SPECIAL NEEDS

Medical assistance

TAP offers appropriate solutions in cases where passengers require medical assistance.

Tell us your diagnosis and we will help you on your flight

The wellbeing of our passengers is important to us, even in situations where special comfort is required.

See what precautions to take and the conditions we have arranged for you.

MEDA — Medical cases, how to let us know if you have a medical condition?

 
Is considered a medical case when a passenger has a clinical situation in which depends on third-party or custom service. 

The following are required in these cases:

  1. Signed and stamped MEDIF form, complete with a description of diagnosis by the passenger’s doctor. The form can be obtained here (PDF, 0.1 MB, EN). The form can be downloaded here (PDF, 0.1 MB, EN);
  2. Request special assistance by sending the completed form by fax to (+351) 21 841 5880 or email to: medical.cases@tap.pt (this email address is only for MEDIF related matters. All messages on other subjects will be deleted).
The TAP medical team uses this information to review your case and arrange the most appropriate assistance for you.
 
This service must be booked at least 48 hours before departure. Otherwise, we may not be able to provide the service.

Fractures

The cabin air pressure in commercial aircraft is lower than the air pressure at the earth's surface. This factor does not affect most passengers, but passengers with certain health problems should take this into account.

This is the case of passengers who have had an orthopedic injury (e.g., fractures) requiring immobilization by plaster cast. In these cases, medical approval must be obtained to be able to travel. To request approval, the passenger’s attending physician must fill out this form, which should then be sent to TAP, by fax or email (see contact info above):

In addition, if the plaster cast was applied less than 48 hours before the flight, the cast should be split to prevent circulatory problems and discomfort.

A wheelchair may be required to get to the aircraft, and you may need extra space for your legs during the flight.


For more information, refer to the general information on preventing health problems, available here.

A319, A320 and A321 Aircraft

Passengers with immobilized leg below the knee.

Flights up to 3 hours long - Buy one extra seat: the immobilised leg is placed under the extra seat beside the passenger.
Flights of over 3 hours long - Buy two extra seats: the passenger takes the seat next to the window and places his/her leg over the other seats. If the left-hand limb is injured, the passenger is placed on the right-hand side of the aircraft. If the right-hand limb is injured, the passenger is placed on the left-hand side of the aircraft.

Passengers with leg fully immobilised, including knee

Flight of any duration - Buy two extra seats: the passenger leans against the window and places the immobilised leg on the other two seats. If the right-hand limb is injured, the passenger is placed on the left-hand side of the aircraft, and vice-versa.

A330 Aircraft

Passengers with immobilized leg below the knee.

Flights up to 3 hours long - Buy one extra seat in a side row of two seats: the immobilised leg is placed under the extra seat beside the passenger.
Flight over 3 hours long - Buy a seat in Executive Class, therefore an extra seat is not necessary.

Passengers with leg fully immobilised, including knee

Flights of any duration - Buy a seat in Executive Class, therefore an extra seat is not necessary.

For more information, refer to the general information on preventing health problems, available here.


Stretchers

The following rules apply to transporting a passenger on a stretcher in a medical case situation:

  • The passenger must be accompanied by a paramedic or doctor, if the carrier so requires.
  • Wait list reservations are not accepted.
  • When in transit, payment for an ambulance to transfer the passenger from one plane to another is at the passenger’s expense.

The reservation must include the following information:

  • Details of the ambulances at departure and arrival (entities/hospitals of origin and destination).
  • Contact information of the passenger or companion at the place of embark.
Any additional equipment requested by TAP must be provided by the passenger.


Oxygen

The passenger must travel accompanied by someone who is able to provide adequate care, preferably a doctor or nurse.
 
However, the passenger can travel alone if he/she can provide their own care. The passenger must have prior approval from the TAP medical services department.

Passengers are not allowed to use their own oxygen, and the crew cannot administer oxygen.

 
TAP has two types of tanks:
  • large: 3 liters/min - 7 liters/min;
  • small 2lts/min - 4 liters/min.
All tanks come with a one-size fits most mask. 
There are no masks for children under two years of age.

A fee is charged for this service.

Contact us for more information.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine (CPAP)

Passengers who need to travel with a POC or CPAP machine (for treatment of sleep apnea) can carry them on board TAP flights.

However, they must contact the TAP Contact Center to find out about the specific conditions for their flight.