers flying with children and infants can carry their stroller in the cabin, in place of hand luggage, as long as it does not exceed the dimensions.

Find out more here.

Personal item

 

  • maximum height x length x width measurements: 40x30x15cm
  • maximum weight: 2kg

 

What is a personal item?

In addition to the carry-on item, the passenger will be allowed to take one personal item into the cabin, with a maximum weight of 2kg / 4.4lbs:

  • Bags / Suitcases: Handbag, computer case or shoulder bag measuring no more than 40x30x15cm / 16x12x5in.
  • Mobility aid equipment: Wheelchairs, canes, etc. Passengers with reduced mobility may carry up to two pieces of mobility aid equipment, including electric wheelchairs.  For this type of chair, however, TAP requires a notice of intent to carry up to 48 hours before the flight departure to ensure space on the plane and is also subject to the application of legislation on dangerous goods.
  • Medical devices: upon prescription/prior approval.
  • Duty-Free Shop Bag: A bag with up to 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages, or other items (provided they do not exceed the maximum indicated weight).

 

Screening before boarding

The coats and jackets of passengers will be controlled separately from cabin baggage; belts, coins, watches and other metal objects that are "on one's person" must be removed before passing through passenger screening.

Portable computers, tablets and other oversized electric devices must be removed from the bag before screening and will be screened separately.

 

Babies and Children - Hand baggage allowed in the cabin:

When travelling with an infant (INF) (less than 2 years old), the passenger may carry as hand luggage the essential items to be used during the flight, according to its duration, as well as all food required, in adequate quantities for the journey, except water, which may be requested on board and heated by the flight crew. When passing through security at the airport, the passenger may be asked to taste the food (soup, yoghurt, fruit jars) being carried. 

Car type seat (0-5 years)

To use this type of seat it is always necessary to book a seat and pay a CHD fare (fare applied to a child over two years of age, even for babies between 0 and 2 years of age). It is necessary to inform TAP about transporting this type of seat at least 24 hours before the flight.  This type of seat can be used by babies and children up to 5 years of age.

Acceptance conditions for car seats, on board:

  • The seats must be approved by the authorities in any country for use on aircraft and in motor vehicles and carry a sticker attesting to this (e.g. ECE R44/04, FAA, FMVSS 213 USA CMVSS 213/213 1 Canada, TÜV: TÜV/958-01/2001)TÜV/958-01/2001);
  • The base of the car seat must not exceed 40x40 cm (15.7x15.7 in). A separate base and seat is not permitted and the seat must have restraining belts;
  • It must occupy a window seat next to the child’s accompanying adult;
  • It must not be placed in rows with an emergency exit or in the rows immediately forward or aft of that row;
  • The accompanying adult is responsible for carrying and installing the car seat;
  • If the car seat does not fit safely into the plane seat it will be stowed in the hold.
NOTE: With the exception of the aforementioned approved car seats, no child seat or toddler bed-bag is allowed on TAP aeroplanes.

Pushchairs/Strollers 

Babies or children aged between 2 and 5 years, can remain on their foldable strollers until they reach the door of the aircraft. TAP will take care of the stroller and return it at the arrival of the aircraft at no extra cost. 

Read more information in our article: Babies and Children on Board

 

Where to Store 

 

Under the front seat

In the overhead lockers

 

Wherever possible, passengers should place
hand luggage under the front seat.

If the dimensions do not allow it, or if the pax travels

in the emergency row  or the first row of the cabin

the baggage must be placed

in the overhead luggage compartment.

 

Additional Information

On flights with a very high occupancy rate, or on aircraft serving TAP Express (Embraer 190 and ATR 72-600), it may be necessary to place hand baggage in the hold due to lack of space on board.
In these situations, baggage will be requested from the passenger at the boarding gate and delivered at destination on the Arrivals baggage belt.

For some destinations a notification may be sent to economy class passengers (except GOLD) informing them that their carry-on luggage will be accepted as hold baggage at no additional cost. To do this, passengers will only have to go to the drop-off counters with their luggage and message, so that it is dispatched at check-in.

In parallel with this notification to the passenger, there is also an internal notification for the station agents informing which flights have been notified. In the passengers' PNR the key elements FRHB (free hand bag) and  BAGW (allowance 1 PC) will be added, to notify  that this piece of luggage can be accepted at check in as hold baggage free of charge.

Example of a notification sent by email:

 

Booking Reference

ABCD12

 

Dear Mr. / Mrs. [first name] [last name] 

Flight TP1024 from LIS
We hereby inform you that today TAP is offering you free check-in of hand luggage on your flight 1024 LIS MAD, since your flight is full.
Please check in your hand baggage at the drop off counters prior to security area.
By choosing this option, you will have a more comfortable flight.

We wish you a pleasant flight!

