Covid-19: Aircraft cleaning and disinfection

Important Information

Covid test to travel to Portugal

All TAP passengers (including Portuguese citizens and residents of Portugal) on flights from countries that are not part of the European Union, or that are not countries associated with the Schengen Area or from the United Kingdom or Canada, must present proof of RT-PCR testing for COVID-19, with a negative result, performed within 72 hours prior to the time of departure, or they will be denied boarding.
For example, the United Stated of America and Brazil.
Full information and exceptions here.

Face mask

Use of a face mask is mandatory on board all TAP flights. Therefore, all our passengers, aged over 6, must be equipped with one and guarantee that it is used during the entire duration of the journey.

We recommend the use of a surgical mask, which has been proven to offer greater protection and is even mandatory in some countries.

Check your destination's travel restrictions and entry requirements here.

The use of a face mask will only be exempted for passengers who are proven to have health problems that cannot use it. In these cases, prior to the flight and in order to travel, the passenger must have a medical authorization (MEDIF). Otherwise, boarding will be denied.

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.

Learn more about our commitment, recognised by Skytrax in the "COVID-19 Airline Safety" category and aligned with the health and hygiene standards adopted by Star Alliance, of which TAP is a member.

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

Mandatory use

of social or disposable masks

Deeper

cleaning and disinfection

Availability of

disinfectant gel dispensers

Promotion of

individual protection

Preservation of

social distancing

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 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

Up Magazine

In digital format

Cleaning

Deeper hygiene and disinfection

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.
We recommend the use of a surgical mask, which has been proven to offer greater protection and is even mandatory in some countries. Check your destination's travel restrictions and entry requirements here.
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.

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 - see video.
We recommend the use of a surgical mask, which has been proven to offer greater protection and is even mandatory in some countries. Check your destination's travel restrictions and entry requirements here.
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 - see video.
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.
Handle your own hand luggage and personal items.
Reduce the use of individual air conditioning as much as possible.
On board our planes, avoid queuing for the lavatories.
Pay careful attention to the safety instructions in order to know the specific rules for your flight.
If you feel sick during the flight, inform the crew immediately and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.