TAP Air Portugal Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Your Pet on TAP Air Portugal: Everything You Need to Know

I've flown Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, across three continents, and I can tell you that understanding your airline's pet policy before you book is the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful scramble at the airport. TAP Air Portugal offers three ways to travel with your pet—cabin, checked baggage, or cargo—and each has specific rules you need to follow.

This guide walks you through TAP's verified pet policies, what to expect, and exactly what you need to do to get your cat, dog, or other pet safely to your destination.

Can You Fly with a Pet on TAP Air Portugal?

Yes. TAP Air Portugal accepts pets in the cabin, as checked baggage, and in cargo. However, not every pet qualifies for every travel option, and some routes have restrictions.

The key thing I learned from my three international moves with Cooper: book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. TAP limits the number of pets per flight, and showing up at the airport without a reservation is a guaranteed way to be denied boarding.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €70 one-way (varies by route; domestic Portugal €40–45, intercontinental €150–160)
• Checked baggage fee: €118 one-way for pets up to 32kg (€228 for 32–45kg)
• Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45cm L × 30cm W × 23cm H
• Cabin carrier max weight (pet + carrier): 8kg combined
• Checked baggage carrier max weight: 45kg combined
• Minimum pet age: 10 weeks (cabin), 12 weeks (checked baggage)
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking required: 24 hours minimum

Option 1: Flying in the Cabin with Your Pet

This is the option I always choose with Cooper when possible. Your pet stays with you in the cabin, which means less stress for both of you.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

• Cats and small dogs (up to 8kg combined with carrier)
• Minimum age: 10 weeks old and fully weaned
• Maximum 1 pet carrier per passenger
• Two animals of the same species can share one carrier if they fit

Cabin Carrier Requirements

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit these exact dimensions:

• Length: 45cm max
• Width: 30cm max
• Height: 23cm max
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8kg max

The carrier must have:

• Mesh ventilation on the sides (IATA standard)
• An absorbent mat or liner inside to handle accidents
• Secure closures so your pet can't escape

Pro tip: I use a collapsible soft-sided carrier for Cooper when flying in cargo, but for cabin travel, I invest in a sturdy, well-ventilated model. The mesh sides let him see out, which keeps him calmer during boarding and landing.

Breed Restrictions for Cabin Travel

TAP restricts certain brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight. The restricted list includes:

• Bulldogs (all types)
• Pugs (all types)
• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Chow Chows
• Mastiffs (all types)
• And others—check with TAP if your breed is listed

If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, you may still be able to fly in cargo or checked baggage, but not in the cabin. Read the cargo and checked baggage sections below.

Cabin Booking & Fees

You must book by phone—cabin pets cannot be booked online. Call TAP at least 24 hours before departure.

Fees vary by route:

• Domestic Portugal: €40–45
• Europe: €70–75
• Intercontinental: €150–160
• High season: add ~20%

TAP Miles&Go members earn up to 500 miles when flying with a pet. The service is non-refundable.

Option 2: Checked Baggage (Hold)

This is what I used for Cooper on my longest move—a 14-hour flight to Asia. Your pet travels in the pressurized, temperature-controlled hold of the aircraft.

Who Can Travel as Checked Baggage?

• Cats and dogs up to 45kg (combined with carrier)
• Minimum age: 12 weeks old and fully weaned
• Maximum 5 pets per passenger
• Not available on UK routes (see embargoed routes below)

Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

Your carrier must be hard-sided (plastic or metal crate) and include:

• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
• An absorbent mat or liner inside
• Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on the outside (required by IATA)
• Maximum combined weight: 45kg (pet + crate)

The crate must be sturdy enough to withstand ground handling. I learned this the hard way on my first move—a flimsy crate can crack, and airport staff will refuse to load it.

Checked Baggage Fees

Pricing depends on weight and route:

• Up to 32kg: Domestic €78–80, Europe €118–120, Intercontinental €227–230
• 32–45kg: Domestic €128–130, Europe €228–230, Intercontinental €297–300
• High season: add ~20%
• Important: US, Hungary, France, and Netherlands routes have a 32kg maximum weight limit

Breed Restrictions for Checked Baggage

Brachycephalic breeds are restricted, including:

• Affenpinscher
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Bulldog (all types)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Chow Chow
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff (all types)
• Pug (all types)
• Shar Pei
• Shih Tzu
• And others

Exception: If your pet has had corrective surgery, a vet certificate documenting this may allow travel. Contact TAP directly with documentation.

