Flying to Lisbon or beyond with TAP Air Portugal?
While the airline is famous for its affordable fares and free stopover program, it is equally infamous for one thing: strict baggage enforcement.
TAP Air Portugal Baggage Policy: At a Glance
Before we dive into the fine print, here is a quick summary of the standard allowances for international travelers.
| Baggage Type | Allowance | Max Weight | Max Dimensions |
| Personal Item | 1 Included (All Fares) | 2 kg (4.4 lbs) | 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 5 in) |
| Carry-On Bag | 1 Included (Economy) 2 Included (Business)* | 10 kg (22 lbs) | 55 x 40 x 25 cm (22 x 16 x 10 in) |
| Checked Bag | 0 to 2 (Depends on Fare) | 23 kg (50 lbs) Economy 32 kg (70 lbs) Business | 158 cm (62 in) (L + W + H) |
Note: Business Class passengers traveling to/from North America are limited to 1 carry-on bag only.
Carry-On Baggage Rules
TAP Air Portugal is very specific about what you can bring into the cabin.
The Personal Item
Every passenger is allowed one personal item. This must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a laptop bag, a small backpack, or a purse.
- Warning: The weight limit is just 2 kg (4.4 lbs). If you pack a heavy laptop and a charger, you might already be over the limit.
The Standard Carry-On
Your standard carry-on goes in the overhead bin.
- Economy Class: 1 bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Business Class: 2 bags up to 10 kg (22 lbs) each.
- Exception: If your Business Class flight starts or ends in North America, you only get 1 bag.
Is TAP Strict About Carry-On Weight?
Yes. Travelers frequently report gate agents weighing bags and even personal items before boarding.
If your bag exceeds the weight or size limits at the gate, it will be checked into the hold. This incurs a steep “gate bag fee,” which can range from €90 to €120 ($95–$130) depending on the route.
It is significantly cheaper to book a checked bag online in advance than to pay this penalty at the gate.
Checked Baggage Allowance by Fare Type
TAP uses a “branded fare” system. Your checked allowance is determined entirely by the ticket tier you purchase.
Economy Fares
- Discount: 0 checked bags included. (Carry-on only).
- Basic: 1 checked bag (23 kg / 50 lbs). (Available on intercontinental flights).
- Classic: 1 checked bag (23 kg / 50 lbs).
- Plus: 2 checked bags (23 kg / 50 lbs each).
Business Fares
- Executive / Top Executive: 2 checked bags (32 kg / 70 lbs each).
Star Alliance Gold & Miles&Go Status
If you hold Star Alliance Gold status or high-tier status with TAP Miles&Go, you are generally entitled to one extra checked bag beyond your fare allowance.
- In Economy: 1 extra bag at 23 kg.
- In Business: 1 extra bag at 32 kg.
Baggage Fees: Excess, Overweight, and Oversized
If you need to bring more than your ticket allows, prepare to pay. TAP’s fees vary by “zone” (route) and season (High vs. Low), but here are the general 2026 benchmarks.
Adding an Extra Bag
Purchasing a bag online before check-in is always cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Online/Pre-pay: Approx. €30–€60 ($35–$70) for the first bag on shorter flights; up to €85+ ($95+) for intercontinental.
- At the Airport: Prices jump significantly, often costing 30–50% more than the online rate.
Overweight Bags (Heavy)
If your bag weighs between 23 kg (50 lbs) and 32 kg (70 lbs), you will be charged an overweight fee.
- Europe/North Africa: Approx. €55 ($60).
- Intercontinental: Approx. €120–€150 ($130–$165).
Oversized Bags (Large)
If your bag exceeds 158 linear cm (62 inches), you pay an oversize fee.
- Fee: Roughly equivalent to the overweight fees listed above.
- Double Trouble: If a bag is both overweight and oversized, the fees stack (you pay for both).
Note: Any bag weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) must be shipped as cargo. It will not be accepted at the check-in counter.
Special Items: Sports & Musical Instruments
TAP has specific categories for non-standard luggage.
Sports Equipment
Golf clubs, surfboards, bikes, and skis are considered “special baggage.”
- Allowance: These generally do not count toward your standard free baggage allowance unless you are on specific high-tier fares. You usually have to pay a separate fee.
- Cost: Fees range from €45 to €100+ depending on the item size and the route.
- Booking: You must register sports equipment at least 24 hours in advance via the TAP Contact Center to ensure there is space in the hold.
Musical Instruments
- Small Instruments (Violins/Ukeleles): Can be brought as your carry-on if they fit within the 55 x 40 x 25 cm dimensions and 10 kg weight limit.
- Medium Instruments (Guitars/Cellos): You can purchase an extra seat in the cabin for these items if they are too fragile for the hold. The max weight for a seat-strapped item is roughly 30 kg.
- Large Instruments: Must be checked. Hard-shell cases are mandatory.
Infants and Children
Traveling with little ones? TAP offers decent concessions for families.
- Infants (Under 2, on lap): Allowed 1 checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs), regardless of the adult’s fare type.
- Equipment: You may check one collapsible stroller or one car seat/basket free of charge.
- Children (2-11): Same baggage allowance as an adult fare.
5 Tips to Avoid Baggage Fees on TAP
Weigh at Home
Given TAP’s strict 10 kg carry-on limit, use a luggage scale before leaving for the airport.
Join TAP Miles&Go
Even lower-tier membership sometimes offers discounts on purchasing extra baggage.
Buy the “Basic” Fare, Not “Discount”
If you know you need a checked bag, the “Basic” fare is usually cheaper than buying a “Discount” fare and adding a bag later.
Use a Backpack
Soft-sided backpacks are less likely to be weighed at the gate than hard-shell rolling suitcases, provided they don’t look overstuffed.
Pre-pay Online
Never wait until the airport to buy a bag. You can add baggage via the “Manage Booking” tool on the TAP website up until check-in closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a laptop bag considered a personal item?
Yes. A laptop bag counts as your one allowed personal item. It must not exceed 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
What is the difference between “Discount” and “Basic” fares?
The primary difference is luggage. “Discount” fares include no checked bags. “Basic” fares (usually available on long-haul/intercontinental flights) include one 23 kg checked bag.
Can I bring a CPAP machine?
Yes. Medical devices like CPAP machines are generally allowed in addition to your standard carry-on allowance, but you should carry a doctor’s note and notify the airline in advance if possible.
Final Thoughts
The airline relies on ancillary fees for revenue, and baggage is a major driver of those costs.
The Golden Rule: Keep your carry-on under 10 kg, or pre-pay for a checked bag online.
Policies can change without notice. Always verify the latest details on the official TAP Air Portugal website before you pack.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
