Transporting our Clients and our crew safely has always been our priority.
Since the emergence of the Covid-19 outbreak, it has become clear to the entire team that nothing is more critical than the health and safety of our workers and all of our Clients. That is why it is important to update and share all the work done and the measures that we have been implementing, in line with the EASA, IATA, DGS and UCS, to ensure your health and safety when traveling with us.
Today our focus is on uniting everyone's efforts to combat COVID 19 and, at the same time, ensure that air travel remains safe. Together we managed to regain confidence in traveling. This is our commitment.
Today our focus is on uniting everyone's efforts to combat COVID 19 and, at the same time, ensure that air travel remains safe. Together we managed to regain confidence in traveling. This is our commitment.
Even knowing that the environment on board is the most sterile and safe from the point of view of contamination of infectious diseases, given the air quality and the cabin configuration, we have adjusted our routines and implemented new, reinforced procedures. Get to know them here.
- Daily preventive disinfection of all our aircraft since 20 March.
- Fast and effective nebulisation process that acts against encapsulated viruses and most common bacteria in just 30 seconds.
- Strict compliance with the hygiene and routine cleaning protocols of our aircraft before each departure, as well as work spaces.
- Additional cleaning and disinfection procedures specific to the Coronavirus Covid-19, deeper cleaning of frequent contact surfaces using approved biocidal products, in line with the Portuguese Directorate-General for Health (DGS) guidelines, the aeronautical safety specifications and those from our aircraft manufacturers.
- Our aircraft are equipped with a vertical air recycling system that completely renews the cabin air very frequently, every 2 to 3 minutes, twenty times an hour;
- This vertical system, which works by sections of 5 rows of seats, guarantees fresh air in all areas of the aircraft, at the same time and with the same quality;
- We use HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) identical to those used in operating rooms. These filters can extract up to 99.999% of even the smallest viruses, including viruses as small as 0.01 micrometre. The viruses of the coronavirus family are between 0.08 and 0.16 micrometres, therefore they are promptly filtered by the HEPA filters, in sections and every 2 to 3 minutes.
HEPA filters extract viruses as small as
0.01 micrometre
Coronavirus family viruses measure:
0.08 to 0.16 micrometre
- Our crews have used personal protective equipment throughout the flight, since 23 March for your safety and that of everyone, in addition to having disinfection and cleaning equipment and products at their disposal.
- The use of a face mask is essential in the protection against Covid-19. We use it, on the ground and on board; also use it throughout your journey, namely on board. Take care of yourself and take care of everyone!
- TAP crews are permanently trained in the procedures for the identification, approach and treatment of suspect cases of infectious disease on board, including Covid-19, and have the equipment and consumables they need on all flights.
- These procedures strictly follow international best practices, defined by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Portuguese General Directorate of Health (DGS).
- Within the scope of the Covid-19 outbreak, communication and training with the crews was significantly enhanced, as well as the articulation with the TAP Health Care Unit (UCS) and all those involved in the operation, so that your flight is safe.
- We have altered our on-board service to reduce movements and contact within the cabin to what is essential to maintain your comfort and safety.
- Meal and beverage service will be limited, suspended or adapted in accordance to the length of your trip. Our meals and products, come to you in compliance with the most demanding health and hygiene requirements and certifications. They privilege the use of packaged and sealed products to ensure greater confidence.
- On flights where we keep textile accessories, such as pillows and blankets, we ensure, as usual, their cleaning, hygiene and disinfection, between each flight and they are delivered sealed for each new use.
- We will also stop distributing our UP Magazine and other publications on board, which are available on our app (download the app from the App Store or Google Play) and they can be downloaded before your flight.
For more details stay tuned to your pre-travel email, where you will find all the information about the services on your flight.
- Through our Health Care Unit (UCS), a medical service with more than 30 years of experience in health and aeronautics, we have implemented in real time the recommendations of the WHO and the European and North American Centers for Disease Control, as well as the IATA Medical Advisory Group, with whom we have a long-standing relationship.
- We are in daily contact with national and local health organisations, with civil and airport aviation authorities and with our frontline people, crews, maintenance and engineering, catering, cleaning and other ground services.
- We activated our contingency plan for action in the face of infectious diseases in January, and since then we have had the organisation on a permanent state of alert acting in accordance with the procedures in each case and at every moment.
- We are able to act properly before, during and after the flight.
In all airport facilities, measures were put in place to safeguard the health and safety of all workers and Clients.
These measures aim to minimize contacts and interactions, and to ensure rigorous cleaning and permanent disinfection. Count on additional protection measures and new procedures at the following areas: check-in, delivery and collection of baggage, security control processes, pre-boarding, boarding and deplaning.
Temperature control
at departures and / or arrivals
Additional information
Temperature control is carried out before check-in and baggage drop off, using validated and non-invasive methods.
Mandatory use
of social or disposable masks
Additional information
The use of a mask is mandatory for Clients. In the case of airport workers and staff, the use of personal protective equipment is seen, according to the risk assessed in their duties.
Deeper
cleaning and disinfection
Additional information
Reinforced cleaning and disinfection is frequently performed and in depth, on all surfaces and environments - with special emphasis on service desks, self check-in kiosks, handrails, benches and chairs, tables, gates, etc.
