TAP Air Portugal Carry-On & Baggage Rules [2025 Guide]

If you’re flying TAP Air Portugal, chances are you’re either off to sip wine in Porto, surf the waves in Lisbon, or maybe catching a long-haul flight to Brazil. Whatever your destination, one thing’s for sure: figuring out TAP’s baggage rules ahead of time is a lifesaver.

TAP is Portugal’s national airline, and like a lot of European carriers, their baggage allowances depend on which ticket you book. Buy the cheapest “Discount” fare and you might find yourself clutching only a backpack for dear life. Pay for a higher-tier ticket, and suddenly you’ve got more bags than you know what to do with.

I’ve seen more than one traveler get surprised at Lisbon Airport because they didn’t realize their fare didn’t include a checked bag. Spoiler alert: that last-minute luggage fee is about as fun as stepping on a Lego barefoot. That’s why I’m putting this guide together — so you’ll know exactly what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to avoid spending your vacation money on baggage fees.

TAP Air Portugal Carry-On Allowance

TAP is pretty clear about carry-ons, but the rules do change depending on your ticket type. So before you start stuffing three days’ worth of clothes into your bag and hoping for the best, here’s what you need to know.

• Economy Class: You’re allowed 1 carry-on bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) with a weight limit of 8 kg (17 lbs).

• Executive/Business Class: You get to double the fun — 2 carry-on bags, each up to 8 kg (17 lbs). So, technically, you can haul 16 kg of cabin baggage if you play your cards right.

A few important details TAP doesn’t mess around with:

• Your bag must fit either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t, you’ll be that unlucky person asked to check it at the gate.

• On full flights, they sometimes gate-check larger carry-ons even if they meet the size rules, just because space runs out. (Translation: pack your essentials in your personal item so you don’t have to say goodbye to your laptop or snacks.)

• TAP is stricter with weight than some airlines. Don’t be shocked if the agent actually weighs your carry-on. If it’s over, you’ll either have to shift things around or pay up.

Bottom line: keep it under 8 kg, and if you’re in Business, enjoy the luxury of two light bags. If you’re in Economy, don’t push it — TAP has that “we actually weigh your bag” energy.

TAP Air Portugal Personal Item Policy

Now let’s talk about the little sidekick to your carry-on — the personal item. TAP lets every passenger bring one personal item in addition to their cabin bag. Think of it as your “security blanket bag” that stays with you under the seat.

The Rules:

• Maximum size: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in).

• It must fit under the seat in front of you (so leave that oversized hiking pack at home).

• Weight limit: it’s counted together with your main carry-on allowance. So in Economy, your carry-on + personal item can’t go over 8 kg.

What Counts as a Personal Item?

• A handbag or purse.

• A laptop bag (probably the most common).

• A small backpack.

• Duty-free shopping bag (because let’s be real, who flies through Lisbon and doesn’t grab at least one bottle of Port wine?).

TAP’s Extra Flexibility:

Parents traveling with babies can also bring baby food, a stroller, or a car seat, which doesn’t count against their allowance. And if you need medical equipment (like a CPAP machine), TAP lets you bring it onboard without hassle.

Pro Tip: TAP staff often check personal item sizes at busy airports. If your “personal item” looks suspiciously like a second carry-on, don’t be surprised if it ends up in the overhead bin — or worse, tagged for the hold.

TAP Air Portugal Checked Baggage Policy

Here’s the thing about TAP: your checked baggage allowance depends entirely on your fare type. So two people flying on the same plane in Economy could have completely different baggage rules.

Economy Class

• Discount Fare: the cheapest ticket TAP sells — and guess what? No free checked baggage. You’ll have to pay extra if you want to check a bag.

• Basic & Classic Fares: include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

• Plus Fare: usually comes with 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg.

Business / Executive Class

• Passengers in Business Class are treated to 2 checked bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each. Perfect if you’re the type who packs half your wardrobe “just in case.”

Size Limit

• No matter the fare, your checked bag must not exceed 158 cm (62 in total, length + width + height). That’s standard across most airlines, so don’t go trying to check in a box of furniture.

Overweight & Oversize Fees

• If your bag is heavier than 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Business, you’ll pay extra.