Embargoed Routes (Restrictions)

Pet baggage is not available on these routes:

• United Kingdom: No pets in cabin or hold (cargo only)
• London Gatwick: No pet baggage service
• Lisbon–Luanda: Cargo only
• GOL/Azul connections: No pets allowed

If you're flying to the United Kingdom, you'll need to use cargo instead.

Option 3: Cargo

Cargo is the option for larger pets, dangerous breeds, or when other options aren't available. Your pet travels in a dedicated cargo hold with climate control.

Who Can Travel in Cargo?

• Cats and dogs of any size
• Minimum age: 10 weeks old and fully weaned
• Dangerous breeds (Fila Brasileiro, Argentine Mastiff, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu) require CR82 containers

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Carriers must be hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates with:

• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• An attached water bowl or trough
• An absorbent mat or liner inside
• Live Animals labels with orientation arrows
• Secure, escape-proof construction

For dangerous breeds, you must use a CR82 container (a reinforced IATA crate designed for these breeds).

Cargo Fees & Weight Limits

TAP Air Cargo handles pricing for pets exceeding 45kg (or 32kg to the US, Hungary, France, or Netherlands). Contact TAP Air Cargo directly for a quote—fees vary significantly by destination and pet size.

Temperature Embargoes for Cargo

TAP will not transport pets in cargo if:

• Temperature drops below –6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination
• Temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

If your destination is in a cold climate, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate, which may allow travel in colder conditions.

Health Certificate & Documentation

This is non-negotiable. Every pet traveling on TAP Air Portugal must have a vet-issued health certificate.

• Validity: Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—check with TAP)
• What it covers: Confirms your pet is healthy, vaccinated (especially rabies), and fit to fly
• When to get it: Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before departure. Don't wait until the last minute
• At the airport: Have it ready in your carry-on. TAP will check it before boarding

I always get Cooper's certificate 5–7 days before departure to give myself a buffer. If the vet finds any health issues, I have time to address them or reschedule.

Important Restrictions & Rules

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Pregnant & Animals in Heat

TAP does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. Animals in heat are also not permitted. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, contact TAP directly to discuss options.

Assistance Animals

Service animals and assistance pets are permitted in the cabin even on routes where regular pets are restricted (e.g., UK routes). They're subject to separate policies and CDC requirements for US routes. If you're traveling with an assistance animal, contact TAP in advance with documentation.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

6–8 weeks before departure:

• Confirm your pet meets TAP's age and health requirements
• Check if your breed is restricted on your route
• Research carrier options (soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided for hold/cargo)
• Book your flight

4 weeks before departure:

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (aim for 5–7 days before travel)
• Confirm your pet's vaccinations are current
• Purchase or prepare your carrier and test it with your pet

2 weeks before departure:

• Call TAP Air Portugal to book your pet (24-hour minimum advance booking)
• Confirm the fee and payment method
• Ask about any route-specific restrictions
• Get your health certificate from your vet

1 week before departure:

• Prepare your carrier with absorbent lining
• Attach water bowl (if traveling in hold/cargo)
• Affix Live Animals labels (if traveling in hold/cargo)
• Pack your pet's food, water, and comfort items
• Microchip your pet and update your contact information

Day of travel:

• Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours for international flights)
• Have your health certificate ready
• Keep your pet calm and comfortable
• Follow TAP staff instructions for drop-off or boarding

Route-Specific Notes

If you're flying to the United Kingdom, remember that TAP does not allow pets in the cabin or hold on UK routes—only cargo. Plan accordingly and book well in advance.

For United States routes, pets over 32kg cannot travel as checked baggage; they must go in cargo. Additionally, assistance animals are subject to CDC requirements.

Dangerous Breeds

TAP classifies these breeds as dangerous and requires CR82 containers for cargo travel:

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026