Baggage Rules and Information

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Carry-On Baggage

All carry-on baggage must be shown at the time of check-in for proper labeling.

 

Carry-on baggage limitations for domestic flights and flights to/from Europe.
  Number of bags Dimensions Weight in Kg (pounds)
Economy Class 1 115 cm (45 inches)
55x40x20cms		 8 (17 lbs)
Executive Class 2 126 cm (49 inches)
56x45x25cms		 20 (44 lbs)*

 

Carry-on baggage limitations for flights to/from North America.
  Number of bags Dimensions Product Weight in Kg (pounds)
Economy Class 1 115 cm (45 inches)
55x40x20cms		 Discount / Smart / Value 8 (17 lbs)
Executive Class 2 126 cm (49 inches)
56x45x25cms		 Executive 20 (44 lbs)
total*

* Max weight per bag is 10kg, or 22lb

 

Each passenger can transport 1 bag with the maximum dimensions of: 55 cms x 40 cms x 20 cms (total sum of 115 cms/45 inches). This bag cannot exceed 8kg (17 pounds). Charter flights may have different rules.

 

 

Additional Information:

Free hand baggage articles

In addition to the carry-on baggage allowance, passengers may carry the following items free of charge:

  • One overcoat, a coat or one blanket;
  • One umbrella or one walking stick;
  • One photo or film camera of small dimensions and/or one pair of binoculars;
  • Books and magazines in a reasonable quantity to read during flight;
  • One diplomatic handbag type or a bag with one laptop;
  • One lady’s small handbag, a wallet or a purse whose dimensions are in accordance with the normal wear for the flight and did not contain articles that may be considered as baggage;
  • *Passengers travelling with babies: one portable basket, food and clothes to be worn during the flight;
  • *Incapacitated passengers or passengers with reduced mobility: one pair of crutches, prosthetic devices or other articles considered indispensable for his locomotion (for wheelchair transportation, please verify the available information in “checked baggage”);
  • *Deaf or blind passengers (partial or total): a guide dog travelling with passengers since a pre notification has been done and confirmed.

Carry-on baggage requirements for flights departing from EUA:

Due to new procedures related to cabin baggage instilled through the program "One Plus One" of TSA (Transportation Security Administration) in the USA, take into consideration the following information:

Limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop) per passenger except for:

  1. Medical assistance items (such as crutches and wheelchairs)
  2. Musical instruments;
  3. One bag of photographic equipment;
  4. Duty-free items;
  5. Passengers travelling with babies: only allowed in total 1 volume for passenger and baby;
  6. Passengers with pet : is not allowed to transport none volume besides the container with the pet

Musical Instruments

Musical instruments may be accepted as cabin baggage, as long as they do not exceed the stipulated measures (55x40x20cm / total 115cm (45 inches)) and weight (8kg/17lb).
If these measures are exceeded, the musical instruments will have to be transported in the hold, properly packaged in a hard-shell case for appropriate protection, or transported in the cabin by acquiring an extra seat for their accommodation.
At the time of the booking you must inform the type of instrument, weight and dimensions, which will be subject to further confirmation.

*NOTE:
- Crutches may be transported in the cabin or in the hold;
- Baby stroller/basket and a baby chair shall always be accepted as checked baggage and it shall not be included in the free baggage allowance. It will be loaded in last place, in order to offload it in a rapid way at the destination;
- The guide dog shall be transported free of charge, in the cabin or in the hold. If accepted in the cabin the dog may not occupy a seat.

 

We recommend the transportation of the following items as carry-on baggage:

  • Mobile phones (turned off);
  • Money, checks, credit cards, credit documents, bonds and other securities;
  • Jewelry;
  • Medicine;
  • Commercial samples;
  • Fragile or perishable items.

NOTE:
See Security Rules for carry-on liquids.
The use of electronic equipment is prohibited during take-off, approach and landing.
See Prohibited Articles on board.

 

The following hand baggage items may not be connected, and thus should be avoided:

  • Radio devices;
  • Walkie-talkies;
  • Remote-control toys;
  • CRT monitors;
  • Wireless computer equipment (mouse);
  • Printers;
  • CD and mini-disk players;
  • Stereo equipment;
  • Pocket radios (AM/FM);
  • TV receivers;
  • Bluetooth technology.