TAP Air Portugal

 

 
Charges for Excess 
Hand baggage exceeding the allowed limits

Passengers must confirm beforehand that their hand baggage is within the allowed limits (in number, size and weight).

In case of exceeding the hand luggage limits in the number of pieces, size and/or weight, the luggage will be checked into the hold and a fee will be charged at the boarding gate (see table below), which can only be paid with a credit card.

From 14Feb24

Routes

 

At the boarding gate
Low season1
High season2
Portugal, Spain and North Africa (Including Morocco)

 70 EUR / 75 USD / 98 CAD

90 EUR / 95 USD / 124 CAD
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy
80 EUR / 85 USD / 111 CAD
100 EUR / 105 USD / 138 CAD
Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Sweden and flights between Accra and São Tomé
85 EUR / 90 USD / 118 CAD
105 EUR / 110 USD / 144 CAD
Medium-haul flights from/to Africa (Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and São Tomé and Príncipe) to/from Europe or Morocco
115 EUR / 125 USD / 163 CAD
145 EUR / 155 USD / 202 CAD
Long-haul flights from/to Africa ( South Africa, Angola,and Mozambique) to/from Israel, Europe or Morocco
165 EUR / 175 USD / 229 CAD
205 EUR / 215 USD / 282 CAD
Flights from/to Israel to/from Europe or Morocco
85 EUR / 90 USD / 118 CAD
105 EUR / 110 USD / 144 CAD
Intercontinental Flights from/to America (Brazil, Venezuela, México, USA and Canada) to/from Africa Medium Haul (Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, and São Tomé and Príncipe)
170 EUR / 180 USD / 236 CAD
200 EUR / 210 USD / 275 CAD
Intercontinental flights from/to America (Brazil, Venezuela, México, USA and Canada) to/from Israel, Europe or Morocco
125 EUR / 135 USD / 176 CAD
165 EUR / 175 USD / 229 CAD
Intercontinental flights from/to America ( Brazil, Venezuela, México, USA and Canada) to/from Africa Long Haul (South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique) or Rest of the World
170 EUR / 180 USD / 236 CAD
220 EUR / 230 USD / 302 CAD

For transactions conducted outside Europe that use different local currencies, the service amount will be converted from the USD fixed price to the local currency (except Canada).

2High season, except to/from Africa MH: 13-Dez-24 to 06-Jan-25 / 11-Apr-25 to 28-Apr-25 / 15-Jul-25 to 31-Aug-25
1Low season, except to/from Africa MH: rest of the year
2High season, trips to Africa MH (except OXB) : 07-Dec-24 to 06-Jan-25 / 04-Apr-25 to 20-Apr-25 / 07-Jun-25 to 07-Sep-25
High season, trips from Africa MH: 25-Dec-24 to 06-Jan-25 / 21-Apr-25 to 27-Apr-25 / 07-Jun-25 to 07-Sep-25 
High season, trips to OXB: 09-Nov-24 to 06-Jan-25 / 04-Apr-25 to 20-Apr-25 / 07-Jun-25 to 26-Sep-25
1Low season, travelling to/from Africa MH rest of the year

 
Premium Boarding - Passengers Without Hand Luggage 
Passengers boarding without hand luggage have priority with a special and exclusive boarding zone.

If passengers are carrying hand luggage and it is within the allowed dimensions, they can hand it in at the boarding gate to be transported free of charge in the hold and will have access to the "No Baggage" zone, with priority over other passengers.

 If passengers are carrying only one personal item, they may proceed to this boarding area immediately!

 

 
 
Restrictions - Liquids, Medication and Human Ashes
Liquids Transport Restrictions (1)

Passengers are not allowed to carry liquids in their carry-on luggage except when contained in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100 millilitres or equivalent (100g/3 oz). The containers should be placed in a sealed plastic bag, transparent and resealable. The total capacity shouldn't be more than one litre, i.e 10 x 100ml (per passenger). As a reference, the bag may not exceed  20 cm X 20 cm and the items must fit in the bag, so that it allows visualization and identification of its content.

Items should fit comfortably inside the bag, so that the bag can be easily closed and allows the contents to be seen and identified.

The following are meant to be understood as liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs):

  • Paste
  • Lotions 
  • Liquids / solid mixtures 
  • Contents of pressurized containers 

Examples: toothpaste, hair gel, water and other drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, shaving foam and other items of similar consistency. 

Exceptions:

  • Liquids required for consumption during flights and stay at the destination, intended for medical purposes and with a medical prescription and proof of authenticity;
  • Liquids required during the entire journey, intended to meet special dietary needs subject to a medical certificate 
  • Baby food 

When requested, the passenger must provide or prove the authenticity of the liquid by gustatory or epidermal evidence.

