Baggage Limits
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TAP Air Portugal Baggage Policy

Portugal Portugal Star Alliance Star Alliance TP / TAP

About TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal is Portugal's flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, linking Europe with the Americas and Africa through its Lisbon hub. Headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.

Carry-on Baggage

Carry-on Bag

Dimensions 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm)
Weight 22 pounds (10 kg) combined for one cabin bag plus one personal item in Economy
Business Class passengers can bring two cabin bags up to 8 kg each, plus one personal item.

Personal Item

Dimensions 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm)
Weight Included in the 10 kg Economy total
One smaller item such as a handbag or laptop bag that fits under the seat.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Class First Bag Second Bag Weight Dimensions
Economy Included on many intercontinental and Classic/Plus fares; not included on some Discount and Basic fares Route-dependent and usually charged in Economy 50 pounds (23 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Business Class Free Included on most Business fares 70 pounds (32 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)

Additional Bags & Notes

TAP checked baggage varies by fare family and route. Always confirm your exact allowance on your booking.

💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official TAP Air Portugal baggage page before traveling.

Example Baggage Scenarios

Lisbon → London (Economy)

Carry-on: 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), 10 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 50 pounds (23 kg) — Included on many intercontinental and Classic/Plus fares; not included on some Discount and Basic fares
2nd bag: Route-dependent and usually charged in Economy
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport

Lisbon → New York (Business Class)

Carry-on: 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), 10 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 70 pounds (32 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage

⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.

Excess Baggage Fees

Fee Type Amount Notes
Extra Bag / Per Kg Additional baggage pricing varies by route and fare rather than a universal per-kilogram rate Varies by route and booking time
Prepaid Discount lower online baggage prices than airport rates Book online before departure to save
Overweight (23-32kg) Bags over 23 kg in Economy or over 32 kg in Business may trigger extra charges or require repacking Per bag exceeding standard weight

💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.

Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

  • Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
  • Prepay online: Book extra baggage through TAP Air Portugal's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
  • Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
  • Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
  • Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
  • Join TAP Miles&Go: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.

Special Items & Equipment

TAP Air Portugal accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.

Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.

Sports equipment and musical instruments may count toward your allowance or require a special fee

Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.

Size Max 300cm linear (L+W+H)
Fee €50-150 per item
Booking 48-72h ahead

Must be properly packed in protective bag/case

Miles&Go status can add baggage benefits on eligible bookings

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

Pre-booking recommended

Extra baggage can be added in advance through Manage Booking

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

Pre-booking recommended

Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference

Musical Instruments

  • Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
  • Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
  • Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
  • Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight

Sports Equipment

  • Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
  • Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
  • Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
  • Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length

Hub Airports

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does checked baggage cost on TAP Air Portugal?
On TAP Air Portugal, Economy class first checked bag costs Included on many intercontinental and Classic/Plus fares; not included on some Discount and Basic fares (max 50 pounds (23 kg), 62 linear inches (158 cm)). Second bag: Route-dependent and usually charged in Economy. Business Class: first bag Included (max 70 pounds (32 kg)). Lower online baggage prices than airport rates.
What are the carry-on size limits for TAP Air Portugal?
Carry-on bags on TAP Air Portugal must not exceed 21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm). Weight limit is 22 pounds (10 kg) combined for one cabin bag plus one personal item in Economy. In addition, you can bring one personal item (max 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm)) that fits under the seat. Oversized bags will need to be checked at the gate.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Yes, TAP Air Portugal allows one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) in addition to your main carry-on. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, typically max dimensions of 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm).
What liquids can I bring in my carry-on?
Following international aviation rules, liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in a single transparent 1-liter resealable bag. This includes gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols. Exceptions apply for baby food, medications, and duty-free purchases in sealed bags.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees?
Tips to avoid extra fees on TAP Air Portugal: Weigh your bags at home before departure. Lower online baggage prices than airport rates. Wear heavy items like coats and boots. Use compression bags for clothes. Join TAP Miles&Go for elite baggage benefits.
Can I bring sports equipment or musical instruments?
TAP Air Portugal accepts sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) and musical instruments as checked or cabin baggage with special conditions. Large instruments may require a separate seat purchase. Contact TAP Air Portugal directly at least 48 hours before departure to arrange transport and confirm fees.
What items are prohibited in checked baggage?
Prohibited items in TAP Air Portugal checked baggage include: lithium batteries over 100Wh, flammable liquids, explosives, compressed gases, and valuable items (jewelry, electronics, cash, important documents). These should be carried in your cabin bag or left at home. Check TAP Air Portugal's dangerous goods policy for the complete list.

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