From the excitement at Geneva Airport to a smooth Embraer 195 flight, here is how my one-year-old Shih Tzu, Daisy, traveled in the cabin with TAP Air Portugal on two legs: first from Geneva to Lisbon and then from Lisbon to Dublin.
Meet Daisy, the 5kg expert pet traveller!
Daisy is a lively one-year-old Shih Tzu who weighs about 5.5 kg (12 lbs). She has been flying since she was 3 months old, so she knows how to handle airports. While she does not like being confined in her carrier for long, she loves roaming busy terminals and meeting people.
Why this review matters
Traveling with pets often involves hidden fees and strict rules. My goal is to lay out TAP’s in‑cabin process step by step so you know what to expect and can avoid any last‑minute surprises.
Bottom line
Your pet has a great chance of an excellent cabin experience with TAP Air Portugal, especially if you depart from Lisbon. Check‑in locations run by partner airlines may vary in familiarity with pet procedures. Overall rating: ★★★★½.
Airline & Route Overview
Pet Policy at a Glance
TAP’s in‑cabin rules align with most European carriers. You can bring a small dog or cat in a soft carrier that meets the size and weight limits.
Our two flights
- Geneva (GVA) to Lisbon (LIS) on an Airbus narrow‑body aircraft.
- Lisbon (LIS) to Dublin (DUB) on an Embraer 195 regional jet.
Who is this for
Travelers with small pets (combined weight of pet and carrier up to 8 kg) on short to medium European routes, who are looking to travel with their fur baby and who may appreciate business‑class benefits like fast‑track security and empty adjacent seats.
Booking and Fees
How To Add Your Pet
You must request to add your pet to your booking within 48 hours of your flight. You can do this online in the Manage My Booking section, by calling TAP’s contact center, or through your travel agent. I booked this travel via a travel agent so they booked my flight and Daisy at the same time making it super easy. But it’s not difficult to book your own, this was the only time I’ve used a travel agent for travel with Daisy.
What Does It Cost?
Fees range from €40 to €80 per one‑way segment, depending on the route and season. For Daisy’s trip, Geneva to Lisbon and Lisbon to Dublin, the total was €160.
Booking tip: Add your pet at the same time you purchase your ticket. Fewer cabin pet spots are available on each flight, so delaying could mean a more expensive backup option.
Required Documents and Communication
Documentation Checklist:
- A valid pet passport with microchip ID.
- Rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel (your pet must be at least 12 weeks old). Booster shots do not require a waiting period.
- A worming pill is administered by a vet and signed on your pet passport within five days of arrival if you are flying to an island destination such as Ireland or Malta.
Pro tip: Schedule vet visits early, especially around holidays when appointments fill quickly IF you are travelling to multiple destinations. It was hard to secure an appointment in Switzerland before the flight to Ireland.
Airport Experience Flying with a Dog In Cabin
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Swiss Airlines staff manage TAP’s counters here. They weighed the carrier plus Daisy to verify it did not exceed 8 kg, and for the first time, asked me to close the carrier while she was on the belt, which we have never been asked to do before. It was no problem, only that Daisy gets so excited at the check-in desk that she just wants to say hello to the check-in agent (even though the check-in agent was anything but friendly…Daisy still tried). The early‑morning check‑in was efficient, and Daisy was off to explore the terminal and say hello to all the people. It’s her favourite thing to do…if you ever see Daisy at the airport, you need to come and say hello, it will make her day!
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
Business‑class travelers use a separate check‑in lane, which was a lifesaver during the holiday rush. After passport control, we passed through security and found a spacious pet relief area for a quick break. If you are flying on to Dublin, allow extra time for a second passport security check. We would not have made our flight if it weren’t for the fast-track security.
In‑Cabin Experience Flying with TAP Air Portugal
Flight from Geneva to Lisbon
In business class, the seat area is roomier than in economy, you don’t have anyone sitting beside you so it gives back the space you lose to the pet carrier. The cabin temperature was comfortable, and staff interaction was minimal, just what you want to keep your dog calm. Daisy is such a people dog and will bounce around her bag to say hi. It was early morning and Daisy settled in without issue for her flight. On this flight, Daisy did wake up for breakfast and had some cold meat,s which she loved.
Flight from Lisbon to Dublin
On the Embraer 195, I was in row 2 of business class. The footwell space was the best I’ve ever experienced. It was a 2×2 configuration and had no one sitting beside me. Plus, the under-seat space was perfect, every seat is so different with bars and can be narrow, but this aircraft had the most space we have ever come across. The flight attendant noticed her and checked on her well‑being with a friendly smile. Again, Daisy took advantage of the cold meats on offer and even had some yogurt while I had some croissants & tea.
Crew and Service
TAP’s crew was polite and considerate, striking just the right balance of attention. On the Dublin flight, the care and attention experienced was amazing. After landing, I sent TAP customer service an email to thank the Dublin team for their excellent care of Daisy.
General Requirements
Carrier requirements
- Soft‑sided with some flexibility.
- Maximum dimensions: 45 × 30 × 23 cm (18 × 12 × 9 in).
- Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
General rules
- Pets must be at least 10 weeks old, healthy, and odor‑free.
- Only one carrier per passenger, holding up to two pets of the same species.
- Pets must remain fully inside the carrier at all times.
Check-in checks
Staff will confirm the combined weight limit (8 kg), ensure the carrier closes securely, and review all paperwork.
Cost Vs Value
TAP’s pet fees are in line with other European airlines when you factor in transparent rules and consistent service. For €40 to €80 per one‑way flight, you get straightforward booking, with optional business‑class perks like fast track and extra legroom, and professional staff, especially on smaller regional jets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy online and phone booking
- Clear pricing per segment
- Business‑class check‑in lanes at busy airports
- Large pet relief area in Lisbon
- Attentive service on Dublin Flight
Cons
- Check‑in at partner counters can be hit or miss
- Fees vary by season and booking time
Top Tips for Pet Travel
For a thorough prep and packing checklist, see our ultimate pet travel guide. In brief:
- Add your pet ASAP, do not wait until the ‘within 48 hour rule’ to avoid your request being denied as airlines have a maximum number of dogs per flight.
- Test‑weigh your carrier plus pet at a vet or pet store scale.
- Remove any extra liner from the carrier to save weight and keep your pet cooler.
- Schedule a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before your first flight; get the worming certificate five days before arriving in Ireland or Malta.
- Consider business class for fast track, more under‑seat space, and a calmer travel experience.
- Review TAP Air Portugal Official in-cabin policy.
Verdict and Rating
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
TAP Air Portugal’s pet policy is clear and pet-friendly. Pairing it with business class makes for a comfortable journey for both you and your dog. Always check for any partner check‑in quirks or secondary security requirements before you travel. It would have been a 5-star review if it weren’t for the check-in experience at Geneva.
Have you flown with your dog before?
Have you flown with your pet on TAP or another European airline? Share your story and tips in the comments below. Don’t forget to check our ultimate pet travel guide for detailed checklists and subscribe for updates on Daisy’s next trip!
0 Comments