Travel Guide for Pet Owners | PetsTravel Info

TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy: How to transport a pet 2026

Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

TAP Air Portugal is famous for its hospitality, and that extends to your pets. However, with a strict 5-pet limit per flight, you’ll want to book their spot faster than you can say “Pastel de Nata.”

In the Cabin: The “Petit” Travelers

If your pet is a lightweight, they can fly right under the seat in front of you.

The Guest List: Only cats and dogs.
The Weight Limit: Total maximum weight (pet + carrier) is 8 kg (17 lbs).
The “Twin” Hack: You can carry two pets of the same species in one carrier, as long as they don’t exceed the 8kg limit and have enough room to turn around.
Cost: Expect to pay €40–€70 for domestic/European flights and up to €160 for intercontinental journeys.
Restrictions: Pets are not allowed in Executive Class on long-haul flights (except for service animals).

Approved Carrier Sizes (Cabin)

Soft-Sided Only: TAP only accepts flexible, soft-sided carriers in the cabin.
Maximum Dimensions: 45 x 30 x 23 cm (18 x 12 x 9 inches).

In the Hold: For the Big Barkers

If your pet has been hitting the treats too hard and exceeds 8 kg, they’ll be traveling in the climate-controlled cargo hold.

Weight Limits: * Up to 32 kg (70 lbs) for flights involving the USA, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands.
- Up to 45 kg (99 lbs) for most other destinations.
Cost: Fees range from €78 to €380 depending on the weight and your final destination.
Age: Puppies and kittens must be at least 10 to 12 weeks old (depending on the route).

The “No-Fly” List: Breed Restrictions

Safety first! TAP Air Portugal has a very specific list of breeds that are either prohibited or restricted due to respiratory or safety concerns.

Prohibited Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds:

Dogs: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, All Bulldogs, American Bully, Cavalier King Charles, Chow Chow, All Mastiffs, Pug, Shih Tzu, etc.
Cats: Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold.
The “Surgery” Exception: These pets may be accepted if you provide a veterinary declaration stating they have had surgery to improve their breathing or do not display the typical extreme characteristics of the breed.

The “Paws-port” Paperwork

TAP won’t let you board without the right stamps. You must request pet transport at least 48 hours before departure.

Your Essential Checklist:

Microchip: Must be implanted before the Rabies shot.
EU Pet Passport: Issued by an authorized vet.
Rabies Vaccination: Valid and up-to-date.
Ireland Ear-Cropping Rule: Heading to Dublin? It is illegal to enter Ireland with a dog that has cropped ears unless you have an import license and a vet certificate proving it was for a medical reason.
UK & Ireland Restriction: You cannot fly a pet in the cabin to the UK or Ireland (only assistance dogs are allowed).

💡 Expert Tips for 2026:

High Season vs. Low Season: Prices fluctuate! High season for 2026 includes March 27 – April 13 and June 5 – August 31. Book early to avoid “peak-paws” pricing.
The “Five-Day” Rule: If you’re heading to Ireland, apply for your licenses electronically at least 5 days before you fly.
Direct is Best: TAP highly recommends direct flights for pets to minimize stress and avoids “antagonistic” pairings (no cats and dogs in the same cargo area!).

Details in the airline’s official documents

6 responses to “TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy: How to transport a pet 2026”

Nola Veganes Chavez

01/07/2026

My Shih Tzu is 25 lbs. We’ll be arriving on the QM2 in Southampton and then going to Lisbon — not an easy route with a dog. We’re booked on TAP, but will they make any exceptions for his weight? Don’t know how to get this done if they won’t. Can’t drive from England to Portugal.

Reply
1. Lana
  
  01/07/2026
  
  Your situation is indeed a challenging one, as combining a transatlantic cruise with a specific international flight with a pet adds layers of complexity.
  TAP, like virtually all airlines, has strict and non-negotiable weight limits for pets in the cabin. The standard limit is 8 kg (approx. 17.6 lbs) including the carrier. At 25 lbs (11.3 kg) for the dog alone, your Shih Tzu significantly exceeds this.
  
  Do not assume an exception will be granted. Attempting to check in without a confirmed reservation could lead to a denied boarding.
  
  Your Realistic Options to “Get This Done”
  
  Option A: Ship Your Pet as Checked Baggage or Air Cargo
  This is the standard solution for pets over the cabin weight limit.
  
