TAP Air Cancellation Policy

Need to cancel your TAP Air Portugal flight? Whether it’s a change of plans, a flight disruption, or simply second thoughts, knowing your TAP cancellation policy helps you avoid unnecessary fees and claim the refund or compensation you deserve.

This guide explains:

• TAP’s 24-hour free cancellation policy (US DOT rule)
• How voluntary refunds work by fare type
• Your rights for involuntary cancellations & EU261 compensation
• Step-by-step how to cancel or request a refund
• Tips & tricks to reduce fees and avoid hassles

 What is TAP Cancellation Policy – An Overview

TAP Air Portugal’s cancellation and refund policy is designed to give passengers flexibility, but the rules depend on when and how you cancel.

For U.S. travelers, the airline follows the 24-hour free cancellation rule:

if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your flight departs at least seven days later, you’ll get a full refund even on non-refundable tickets. Beyond this grace period, cancellations are handled according to your fare type. Economy Light or Discount fares are typically non-refundable, while Classic, Plus, and Business Class fares allow refunds with penalties ranging from $125 to $250 or more. Refund requests through the call center may also include a $50 service fee, so using Manage My Booking online is the best option.

If TAP cancels or significantly delays your flight (6+ hours on U.S. routes) or downgrades your cabin, you’re entitled to an automatic refund. For flights within or from the EU, travelers may also claim EU261 compensation, ranging from €250 to €600 depending on flight distance and disruption. In short, cancel early, know your fare rules, and always act quickly.

For direct help, you can use TAP’s Manage My Booking tool or contact the Flights Help Center at +1-866-558-3017 to secure your refund without unnecessary fees or delays.

TAP Air Portugal Cancellation Policy & Refund Rules

Need the essentials? Here’s a quick summary of TAP Air cancellation policy and refund rules so you know when you can cancel for free, claim a refund, or request compensation.

• 24-Hour Free Cancellation (US Rule): Cancel within 24 hours of booking if your flight departs 7+ days later → full refund (any fare).
• Voluntary Refunds: Depend on fare type (some non-refundable, others refundable with penalties of $125–$250+).
• Involuntary Changes: If TAP cancels, delays (6+ hrs on US routes), reroutes, or downgrades your flight → you are entitled to an automatic refund.
• EU261 Compensation: For cancellations/delays within the EU, passengers may claim €250–€600 depending on distance.
• Refund Channels: Best done via Manage My Booking or by calling TAP.

These are the core rules every passenger should know. The details can vary by fare class, route, and whether your ticket was booked directly with TAP or live person at +1 (866) 558-3017, so always double-check your itinerary. If you’re eligible, act quickly to avoid fees and secure your refund smoothly.

TAP’s 24-Hour Cancellation Policy (US DOT Rule)

TAP Air Portugal complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour cancellation rule. This means:

• If you book a flight to or from the USA, you can cancel within 24 hours of purchase at no charge as long as departure is at least 7 days away.
• This rule applies even to non-refundable fares.
• Cancellations can be made online through Manage My Booking or by calling TAP’s US office at +1-800-903-7914 also.

⚠️ Important: If you booked through an online travel agency (OTA) such as Expedia, the 24-hour free cancellation may not apply. In that case, you must follow the OTA’s own cancellation rules.

Voluntary Refunds: TAP Air Portugal Fare Rules

Beyond the 24-hour grace period, refund eligibility depends on your fare type. TAP sells different fare families, and each comes with its own rules:

• Discount Fares (Economy Light): Non-refundable, except for government taxes.
• Basic & Classic Fares: Refundable before departure with penalties starting at ~$125 per ticket.
• Plus Fares: More flexible, usually refundable with lower penalties.
• Executive & Top Executive (Business Class): Refundable, though penalties may still apply (often $200+).

Additionally:

• Refunds requested through the call center or sales desk may include a service fee of $50 (USD) per ticket.
• Refunds are usually issued back to the original form of payment.

Processing time can take 7–20 business days depending on the bank or card issuer.

Involuntary Refunds & Compensation (When TAP Cancels or Delays)

Sometimes, cancellations aren’t your choice. TAP Air Portugal passengers have rights when flights are disrupted.

When You’re Entitled to an Automatic Refund:

• Flight is canceled by TAP and you decline alternative travel.
• Departure is delayed by 6+ hours on US-bound routes.
• Flight is rerouted or destination changed.
• You are downgraded to a lower class than you booked.

Refunds in these cases are returned to the original form of payment automatically.

EU261 Compensation (for European flights) – Tap Air Flight Compensation

If you are flying within or from the EU, you may also qualify for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261).

• €250 → flights up to 1,500 km
• €400 → flights 1,500–3,500 km
• €600 → flights over 3,500 km

⚠️ Exemptions: No compensation is paid if the cancellation/delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., bad weather, air traffic control strikes, political unrest).

To claim compensation:

1. Go to TAP’s official claims form.
2. Enter your booking details and describe the disruption.
3. Submit receipts if you incurred extra expenses (hotel, meals).

Canceling a TAP Air Portugal Flight: The 5 Steps to Your Refund

Canceling your TAP Air Portugal flight doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you booked directly with TAP or through their US office, here’s a simple 5-step guide to secure your refund or voucher:

1. Access Manage My Booking

Go to the TAP Air Portugal Manage My Booking page. Enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name to retrieve your reservation.

2. Select the Flight You Want to Cancel

Choose the specific flight or itinerary. You’ll see whether your fare allows refunds, credit, or voucher options.

3. Confirm Refund or Voucher Eligibility

• If your ticket is refundable, select refund to original payment method.
• Non-refundable fares may only offer tax refunds or a travel voucher.

4. Submit the Cancellation Request

Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm cancellation. You’ll receive an email confirmation — keep this for your records.

5. Contact TAP if Needed

If you can’t complete the process online, call TAP Flights Help Center at +1-866-558-3017. For agency or OTA bookings (Expedia, etc.), contact the agency first.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on TAP Cancellations

The TAP Air Portugal cancellation policy balances US DOT rules, European consumer rights, and fare-specific conditions:

• Cancel within 24 hours of booking (if 7+ days before departure) → full refund.
• Voluntary cancellations → refund amount depends on fare, with penalties for lower fares.
• Involuntary cancellations, delays, or reroutes → automatic refund + possible EU261 compensation.

👉 Best Advice: Always cancel via Manage My Booking for the fastest service, and call TAP Flights Help Center +1-866-558-3017 if you need immediate help.

Related Posts

• The Guide on Ryanair Cancellation Policy
• Air France Refund Policy – How do I Get my Money Back