 

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Checked Baggage

 

Azores Airlines. Checked Baggage allowance per fare. Allowance applicable for Domestic, Europeans and Africans routes.
  Domestic flights European flights
Executive Comfort 64 Kg (141 lbs) 32 Kg (70 lbs)
Economy class Discount 23 Kg (50 lbs) 23 Kg (50 lbs)
Smart 35 Kg (77 lbs) 23 Kg (50 lbs)
Value 46 Kg (101 lbs) 23 Kg (50 lbs)
Babies Comfort 10 Kg (22 lbs) 10 Kg (22 lbs)
Discount/ Smart/ Value 10 Kg (22 lbs) 10 Kg (22 lbs)
Goldsky +10kg than paid class allowance (when flying with Discount or Smart fares, or with award ticket, or in economic class)
Trade +10kg than paid class allowance (when flying with Discount or Smart fares, or with award ticket, or in economic class)

 

 

Azores Airlines. Checked Baggage allowance per fare. Allowance applicable for North Americans routes (United States of America and Canada).
  Max. number of pieces Max. weight per piece Max. total weight allowance
Executive Comfort 2 32 Kg (70 lbs) 64 Kg (141 lbs)
Economy Class Discount(1) 1 piece (23 Kg - 50 lbs)
Smart(1) 1 23 Kg (50 lbs) 23 Kg (50 lbs)
Value 2 23 Kg (50 lbs) 46 Kg (101 lbs)
Babies Comfort 1 piece (10 Kg - 22 lbs)
Value/ Smart/ Discount 1 10 Kg (22 lbs) 10 Kg (22 lbs)
Goldsky(1) +1 piece (10kg or 22lbs maximum) than paid class allowance (when flying with Discount or Smart fares, or with award ticket, or in economic class)
Trade(1) +1 piece (10kg or 22lbs maximum) than paid class allowance (when flying with Discount or Smart fares, or with award ticket, or in economic class)

 

 

SATA Air Açores. Checked Baggage allowance per fare. Allowance applicable for Inter-islands routes.
Allowance Max. weight per pieces
Goldsky +10 Kg than paid class allowance 32 Kg
Economy Class 23 Kg 32 Kg
Babies (INF) 10 Kg 32 Kg

 

Additional Information:

The free baggage allowance is the limit in weight and/or volume of baggage that a passenger can transport as checked baggage without extra cost. Baggage that exceeds the allowance stipulated is subject to an excess baggage fee.
The maximum weight per checked bag is 32kg (subject to an excess baggage fee, if your free baggage allowance is exceeded).

Exceptions:
In the cases listed below, the maximum weight per checked bag is 45kg:

  • Live Animals in the Cargo Hold (AVIH)
  • Musical Instruments
  • Sports Equipment

 

In case this limit is exceeded it will only be possible its transport as cargo.

Volumes with weight greater than 23 Kg must be tagged as heavy baggage and the actual baggage weight should be indicated on the tag, during check-in.

When travelling with infants or children it will be allowed to transport, free of charge, a baby stroller/basket and a baby chair as checked baggage and it shall not be included in the free baggage allowance.

Incapacitated passengers or passengers with reduced mobility can transport the wheelchair free of charge, and it shall not be included in the free baggage allowance. The wheelchair will be loaded in last place, in order to offload it in a rapid way at the destination.

For student passengers between 12 and 26 years of age, traveling between their residence and the educational institution, an additional baggage allowance up to 10 Kg (Domestic, Europe and Africa Routes), or one piece up to 10 kg/22lbs (USA and Canada Routes), on flights operated by Airlines Azores/SATA Air Açores, will be granted. Applicable when traveling with a student fare or holds a student card or a certificate of enrollment in the educational institution at check-in.

To carry baggage exceeding the maximum allowable weight per volume, a reservation for excess baggage must be made at booking time. This baggage is subject to an handling fee.

All baggage must be labeled with the passenger’s name and contact information.

Charter flights can accept baggage under a different rule.

NOTE: For golf, canyoning, diving equipment, hang-gliders and paragliders it should be added an additional allowance of 15 kg (in weight concept) or 1 extra volume with 15 kg (in piece concept) over the free baggage allowance. For equestrian, fishing, bicycles and boards or kayak equipment it should be added an additional allowance of 10 kg (in weight concept) or 1 extra volume with 10 kg (in piece concept) over the free baggage allowance.

