TAP Air Portugal Carry-On Size, Weight, and Liquid Policies

TAP’s rules are clearly defined (and very “measurement driven”): you get a cabin bag plus a personal item, each with published dimensions and weights. Where it gets nuanced is Business Class, where the number of cabin bags can change based on route.

You can also reference my airline carry-on luggage rules guide for quick comparisons.

TAP carry-on rules at a glance

• Hand baggage size: 55 × 40 × 25 cm
• Hand baggage weight: 10 kg
• Personal item size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
• Personal item weight: 2 kg
• Economy: 1 hand baggage item
• Business:
  • To/from North America: 1 hand baggage item
  • To/from Europe/Africa/South America (and domestic): 2 hand baggage items
• TAP notes that on high-occupancy flights, hand baggage may be placed in the hold free of charge

The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin.

TAP carry-on size limit

Size: 55 × 40 × 25 cm (for the main cabin bag)

TAP carry-on weight limit

Weight: 10 kg (for the main cabin bag)
If you’re close to 10 kg, keep heavier items (laptop/tablet, battery banks) in your personal item—within that 2 kg cap.

TAP personal item rules

Size: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
Weight: 2 kg
TAP is explicit that the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, TAP Portugal typically provides “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and some departure gates. 

If the bag is too big or too heavy, you’re going to have to pay a fee, so it’s always better to know your bag size and the limitations in advance.

Recommended Carry-On Bag for TAP Air

TAP publishes one of the most common international cabin bag limits: 55 × 40 × 25 cm. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-On Spinner (19″) is designed around that international sizing pattern, which makes it a practical “set it and forget it” option for European and international travel.

Manufacturer dimensions:

• Overall dimensions: 21.75″ H × 15.75″ W × 7.75″ D
• Case dimensions: 19″ H × 15″ W × 7.75″ D

Practical tip: keep the bag unexpanded when you’re trying to stay inside a strict published box size, and avoid stuffing exterior pockets.

Our Pick

Maxlite 5 International Carry-on Spinner (19-Inch ) | by Travelpro

Sized to meet carry-on limits for a wide range of international airlines.

Overall Dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles):

H: 21.75 in. W: 15.75 in. D: 7.75 in.

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It’s durable, reasonably priced, and holds enough for shorter trips (3-5 days). Plus the spinner wheels make it very easy to get through the airport quickly and effortlessly.

TAP Air Portugal Personal Items (Additional)

Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, shopping bag, or a similar-sized item.

The following items may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit.

• Bags: Handbags, computer cases, or shoulder bags measuring no more than 40x30x15cm (16x12x5in.)
• Walking Aids: Mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, walking sticks, etc.
• Medical Devices: upon prescription/prior approval.
• Duty-Free Shop Bag: A bag with up to 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages, or other items (provided they do not exceed the maximum indicated weight).

Carry-On Size for Small Regional Aircraft

If you are flying one of TAP Portugal’s regional TAP Express planes (such as an ATR 72-600 or Embraer 190), it may not be possible to carry your hand baggage on board, even if it has the correct dimensions and weight. If this is the case, TAP will check it in and carry it in the hold, free of charge.

If you want to make sure you have a bag that will fit, check out this article on the best carry-on luggage for regional jets.

Carry-On Liquids: TAP Air Portugal Liquids Policy

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA in the US and the EASA and European Commission in Europe.  TAP doesn’t have its own specific Liquids Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the Authorities.

• Containers with liquids and gel-like substances may hold up to 100 ml (maximum capacity must be printed on the container).
• All containers must be carried in a plastic bag (transparent, resealable, max. capacity of one liter). One bag per person.
• The bag must be presented separately at security. Take your liquids out of your carry-on baggage at the security screening point and present them separately. In exceptional cases, liquids may be opened in the course of security checks and removed from their outer packaging.
• Liquid duty-free goods purchased at an international airport or on board an aircraft outside the EU must be transported in a tamper-proof, certified bag on connecting flights via an EU airport. The proof of purchase must be inside the bag and the bag must be sealed by the retailer.
• Medicines and special food (e.g., baby food) can be carried outside the plastic bag and must also be presented at security.