Photo of an orange trolley bag with an X-ray of its interior on the left side. The X-ray shows several items: a knife, a headphone set, a bottle, and a magnifying glass.
Baggage on board

Forbidden and dangerous items

Your safety comes first.

On this page, you will find important information about goods that are prohibited and/or subject to restrictions because they can pose a risk to the safety of passengers on board our aircraft.

Some items considered as dangerous can only be transported under specific conditions. Please be advised that some requirements may vary depending on the country and airline, including the conditions specified in the section Precautions to be taken at Security Control. If you have any questions, please contact us.

All goods transported must be for personal or domestic use only. Goods in commercial quantities must be transported as Cargo.

Electro shock weapons, ammunition and explosives

  • Forbidden
Electro shock weapons (e.g. Tasers) containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries, etc., are forbidden in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
  • Forbidden
Pyrotechnic material and other items containing explosives, e.g. Christmas crackers, firecrackers, rockets and sparklers are forbidden in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
  • Forbidden
Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, etc., containing an irritant or incapacitating substance are forbidden in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Can only be transported if securely packaged. Ammunition can only be transported if it respects Div 1.4S (UN 0012 or UN 0014) in quantities not exceeding 5kg gross weight per person. Allowances for more than one passenger must not be combined into one or more packages.

Batteries and equipment containing batteries or fuel

See here which lithium-battery equipment you can carry on your hold and hand baggage.
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: The transport of smart bags is allowed if the batteries size does not exceed 2.7Wh or 0.3g of lithium or if they are removable. The luggage must meet carry-on size and weight restrictions. Smart bags are allowed as checked luggage if the batteries are removed and transported in the cabin (meeting the spare battery requirements).
E-cigarettes, including e-cigars, e-pipes and other similar vaporisers.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: Each item must be transported safely and must be individually protected to prevent accidental activation. Goods transported must remain stored for the duration of the flight. The use or charge of these devices and/or batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted.
Alkaline batteries, lithium batteries (up to two grams) and lithium-ion batteries (up to 100Wh). 
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed (approval required for more than 20 batteries);
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: Articles which have the primary purpose as a power source, e.g. power banks are considered as spare batteries. All batteries, including power banks, must be individually protected to prevent short circuits and their use in flight is prohibited. Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries. Higher quantities require approval.
Lithium batteries for electronic devices* or PMED** (Portable Medical Electronic Devices) within the specified power range:
  • In carry-on luggage: operator approval required;
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: each passenger can carry up to two (2) spare batteries in their hand baggage. These battery types must be protected individually so as to avoid short circuits. Batteries over 160Wh or 8g can only be carried as cargo.

* lithium-ion batteries meet electronic devices and PMED requirements (power ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh, or from 2g to 8g).
** metal batteries only meet PMED requirements (power ranging from 2g to 8g).

Transportation of non-spillable batteries of no more than 12V and 100Wh.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: Each passenger may carry no more than two spare batteries. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Batteries exceeding these limits must be carried as Cargo.
Portable electronic devices containing lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries, including medical devices such as portable oxygen concentrators (POC) and consumer electronics such as cameras, mobile phones, laptops and tablets, when carried for personal use.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed (approval required for more than 15 batteries);
  • In checked luggage: allowed (approval required for more than 15 batteries);
  • Requirements: The lithium metal content must not exceed two grams, and for lithium-ion batteries, the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100Wh. Each passenger is limited to a maximum of 15 personal electronic devices. Devices carried in hold luggage must be disconnected and protected from accidental damage/activation. 

For electronic devices with lithium batteries, including PED* (Portable Electronic Devices) or PMED** (Portable Medical Electronic Devices):

  • In carry-on luggage: operator approval required;
  • In checked luggage: operator approval required;
  • Requirements: upon approval by the Operator, passengers may carry the electronic devices listed above and/with their respective batteries. When carried as hold baggage, they must remain disconnected and protected in order to avoid damage and/or unintended activation. Batteries over 160Wh or 8g can only be carried as cargo.

