TAP Air Portugal Baggage Allowance Policy
Baggage AllowanceOverview: TAP Air Portugal Baggage Allowance (2025)
TAP Air Portugal’s baggage policy varies depending on:
- Cabin / fare class (Economy, Executive / Business)
- Route / region (Europe, intercontinental, Africa, South America, etc.)
- TAP Miles&Go / Star Alliance status
- Ticket fare type / add-ons
Below are the latest rules for hand (cabin) baggage, checked (hold) baggage, sports equipment, and excess / oversize baggage. Always double-check your specific itinerary during booking or before travel.
Hand Baggage (Cabin / Carry-On) Allowance
| Type | Maximum Weight | Maximum Dimensions | Number of Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard hand baggage | 10 kg / 22 lb | 55 × 40 × 25 cm (22 × 16 × 10 in) | 1 piece | Applies to all classes. |
| Special cabin baggage | Up to 30 kg / 66 lb | If on cabin floor: 155 × 42 × 25 cm (61 × 17 × 10 in) If on top of seat: 110 × 42 × 50 cm (43 × 17 × 20 in) | - | Only where applicable / allowed by aircraft configuration. |
| Personal item | 2 kg / 4.4 lb | 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 5 in) | 1 item | Examples: laptop bag, handbag, small duty-free bag. |
Additional rules & notes:
- In Business / Executive class for Europe, Africa, South America, or domestic routes, you may bring 2 hand baggage pieces (each 10 kg / 55×40×25 cm).
- On North American routes in Business class, the allowance is 1 hand baggage piece (10 kg) only.
- In high passenger loads, even compliant hand baggage may be required to be checked into the hold at the gate (free of charge).
Checked / Hold Baggage (Free Allowance)
| Class / Fare / Route | Free Checked Baggage | Maximum Weight per Item | Maximum Dimensions (L + W + H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (most fares) | 1 piece | 23 kg / 50 lb | 158 cm / 62 in |
| Executive / Business / Top Executive | 2 pieces | 32 kg / 70 lb | 158 cm / 62 in |
| Routes: Mainland Portugal ↔ Islands | Up to 2 items | 23 kg (in economy) / 32 kg (in Executive) | 158 cm |
| Europe / Morocco / Regional | 1 item (in Economy) | 23 kg | 158 cm |
| Intercontinental flights | 1 item (Economy) / 2 items (Business) | 23 kg / 32 kg | 158 cm |
Notes & exceptions:
- The number of free checked items depends on your fare type (Discount, Basic, Classic, Plus, Executive) and route.
- TAP uses a “piece concept” for many routes: your free baggage is counted in “pieces” rather than aggregate weight.
- Some economy fares may include no free checked baggage — you’ll have to pay to add one.
- If you hold TAP Miles&Go Navigator, TAP Gold, or Star Alliance Gold status, you often get one extra free checked bag (up to 23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in Business).
Excess, Oversize & Overweight Baggage Fees
When your baggage exceeds the free allowance in weight, dimensions, or number of items, TAP charges excess baggage fees. These fees vary by route, season (low / high), and time of purchase (advance vs. at airport).
Examples of excess / overweight / oversize fees
- Overweight (23 kg → 32 kg) or oversize (bigger than 158 cm) baggage incurs a fee.
- Fees differ by region: e.g. Portugal, Spain, North Africa; Europe, UK; long-haul / intercontinental.
- In high season, these fees are higher.
- TAP allows pre-purchase of extra baggage at a lower cost than paying at the airport.
- Some fares / routes may impose flat fixed charges for extra “pieces.”
Because the exact fees change frequently and differ by route, always check TAP’s “Manage Booking” or their baggage fee calculator for your specific flight.
Sports Equipment & Special Baggage
TAP allows sports equipment (like bicycles, golf clubs, skis, diving gear) within certain limits and as part of your checked baggage or as an additional service.
- Maximum weight: 23 kg / 70 lb per item (subject to route and fare)
- Maximum dimensions: 158 cm / 62 in (sum of length + width + height)
- If it doesn’t fit within your free checked baggage, you may have to pay extra or pre-book transport for the sports equipment (up to 24 hours before departure).
- In many cases, the sports equipment is treated as one piece under your free allowance if it fits weight & size.
Best Practices & Tips for Travelers (SEO Keywords: “TAP baggage tips”, “avoid excess baggage on TAP”)
- Weigh your bags in advance — avoid surprises at the airport.
- Use TAP’s Manage Booking portal to pre-purchase extra baggage (cheaper than at airport).
- For connecting itineraries, the baggage rules of the operating carrier may apply — always check.
- Pack fragile or valuable items in your carry-on, since hand baggage may be forced to hold in some cases.
- If you have loyalty status, check for free additional baggage benefits.
- Use TAP’s baggage fee calculator or check route-specific terms before booking.
- Be cautious that even 1-2 cm or 1 kg over may lead to extra charges or forced check-in.
Summary & Key Takeaways
- Hand baggage limit is 10 kg, 55 × 40 × 25 cm, plus a personal item (2 kg, 40 × 30 × 15 cm).
- Economy class generally allows 1 checked bag of 23 kg, with size limit 158 cm.
- Executive / Business class allows up to 2 bags weighing 32 kg each.
- Excess, overweight, and oversize fees vary by route & season—pre-purchase when possible.
- Sports gear must conform to weight/dimension rules or be booked separately.