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 dangerous goods can only be transported on an aircraft under specific circumstances. See the IATA website’s “Passenger Corner” for a complete list of forbidden goods. Please note that some requirements may vary depending on the country and airline. Contact us in case of doubt.

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

Electro shock weapons

  • 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.

Goods containing explosives

  • 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.

Disabling devices

  • Forbidden
Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, etc. containing an irritant or incapacitating substance are forbidden in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.

Ammunition

  • 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 five-kilogram gross weight per person. Allowances for more than one passenger cannot be combined into one or more packages.

Batteries and equipment containing batteries or fuel

Luggage with batteries

  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: not allowed;
  • Requirements: The transport of smart bags is allowed if the batteries are removable and they are within the weight and size limits. Smart bags are allowed as checked luggage if the batteries are removed and transported in the cabin (meeting the spare battery requirements).

E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes, including e-cigars, e-pipes, and other similar vaporizers.
  • 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. Smoking is not allowed on the aircraft.

Spare or loose batteries

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.

Spare or loose lithium batteries between 100 and 160Wh or with 2 to 8 grams of lithium

Lithium batteries (exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh per passenger), Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED) (with a lithium metal content exceeding two grammes but not exceeding eight grammes).
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • 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 160Wh or 8 grams of lithium must be transported as cargo.

Spare non-spillable or loose batteries

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.

Electronic devices containing lithium batteries with less than 100Wh or 2 grams of lithium

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. 

Electronic devices containing lithium batteries between 100 and 160Wh or with 2 to 8 grams of lithium

Lithium-ion batteries for portable electronic or medical devices (exceeding 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh), Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED) (with a lithium metal content exceeding two grams but not exceeding eight grams).
  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: Passengers may transport electronic devices containing lithium batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh or between two and eight grams of lithium. Devices carried in hold luggage must be disconnected and protected from accidental damage/activation. Batteries exceeding 160Wh or 8 grams of lithium must be transported as cargo.

Portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries

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.

Battery-powered leisure items (eg hoverboards, e-bikes, …)

  • 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. (This section does not apply to mobility aids meant for use by a person with reduced mobility.)

Drones

  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: The drone can be transported on the checked baggage, as long as the lithium batteries are kept in the drone itself, or, should the batteries be removed from the device, they shall be carried in the hand baggage.

Camping stoves and fuel containers

  • 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.
 

Internal combustion or fuel cell engines

  • 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

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

Mobility devices with spillable 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 properly protected.

Mobility devices with non-spillable batteries

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.

Mobility devices with lithium batteries

  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required;
  • Requirements: The lithium-ion battery should be removed and carried in the cabin whenever possible. If this is not possible, the wheelchair or mobility assistance device may be loaded, properly secured, into the aircraft's hold, with the battery installed, but turned off, and the terminals protected against short circuits.

    The batteries for these wheelchairs must not exceed 300Wh or, in the case of a device that is equipped with two batteries essential for its operation, each battery must not exceed 160Wh. No more than one spare battery not exceeding 300Wh or two spare batteries each not exceeding 160Wh may be transported in the cabin.

Compressed gas cartridges, cylinders, and aerosols

Non-flammable, non-toxic aerosols

  • In carry-on luggage: not 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 kilograms or two liters, and the net quantity of every single article must not exceed 0.5 kilograms or 0.5 liters. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents. Non-flammable aerosols, with no subsidiary hazard, for sporting or home use.

Gas cartridges, small, non-flammable

  • 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.

Gas cartridges in various sporting items

  • Forbidden

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

Avalanche rescue backpack

  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required.
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

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 for prosthesis

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

Medicinal or toiletry articles (non-radioactive)

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 kilograms or two liters, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kilograms or 0.5 liters. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Heat-producing articles

  • 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.
 

Alcoholic beverages - from 24% to 70% alcohol

  • 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 liters. All alcoholic beverages must be transported in their original packaging.

Alcoholic beverages - more than 70% alcohol by volume

  • Forbidden

Permeation devices

  • Forbidden
For safety reasons, permeation devices may not be transported as luggage. They may only be transported as cargo. For more information, see TAP Air Cargo website.

Insulated packaging containing liquid nitrogen/incorporated refrigerated nitrogen

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), fully absorbed in a porous material containing only non-dangerous goods is allowed.

Chemical agent monitoring equipment

  • 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 authorized persons with a detailed declaration of the article being transported.

Skydiving equipment

  • 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.

Fertilizers, insecticides, paint, oxidizing substances

  • Forbidden
For safety reasons fertilizers, insecticides, paint, and oxidizing substances may not be transported.

Matches and small lighters

  • 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

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 kilogram 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 kilogram or less dry ice.

Light bulbs

  • In carry-on luggage: allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: They must be in their original packaging and be for domestic use.

Security bags

  • 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

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 meters 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

Oxygen or air, gaseous cylinders

  • In carry-on luggage: approval required;
  • In checked luggage: approval required.

Oxygen or gaseous air cylinders for medical use during the flight are only allowed if TAP Air Portugal is not able to provide the service on board. To carry these items on board, a medical statement is required.

If oxygen cylinders are required for use at your destination, airline approval is required.

In both situations:

  • The cylinder must not exceed the gross weight of 5 kg and the maximum pressure of 200 bar.
  • It must be carried with external packaging, approved by the manufacturer, which protects the outlet valve — personal (canned) oxygen containers and liquid oxygen systems are prohibited.

Non-infectious specimens in flammable liquid

  • 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.

Radio-isotopic cardiac pacemakers

  • Forbidden
The transport of radio-isotopic 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.
 

Thermometers or barometers containing mercury

  • 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.

Medical or clinical thermometer

  • In carry-on luggage: not allowed;
  • In checked luggage: allowed;
  • Requirements: One medical or clinical thermometers containing mercury may be transported per passenger for personal use. The article must be transported in its protective case.