Availability of
disinfectant gel dispensers
Additional information
Dispensers located at the entrances and areas with the highest traffic, at all terminals.
Promotion of
individual protection
Additional information
The promotion of individual protection is ensured through measures such as the placement of protective partitions at counters and personal service points.
Preservation of
social distancing
Additional information
The preservation of social distance is practiced through measures such as the creation of separate circuits for the circulation of passengers by departures and arrivals, and the placement of signs on the floor or in each area, whenever possible.
You can purchase social or disposable masks:
- In pharmacies.
- In vending machines.
In these places, disinfectant gel products and gloves are also available for sale (the latter are not recommended or necessary).
- In pharmacies.
- In vending machines.
In these places, disinfectant gel products and gloves are also available for sale (the latter are not recommended or necessary).
In the first phase, our lounges will remain closed. However, we are preparing to open them. Know what will change:
Space
Limitation of the lounge capacity
Meals
Alteration to the food & drinks provided
Additional information
Adjustment of the product offer to items packaged, sealed and served in disposable packaging, maintaining the most demanding health and hygiene requirements and certifications.
Up Magazine
In digital format
Additional information
Download our TAP Media app from the App Store or Google Play.
Cleaning
Deeper hygiene and disinfection
Additional information
The hygiene and disinfection of spaces will be reinforced, according to our contingency plan in the face of infectious diseases.
Non-essential stores and lounges may be closed or limited in operation, to ensure maximum safety, so consult the information available before travelling.
Boarding is being done in small groups of passengers, from the back of the cabin to the front and from window to aisle seats, preserving the distance, minimizing circulation and contact between passengers during their accommodation in the cabin. Deplaning will be done in the opposite direction, using the same logic and objective.
Traveling safely and with confidence is the commitment and goal of all of us.
We are doing our part, however, it is important that you also do yours, maintaining the basic and essential rules of personal protection in times of coronavirus. In addition we leave here very useful information to keep in mind:
- Update your details here. It is important to be able to communicate with you at every moment.
- Check-in online on our website or app. Download your boarding pass and charge your smartphone battery.
- Check that you have enough social masks or disposable masks to use, throughout the journey (from entering the airport of origin, until reaching your final destination), for you and those with whom you are travelling.
- When using a disposable mask or a surgical mask, make sure that it is replaced every 4 hours.
- The use of a face maks is mandatory throughout the journey
Exceptions:
- Children under the age of 6;
- Passengers with proven health problems who cannot wear a mask. In order to travel, the passenger must present a medical authorization (MEDIF) prior to your trip, the form and the corresponding procedures are available here. Otherwise, boarding will be refused.
- The use of a face mask is an essential personal protection measure.
- If you feel sick, don't travel. If you have a cough, headache or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice, avoid contact with other people and do not travel.
- Arrive at the airport on time: 1h before medium-haul flights and 2h on long-haul flights;
- Wear a face mask during all stages of your journey, as additional protection. Put it on when you arrive at the airport, or even earlier, if traveling by public transport or taxi.
- The use of a face maks is mandatory throughout the journey
Exceptions:
- Children under the age of 6;
- Passengers with proven health problems who cannot wear a mask. In order to travel, the passenger must present a medical authorization (MEDIF) prior to your trip, the form and the corresponding procedures are available here. Otherwise, boarding will be refused.
- Without a face mask you will not be able to travel.
- If someone is dropping you off, say goodbye to your family and friends outside of the airport. Only passengers with boarding passes and their companions, in strictly necessary cases, can enter the airport;
- Leave your hold luggage in the self baggage drop off and limit your carry-on baggage to the maximum, to ease the boarding and accommodation process, which must be done by you;
- Strictly follow the airport signs and respect all instructions from the staff;
- Whenever possible, boarding will be contactless and made with the digital boarding pass;
- Get to the boarding gate in advance and listen to directions that can be given.
We want you to book and travel with confidence and flexibility. You can see our new policies implemented and adjusted under the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak here.
We are constantly updating all the information available on Flytap and on social networks so that you always have access to the latest information, and we have reinforced our Contact Centers so that we can always support you.
We want you to know that the entire TAP team is strongly committed to containing the outbreak and ensuring that you travel safely, confidently and flexibly.
We are constantly updating all the information available on Flytap and on social networks so that you always have access to the latest information, and we have reinforced our Contact Centers so that we can always support you.
We want you to know that the entire TAP team is strongly committed to containing the outbreak and ensuring that you travel safely, confidently and flexibly.
Recommendations and small actions acknowledged as the most effective on a daily basis:
- When arriving at the airport, follow the signs and instructions rigorously;
- Wear a face mask for the duration of your trip;
- If you need to dispose of masks and tissues, do so only in the places indicated;
- Respect respiratory etiquette, cover your face with your elbow when sneezing or coughing, or use a disposable tissue.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a disinfectant wipe or solution;
- During the flight, stay in your seat whenever possible;
- If you are sick, are coughing, suffering from headaches or have difficulty breathing, seek medical advice, avoid contact with other people and do not travel.