Image of the lower part of a body, wearing black pants and shoes, and with a cane for the visually impaired, on a gray sidewalk with a tactile floor bar for the visually impaired.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Blind Passengers

TAP provides assistance to blind passengers in order to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Preparing to travel

Our services provide all the necessary support so you have a smooth journey without hiccups. Go to the check- in desk when you arrive at the airport.

At Lisbon Airport, there are dedicated special assistance desks in the Terminal 1 Departures area.

If you wish to travel with a service animal, please check the conditions here.

How to book?

If you are travelling alone and need assistance, just fill in the “Request for Assistance to be Provided to People with special needs” form.

This service must be booked at least 48 hours before departure. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee the provision of the service.

Check-in

Use our check-in and mobile services, which in most cases open 36 hours prior to departure.

Find out more about online check-in here.

How is the assistance provided?

At the airport

On board

On arrival

When you arrive at the airport go to the check-in counter to begin the trip formalities. The assistance process begins there. From there, your entire journey is accompanied by a professional.

If you are a TAP/Star Alliance Gold member or are travelling in Business Class, use our check-in services in the Premium area.

We recommend that you arrive early enough:

Check-in times for intercontinental flights

3 hours / 90 minutes

Check-in times for European flights

2 hours / 90 minutes

When you board the aircraft, our in-flight crew provide you with assistance and information about:

Your seat location in the aircraft (proximity to doors and emergency exits, toilets, etc.).
Where to find the call buttons and the entertainment system.
The location of the oxygen mask and how to use it.
The description of what is on your tray at meal time.
Help to get to the toilet. However, no assistance whatsoever is provided inside the toilet.

The safety instructions are available in Braille. In our newer aircraft you will also find other useful information, such as the number of seats and instructions on how to use the toilet.

Our staff meet you at the aircraft on arrival at your transfer airport or final destination and will accompany you through the entire process: passport control, luggage reclaim and customs.

Legislation for Passengers with Disabilities

See the rules concerning the air transport of blind people.

See Regulation 1107/2006 (PDF, 0.1MB, EN) – Rights of Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility when Travelling by Air.

TAP complies with US regulations preventing discrimination on the basis of disability on all of its flights to and from the United States.

A copy of this document is available for consultation at the desks in Lisbon, Porto, Newark and Miami airports.

A copy of these regulations may also be directly requested from the US Department of Transportation:

By telephone — From within the United States via a free helpline for disabled passengers: 1-800-778-4838 (speaking) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY).
By telephone — Aviation Consumer Protection Division: 202-366-2220 (speaking) or 202-366-0511 (TTY).
Website — Aviation Consumer Protection Division (PDF, 0.1MB, EN) – DOT, 14 CFR Part 382 ACAA, "Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel; Final Rule."
Letter — Aviation Consumer Protection Division C-75, U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., West Building, Room W96-432 Washington, DC 20590, EUA.

See here our conditions for travelling with a guide dog.

Find out more