FlyerTalk Forums - TAP Carry-On / Cabin Baggage Rules and Enforcement (merged threads)

TAP Hand / Cabin Baggage Rules

Link to TAP Hand Baggage Rules page. Note these may change and would supersede the extracted information presented here.

When travelling on flights operated by TAP and TAP express you can normally travel with hand baggage in the aircraft cabin, with a maximum size up to total linear 115 cm / 45.3 inches / (55X40x20cm) / 22x16x8 in regardless of other factors. (If overhead bins are deemed full, the larger piece of cabin baggage may be counter checked.)

“Your baggage must be within the permitted limits (number, size and weight) In order for it to be free of charge. These limits depend on your flight destination” and by your cabin class of service, Executive or Economy. Generally, the dimensions can not be exceeded overall added dimensions or by individual dimension. (Bags exceeding dimensions, such as determined by inability to fit in a baggage sizer, may be counter checked; a fee may be collected.)

NOTE: There are two factors used in determining hand baggage allowance, regardless of associated loyalty program: destination and cabin class of service (Economy or Executive). At this time there seems to be no difference in hand / cabin baggage allowance by subfare (DISCOUNT, BASIC, CLASSIC and PLUS in Economy class all have the same hand / cabin allowances; EXECUTIVE and TOP EXECUTIVE in Executive/ Business class do as well. (These fare designations will govern such characteristics as refundability, changeability, checked hold baggage, etc. but not hand baggage allowance.) link to page and video

Quote:

If travelling to/from domestic destinations (including the islands), Europe, Africa and North America you can carry on the aircraft:

Executive Class*: 2 pieces of baggage up to 8 kg / 115 cm (55x40x20 cm / 22x16x8 in) + 1 personal item up to 2 Kg / 85 cm (40x30x15 cm / 16x12x5 in).

Economy Class: 1 piece of baggage up to 8 kg / 115 cm (55x40x20 cm / 22x16x8 in) + 1 personal item up to 2 Kg / 85 cm (40x30x15 cm / 16x12x5 in).

*Except to/from North America (Canada and the USA, as TAP currently does not fly to Mexico): 1 piece of baggage up to 8 kg / 115 cm (55x40x20 cm / 22x16x8 in) + 1 personal item up to 2 Kg / 85 cm (40x30x15 cm / 16x12x5 in).

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If travelling to/from destinations in South America, you can carry on the aircraft:

Executive Class: 2 pieces of baggage up to 8 kg / 115 cm (55x40x20 cm / 22x16x8 in) + 1 personal item up to 2 Kg / 85 cm (40x30x15 cm / 16x12x5 in).

Economy Class: 1 piece of baggage up to 10 kg / 115 cm (55x40x20 cm / 22x16x8 in).

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What can be a personal item?

A purse or a computer bag or shoulder bag (maximum size: 40x30x15 cm / 16x12x5 in);
Auxiliary mobility equipment;
Medical devices (by prescription/prior approval);

With a maximum weight of 2 Kg/4.4 Ib.

“Confirm in advance that your hand baggage is within the permitted limits (in terms of number, size and weight). If you exceed any of these requirements your baggage will be checked into the hold and you will be charged a fee at the boarding gate. Payment will only be possible by credit card.”

Anecdotally, hand / cabin baggage is most likely to be scrutinized for size and weight at the check-in counters. Gates may have baggage sizers used by gate agents.

If overhead bins are deemed full, hand / cabin baggage may be gate checked. Gate checked bags may be retried with checked hold baggage at the arrival carousel.

It is a good idea to remove any valuable items (computers, tablets, mobile phones, etc.) or necessities (medicines, etc.) from hand / cabin baggage that is checked and sent to the hold and keep them with you.