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If you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with airline carry-on policies. Specifically, the various rules and regulations each carrier has for what you can and can’t “carry on” to the plane. Each airline’s carry-on rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one will work for all airlines.
If you are going to be flying TAP Air Portugal, they have very specific guidelines for carry-on sizes, liquids, and other unique items that you may want to bring on board.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about TAP Air Portugal’s carry-on policy. This includes TAP’s carry-on size and weight limits, personal items, liquids, pets, prohibited items, and other rules and restrictions you should know before boarding your flight.
TAP Air Portugal Carry-On Size & Weight Limit
TAP Portugal allows one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard, at no charge, for Economy Class, and for Business Class (to/from North America). They allow two carry-on bags plus a personal item for those flying in their Executive Class cabins.
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 Air Portugal Carry-On Size (Dimensions)
TAP Portugal size requirements for a carry-on are:
- Dimensions for carry-on baggage: max. 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22x16x8in)
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. But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.
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.
Excess Hand Baggage Fees
If you exceed the permitted hand baggage allowance, then you will be charged the applicable checked bag fee plus a gate handling fee of €70 (~$75) for European flights and €85 / $106 / CAD134 for international flights.
Tip: If you know you will have excess cabin baggage, you can save time and money by booking an extra hold bag online before check-in opens, starting at €30 / $39 / CAD 49.
TAP Portugal Carry-On Weight Limit
TAP Portugal requires carry-on bags to weigh less than 10 kg (22 lbs.). However, they don’t weigh your carry-on items prior to boarding, so you’re generally not going to have a problem if it’s too heavy. The weight issue applies to check baggage more than carry-on bags since they weigh your checked bags when you check in for your flight.
TAP 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.
Recommended Carry-On Bag
If you are looking for an international-sized carry-on bag, the Travelpro 20-inch Global Expandable Spinner Carry-on is definitely one to consider. 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.
Case Dimensions:
- H: 19 in. W: 15 in. D: 7.75 in.
- Weight: 7.3 lbs.
Fits 80% of International Airlines* as a Carry-On
TAP Air Portugal Personal Item Size
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).
Related Content: TAP Portugal Flight Deals
TAP Portugal – Flight Deals
TAP Air Portugal Baggage Fees (For Checked Luggage)
If you have to check a bag on TAP, there are some size and weight rules to be aware of. The amount of luggage you can check free of charge in the hold depends on your fare class and destination:
| Fare Class | Flights between Mainland Portugal & the Islands | Flights between Europe & Morocco | Intercontinental flights |
| Top Executive | 2 items up to 32kg / 70lb each | 2 items up to 32kg / 70lb each | 2 items up to 32kg / 70lb each |
| Executive | 2 items up to 32kg / 70lb each | 2 items up to 32kg / 70lb each | 2 items up to 32kg / 70lb each |
| Plus | 2 items up to 23kg / 50lb each | 1 item up to 23kg / 50lb | 2 items up to 23kg / 50lb each |
| Classic | 1 item up to 23kg / 50lb | 1 item up to 23kg / 50lb | 1 item up to 23kg / 50lb each |
| Basic | – | – | 1 item up to 23kg / 50lb |
| Discount | – | – | – |
Extra Baggage Fees
If you need to check more baggage than what is allowed with your airfare, you can buy extra hold baggage before or during mobile check-in via the Tap Air Booking Manager or at the airport.
To check the fees you will have to pay before and after mobile check-in opens, as well as by peak and off-peak season, check the fees table on the TAP Air Baggage Page.
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.
Below is a table that provides some examples of Non-solid Food and Personal Items that are considered “liquids”:
| Liquids | Food | Aerosols | Gels |
| Beverages | Jelly | Spray Paint | Hair Gel |
| Shampoo | Pudding | Deodorant Spray | Shower Gel |
| Conditioner | Yogurt | Insect Repellent | Hand Sanitizer |
| Toothpaste | Gelatin | Cooking Spray | Gel Deodorant |
| Lotion | Mashed Potatoes | Sunscreen | |
| Mouthwash | Peanut Butter | Spray Lubricant | |
| Liquid soap | Cheese Spread | Hairspray | |
| Contact Lens Solution | Maple Syrup | Shaving Cream | |
| Perfume | Hummus |
The TSA 3-1-1 Rule
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or one hundred milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.
Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security checkpoint.
Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.
Carry-On Food
There are two different scenarios pertaining to food:
- The food you bring with you to the airport, and
- The food you buy at the airport after you have gone through security.
An important thing to note is the classification of liquid foods vs. solid foods.
The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”. This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).
The TSA website advises what food can be brought with you on your flight. This applies to food you are bringing from home through security. Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.
TAP Air Portugal Carry-On Pet Policy
TAP Portugal may not charge for your carry-on bag, but they will charge for your carry-on pet. The price depends upon the route and is charged once per flight direction.
Pet Transport rules
If you will be bringing a pet with you a pet request must be made at the time of reserving your trip, or before your flight, provided that it is at least 24 hours before departure. TAP’s pet carriage policy is subject to the following:
- Space is available on the airplane.
- The class you are flying in and the type of aircraft.
- Pets must be allowed into the destination country.
- The kind of animal and the total weight of the animal and the container.
- Only dogs and cats can be carried in the cabin. All other kinds of animals are carried in the cargo hold.
- Only malleable containers that are smaller than 40x33x17cm are accepted in the cabin. If you have a rigid container, the animal has to travel in the cargo hold. If the total weight is no more than 8kg, it can be carried in the cabin. Animals + containers over that weight are carried in the cargo hold.
- Age of the animal — Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old.
TAP Portugal Carry-On Pet Fees
| Domestic Flights (Portugal) | 35 EUR / 46 USD / 57 CAD |
| Europe, Morocco, and Tunisia | 70 EUR / 88 USD / 111 CAD |
| Intercontinental Flights | 150 EUR / 185 USD / 235 CAD |
Prohibited Items and Dangerous Goods
There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous materials. Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bags on all flights. These rules are not specific to any airline and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency.
Prohibited Items
Items that are Prohibited in your Carry-On Baggage
- Guns, firearms, and other devices that discharge projectiles – devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury by discharging a projectile, including:
- firearms of all types, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns;
- toy guns, replicas, and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons;
- component parts of firearms, excluding telescopic sights;
- compressed air and CO2 guns, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles, and ball-bearing guns;
- signal flare pistols and starter pistols;
- bows, crossbows, and arrows;
- harpoon guns and spear guns;
- slingshots and catapults.
- Stunning devices – devices designed specifically to stun or immobilize, including:
- devices for shocking, such as stun guns, tasers, and stun batons;
- animal stunners and animal killers;
- disabling and incapacitating chemicals, gases, and sprays, such as mace, pepper sprays, capsicum sprays, tear gas, acid sprays, and animal repellent sprays.
- Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge – objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury, including:
- items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets, and cleavers;
- ice axes and ice picks, — razor blades, — box cutters;
- knives with blades of more than 6 cm;
- scissors with blades of more than 6 cm as measured from the fulcrum;
- martial arts equipment with a sharp point or sharp edge;
- swords and sabers.
- Workmen’s tools – tools capable of being used either to cause serious injury or to threaten the safety of aircraft, including:
- crowbars;
- drills and drill bits, including cordless portable power drills;
- tools with a blade or a shaft of more than 6 cm capable of use as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels;
- saws, including cordless portable power saws;
- blowtorches, — bolt guns, and nail guns.
- Blunt instruments – objects capable of being used to cause serious injury when used to hit, including:
- baseball and softball bats;
- clubs and batons, such as billy clubs, blackjack, and night sticks;
- martial arts equipment.
- Explosives and incendiary substances and devices – explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including:
- ammunition;
- blasting caps;
- detonators and fuses;
- replica or imitation explosive devices;
- mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores;
- fireworks and other pyrotechnics;
- smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges;
- dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives.
Items that are Prohibited in your Checked Baggage
- Explosives and incendiary substances and devices – explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including:
- ammunition;
- blasting caps;
- detonators and fuses;
- mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores;
- fireworks and other pyrotechnics;
- smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges;
- dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives.
One more way to find them is with the TAP Portugal summary of dangerous goods.
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