TAP Air Portugal's Complete Baggage Policy Guide For First Time Travelers

Here's the foundational concept: Economy fares (Discount through Plus) allow different baggage amounts than Business Class fares (Executive and Top Executive), and intercontinental flights often provide more generous allowances than European routes. Let's break this down systematically so you know exactly what you're entitled to.

Hand Baggage: Your Carry-On Essentials

When you board a TAP flight, you're allowed to bring items into the cabin for free, provided they meet strict size and weight requirements. This applies to all passengers regardless of fare type.

TAP Air Portugal hand baggage policy permits passengers to carry one standard hand baggage item plus one personal item into the cabin. Here's what this means in practical terms:​

• Your main hand baggage (cabin bag) can measure a maximum of 55 x 40 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 inches) and 

• weigh up to 10 kg (22 pounds). This is the size limit across all fare types in Economy Class. 

Your personal item must be considerably smaller: 

• 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 5 inches) and weighing no more than 2 kg (4.4 pounds). 

• This category covers laptop bags, handbags, small backpacks, or similar items. 

• Importantly, your personal item must fit entirely under the seat in front of you. This isn't negotiable on full flights.​

For Business Class passengers traveling to European, African, or South American destinations (not North America), you get an upgrade: 

• Two items of hand baggage (each meeting the same size and weight limits as above) 

• Plus one personal item. 

This extra flexibility comes in handy if you're carrying work equipment or multiple devices.​

Understanding Checked Baggage: Economy vs. Business Class

This is where TAP Air Portugal checked baggage policy becomes genuinely important, because your baggage allowance in the hold depends heavily on your ticket tier.

For Economy Class passengers: 

• The maximum weight is 23 kg (50 pounds) per bag, 

• The maximum dimensions for any checked bag cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches) total 

However, how many bags you can check for free depends on your specific fare type:

• Discount fare passengers get zero checked bags included.

• Basic and Classic fares include one free checked bag (up to 23 kg).

• Plus fare (still considered Economy) includes two free checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg. This is an excellent sweet spot for Economy passengers who want reasonable baggage flexibility.

For Business Class passengers:

• Executive and Top Executive fares allow two free checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg (70 pounds). The maximum dimensions remain 158 cm total.

• The number of free checked bags also varies by route. For flights between mainland Portugal and the islands, even Plus fare passengers get two bags. 

• However, for flights to Europe and Morocco, Plus passengers get only one checked bag.​

Have questions about which fare class offers the best baggage value for your specific trip? Learn more with Affluence Travels, we're here to ensure your travel planning is stress-free and cost-effective, whether you're flying Economy or Business Class.

Baggage Allowances by Route: International vs. Domestic

Understanding TAP Air Portugal baggage policy international routes helps you plan intercontinental travel. TAP distinguishes between different route categories, each with its own baggage structure:

Domestic flights (within Portugal) and regional European flights generally follow the classic model: Economy gets 1 bag (Classic) or 2 bags (Plus), Business gets 2 bags at 32 kg each.

Flights to and from Africa (excluding Morocco) on medium and long-haul routes are generous: even Classic economy passengers get two checked bags at 23 kg each. This recognition of business travel to Portuguese-speaking African nations provides extra value.​

Intercontinental flights between Europe and the USA, Canada, Brazil, or beyond follow this structure:

• Discount: 0 checked bags

• Basic: 1 checked bag (23 kg)

• Classic and Plus: 1 checked bag (23 kg) each

• Executive and Top Executive: 2 checked bags (32 kg each)

Flights between South America and Europe are particularly generous from São Tomé and Príncipe: even Plus passengers get two bags at 23 kg each.

Planning an international adventure through Portugal or Europe? Connect with Affluence Travels today to discuss your baggage requirements, special equipment needs, or frequent flyer status benefits.

Special Baggage: Musical Instruments, Sports Equipment, and Valuables

TAP Air Portugal's baggage policy extends beyond standard suitcases. Special baggage items, musical instruments, sports equipment, and valuable items follow different rules:

• Sports equipment like skis, golf clubs, bicycles, or diving gear can be checked as part of your baggage allowance, provided they don't exceed weight and dimension limits (158 cm maximum). However, some items incur fixed handling fees due to fragility or special handling requirements.

• Musical instruments and valuable items like wedding dresses, jewelry, or works of art must be pre-booked as special cabin baggage and may require an extra seat or specific handling. Never try to surprise TAP with these items at the airport—contact them in advance.​

• Pets require separate arrangements and fee structures ranging from 35 EUR (domestic) to 180 EUR (intercontinental), depending on whether they travel in the cabin or hold.​

Frequent Flyer Advantages: TAP Miles&Go and Star Alliance Benefits

If you hold TAP Miles&Go Gold, Navigator, or Star Alliance Gold status, baggage privileges upgrade automatically. These frequent flyer members receive one extra checked bag free of charge, regardless of their base fare type. In Economy, that's an extra 23 kg bag; in Business, an extra 32 kg bag. For cross-alliance business travel, Star Alliance Gold members get 20 kg of additional weight allowance or one extra piece when flying two or more Member Airlines in premium cabins.

Ready to Fly Smart with TAP Air Portugal?

Booking your flight is just the first step toward a smooth journey. Book flight tickets with Affluence Travels and let our baggage experts help you select the right fare class for your travel needs. Our team understands TAP's policies inside out and can guide you toward the best balance of price and baggage flexibility.