 

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Excess Baggage

 

Excess Baggage allowance per fare. Allowance applicable for Domestic, Europeans and Africans routes.
  Baggage
  Domestic Europe and Africa
Value for excess weight 4EUR/kg 15GBP/15EUR/kg
Animal on hold, musical instruments and sports equipment between 33kg and 45kg

Handling fee 50EUR + 4EUR/kg		 Animal on hold, musical instruments and sports equipment between 33kg and 45kg

Handling fee 50GBP/50EUR + 15GBP/15EUR/kg
  Animals
  Domestic Europe and Africa
Pet in Cabin 4EUR per kg 15GBP/15EUR per kg

 

Excess Baggage allowance per fare. Allowance applicable for North America routes.
Excess Baggage Piece Concept
Number of pieces in excess 100CAD/100USD/80EUR per piece = 1 tax
Weight of bag (PC) between 24Kg and 32Kg (53lbs to 70lbs) 100CAD/100USD/80EUR per piece = 1 tax
Musical instruments and sports equipment between 33kg and 45kg (72lbs to 99lbs) 150CAD/150USD/120EUR per piece = 1 tax
Animals
Pet in Cabin Flat rate 100CAD/100USD/80EUR per piece = 1 tax
Pet in Hold* up to 32Kg (70lbs) Flat rate 100CAD/100USD/80EUR per piece = 1 tax
33Kg to 45Kg (72lbs to 99lbs) Flat rate 150CAD/150USD/120EUR per piece = 1 tax

 

Additional Information:

NOTE 1: The values indicated above are for one way flights and charged in local currency, according to daily exchange rate.
NOTE 2: For passengers with flights between USA/CAN, even with more than 24 hours stop‐over in any airport, it is granted baggage allowance of the International sector. Trips purchased before March 17th 2015 may have different prices, please contact our tickting offices or our contact center.
NOTE 3: The above rules are applied to flights operated by Azores Airlines/SATA Air Açores. For flights operated by other airlines, may be applied other rules taking into account the most significant airline travel.
NOTE 4: Flights operated by other airlines - the baggage allowance will be defined by these companies.
NOTE 5: The transport of animals and sports equipment on hold is included in the baggage allowance. Subject to excess baggage fee, should your baggage allowance be exceeded.
NOTE 6: For student passengers the free allowance should be added 10 kg in all Azores Airlines/SATA Air Açores operating flights. For flights to/from USA and Canada is added one 1 extra piece with 10 kg.
NOTE 7: When travelling with infants or children it will be allowed to transport, free of charge, a baby stroller/basket and a baby chair as checked baggage.
*NOTE 8: In case of extra piece and overweight the sum of the taxes should be applied.
To transport sport equipment it is necessary to make a reservation and this has to be confirmed by Azores Airlines/SATA Air Açores.
Information on the type, the weight and the dimensions of equipment must be given at the time of reservation, which will be subject to later confirmation.
Note 9: Due to space limitations, excess baggage will not be accepted on connections within Cape Verde that involve flights operated by Binter Cape Verde.

 

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Sporting Equipment

To transport sporting equipment it is necessary to make a reservation and this has to be confirmed by Azores Airlines/SATA Air Açores. Information on the type, the weight and the dimensions of equipment must be given at the time of reservation, which will be subject to later confirmation.

Please note that these allowances are only available on Azores Airlines/SATA Air Açores operated flights and are subject to IATA's Resolution 302/US DOT/CTA as well as codeshare conditions. Please contact our services should you need any further clarification.

 

Active Holidays Airline

*This transportation is only possible and available as carry-on baggage.

NOTE:
At the check-in, you may be questioned about the equipment and, if necessary, the opening of your bag may be required to confirm its content. If you do not authorize the verification, your bag may be accepted, but without the additional baggage allowance, being included in your free baggage allowance.
If the allowance is exceeded, the applicable rate for excess baggage will be applied at the airport.

 

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Weapons and Ammunition

Conditions required for transportation of Weapons and Ammunition
Type of article Conditions required Transportation
Weapons not considered firearms (eg: swords, daggers, bows, etc.) - Suitably packed in a hard-shelled box or container;
- Signature of document excluding airline liability for damages or loss;
- We recommend the acquisition of insurance for the transportation of such articles.		 Allowed as hold baggage on all flights
Small caliber firearms, hunting firearms or sporting firearms - Suitably packed in a hard-shelled box or container;
- Arms should be unloaded and packed separately from the ammunition;
- Arms license will need to be presented to the police at the airport;
- Signature of document excluding airline liability for damages or loss and filling of a security form;
- We recommend the acquisition of insurance for the transportation of such articles.
Ammunition for small caliber, hunting or sporting firearms - Ammunition should be transported in an hard-shelled box or container, packed separately from the arms and cannot weigh more than 5 kg for each box/passenger;
- Signature of document excluding airline liability for damages or loss and filling of a security form.
War arms and ammunition, incendiary or explosive arms or others that may endanger the safety of an aircraft Air transportation is not allowed

 

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Losses and Damages

The liability for lost or damaged baggage is limited to 1 131 SDR (Special Drawing Rights from the International Monetary Fund) or approximately 1 200 Euros (depending on the exchange rate).

