TAP Air Portugal flight delayed or cancelled? Claim up to €600
TAP Air Portugal is Portugal's flag carrier and the most frequent source of EU flight compensation claims from Portuguese airports. Under EC 261/2004, passengers on delayed or cancelled TAP flights departing from EU airports are entitled to up to €600 in compensation.
Claims reputation
TAP has a mixed reputation for handling claims. They often delay responses and may initially reject valid claims, but they do pay out when pressed or when cases are escalated.
Tips for claiming against TAP Air Portugal
- Keep all boarding passes and booking confirmations — TAP may request them even for e-tickets.
- If TAP cites 'operational reasons,' push back — this is not an extraordinary circumstance under EU law.
- TAP frequently offers vouchers instead of cash; you are legally entitled to monetary compensation.
Compensation amounts
€250
Under 1,500km
€400
1,500–3,500km
€600
Over 3,500km
Common TAP Air Portugal routes
Routes from Portugal
Does TAP Air Portugal pay EC261 claims?
TAP has one of the higher complaint rates among European carriers — 17,121 NEB complaints filed with ANAC in 2023 alone (+25.8% YoY). TAP frequently offers flight credits and vouchers instead of cash compensation. You have the right to reject any voucher and demand cash. Claims typically resolve in 6–12 weeks when properly escalated.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I claim from TAP Air Portugal?
Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, you can claim €250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km. These amounts apply per passenger regardless of what you paid for your ticket.
How do I claim compensation from TAP Air Portugal?
You can claim directly through TAP Air Portugal's customer service, but airlines often delay or reject valid claims. Using a claims service like FlightOwed means your claim is assessed by experts, letters are drafted professionally, and — if needed — legal action is taken. We charge 25% only if we win.
How long do I have to claim from TAP Air Portugal?
EU law doesn't set a single deadline — it depends on your country's statute of limitations. In most EU countries it's 2–3 years; in some (like the UK pre-Brexit) it's 6 years. If your flight was in the last 3 years, you almost certainly still have time to claim.
Does EC 261/2004 apply to TAP Air Portugal flights?
Yes, if your flight departed from any EU airport, OR if TAP Air Portugal is an EU-registered carrier and your flight arrived at an EU airport. The regulation covers all qualifying routes regardless of where you bought your ticket.
What if TAP Air Portugal claims extraordinary circumstances?
Airlines frequently invoke "extraordinary circumstances" to avoid paying compensation — but many claims are unjustified. Technical faults, crew scheduling issues, and overbooking are NOT extraordinary circumstances. We challenge invalid claims on your behalf.