Whether you’re packing light for a weekend getaway or preparing for a long international trip, it’s important to understand TAP Portugal baggage types and allowances. TAP offers several baggage options depending on your fare type, travel class, and route.
Here’s a breakdown to help you pack your bags and avoid surprises at the airport.
Check your compensation online.
TAP Portugal Baggage Types
TAP Portugal baggage types include cabin baggage, checked baggage, and special items such as sports equipment or musical instruments.
1. TAP Cabin Baggage (Hand Luggage)
Every TAP passenger is allowed to bring TAP cabin baggage onboard, with size and weight limits depending on the travel class.
Economy Class
- 1 cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 25 cm
- 1 personal item (such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm. It must be placed under the seat in front of you
Combined weight: up to 12 kg. Cabin bag – 10 kg, personal item – 2 kg.
Business class:
- 2 items of hand baggage (10 kg x 2), 55 x 40 x 25 cm
- 1 personal item
Combined weight: up to 22 kg. Cabin bag – 10×2 kg, personal item – 2 kg.
2. TAP Checked Baggage (Hold Baggage)
TAP checked baggage allowance depends on your fare type and route.
Economy Class
- Discount fare: No checked baggage included (add-on available for purchase).
- Basic fare for Intercontinental flights: 1 bag up to 23 kg.
- Basic fare to Europe and Morocco: No checked baggage included (add-on available for purchase).
- Classic and Plus fares: 1 bag up to 23 kg included.
- Plus fare (for destinations within Portugal only): 2 bags up to 23 kg each.
Maximum dimensions 158 cm.
Business Class
- 2 bags up to 32 kg each.
Maximum dimensions 158 cm.
3. TAP Special Baggage and Sports Equipment
TAP Air Portugal allows you to bring special baggage items such as sports gear, musical instruments, and baby strollers.
Examples include:
- Sports equipment: Skis, surfboards, golf bags, and bicycles (advance booking required).
- Musical instruments: Can be carried as TAP special cabin baggage or as checked baggage.
- Baby items: Strollers can be checked free of charge.
Before your trip, it’s important to review the different TAP Portugal baggage types to understand what you can bring on board and check in.
TAP Portugal ‘Discount’ Fare Baggage Allowance
As mentioned earlier, checked baggage depends on TAP Portugal fare classes.
Keep in mind that some routes offer an Economy Light, also known as the Discount Fare — a lower-priced ticket that does not include checked baggage.
With this fare, you’re only entitled to bring one cabin bag and one personal item onboard.
Tap Portugal Discount vs Basic
Some routes offer both Basic and Discount fares, and one of the main differences between them is the checked baggage allowance. The Discount fare includes carry-on luggage only, while the Basic fare usually includes one checked bag up to 23 kg. However, keep in mind that Basic tickets include free checked baggage only on intercontinental flights. For flights within Portugal, Europe, or to Morocco, the Basic fare does not include checked baggage, just like the Discount fare.
Another difference between these two fare types is the number of miles you earn when booking your flight — Basic fares typically offer more miles than Discount fares.
Traveling with Codeshare or Partner Airlines
If your TAP flight is part of a codeshare journey (operated by a partner airline), baggage rules may differ. In such cases, the operating airline’s baggage policy applies.
This applies particularly to cabin baggage rules. Always check the hand luggage allowance of all airlines on your itinerary, as the most restrictive baggage rules will apply to your trip.
TAP Lost Baggage and TAP Delayed Baggage
If your TAP baggage is delayed or lost, you are protected under the Montreal Convention, establishing clear airline liability rules. If your checked baggage is delayed, damaged, or lost, TAP is responsible for compensating you for reasonable expenses and potential losses.
If your bag doesn’t arrive at your destination, report it immediately at the baggage service desk in the arrivals area before leaving the airport. You’ll need to complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and provide your baggage tag and boarding pass.
While your baggage is being traced, you may purchase essential items — such as toiletries or basic clothing — and keep all receipts. Once your bag is returned, you can submit a claim to TAP for reimbursement of these necessary expenses.
If your baggage is declared lost (usually after 21 days), you can file a formal lost baggage compensation claim. The maximum compensation under the Montreal Convention is approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) — a currency value set by the International Monetary Fund, equivalent to roughly €1300, depending on exchange rates.
Read more:
There are two main TAP Portugal baggage types – cabin bag and checked baggage. TAP Portugal baggage allowance depends on the fare type.
Featured photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels