Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowance depends on the fare you purchased. If you exceed the weight limit or the maximum number of volumes your fare allows, you can purchase an extra baggage allowance or pay excess baggage at check-in.
To guarantee space for your extra luggage, book in advance.

 

 Other information

• Volumes above 32 kg can only proceed as cargo.
   
• The maximum weight limit per volume for checked baggage at check-in is 45 kg in the cases listed below. However, an excess baggage fee will always apply if the passenger's baggage allowance is exceeded, in addition to a heavy item fee:
   
  • Live Animals in the Hold (AVIH);
     
  • Musical Instruments;
     
  • Sports Equipment.
     
  In case this 45 kg limit is exceeded, transportation will only be possible as cargo.
   
• For student passengers between 12 and 26 years of age, traveling between their residence and the educational establishment, an additional baggage allowance up to 10 kg (Domestic Routes), or one volume up to 10 kg/22 lb (USA, Canada, Europe, and Africa Routes), on flights operated by Airlines Azores/SATA Air Açores, will be granted. Applicable when traveling with a student fare, holding a student card or a certificate of enrollment in the educational establishment at check-in.
   
• When traveling with babies or children it will be allowed to transport, free of charge, a baby stroller/basket and a baby chair as checked baggage. Those will not be included in the free baggage allowance.
   
• Incapacitated passengers or passengers with reduced mobility can transport a wheelchair free of charge.
   
• If you are going to carry sports equipment, check our special transport conditions here.
   
• If you are going to carry a pet in the cabin or the hold, check our special transport conditions here.
   
• All baggage must be labeled with the passenger’s name and contact information.
   
• Charter flights can accept baggage under different rules.

 

 

• Domestics routes
• Europe and Africa routes
• USA, Canada and Bermuda routes

 

 Other information

• The values indicated above are for one-way flights and charged in local currency, according to the daily exchange rate.
   
• If you are going to carry a pet in the cabin or the hold, check our special transport conditions here.
   
• For passengers with flights between the USA/CAN, even with more than 24 hours stopover in any airport, an International sector baggage allowance is granted.
   
• If your trip includes flights operated by other airlines, other rules may apply.
   
• For flights with high occupancy, the number of excess baggage accepted at the airport may be limited to one (1) bag per passenger. Please book your excess baggage in advance.

 

1. Avoid including the following articles inside checked luggage:

• Weapons;
• Works of art, antiques, collectors’ items;
• Important, unique or business documents;
• Passports, personal ID, tickets or credit cards;
• Cameras or photographic material;
• Computers and components (hardware or software);
• Electronic equipment;
• Glasses and lens;
• Watches;
• Glass and crystal;
• Drinks;
• Fragile articles;
• Perishable goods (food, frozen goods, etc.);
• Money, jewellery or valuables;
• Musical instruments;
• Medical equipment;
• Audio/video equipment;
• Trade samples or catalogues;
• Animals;
• Medication;
• Keys.

Note:
Taking in consideration that airlines will not be liable for damage or loss, it’s advisable that such items are carried by the Cargo Service, in carry-on luggage (providing all limitations of weight, size and security are met), or, alternatively, by the acquisition of an extra seat in the cabin.

 

2. Packages not recommended as hold luggage:

• Briefcases;
• Cardboard boxes;
• Beauty Cases;
• Coolers
• Others with nails or protruding parts that may cause damage to your baggage or other passenger’s baggage.

 

3. Packages forbidden as hold luggage:

• Styrofoam boxes or other packages which can not prevent accidental leakage or other products that can cause damage in the other passenger’s baggage or in Company equipment;
• Packing cases or other volumes containing films or ink;
• Glass bottles and/or demijohn (large bottles) that are not properly packed.

 

4. Tips for your comfort:

• Place a change of clothes and your personal toiletries inside your carry-on luggage.
• Your baggage capacity is limited. Don’t over pack. This puts pressure on locks and latches.
• Use locks or even plastic protections (available in some airports), except on flights from United States (including all domestic flights), where the security authority may need to open and check your baggage contents. The security authority and the airline will not be liable for any damage caused by their need to force the locks. Be prepared to unlock your baggage upon arrival at the United States.
• Place identification tags inside and outside your baggage, with your name, address and a contactable phone number. In case of mishandling this can be critical to make a fast rerouting to you.
• If you have a choice, select flights which minimize the potential for baggage disruption. Flight connections and change of airline may require a considerable time to transfer your baggage.
• Remove all tags from previous trips. This is one of the main causes for baggage delays.
• Make sure you receive a baggage tag for each of your baggage pieces and check to be sure the destination printed is the one intended.
• When checking in with a group, always request the receipt tags for your own bags. In case of delay it can be very difficult to know your precise tag number(s).
• Make sure that the baggage you’re collecting from the conveyer belt is yours. To avoid confusions we suggest the usage of coloured ties.
• If you detect any irregularity with your baggage report it to the airline immediately, prior to leaving the airport. That’s the main proof that the damage occurred when the baggage was within the airline's control.
• When you travel with more than one bag, distribute your personal articles among your different bags. If one of your bags is delayed, you will not be missing all your clothes.
• Never accept luggage or packages from other passengers, or the contents of which you have not seen.
• Remove all detachable accessories from your bags (including detachable wheels) or bags. Make sure loose straps or other items are not hanging from the bag. They may get caught on the baggage system.