Key facts for TAP Air Portugal child travel
TAP Air Portugal primary sources reviewed June 3, 2025. This is a general guide. You must confirm the rules for your specific route and flight number with the airline.
A straightforward look at TAP Air Portugal's rules for children traveling alone. TAP Air Portugal has a specific Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. It is mandatory for younger children and optional for older teens. Knowing the age rules is the first step to planning a safe trip.
The key rules are based on the child's age on the day of travel. Children aged 5 to 11 must use the airline's UM service. Young people aged 12 to 17 are allowed to travel alone, but they can also choose to book the service for extra peace of mind.
Can a child fly alone on TAP Air Portugal?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on their age. TAP Air Portugal permits children aged 5 and over to travel alone with the appropriate service. However, the rules for a 6-year-old are different from those for a 15-year-old.
It is also essential to check who is operating the flight. The service is only available on TAP-operated flights. If you are on a codeshare with another airline, you must check their rules.
Age rules for independent travel
The age rule is based on the travel date. Children 5 to 11 years old must use the mandatory UM service. This means they will be accompanied by staff from check-in to the arrival handoff.
Young people aged 12 to 17 have more flexibility. They can travel as "young adults" and may choose to buy the UM service if they feel they need it.
The Unaccompanied Minor service
It is a supervised handoff service. For children aged 5-11, a TAP staff member will escort them through the airport, help them board, and hand them over to the designated adult at the destination.
For those aged 12-17 who buy the service, it provides the same level of support. It is not a babysitting service; the child must still be able to follow basic instructions and manage their own personal needs.
How to book for a young traveler
You must arrange the service before departure. You will need to contact TAP Air Portugal to book the UM service and then print three completed authorization forms for each flight.
Before you book
Have the child's full name, date of birth, and passport details ready. You will also need the name and contact information for the adult meeting them at the destination.
Required documents
You will need three authorization forms. You must print and carry these with you. In addition to the child's passport and visa, you may need a parental consent letter. For travel to Brazil, judicial or parental authorization may also be required.
Make sure the name on all documents matches the ticket. Keep all documents together in a safe, easy-to-reach place.
Fees and costs
The fee varies by route. TAP Air Portugal charges between €65 and €160 per leg for the UM service. The exact amount depends on whether the flight is direct or has connections. Always ask for the final price.
This fee is per minor and per trip leg. Be sure to get a full total when you book.
Baggage and packing
Baggage allowance is based on the ticket. The UM fee does not give any extra weight. Pack all essential items in a carry-on bag that the child can manage themselves.
Strollers and car seats
These can be checked in. They are subject to TAP's standard rules for family equipment and are handled separately from the child's travel service.
The airport process
For departure: A parent or guardian must check the child in at the airport. You must stay at the airport until the flight has taken off.
At arrival
The person named on the form as the collector must be there early. They must have a valid photo ID that matches the name on the form. The airline will not release the child to a different person.
Connections and international travel
For connecting flights: Connections must be confirmed with the airline. A separate Brazilian domestic leg may need its own service arrangement.
For international travel: The airline's form is for the flight. You are responsible for all government requirements, including Portuguese, Brazilian, and destination-specific authorization rules.
Special assistance
Discuss any extra needs in advance. For very young children, a paid escort hostess may be required instead of the standard UM service. If your child needs help with personal care or medical needs, it's best to discuss this with the airline.
Example: planning a trip
A parent is planning for their 9-year-old to fly alone to visit grandparents. They confirm the child's age, check the flight is operated by TAP, and call TAP to book the mandatory UM service. They print the three required authorization forms. They fill out the forms with their details and the grandparents' details as the pickup contacts.
On the day of the flight, they arrive early, check the child in, and stay until the flight takes off. The grandparents arrive early at the destination airport with their ID and meet the child as arranged.
Final travel checklist
Eligibility and service at a glance
| Age/Category | Can They Travel Alone? | What to Expect | Fee Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | No | Must travel with adult or paid escort | N/A |
| 5 to 11 | Yes, with mandatory service | UM service is required | From €65 to €160 per leg |
| 12 to 17 | Yes | Can travel alone; UM optional | From €65 to €160 per leg (if used) |
| Codeshare | Check operating carrier | Rules may differ | Check with operating airline |
Official source for this guide
For the most accurate information, always start with the official TAP Air Portugal website.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about TAP Air Portugal's child travel policy.
At what age can a child fly alone on TAP Air Portugal?+
Children aged 5 to 11 must use the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. Young people aged 12 to 17 can also use it, but it is optional for them.
What is the fee for the UM service?+
The fee varies by route and can range from €65 to €160 per leg. It is best to check the exact price for your specific itinerary with the airline.
Which flights can use the UM service?+
The service is for TAP-operated flights. Connections must be confirmed, and a separate Brazilian domestic leg may need its own service arrangement.
How do I book the UM service?+
You must arrange the service before departure through TAP. You will need to print three completed authorization forms for each flight.
What documents does a child need?+
A valid passport, any required visas, the three TAP authorization forms, and a parental consent letter. Travel to Brazil may require judicial or parental authorization.
What is the baggage allowance?+
The baggage allowance is based on the child's ticket. The UM fee does not give any extra baggage weight.
Can a child take a stroller or car seat?+
Yes, these items can be checked in. They are subject to TAP's standard rules for family equipment.
What happens at check-in?+
The parent or guardian must check the child in at the airport. You must stay until the flight has departed. The person picking the child up must show a valid ID.
Can a child with a disability use this service?+
For very young children, a paid escort hostess may be required instead of the standard UM service. It's best to discuss your child's specific needs with the airline.
Can an infant use this service?+
No. Children under 5 cannot use the standard UM service. An escort arrangement is required when permitted.
What if the flight is delayed or canceled?+
If a delay affects a connection, you may need new forms and fee confirmation. It is crucial that both the drop-off and pickup adults are contactable.
Do international rules affect the service?+
Yes. You are responsible for all government requirements, including Portuguese, Brazilian, and destination-specific authorization rules.
Can siblings travel together?+
Yes, but the rules are based on the youngest child's age. Ask the airline how to link their records.
Who can pick up the child at the destination?+
Only the adult named in the booking can collect the child. They must bring a valid photo ID.
Can the pickup person be changed?+
Yes, but only if the airline approves the change before the flight. This must be officially updated.
Will the flight crew give my child medicine?+
No. The child must be able to manage their own medication. If they cannot, you may need to book a paid escort or travel with them.
Can a parent go to the gate?+
This depends on the airport's security rules. Ask the airline at check-in.
Is a consent letter always required?+
For many international destinations, a notarized parental consent letter is a separate government requirement.
What is the most important thing to check first?+
First, check the child's age to see if the service is mandatory or optional, and confirm the flight is operated by TAP.
What proof of booking should the family save?+
Keep the booking confirmation and any receipts for the service fee.
What route detail can change the rules?+
The operating airline. This service is only for TAP-operated flights. A separate Brazilian domestic leg may have different rules.
How close to the flight should I recheck the details?+
Check the booking 48 hours before the flight and again after any schedule changes to ensure the service is still valid.
Continue your planning
Editorial and verification note
The airline is the final authority on all bookings. This guide is designed to help you prepare and ask the right questions, but it is not a substitute for directly confirming your travel details with TAP Air Portugal.
Editorial note: Updated June 3, 2025. This information is for guidance only. Please verify all details with the official airline source before making travel arrangements.