Can my dog fly in the cabin with TAP Air Portugal?
Yes, if your dog and its carrier together weigh no more than 8 kg. The carrier can be at most 45 × 30 × 23 cm.
Airline · TAP Air Portugal (TP)
TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy: Flying With a Dog or Cat in 2026
Hi, I'm Merlot — a 30 kg Golden Retriever and trained Service Dog. Here's TAP Air Portugal's pet policy exactly as published on its own official pages: the cabin rules, the hold, what changes for trained service dogs, and booking basics. Where TAP Air Portugal doesn't publish a fixed number, I say so directly instead of guessing.
Last verified: 2026-10-20. Rules change — always confirm with the airline before booking.
A worked example first, then each rule in detail.
Worked example
Does my dog fit TAP Air Portugal's rules?
Take a 7.2 kg Miniature Schnauzer — bearded, bright, and endlessly game for anything. At 7.2 kg, that dog fits inside TAP Air Portugal's 8 kg cabin limit.
Now every rule, sourced and dated.
-
Pets in the Cabin
TAP Air Portugal allows dogs and cats in the cabin, up to 8 kg including the carrier. The carrier must be no larger than 45 × 30 × 23 cm. Not confirmed in this pass - confirm at booking. Request at least 24 hours before departure, since the pet requires a specific seat reservation. For connections onto another carrier, contact TAP to confirm the connecting airline also carries pets.
- Carrier limit: 45 × 30 × 23 cm
- Only dogs and cats carried in cabin or hold (all other species must go via TAP Air Cargo). Cabin requires a SOFT/flexible-structure carrier that closes securely - CONFIRMED: a rigid carrier means TAP may refuse cabin transport and move the pet to the hold instead. One carrier per passenger, holding up to 2 same-species pets in the cabin (up to 3 same-species pets may share one hold carrier if each is under 6 months old and <=14kg, or up to 2 adult pets each <=14kg). Maximum combined pet+carrier weight for cabin: 8kg. Maximum carrier size: 45x30x23cm. CORRECTED minimum age: general cabin minimum age is 10 weeks (hold minimum is 12 weeks, or 10 weeks for flights to/from the Azores, Madeira, and Spain) - NOT 6 months as a previous version of this entry stated. The 6-month threshold on TAP's page applies only to three specific, narrower cases: (1) dogs flying to/from the USA must be over 6 months old, (2) the exception allowing more than 5 pets for competition/exhibition/sports events requires pets over 6 months old, and (3) 'dangerous breed' dogs aged 6 months or older must travel in a specific CR82 hold container. Up to 5 pets total (cabin+hold) per passenger, more only for competition/exhibition/sports events with written proof of registration. No pet transport on TAP flights operated by GOL or Azul (codeshare/wet-lease partners).
-
Pets in the Hold
TAP Air Portugal transports pets in the cargo hold. Rigid carriers go to the hold; up to 3 same-species pets may share one hold carrier (see age/weight conditions above). Hold minimum age 12 weeks (10 weeks for Azores/Madeira/Spain flights). Dangerous-breed dogs 6 months+ need a CR82 container.
The TAP Air Portugal pet questions that come up most.
FAQ
TAP Air Portugal Pets: Your Questions, Answered
Each answer checked against official sources on 2026-10-20.
Does TAP Air Portugal transport pets in the cargo hold?
Yes, TAP Air Portugal accepts pets in the hold — Rigid carriers go to the hold; up to 3 same-species pets may share one hold carrier (see age/weight conditions above). Hold minimum age 12 weeks (10 weeks for Azores/Madeira/Spain flights). Dangerous-breed dogs 6 months+ need a CR82 container.
Is TAP Air Portugal's fee for flying with a pet published?
Not confirmed in this pass - confirm at booking.
Sources
Every rule above traces to these official pages, checked on 2026-10-20. Confidence: high. Rules change — always confirm with the airline before booking.
Related airlines
Free tool, live now
Plan TAP Air Portugal With Merlot's Planner
Run your exact pet, route and date against TAP Air Portugal's rules — and every other airline flying that route — then book the real price on Skyscanner.
Flight links on the planner go to Skyscanner, our travel partner — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate & privacy policy.
Try the free Pet Travel Planner →