How to Check-in for Your Flight with TAP

Written By Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated: November 28, 2024

The check-in process might be easy if you travel a lot, but for others the various options can seem daunting. Is this you? Either way, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for answers about any aspect of TAP’s check-in procedure.  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do during the checking-in process whether you choose the mobile option, online, or at the airport.

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Why Do You Have to Check-in?

Plenty of travelers wonder why you can’t just provide all your travel documents during the booking process and then go straight through security to your gate. It’s a good question, but there’s more to the check-in process than you might think.

First, it gives TAP a chance to check your identity and your travel documents. They need to verify that you meet flight requirements. These are not set up by TAP but by airline and government regulations. 

Check-in also allows you to get your boarding pass - something you need to get through security, confirm your seat, and board your flight. As well, this step provides another opportunity for you to change your baggage preferences or add checked baggage to your booking.

Finally, TAP needs to get an accurate count of passengers for the flight in order to sort out weight and balance issues with the aircraft.

To complete check-in, you will need to have:

1. A valid booking and reference number
2. Your passport or ID card 
3. Visa documents (if this applies to your situation)

Using TAP’s Online Check-in: Website & App

• Free of Charge
• Online check-in opens: 
• 36 hours before departure 
• 24 hours before departure for flights to or from the US. 

Whether you use the app or the website, online check-in is the most efficient way to complete the process. You can avoid long queues at the airport and get your boarding pass sent to your mobile device. If you don’t want a digital boarding pass, you can print one from the app or website either at home or at the airport by using the kiosks or the checkin-in counter. 

We highly recommend downloading the TAP mobile app because it also allows you to manage your booking and get immediate updates or changes to your flight. 

TAP’s online check in options allow you to complete the process for yourself and other passengers. You can do all of the following:

• Choose seats
• Add or change checked luggage 
• Add upgrades
• Change or add any additional services like wi-fi, etc.

Visit the check-in counter if . . .

1. You are asked to confirm your credit card details or travel documents.
2. If you have checked luggage, all you have to do is print the bag tags and leave your bags at the drop off area. If you need to print the bag tags,  you can do this at the checking-in counter or kiosks.
3. If you only have cabin bags, then you can go straight through security to your gate.
4. If you need special assistance, (those with limited mobility, travelling with a pet, minors travelling alone) you will have to visit the check-in counter. I
5. If you have any extra large baggage to check like ski gear, you will also need to visit the check-in counter.

Be sure to get to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. This is vitally important as the lines for the check-in desk and security can be quite long. Plus, TAP requires you to be at the boarding gate 30 minutes before departure. If you aren’t, then you risk being denied boarding the flight.

When is the best time to check-in online?

As soon as it opens. Really, you should always complete the process as soon as possible because if the app or website has issues or if you find you need help with any part of the process, you will be able to plan an earlier arrival at the airport. 

Source: flytap.com

TAP Airport Check-In - Free of Charge

• Airport check-in varies depending on the departure airport. 
• Check-in at European airports usually opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. 
• If you’re flying to the Americas or Africa, it will open between 1-3 hours before departure.

If you’re unable to complete check-in online, then you can complete the process at the airport by using TAP’s check-in counter or kiosks. Bear in mind that not all airports will have kiosks available, which means you will have to use the in-person check-in counter. This is another reason why it’s smart to get to the airport early. 

When to Arrive at the Airport

• Domestic and European flights: Arrive at least 2 hours prior to your flight time
• International flights outside Europe: Arrive 3 hours before your flight’s departure
• Flights to the USA: Arrive 4 hours before departure because of the more stringent security measures and extra documentation required.

How to Use TAP’s Check-in Kiosks

Many passengers find these intimidating or not easy to use, but the process is similar to what you’d find with online check-in. Here’s what you do:

1. Touch the screen to begin
2. Enter your booking number and name
3. Follow the prompts to complete your registration
4. Print bag tags and boarding pass. Printing your boarding pass is always smart so you can have the paper version as a back-up.

Remember, not all airports will have kiosks available, so check with your departure airport first.

TAP’s Check-in Counter

If you have any issues or need a little extra help with your ticket or baggage, then the customer service agents at the TAP check-in desk will be available to help you. These desks have different open and close times depending on the airport, but you can refer to TAP’s table of check in times.

How to Make Changes to Your TAP Booking

Edit the details of your booking on the TAP app or on the official website. Just look for MANAGE BOOKING, select it, and follow the prompts. 

You can choose from the following actions:

• View your booking
• Change your booking
• Add or change baggage
• Reserve seats 
• Add services
• Cancel your flight

Other useful TAP guides:

• How to get compensation for delayed or cancelled TAP flights
• Best ways of getting in touch with TAP customer service

4 Ways to Make TAP Check-in Easier.

1. Check-in early and allow for extra time at the airport 
2. Download the TAP mobile app.
3. Download your mobile boarding pass to your phone AND print a copy as a backup.
4. Pack all your travel documents together, and keep them handy in a special bag or pocket of your carry-on or hand baggage.

Did you know you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensation for TAP flight disruptions? It’s true! If your flight has been delayed, cancelled, or overbooked you could qualify. Enter your flight details below and see how much you could claim.Check Your Flight