The ideal solution for you
Ramp
For passengers with reduced mobility but who can go up and down stairs as well as move about inside the plane cabin.
If the main obstacle for the passenger is the distance to and from the aircraft, we can provide a wheelchair at check-in. You must request one at least 48 hours before your flight.
Stairs
This is a free service that TAP provides for passengers with reduced mobility to get up and down stairs.
To the seat
For passengers with reduced mobility, we suggest travelling with a companion for comfort and safety reasons. However, if you are able to ensure your mobility and plan to travel alone, you can do so.
TAP does not provide any assistance on board after the declaration of autonomy has been made by such passengers, neither do we provide assistance in the lavatories, or for lifting up, carrying or feeding passengers.
There is no need to obtain a doctor’s authorisation to travel. Such an authorisation is only necessary if the passenger has health problems that prove to require medical treatment.
No waiting list is permitted for this service.
How to book?
If the passenger has severe motor difficulties, they should travel with a companion because on-board assistance is limited. However, if the passenger is independent and intends to travel alone, then they can do so.
Check-in
If you check-in online your boarding card must be collected from a check-in desk at the airport, so that we can ensure the assistance we provide is well managed.
How is the assistance provided?
At the airport
In Lisbon you will find us in Terminal 1 Departures, at the dedicated special assistance desks.
If you are a TAP/Star Alliance Gold member or are travelling in Executive Class, use the check-in services in the Premium area.
Flights | Recommended airport arrival time | Latest possible airport arrival time |
Intercontinental | 3 hours prior to departure |
90 minutes prior to departure |
Europe | 2 hours prior to departure |
90 minutes prior to departure |
On board
If necessary, TAP can provide wheelchairs on board long-haul flights that are specially designed to move about in the narrow aisles, and which will enable you to move around the cabin.
On arrival
Number of passengers per aircraft type
Aviões Airbus Aircraft – TAP Fleet | ||
Airbus | Seats | Division by class |
A319 | 6 | 4 in Economy Class and 2 in Executive Class | 2 stretchers |
A320 | 8 | 6 in Economy Class and 2 in Executive Class | 2 stretchers |
A321 | 8 | 6 in Economy Class and 2 in Executive Class | 2 stretchers |
A330 | 6 | 4 in Economy Class and 2 in Executive Class | 2 stretchers |
A340 | 10 | 8 in Economy Class and 2 in Executive Class | 2 stretchers |
Passengers with reduced mobility
Please note that a copy of the document concerning air travel non-discrimination due to disability is available at Porto, Lisbon and Newark airports.
If you are interested, you can obtain a copy of these documents or more information from the contacts bob.ashby@dot.gov and blane.workie@dot.gov.
Flying with your own wheelchair
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48 Hours Before departure you must notify us of the need to transport a wheelchair.
Legislation
- Flights to and from the USA
TAP complies with US regulations preventing discrimination on the basis of disability on all 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.
You may also request a copy of these regulations directly from the US Department of Transportation prior to flying:
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 to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division: 202-366- 2220 (speaking) or 202-366-0511 (TTY);
On the website of the Aviation Consumer and Protection Division (PDF, 0.1MB, EN); (DOT, 14 Part 382 ACAA, "Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel; Final Rule");
In writing to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division: 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.
Otherwise, we cannot guarantee the provision of the service.
Request for Assistance to People with special needs