 

* lithium-ion batteries meet PED and PMED requirements (power ranging from 100Wh to 160Wh, or from 2g to 8g).
** metal batteries only meet PMED requirements (power ranging from 2g to 8g).

Electronic devices with non-spillable batteries (up to 12V or 100Wh).
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: Each passenger may carry no more than two spare batteries. The batteries must not exceed 12V or 100Wh.
  • Forbidden

For safety reasons, all battery-powered leisure devices such as hoverboards, mini-Segways, wheeled balancing apparatus and electric bicycles may not be transported. However, these devices may be transported - with or without batteries - as cargo.

Note:
- This section does not apply to mobility aids meant for use by a person with reduced mobility.

  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: Passengers can transport their drones in the hold baggage. Whenever possible, passengers should remove the battery from their devices and transport it (duly protected) in the hand baggage.
  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Camping stoves and fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel, with an empty fuel tank and/or fuel container, may be transported if all steps have been taken to eliminate any danger.
  • Forbidden
For security reasons, it is not allowed to transport this type of items. However, it is possible to carry these devices as cargo. For more information, see TAP Air Cargo website.
Fuel cells powering portable electronic devices (e.g. cameras, mobile phones, laptops computers and camcorders).
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Fuel cells must be removed and transported in carry-on luggage.

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices with batteries

Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries.
  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries may be transported if the wheelchair or mobility device can be charged, stored, fixed and discharged in a vertical position. The battery may remain installed in the wheelchair. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting, and spillable batteries must be contained in suitable packaging. If the battery is securely fixed to the wheelchair or mobility device, it may remain fixed to the wheelchair with the contacts duly protected.
Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable batteries.
  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable batteries may be transported if the wheelchair or mobility device can be charged, stored, fixed and discharged in a vertical position. The battery may remain installed in the wheelchair. The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting. 
    No more than one additional spare battery complying with Special Provision A67 (wet, non-spillable) or two batteries complying with Special Provisions A123 (dry battery) or A199 (nickel-metal hydride) may be carried.

Lithium-ion batteries for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

  • Checked baggage: Yes.
  • Carry-on baggage: Yes.
  • Carrier’s approval required: Yes.
  • Requirements:
    • Batteries must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Section 38.3.
    • The battery terminals must be protected to prevent short circuits, e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container.
    • The battery must either:
      • be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid and the electrical circuits must be isolated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (e.g. battery disconnected or main switch off);
      • be removed by the user if the mobility aid does not provide adequate protection for the battery, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

    • When a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid is specifically designed for the battery to be removed for transport, or the mobility aid does not provide adequate protection for the battery, the battery(ies) must be removed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The removed battery(ies) must not exceed 300 Wh.
    • Where the battery(ies) is not removed, there is no limit to the Watt-hour (Wh) rating for the installed battery(ies).
    • A passenger may carry a maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries each not exceeding 160 Wh.
    • All removed and spare batteries must be protected from damage (e.g. by placing each battery in a protective pouch) and must only be carried in the passenger cabin.
    • The wheelchair or mobility aid can then be transported as checked baggage.

Compressed gas cartridges, cylinders and aerosols

  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements:
    • The total net quantity of non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles and non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols must not exceed two kilogrammes or 2 litres, and the net quantity of every single article must not exceed 0.5 kilogrammes or 0.5 litres. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents. These quantities are allowed in the cabin if purchased after security control at the airport.
    • Non-flammable aerosols, with no subsidiary hazard, for sporting or home use.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed.
  • Requirements: Up 2 small cartridges fitted into a self-inflating personal safety device, intended to be used by a person, such as a life jacket or vest. Not more than 2 devices per passenger and up 2 spare small cartridges per device, not more than 4 cartridges up to 50ml water capacity. Approval by the operator is required.
  • Forbidden

The transport of sporting items is allowed only if no gas cartridge is installed.

