Tap Air Portugal Pet Policy

Pets are welcome to travel with most Tap Air Portugal flights in cabin, as checked baggage and in hold. It is of prime importance to be aware of the airlines’ specific pet policies to understand the requirements and prepare for a safe and comfortable journey for your pet(s). Tap Air Portugal holds all rights to restrict the number of pets in cabin subject to availability of space, so confirming the availability is the first step of many, as explained further.

Pet Criteria

Tap Air Portugal only accepts small cats and dogs for pet travel. Flights to UK, Republic of Ireland, South Africa or Luganda will not be taking any pets on board. Disclaimer: Pregnant pet females will not be allowed to travel in cabin.

In-cabin

Only 1 pet and 1 carrier per passenger is permitted in Tap Air Portugal’s flights. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier cannot exceed 17 lbs (8 kg) to be eligible for in cabin transportation. The pet must remain inside the carrier and the carrier should always be under the seat for the duration of the journey. The carrier should be flexible enough so it can be easily stowed underneath. To fit under the seat, the dimensions cannot be more than 15" x 12" x 6" (40 cm x 33 cm x 17 cm).

Checked Baggage

Pets and carriers combined weighing less than 70 lbs (32 kg) can travel in hold for flights going to the USA, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands. For all other flights the total weight of the pet and the carrier must be under 99 lbs (45 kg) to be eligible for travel in hold. Pet food and water should be provided to last the entire journey. The carriers should be hard sided and well ventilated. The carrier should have enough space for the pet to sit, stand and move around comfortably. And the bottom of the carrier should be adequately padded.

In-cargo

Pets who are traveling alone or the ones that exceed the weight limitations of checked baggage can be transported with TAP Air Portugal's Cargo Department. Pets and carriers with a total weight between 70-220 lbs (45-100kg) are permitted in cargo. Pet food and water should be sufficiently supplied for the duration of the journey. The carrier should be hard sided and well ventilated with an absorbent padding. The carrier should be spacious for the pet to move around comfortably.

Emotional Support/Service Animal

Tap Air Portugal accepts only dogs as Service/Emotional Support Animals. The service animals should be identifiable and their status will be verified with proper documentation stating they are trained to perform certain skills. They do not need to travel inside carriers but must always be on leash. They must always be at the passengers’ feet and should not move around the cabin. Emotional Support Animals can travel in cabin inside a soft sided carrier weighing less than 17 lb(including the pet). It should be smaller than 15 x 12 x 6in. Only one support animal per passenger is allowed. The destination country may have certain health requirements which are mandatory to be adhered to. The TAP doctor will be approving the transport of your support animal. If the animal cannot meet this criteria, they may travel in hold which will also be at no cost.

For more information kindly visit:  https://www.flytap.com/en-us/travelling-with-animals/pets?accordionid=2&tabid=filters-tabfe0c95ab-95a6-439f-b91d-1fb9223e92fe