This limit may be extended if the passenger makes a prior declaration of the value of the baggage and pays an additional tax.

The company shall not be responsible for loss or damage related to money, jewelry, photographic or electronic equipment, documents, medications or other fragile, valuable or perishable goods. These, should be transported personally by the passenger and not included in the checked baggage.

 

SUMMARY OF LIABILITY FOR PASSENGERS AND THEIR BAGGAGE

This information notice summarizes the liability rules applied by Community air carriers as required by Community legislation and the Montreal Convention.

 

Compensation in the case of death or injury

There are no financial limits to the liability for passenger injury or death. For damages up to 113 100 SDRs (approximate amount in local currency) the air carrier cannot contest claims for compensation. Above that amount, the air carrier can defend itself against a claim by proving that it was not negligent or otherwise at fault.

 

Advance payments

If a passenger is killed or injured, the air carrier must make an advance payment, to cover immediate economic needs, within 15 days from the identification of the person entitled to compensation. In the event of death, this advance payment shall not be less than 16 000 SDRs (approximate amount in local currency).

 

Passenger delays

In case of passenger delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for passenger delay is limited to 4 694 SDRs (approximate amount in local currency).

 

Baggage delays

In case of baggage delay, the air carrier is liable for damage unless it took all reasonable measures to avoid the damage or it was impossible to take such measures. The liability for baggage delay is limited to 1 131 SDRs (approximate amount in local currency).

 

Destruction, loss or damage to baggage

The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1 131 SDRs (approximate amount in local currency). In the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault.

 

Higher limits for baggage

A passenger can benefit from a higher liability limit by making a special declaration in advance and by paying a supplementary fee.

 

Complaints on baggage

If the baggage is damaged, delayed, lost or destroyed, the passenger must write and complain to the air carrier as soon as possible. In the case of damage to checked baggage, the passenger must write and complain within seven days, and in the case of delay within 21 days, in both cases from the date on which the baggage was placed at the passenger's disposal.

 

Liability of contracting and actual carriers

If the air carrier actually performing the flight is not the same as the contracting air carrier, the passenger has the right to address a complaint or to make a claim for damages against either. If the name or code of an air carrier is indicated on the ticket, that air carrier is the contracting air carrier.

 

Time limit for action

Any action in court to claim damages must be brought within two years from the date of arrival of the aircraft, or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived.

 

Basis for the information

The basis for the rules described above is the Montreal Convention of 28 May 1999, which is implemented in the Community by Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 (as amended by Regulation (EC) No 889/2002) and national legislation of the Member States.

 

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Check Baggage File

Who should I contact in the event of baggage irregularity?

In the event of any problem with your baggage, you must contact SATA-Azores Airlines Lost and Found Services or Handling Agent at the airport of arrival. Or in case this has not been done, passengers should submit a written complaint to the airline the soonest possible. In case of delay of registered baggage, it must be done within 21 days, and in case of damage, within 7 days, in both situations from the date on which the baggage was delivered at the passenger's disposal.

 

For missing baggage during the first 5 days, passengers should contact the Lost & Found Service at the airport where the complaint was made and the report filed, either to SATA services or to Handling Agents contracted by SATA-Azores Airlines for this purpose. Five days after the report was made, it is transferred to SATA’s Central Baggage Service, where the baggage search continues for a longer period, and to where passengers may contact through the email: lost.found@sata.pt / telephone: (+351) 296 209 047 / fax: (+351) 296 672 089, to get the latest information on their claim, or to send additional information, such as content lists or new contacts (address or telephone).

 

For damaged or pilfered baggage, passengers should always contact SATA Services at the airport where the claim was made and the report filed, this for mainland Portugal, Azores and Madeira. For reports filed at airports outside of Portugal, passengers should contact the airline via email: lost.found@sata.pt / telephone: (351) 296 209 047 / fax: (+351) 296 672 089.

 

After the report has been filed for missing baggage, passengers can track the baggage recovery process at www.sata.pt, through the option: World Tracer

 

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