  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Passengers are allowed to carry one rescue backpack per person, containing compressed gas cartridges, or with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing up to 200 mg of activation material. The backpack must be packed in such a way that it cannot be accidentally activated. Airbags inside backpacks must be equipped with pressure relief valves.
Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: Up to one set of hair curlers per passenger, which must not be used on board the aircraft at any time. The safety cover must be securely fitted. Gas refills for such curlers may not be transported.
Gas cylinders, small, non-flammable, non-toxic worn for the operation of mechanical limbs.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: Gas cylinders, small, non-flammable, non-toxic worn for the operation of mechanical limbs may be transported. Spare cylinders of a similar size if required to ensure an adequate supply for the duration of the journey.

Scientific, professional and personal

Non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles (including aerosols) such as hairsprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: The total net quantity of non-radioactive medicinal or toiletry articles and non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols must not exceed two kilogrammes or two litres, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kilogrammes or 0.5 litres. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents. These quantities are allowed in the cabin if purchased after security control at the airport.
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Articles that produce heat or battery-powered equipment capable of producing extreme heat that may cause a fire when activated (such as underwater torches and soldering irons) may be transported if the heat-producing battery component is packaged separately to prevent activation during transportation. Any battery removed must be protected from causing a short-circuit.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed when permitted by the local authorities:
    1) when purchased outside the airport, they must comply with the limits on the carrying of liquids on board.
    2) When bought in the duty free shops (inside the airport), they comply with the rules of the local authorities of the final destination.
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: The transportation of beverages containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume is allowed. The total net quantity per person is five litres. All alcoholic beverages must be transported in their original packaging. 
  • Forbidden
  • Forbidden
For safety reasons, permeation devices may not be transported as luggage. They can only be transported as cargo. For more information, see TAP Air Cargo website.
Insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: The transportation of insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen (dry shipper), full absorbed in a porous material containing only non-dangerous goods is allowed.
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: The transport of chemical agent monitoring equipment is allowed when carried by duly authorised persons with a detailed declaration of the article being transported.
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Skydiving equipment may only be transported if the automatic activation system is deactivated. Any batteries must be disconnected and the contacts isolated.
  • Forbidden
For safety reasons fertilisers, insecticides, paint and oxidising substances may not be transported.
  • Forbidden

Lighters or lighter refills are not permitted in hand baggage or checked baggage. The "strike anywhere" matches, "Blue flame", cigar lighters or lighters equipped with lithium batteries are prohibited.

However, each passenger may carry with them a matchbox or a small lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel, other than to liquefied gas, for personal use.

Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) when used to pack perishable goods or goods considered to be dangerous. 
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Dry ice may be transported in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kilogrammes per person provided the luggage (package) permits the release of carbon dioxide. Checked luggage must be marked “dry ice” or “carbon dioxide, solid” and with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5 kilogrammes or less dry ice.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: They must be in their original packaging and for domestic use.
  • Forbidden 
For safety reasons the transport of security-type attaché cases, cash boxes, cash bags, etc. incorporating dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic material is forbidden.
Magnetic materials that do not move a compass more than two degrees.
  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: To confirm the material’s eligibility, place it on the floor and pass a compass over it at a height of two metres from the package to see if there is more than two-degree movement. Magnetic materials that cause movement of more than two degrees cannot be transported.

Medical items

  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required.
  • Conditions:
    • Personal oxygen or gas cylinders for medical use during the flight are only allowed if TAP Air Portugal is unable to provide the necessary service on board. To take these items on board, a medical certificate is required.
    • For oxygen cylinders required for use at the destination, the operating airline's approval is mandatory.

  • In both situations:
    • The cylinder must not exceed 5 kg gross weight and 200 bar maximum pressure.
    • The cylinder must be transported in a manufacturer-approved outer package that protects the outlet valve.
Notes:

- Liquid oxygen systems and personal oxygen canisters are forbidden for transport.
- In flights from/to/via the USA, personal compressed oxygen products are forbidden.
- Operanting Airline restrictions may apply or oxygen transportation. Please get in touch with the TAP Contact Center to find out about the conditions of the flight in question.