• Oversize bags (over 158 cm) also get hit with a fee. At that point, it might be cheaper to just ship your stuff.

Pro tip: Always check your ticket before heading to the airport. I’ve seen travelers at Lisbon find out (too late) that their “Discount” fare didn’t cover checked baggage — and the fees at the counter aren’t exactly kind.

TAP Air Portugal Special Baggage Rules

TAP knows not every traveler is just carrying a boring old suitcase. Some bring babies, some bring skis, and some insist on flying with a guitar. Here’s how TAP handles those situations:

Infant & Child Baggage

• Babies under 2 years old (without their own seat) are allowed 1 checked bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) plus a foldable stroller or car seat.

• If you buy your child their own seat, they get the same allowance as adults.

• Strollers can usually be taken all the way to the gate, then collected after landing.

Sports Equipment

• Portugal is huge for surfing, so TAP is used to handling surfboards — and yes, you can bring them, but they’ll often count as checked baggage.

• Other sports gear like skis, golf clubs, or bikes are also accepted, provided they’re properly packed.

• If oversized or overweight, extra fees apply — so double-check before you haul your surfboard to the airport.

Musical Instruments

• Small instruments (like violins or flutes) can often be carried onboard as your cabin baggage if they fit within the size limits.

• Larger instruments (like guitars or cellos) need to be checked — or you can buy them their own seat. (Yes, your guitar could be seated next to you in 14A, probably better behaved than most passengers).

Medical Equipment

• Items like wheelchairs, CPAP machines, or crutches are carried free of charge. Just let TAP know in advance if you’ll need assistance.

Bottom line: TAP is pretty flexible with special baggage, but fees kick in fast if your items are oversized or overweight. A quick call to customer service before your flight can save you a whole lot of stress.

Extra Baggage Fees & Tips

If you’re the kind of traveler who packs “just in case” outfits for every possible weather scenario (guilty 🙋‍♂️), then this section is for you. TAP is generous enough if you book the right fare, but once you go over the limit, the fees can really sting.

Extra Bag Fees

• For most European routes, an additional checked bag starts at around €55–€75 if you prepay online.

• At the airport? Expect to pay €80–€120 or more, depending on the route. Consider it TAP’s way of reminding you to plan ahead.

Overweight Fees

• If your bag is heavier than 23 kg in Economy or 32 kg in Business, you’ll get hit with an overweight charge — usually between €80–€120 per bag.

• Honestly, at that price, it might be smarter to just split your stuff into two bags.

Oversize Fees

• Anything over 158 cm (62 in total) will cost extra too. Not surprising — TAP isn’t keen on checking in giant objects that don’t belong in a cargo hold.

Money-Saving Tips

• Prepay online: TAP almost always charges less for extra baggage if you book it online ahead of time.

• Use Miles&Go benefits: TAP’s loyalty program sometimes includes extra baggage perks, depending on your membership level.

• Pack a luggage scale: a €10 investment that will save you from airport drama. Nothing’s more awkward than pulling shoes out of your suitcase while 50 people watch you in line.

Travel Tips for Flying TAP Air Portugal

By now you probably get the picture: TAP’s baggage rules can be generous or stingy depending on what ticket you buy. Here are some tips to make your life easier and avoid turning check-in into a stress test.

1. Double-Check Your Fare Type

The biggest trap is the Discount fare — it looks cheap online, but it comes with zero checked baggage. If you know you’re not a “fits-everything-into-a-backpack” kind of traveler, it’s worth upgrading to Basic or Classic to avoid nasty surprises.

2. Weigh Before You Go

Get yourself a small luggage scale. Trust me, they pay for themselves after one trip. TAP staff are known for actually weighing bags, and you don’t want to be “that person” moving clothes from one suitcase to another while everyone behind you sighs.

3. Pack Essentials in Your Personal Item

Even if you’re in Economy with one carry-on, make sure your personal item has your essentials — chargers, a sweater, headphones, maybe even toothpaste. Overhead bins fill up fast on TAP’s busy flights, and sometimes your cabin bag gets gate-checked.

4. Take Advantage of Duty-Free

Lisbon Airport’s duty-free is practically a tourist attraction. The good news? Duty-free shopping bags don’t count against your allowance. Just don’t go overboard and try to bring a wine cellar onboard.

