TAP restricts extra checked bags on West African routes over the festive season, Bissau first

TAP Air Portugal is restricting extra checked baggage on its routes to several West African destinations over Christmas and New Year, according to the airline's alerts page. For Bissau the festive restriction started earlier, on 1 November 2026; for flights to Accra, Banjul, Dakar, Praia, São Vicente and São Tomé and Príncipe the window runs from 5 December 2026 to 4 January 2027.

On these routes excess checked baggage is not permitted. Each bag may weigh up to 23 kg or 32 kg depending on the fare, with a maximum size of 158 cm in combined height, width and length; the Discount fare allows one checked bag within these limits. Special baggage, including sports equipment, animals, weapons and musical instruments, is not accepted. On the return direction, the festive restriction applies to departures from Accra, São Tomé and São Vicente from 25 December 2026 to 15 January 2027.

The measure affects anyone flying TAP over the holidays between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Ghana or The Gambia and planning to add luggage to their booking. TAP lists further windows in 2027: Easter from 12 to 28 March and summer from 5 June to 5 September on the outbound routes, with Bissau's summer restriction extending to 24 September and Dakar's starting on 12 May.

The alerts page does not give a publication date for the notice or say how bags already purchased are handled. Passengers should check the baggage allowance of their fare and confirm any doubts directly with TAP before travelling.