  • Forbidden
For safety reasons, the transport of non-infectious specimens, in flammable liquid, as luggage is forbidden. However, these articles may be transported as cargo. For more information, see TAP Air Cargo website.
  • Forbidden
The transport of radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers or other medical devices, including those powered by lithium batteries may not be transported in carry-on luggage or checked luggage. Except when implanted into a passenger.
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: Thermometers or barometers containing mercury may be carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency. The articles must be contained in a protective case with a sealed coating or in a leakproof bag made of a mercury-resistant material that will prevent the mercury within the packaging from spilling, regardless of its position.
  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: One medical or clinical thermometer containing mercury may be transported per passenger for personal use. The article must be transported in its protective case.

Full list of forbidden items

Cabin Baggage

  • Guns, firearms and other devices that discharge projectiles - devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury by discharging a projectile, including:
    • firearms of all types, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns;
    • toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons;
    • component parts of firearms, excluding telescopic sights;
    • compressed air and CO2 guns, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles and ball bearing guns;
    • signal flare pistols and starter pistols;
    • bows, cross bows and arrows;
    • harpoon guns and spear guns;
    • slingshots and catapults.

  • Stunning devices - devices designed specifically to stun or immobilise, including:
    • devices for shocking, such as stun guns, tasers and stun batons;
    • animal stunners and animal killers;
    • disabling and incapacitating chemicals, gases and sprays, such as mace, pepper sprays, capsicum sprays, tear gas, acid sprays and animal repellent sprays.

  • Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge - objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury, including:
    • items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and cleavers;
    • ice axes and ice picks, — razor blades, — box cutters;
    • knives with blades of more than 6 cm;
    • scissors with blades of more than 6 cm as measured from the fulcrum;
    • martial arts equipment with a sharp point or sharp edge;
    • swords and sabres.

  • Workmen's tools - tools capable of being used either to cause serious injury or to threaten the safety of aircraft, including:
    • crowbars;
    • drills and drill bits, including cordless portable power drills;
    • tools with a blade or a shaft of more than 6 cm capable of use as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels;
    • saws, including cordless portable power saws;
    • blowtorches, — bolt guns and nail guns.

  • Blunt instruments - objects capable of being used to cause serious injury when used to hit, including:
    • baseball and softball bats;
    • clubs and batons, such as billy clubs, blackjacks and night sticks;
    • martial arts equipment.

  • Explosives and incendiary substances and devices - explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable, or appearing capable, of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including:
    • ammunition;
    • blasting caps;
    • detonators and fuses;
    • replica or imitation explosive devices;
    • mines, grenades and other explosive military stores;
    • fireworks and other pyrotechnics;
    • smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges;
    • dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives.


Hold Baggage

  • Explosives and incendiary substances and devices - explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable of being used to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of aircraft, including:
    • ammunition;
    • blasting caps;
    • detonators and fuses;
    • mines, grenades and other explosive military stores;
    • fireworks and other pyrotechnics;
    • smoke-generating canisters and smoke-generating cartridges;
    • dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives.

Notes:
- The Airline will assure information to passengers regarding forbidden items before admission and registration (check-in).
- See here the full list of Forbidden Items and Articles in the cabin and in the hold.
Important notes
Watt Hours (Wh) can be calculated by multiplying the voltage (V) by the Ampere-hour (Ah). E.g. 12V x 5Ah = 60WH [V x mAh / 1000].

Powder substances with a weight equal to or greater than 350 grams may not be carried in the aircraft cabin. This prohibition does not apply to articles with a medical prescription, powdered milk formula, human remains or containers with powdered products acquired in the Duty-Free area when carried in duly sealed Secure Tamper-Evident Bag.
 
Flights to the United States of America may be subject to additional screening of carry-on luggage and a detailed footwear inspection and of all electrical and electronic devices transported. Please note that it is completely forbidden to carry lighters into the United States, either in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.

Liquids are accepted in containers of 100 millilitres up to a limit of one litre per passenger. These must be placed in a resealable transparent plastic bag measuring 19 x 20 centimetres

See all restrictions on the transport of liquids, aerosols and gels here.

Please contact us to request approval to transport an article or to answer any questions.

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