5. Sports Lovers, Plan Ahead

If you’re bringing surfboards, skis, or golf clubs, call TAP ahead of time to confirm the fees and packaging rules. Showing up last-minute with a surfboard is a good way to start your trip with a headache.

Recommended Luggage for TAP Air Portugal

1. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-On

If you’re flying TAP in Economy and only allowed 1 carry-on bag up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, this little Samsonite is your best friend. It’s lightweight, durable, and has spinner wheels that glide through Lisbon Airport like butter. Plus, the hard shell keeps your souvenirs (or wine bottles) safe.

• Pros: Sturdy, scratch-resistant, TSA-approved lock.

• Cons: Limited expansion — but that’s a plus if you tend to overpack.

---

2. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Underseat Bag

This bag is perfect as a personal item for TAP. It measures under 40 x 30 x 15 cm, slides neatly under the seat, and has just enough room for a laptop, chargers, and snacks. If TAP gate-checks your carry-on, at least you’ll still have your essentials with you.

• Pros: Lightweight, fits under seat, multiple compartments.

• Cons: Smaller than a standard backpack — pack carefully.

---

3. Coolife Luggage Expandable Spinner 28-Inch Checked Bag

If your TAP ticket includes a checked bag (23 kg limit in Economy, 32 kg in Business), this Coolife spinner is a solid choice. It’s durable, expandable, and big enough for long trips, but still within the 158 cm size limit.

• Pros: Affordable, smooth spinner wheels, hard shell protection.

• Cons: Can get heavy if overpacked — keep an eye on that 23 kg limit.

TAP Air Portugal FAQs

1. What is the carry-on weight limit on TAP Air Portugal?
In Economy, you can bring 1 carry-on bag up to 8 kg (17 lbs). In Business Class, you can bring 2 carry-ons, each up to 8 kg.

2. Does TAP allow free checked baggage?
It depends on your fare. Discount fares don’t include any checked baggage, but Basic and Classic fares usually include 1 bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs). Business Class gets 2 bags up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each.

3. Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on?
Yes! The backpack can be your personal item as long as it’s no larger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in). Just remember that the combined weight of your carry-on + personal item can’t exceed the limit.

4. Are strollers free on TAP Air Portugal?
Yes. Parents can bring a foldable stroller or car seat in addition to their child’s baggage allowance. Strollers can usually be checked at the gate and picked up after landing.

5. How strict is TAP with baggage size?
Pretty strict, especially with Discount fares. Agents often weigh and measure bags, particularly on busy European routes. If your bag is too big or too heavy, expect it to be checked (with fees if your ticket doesn’t cover it).

6. What’s the size limit for checked baggage on TAP?
All checked bags must fit within 158 cm (62 in total: length + width + height). Anything bigger will cost extra.

7. Can I bring sports equipment or a surfboard on TAP?
Yes, TAP allows sports equipment like surfboards, skis, or golf clubs, but they usually count as checked baggage. Oversized or overweight gear comes with additional fees, so check before you fly.

Conclusion

Flying with TAP Air Portugal can be a smooth experience as long as you know the baggage rules before you head to the airport. The biggest thing to remember is that your allowance depends heavily on the fare you booked. Buy a Discount ticket, and you’ll be sticking to just a carry-on. Book a higher fare or fly Business, and suddenly you’ve got room for all the souvenirs, wine bottles, and maybe even that oversized surfboard bag.

Here’s the quick recap:

• Carry-on: 1 bag in Economy (8 kg), 2 in Business (8 kg each).

• Personal item: 1 bag up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm, counts toward your allowance.

• Checked baggage: Ranges from 0 bags (Discount) to 2 bags of 32 kg each (Business).

• Special baggage: Strollers, sports gear, and instruments are allowed, but may need extra fees or advance notice.

The trick is simple: check your fare type, weigh your bags at home, and prepay for extras online if you need them. That way, you can skip the stress at check-in and just enjoy your flight — whether you’re heading to Lisbon for a city break, Porto for wine tasting, or all the way across the Atlantic.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to save a little room in your bag for a bottle (or two) of Portuguese wine 🍷.