TAP Air Portugal Airbus aircraft
Airlines

TAP Air Portugal Baggage, Check-In + Boarding Guide

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TAP Air Portugal (TP)

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Quick Answer

TAP Air Portugal (TP) is Portugal’s flag carrier — Star Alliance member since 2005. Founded 1945. 90+ aircraft, 90+ destinations + extensive Brazil + USA network. Baggage allowance (Economy): Discount: only 8kg cabin + small item — NO checked. Basic: + 1×23kg checked. Classic: + 2×23kg. Plus: + 32kg + free changes + flexibility. Cabin (all): 8kg main bag 55x40x20cm + 1 small item (handbag). Executive (Business): 12kg cabin + 2×32kg checked. Check-in: online 36 hours-1 hour before departure. Hubs: Lisbon LIS + Porto OPO. Star Alliance: shared with Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, ANA, Singapore Airlines etc. Common fees: 2nd checked bag €60-100, name change €70+, flight change €50-200. Tip: TAP Stopover program — free Lisbon stopover up to 5 days for Brazil + USA passengers. Best European → Brazil airline.

TAP Air Portugal Airbus aircraft
TAP Air Portugal (TP)

TAP Portugal baggage rules

  • Cabin (Economy all classes): 8kg main bag 55x40x20cm + 1 small item (handbag).
  • Discount fare: NO checked. Only cabin.
  • Basic Economy: 1×23kg checked.
  • Classic Economy: 2×23kg checked.
  • Plus Economy: 1×32kg checked + flexibility.
  • Executive cabin (Business short-haul): 12kg cabin (2 pieces) + 2×32kg checked.
  • Executive (Business long-haul): 12kg cabin + 2×32kg checked + lounge + chauffeur (some markets).
  • Sports equipment: ski €60-100, bike €70-120, golf €60-90.
  • Star Alliance Gold: +1 checked bag.
  • Children (2-11): same as adults.
  • Infants: 1 small item + stroller free.

TAP check-in + Stopover program

  • Online check-in: 36 hours to 1 hour before departure (45 min long-haul).
  • Mobile boarding pass: TAP app, ApplePass, GooglePass.
  • Self-service kiosks: at hubs.
  • Bag drop: 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Document check: required for Brazil + non-EU.
  • Boarding closes 30 minutes before scheduled departure (45 min long-haul).
  • TAP Stopover: FREE 1-5 night stopover in Lisbon or Porto for connecting passengers Europe ↔ Brazil/USA. Just select Stopover at booking.
  • Hotel partner discounts: 25-50% off select Lisbon hotels with Stopover.
  • Free Lisbon city pass: some Stopover packages.

TAP fare classes

  • Discount: cheapest. 8kg cabin only. NO checked. NO seat. NO miles.
  • Basic: + 1×23kg + paid seat selection.
  • Classic: + 2×23kg + free seat selection + 1 free change.
  • Plus: + 1×32kg + free changes + meal upgrades.
  • Executive (Business short-haul): middle blocked + better food + lounge.
  • Executive (Business long-haul): lie-flat seats + 2×32kg checked + lounge + chauffeur transfer.
  • TAP Miles & Go: frequent flyer. Status Silver, Gold, Platinum.
  • Star Alliance Gold: from Gold status — lounges + +1 bag + priority everywhere.

TAP routes + hubs

  • 90+ destinations: Europe + Brazil + USA + Africa + Middle East.
  • Top hubs: Lisbon LIS (mega-hub) + Porto OPO.
  • Brazil specialty: São Paulo, Rio, Brasília, Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza, Natal, Belém, Belo Horizonte. BEST European airline for Brazil.
  • USA: NYC JFK, Boston, Miami, Washington Dulles, Chicago, San Francisco.
  • Africa: Marrakech, Casablanca, Dakar, Luanda, Maputo, Cape Town.
  • Europe: all major capitals.
  • Domestic: Madeira (Funchal), Azores (Ponta Delgada).
  • Codeshare partners: Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, ANA via Star Alliance.

Common TAP fees + tips

  • 2nd checked bag (Economy): €60-100 short-haul, €100-200 long-haul.
  • Name change: €70.
  • Flight change: €50-200 (Discount/Basic). Free Plus + Executive.
  • Cancellation: non-refundable Discount. Refund Plus + Executive.
  • Excess baggage: €40-100 per kg.
  • Pet (in cabin): €100 (max 8kg).
  • Pet (in hold): €100-300.
  • Special assistance: FREE — book 48h ahead.
  • WiFi onboard: €5-25.
  • Skytrax: 4-star airline.
  • Reviews: 3.5/5 stars typical. Strong on Brazil + Latin America routes.
  • Common complaints: recent delays + financial troubles.

Frequently Asked Questions

TAP cabin baggage?

All Economy classes: 8kg main bag 55x40x20cm + 1 small item (handbag). Executive (Business): 12kg (2 pieces × 6kg). Generous compared to most LCCs.

TAP check-in online?

36 hours to 1 hour before departure (45 min long-haul). Mobile boarding pass via app/ApplePass/GooglePass. Self-service kiosks at hubs.

What is TAP Stopover?

FREE 1-5 night stopover in Lisbon or Porto for Europe ↔ Brazil/USA passengers. Select Stopover at booking. 25-50% off select hotels. Lisbon city pass included some packages. Best free European stopover offer.

TAP for Brazil?

BEST European airline for Brazil — Lisbon hub direct to São Paulo, Rio, Brasília, Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza + more. Star Alliance partners United for North America connections.

TAP vs Iberia?

TAP: Star Alliance + Brazil specialist + Lisbon hub. Iberia: Oneworld + Latin America (Spanish countries) + Madrid hub. TAP best for Brazil. Iberia best for Argentina/Mexico/Colombia.

TAP Discount worth it?

Only if no checked bag needed. +€25-50 to add bag = same as Basic fare. Avoid for any leisure trip with luggage.

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See also

Last reviewed: April 2026
Author: Kir Rud, Grandgo editorial
Sources consulted: official tourism authorities, government health and law publications, peer-reviewed travel references. This article is for informational purposes; for formal advice, consult the relevant authority.

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