(1)Liquides purchased at duty free:

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2015/ 1998 - of 5 November 2015, informs that liquids purchased at Duty Free at any airport, or air carrier, may be carried as hand luggage when accessing or travelling through European airspace. 

They must be sealed in own sealed purchase bags, displaying the inside of the bag as proof of purchase.
These safety bags cannot be opened prior to arrival at destination, unless requested by a security officer for verification. 
In case of connecting flight, the security officer must be alerted so that liquids purchased in duty free be sealed again in a new bag.

Download the leaflet about how to prepare liquids for security control and hand it over to your customers.

 

Medication Transportation Restrictions:                

There are some transport restrictions only for liquid medicines, or of similar consistency. The passengers must be accompanied by the medical prescription or certificate/statement of the latter, preferably in English, which confirms the need.

Given that many of the passengers have chronic illnesses, or need to take a medicine for long periods of time, the certificate may have a validity period, or in its absence, it will be valid for a period of two years from the date of emission.

  • Solid medications, such as pills, have no restrictions or require any medical prescription.
  • Injectable medication - Carriage of insulin, needles, syringes and injection pens - No special declaration is required for this purpose. However, passengers are advised to carry documents, such as a doctor's statement or any other suitable document proving the need for the medication during the flight, in order to facilitate and speed up security control.

The travel agent must inform TAP that the passenger is carrying these medications, so that information can be entered into the booking for check-in (e.g. if the passenger is travelling with injectable diabetes medication). Syringes must be handed to the crew when boarding and will be returned on the exit.

Any liquid medication, which is contained in a container with a capacity of 100ml or less, can be placed inside the transparent plastic bag (per passenger), which can be opened and re-sealed, to a capacity not exceeding 1 litre, (i.e. with dimensions of 20cmx20cm), and be transported like any other liquid.  

 

Additional Information

Some electronic devices may be used during flight, provided they are in "flight mode", with all communications turned off. They may not be used during takeoff, landing, and whenever requested by the crew.

They may be carried in the cabin, but their use inside the aircraft is strictly prohibited:

  • Electronic cigarettes;
  • Walkie-talkies / portable radios;
  • Remote-control toys;
  • Wireless equipment for computers;
  • Stereo equipment, including pocket (AM/FM) radios;
  • Portable TV receivers;
  • Bluetooth devices;
  • Selfie-sticks
  • Devices transmitting radio frequencies and similar equipment.
  • Some electronic devices may be used during flight as long as they are in "flight mode" with all communications switched off. They may not be used during take-off and landing and whenever requested by the crew.

 

Human Ashes

TAP accepts the transportation of human ashes in hand luggage. The urn must be packaged to avoid any spillage. The packaging must have a neutral aspect, that is, not to let other passengers understand its content. The passenger is responsible for all legal requirements, e.g. export authorization documentation/import, etc.

Insert an SSR HRIC in the PNR, for the passenger who carries the urn and flight segment. The system reply will be:

SSR HRIC TP KK1 1PC URN DIMS 20X30X30CM.MAX DIMS 55X40X20CM /8KG INCLUDED IN BAG ALLOWANCE/S2

where S2 is the flight segment where the ashes will be transported in the hand luggage.

 

For further information regarding restricted or prohibited items, check the page "Prohibited and/or Restricted Goods".                     

In case of a clarification or additional information about the transport of this type of item, please read the British Civil Aviation Authority website  or contact our National Civil Aviation Agency  (ANAC) through the following contacts:

Email through the Website: Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil

Telephone: +351 21 284 22 26                                                                         

 
 
Specific Restrictions - Brazil | Germany | USA

Brazil

If you are travelling to Brazil and intend to take food and/or animal and vegetable products with you, read the Passenger Guide (PDF, 0.1, PT) to see the rules. 

Germany: Traveling from Berlin

For flights departing from Berlin, and as per measures imposed by airport security, passengers should only transport one piece of hand luggage and any remaining luggage should be checked in. Prior to arriving at security control, passengers should store all the contents of their pockets within their jacket or hand luggage, and larger electronic items (laptops, tablets and medical devices), as well as the bag for carrying liquids, should be taken out of hand luggage for security verification."

USA

On flights to and from the United States of America, passengers may be subject to a recheck of carry-on baggage and a detailed inspection of footwear and any electrical and electronic devices that they are carrying with them. 

For this destination, it is completely prohibited to carry lighters in both carry-on and hold baggage.

On flights to/from the United States, powdered substances weighing 350g or more may not be carried in the cabin, with the exception of prescription products, powdered milk for babies, human ash or powdered products purchased at airport Free Shops, duly packed in a sealed transparent bag (STEB - Secure Tamper Evident Bag).
However, any quantity may be transported in checked baggage in the hold.

 
 

 

 

Couldn't find what you were looking for?
Try other support topics
Couldn't find an answer to your question?Send your question / request to TAP's helpdesk