TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy

Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly with me as manifest (air) cargo? Yes

In-Cabin Pet Policy

TAP Air Portugal accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin of the aircraft except on wide body aircraft. Approval of requests for transporting animals in the cabin is subject to availability of space, the type of plane allocated and the passenger''s cabin class. TAP will not accept any pets in the cabin on flights to the UK, Republic of Ireland, South Africa or Luganda.

Pets Allowed:

Small dogs and cats

If your small dog or cat meets the requirements listed in TAP Air Portugal pet policy to travel in-cabin, you will need an approved airline pet carrier. Your carrier must be have a waterproof bottom, secure fasteners (zippers) and adequate ventilation. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.

Maximum size carrier permitted is 40cm x 33cm x 17cm / 15in x 12in x 6in. Soft-sided carriers will give you a few extra inches in height.

Multiple animals are accepted in the same carrier as long as they are of the same species and their weight including the weight of the carrier does not exceed 17 pounds (8 kg).

You must notify TAP Air Portugal that you are flying with a dog or cat. The weight of your dog or cat including its carrier must be less than 17 pounds (8 kg).

Pets are not allowed in First Class or on long haul routes.

Reservations

Reservations for your pet should be made by contacting TAP Air Portugal at least 24 hours in advance of flight. Reservations cannot be made online. Only one pet per passenger and one pet per carrier will be allowed. The reservation should be made before you book your ticket.

Service Dogs

TAP Portugal will accept service dogs in the cabin at no charge. Other small dogs and cats must fly in an airline-compliant pet carrier weighing no more than 8kg/17lb (with the animal inside) and which is no larger than 40 x 33 x 17cm/15 x 12 x 6in. For flights to or from the US, dogs can fly without a carrier, however, they should not be over 40 kg (88 lbs) in weight and 62 cm (24 in) high to the top of the shoulders.

All support documentation must be submitted for pre-approval.

Costs

Costs range from $45USD for domestic flights to $235USD for international flights.

Checked baggage and cargo services

If your pet is too large to fit under the seat, if it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it is a very long flight, TAP Portugal may transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft according to its regulations. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.

TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips on airline pet travel in cargo.

TAP Air Portugal offers checked baggage and cargo services for small dogs, cats, rabbits, hares, ferrets and birds up to 70 pounds (32 kg) on flights to, from or transiting the United States, Hungary, France or the Netherlands. The weight of your pet and its crate must not exceed 99 pounds (45 kg) on other flights.

Animals will be flown in the cargo hold of the aircraft which has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips on airline pet travel in cargo.

Check in

You need to check your pet at the ticket counter at least 4 hours prior to departure if flying as checked baggage. If flying as air cargo, your pet must be checked in at the airline's cargo facility.

Forms Required

TAP Portugal will require all forms required for destination country be presented at check-in when traveling internationally. Pets flying as air cargo must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

Temperature Restrictions

If, at any point, (origination/transit/destination) during your pet's transport, the temperature for the day is forecast to be less than 40°F (10°C) or greater than 85°F (29°C), your pet may be refused transport as checked baggage or air cargo. In periods of cold, try to fly at mid-day. In periods of heat, try to fly at night.

Banned Breeds

TAP Portugal will no longer transport the following dog breeds in the cargo hold due to their snub-nosed condition: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier / "Amstaff", Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all types), Cavalier King Charles, Chow Chow, Shih-Tzu, English Toy Spaniel / Prince Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin / Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Shar Pei / Chinese Shar Pei, Pug (all types), Staffordshire Bull Terrier / “Staffies", Tibetan Spaniel and Chihuahua

Also, the following cat breeds will not be accepted: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian and Scottish Fold.

Crate Requirements

If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, whether through the cargo department or as checked baggage, it must be in a pet crate that is IATA compliant. Learn more about IATA compliant pet crates.  We also suggest that you consider crate hardware for your pet's crate as more airlines are requiring it. Once you receive your crate, you will need to acclimate your dog or cat to it before traveling. Our guide for preparing your pet and its crate for travel is helpful, especially for first time pet travelers. Download Preparing Your Pet and Its Crate for Travel.

We also suggest that you consider crate hardware for your pet's crate as more airlines are requiring it. Once you receive your crate, you will need to acclimate your pet to it before traveling. Our guide for preparing your pet and its crate for travel is helpful, especially for first time pet travelers. Download Preparing Your Pet and Its Crate for Travel.

Additional Airline Pet Travel Information

Airline Pet Travel Tips
Tips for Cargo Airline Pet Travel
Acclimating your Pet to its Crate or Carrier

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