When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on TAP Air Portugal? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on TAP Air Portugal? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for TAP Air Portugal? All your answers related to TAP Air Portugal pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is TAP Air Portugal based?
TAP Air Portugal [IATA:TP] is based out of Lisbon Airport in Lisbon, Portugal. Most layovers within TAP Air Portugal’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does TAP Air Portugal fly to?
TAP Air Portugal offers service to pets to the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands. Norway, Poland, Portugal, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, São Tomé and Príncipe, United Kingdom, United States and Venezuela.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in TAP Air Portugal’s pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets flown by TAP Air Portugal in the cabin
Small dogs and cats can fly with TAP Air Portugal in the cabin. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless, mannerly and not pregnant. There is a limit of five pets per passenger. No pets are permitted in Business Class on long-haul flights.
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance of departure.
Age requirements
Minimum age to fly in the cabin with TAP Air Portugal is 12 weeks; however, the minimum age will depend on the pet import requirements of the destination country.
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic) or four sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
The maximum dimensions for pet carriers flown in the cabin are 17.7″L x 11.8″ x 9″ (45 x 30 x 23 cm). Two pets of the same species can fly in one carrier if known to each other and there is adequate space for them.
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in their carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
All permits, licenses, test results as well as rabies and health certificates must be presented at check in. Proof of microchip must be provided on flights to or within the European Union.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Pet owners planning to fly their pets with TAP Air Portugal should try to use direct flights whenever possible. Due to aircraft sizes, a change in class of service (in-cabin to checked baggage or air cargo) may occur. In this case, layovers must be at least 3 hours, and the passenger must provide a pet crate or carrier to accommodate the change in service.
Pets flying to or from Angola must do so as air cargo. Pets are not accepted on flights to the United Kingdom with the exception of service dogs.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 1 hour before departure.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
Domestic Flights
- Book online: 40 EUR / 48 USD / 61 CAD
- Pay at ticket counter: 45 EUR / 58 USD / 72 CAD
Europe, Morocco, Tunisia, Israel and flights between Accra and São Tomé
- Book online: 70 EUR / 88 USD / 111 CAD
- Pay at ticket counter: 75 EUR / 95 USD / 114 CAD
Intercontinental Flights
- Book online: 150 EUR / 185 USD / 235 CAD
- Pay at ticket counter: 160 EUR / 199 USD / 239 CAD
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by an organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a visual, audio or mobility disability. Service dogs flying to the United Kingdom must be trained by an organization accredited by the Assistance Dogs International or Assistance Dogs International. ID cards or other proof of training will be required.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
Passengers flying with a service dog must complete a request for assistance form at least 48 hours prior to departure. If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. To complete the form, you will need:
- Your veterinarian’s name and contact number
- Rabies vaccination date and expiration
- Trainer’s name/organization and contact number
All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on TAP Air Portugal if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by TAP Air Portugal as checked baggage
Dogs and cats can fly with TAP Air Portugal as checked baggage.
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance of departure.
Age/Weight requirements
Minimum age of transport is 12 weeks; however, this can change depending on the destination country. For example, dogs must be a minimum of 6 months old before importing to the United States.
The maximum weight of your pet and its crate is 70 lbs. (32 kg) for all pets flying to/from or transiting the United States, Hungary, France and the Netherlands. The maximum weight of your pet and its crate is 99 lbs. (45 kg) for other countries.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below. Up to three pets younger than six months whose individual weight does not exceed 30 lbs. (14 kg) can fly in the same crate. All food and water must be provided.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Pet owners planning to fly their pets with TAP Air Portugal should try to use direct flights whenever possible. Due to aircraft sizes, a change in class of service (in-cabin to checked baggage or air cargo) may occur. In this case, layovers must be at least 3 hours, and the passenger must provide a pet crate or carrier to accommodate the change in service.
Pets flying to or from Angola must do so as air cargo. Pets are not accepted on flights to the United Kingdom with the exception of service dogs.
Forms Required
All permits, licenses, test results as well as rabies and health certificates must be presented at check in. Proof of microchip must be provided on flights to or within the European Union.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 1 hour prior to departure.
Pet fee
The cost to fly a dog or cat as checked baggage on TAP Air Portugal are as follows:
Domestic Flights
- Price up to 32kg / 70lb: 80 EUR / 101 USD / 121 CAD
- Price from 32kg (70lb) to 45kg (99lb): 130 EUR / 162 USD / 195 CAD
Europe, Morocco, Tunisia, Israel and flights between Accra and São Tomé
- Price up to 32kg / 70lb: 120 EUR / 149 USD / 188 CAD
- Price from 32kg (70lb) to 45kg (99lb): 230 EUR / 282 USD / 358 CAD
Intercontinental Flights
- Price up to 32kg / 70lb: 230 EUR / 282 USD / 358 CAD
- Price from 32kg (70lb) to 45kg (99lb): 300 EUR / 367 USD / 466 CAD
TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by TAP Air Portugal as air cargo
Large and small wild animals, pets, fish and more can be flown on TAP Air cargo. The pet’s route must be the same as the accompanying passenger.
Reservations
Reservations can be made by booking with TAP Air Cargo online.
Age/Weight requirements
The minimum age requirement to fly on TAP Air Portugal is 4 months; however, this age will depend on pet import requirements of the destination country. If your pet’s weight including the crate exceeds 99 lbs. (45 kg), then your pet must fly as air cargo. You must accompany your pet to conform to non-commercial EU regulations.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below.
Forms Required
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel or EU Pet Passport, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be available.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the TAP Air Portugal cargo facility four hours prior to departure. The cargo facility is located on airport grounds, however not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
The cost to transport your pet as air cargo will depend on the weight of your crate, its carrier and dimensions and the route involved.
TAP Air Portugal Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. TAP Air Portugal requires either metal or plastic nuts and bolts threaded with metal inserts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions. All food and water should be provided.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 66°F (19°C) or below 50°F (10°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal has classified the following breeds as brachycephalic (flat- or snub-nosed) and will not fly them in the cargo hold:
DOGS: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Griffon Bruxellois, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Prince Charles Spaniel, Pug (all types), Shar Pei (including Chinese Shar Pei), Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel.
CATS: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian and Scottish Fold.
With regard to mixes of these breeds, a veterinary declaration must be provided stating that your pet does not have the characteristics of the original breeds or the pet has had surgery to correct its breathing deficiencies.
The following breeds can be flown in special wood or CR 82-type crates:
- Fila Brasileiro
- Argentine Mastiff
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Tosa Inu
Related: Risks for snub-nosed pets flying in the cargo hold
The following breeds must be transported in a wood or metal crate that conforms to IATA Container Requirement 82:
Brazilian Mastiff, Argentine Dogo, American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler andTosa Inu.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
Passengers can fly a maximum of five pets per flight. The pet fee can be paid in cash or with credit card or through their Miles & Go Pets program. Any cash or credit card payments will count towards the program.
The information published here is a guideline for TAP Air Portugal pet policy. For more pet friendly airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about transporting a pet with TAP Air Portugal? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following TAP Air Portugal pet policy.
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