Key facts for TAP Air Portugal child travel
TAP Air Portugal primary sources reviewed June 2, 2025. This summary is a starting point. Always confirm the service for your child's specific route and flight number with the airline.
This is your practical guide to managing a child's booking on TAP Air Portugal. We will walk you through the entire process, from making a change to the reservation to the final handoff at the airport.
The core rule is that children aged 5 to 11 must use the mandatory Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service. For young people aged 12 to 17, the service is optional but available. We'll cover the details for both age groups.
Your action center for TAP Air Portugal bookings
This section is your checklist. Each step—from reservations to pickup—is broken down to help you avoid common mistakes and make the process smoother.
Making a reservation for a child
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.
Make sure the child's name on the ticket matches their passport exactly. Save your booking reference (PNR) and any confirmation the airline sends you.
Changing or updating the booking
If you need to change a flight or correct a name, contact the airline or your travel agent. After any change, it is critical to ask the agent to confirm that the UM service is still active on the new ticket.
Updating the service details
If you need to change who is dropping the child off or picking them up, you must call the airline. Only TAP can update these details in their system. Do not rely on a text or email; the change must be in the official booking.
Flight delays and re-routing
If the flight schedule changes, the airline will help you. However, always confirm that the new flight is also eligible for the UM service. A changed connection or a new domestic sector in Brazil may require new forms and fee confirmation.
Canceling and getting a refund
Cancel through the airline or your agent. Ask them to separate the airfare from the service fee, as they are often refunded differently. Always keep the cancellation confirmation for your records.
Understanding the 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.
Check-in and the boarding pass
You must check in at the airport desk. You cannot do it online. The parent or guardian will sign the final forms there. Ask the airline if you can get a pass to go to the gate with your child.
At the airport: the handoff process
At check-in, you'll hand your child over to a TAP staff member. On arrival, the named person must be there early with their ID. The airline will only release the child to the adult whose name is on the form.
Checking baggage and carry-ons
The baggage allowance is based on the child's ticket. The UM fee does not give extra weight. Keep all important documents and a change of clothes in the child's carry-on bag.
Preparing the right 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.
Domestic vs. international flights
International trips have extra steps. You are responsible for meeting all government requirements, including Portuguese, Brazilian, and destination-specific authorization rules.
Pickup and drop-off contacts
The adults doing the drop-off and pickup must be named on the form. Confirm the meeting point at the arrival airport. If you need to change the pickup person, you must get the airline's approval first.
Example: a smooth booking change
Imagine the airline emails you about a 3-hour flight delay. First, check the new flight time. Then, call TAP to ensure the UM service is still valid. Finally, message the person picking the child up to share the new arrival time. This simple routine prevents confusion on the day.
Tips for an accurate record
Keep a written timeline of your booking. Note down who you spoke to, the date, and any changes made. This can be very helpful if you need to refer back to a previous agreement.
Review the booking 48 hours before the flight. Check the flight times, the service status, and the names of the adults. A quick check can catch a small error before it becomes a big problem.
Explain the plan to your child. Tell them who will help them and who will meet them at the other end. A prepared child is usually a more relaxed traveler.
Pre-departure checklist
TAP Air Portugal service at a glance
| Traveler Age | Can They Travel Alone? | Service Provided | Fee Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 TAP Air Portugal website.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to common questions to help you plan.
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 2, 2025. This information is for guidance only. Please verify all details with the official airline source before making travel arrangements.