  Option B: Consider an Alternative Ferry + Drive Route
  While you stated you can’t drive the entire way, this option breaks the journey differently:
  1. Take your dog in your car on the ferry from Southampton (or nearby Portsmouth) to northern Spain (Santander or Bilbao). Operators like Brittany Ferries accept pets, usually in onboard kennels or (on some routes) in pet-friendly cabins where you can visit them.
  2. From northern Spain to Lisbon, it’s a manageable drive (~5-7 hours). You could hire a car one-way or use a pet-friendly private transfer service. This avoids the airline weight restriction entirely.
  
  Option C: Explore Other Airlines from the UK to Portugal
  While most European airlines have similar cabin weight limits, their checked baggage policies and fees can vary. It’s worth checking:
  British Airways: Offers a dedicated “Pet Travel” service as checked baggage.
  
  Recommended Action Plan:
  1. Immediately call TAP Special Services to inquire about and book checked pet baggage for your specific flight. Get all details in writing.
  2. If Option A with TAP fails, contact a professional pet shipper (IPC, Starwood, etc.). They can manage the cargo booking and complex logistics.
  3. Simultaneously, research the ferry option (Brittany Ferries) as your Plan B. Compare costs and travel times.
  
  It’s a complex journey, but by shifting focus from a cabin exception to the standard pathways for pets over 17 lbs, you can find a viable solution.
  
  Safe travels with your Shih Tzu
  
  Reply
jerry Krizbacker

12/11/2025

Hello, i have 3 cats and am flying from NYC to Lisbon. How can I be certain that we all can fly, with a 5 pet maximum? Any suggestions? Also, can i fly first/business? John K

Reply
1. Lana
  
  12/11/2025
  
  Hello John K,
  
  Thank you for reaching out with your question! Traveling with three cats internationally requires careful planning, but it’s definitely manageable. Let me help you navigate this:
  
  Confirming Space for Your 3 Cats
  
  You’re right to be concerned about the 5-pet maximum. Here’s what you should do:
  
  1. Contact TAP Air Portugal Directly ASAP
  – Call their customer service or visit a TAP ticket office
  – Pet spaces in cabin are limited (typically only 3-4 per flight, not 5)
  – You cannot book pet reservations online – this must be done by phone or in person
  – Request confirmation numbers for each cat’s reservation
  – Do this before booking your own ticket, or at least immediately after
  
  2. Book as Early as Possible
  – Pet spots are first-come, first-served
  – International flights from NYC to Lisbon are popular routes
  – Consider booking 2-3 months in advance if possible
  
  3. Get Written Confirmation
  – Request email confirmation that all three pets are reserved on your specific flight
  – Save all correspondence and reference numbers
  
  Regarding Business/First Class Travel
  
  Unfortunately, TAP Air Portugal typically only allows pets in cabin in Economy Class. This is standard policy for most airlines. Your cats would need to travel in approved carriers under the seat in front of you, which isn’t available in premium cabins.
  
  Possible workarounds:
  – You could book Economy for yourself to stay with your cats
  – Consider if one cat qualifies as an Emotional Support Animal (though regulations are strict and you’d need proper documentation)
  
  Important Additional Considerations
  
  Container Requirements:
  – Each cat needs an IATA-approved carrier
  – Maximum dimensions per carrier (for cabin): typically 40cm x 33cm x 17cm
  – Combined weight (cat + carrier) usually cannot exceed 8kg (17.6 lbs) per carrier
  – Some airlines allow 2 cats per carrier if they’re small and accustomed to sharing
  
  Documentation for Portugal Entry:
  – EU Pet Passport or health certificate
  – Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  – Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
  – Possibly tapeworm treatment (1-5 days before entry)
  
  Pro Tips:
  – If TAP cannot accommodate all three cats in cabin on one flight, consider: flying with a companion who can take one cat, or checking if a partner airline on the same route has different policies
  – Consider hiring a pet travel consultant if you encounter difficulties
  
  Please call TAP directly at their US number or international line as soon as possible to secure those spots. Don’t wait!
  
  Best of luck with your move to Lisbon! Feel free to follow up if you have more questions.
  
  Safe travels to you and your feline family! 🐾
  
  *Note: Airline policies can change. Always verify current requirements directly with TAP Air Portugal before finalizing your travel plans.
  
  Reply
Christina

09/22/2025

Can a Cheweenie
( Chihuahua/Dachsund mix) 12lbs fly in cabin on TAP airlines?

Reply
1. Peter Corb
  
  09/22/2025
  
  Yes, you can. Your dog’s weight is ideal for the airplane cabin.
  
  Reply