# TAP Air Portugal Denied Boarding Issue – What to Do?

Denied boarding on TAP Air Portugal? Call [phone] for assistance now. Know your rights, claim compensation, or request rebooking.

Being denied boarding is one of the most inconvenient and stressful situations a traveler can face, especially when you have a confirmed booking, valid documents, and have arrived on time. Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or an emergency, being refused entry onto your TAP Air Portugal flight can disrupt your entire journey. Fortunately, passengers are protected under European Union laws that provide clear rights and potential compensation for such occurrences. This guide explains why denied boarding happens, what rights you have as a TAP Air Portugal passenger, and what steps to take to resolve the issue effectively.

---

### **Why TAP Air Portugal May Deny Boarding**

Denied boarding can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common causes with TAP Air Portugal include:

1. **Overbooking**
TAP Air Portugal, like many other airlines, may overbook flights to ensure maximum occupancy, assuming that some passengers won’t show up. If more passengers check in than there are available seats, some will be denied boarding.

2. **Late Arrival or Missed Check-in**
If you miss the airline’s check-in deadline or arrive late at the gate, you risk losing your seat—even if your ticket is confirmed.

3. **Documentation Issues**
Invalid or missing travel documents (such as expired passports, lack of a visa, or COVID-19 certificates) can result in denied boarding.

4. **Security or Health Concerns**
If a passenger is deemed a safety risk or is ill and unfit to fly, TAP may refuse boarding on health or security grounds.

5. **Operational Limitations**
Unexpected issues such as aircraft downsizing, seat reallocation, or technical problems may lead to fewer available seats.

---

### **Voluntary vs. Involuntary Denied Boarding**

In most cases of overbooking, TAP Air Portugal will first seek **volunteers** to give up their seat in exchange for certain benefits. These typically include:

* Travel vouchers or monetary compensation
* Rebooking on a later flight
* Meals and hotel accommodations (if necessary)

However, if not enough volunteers come forward, some passengers may be **denied boarding involuntarily**. This is when you are forced to give up your seat, even though you have a confirmed booking. In such situations, European Union regulations provide significant protections.

---

### **Know Your Rights – EU Regulation 261/2004**

TAP Air Portugal is a Portugal-based airline and thus subject to **EU Regulation 261/2004**, which covers passenger rights in cases of denied boarding, delays, and cancellations.

If you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to:

#### **1. Monetary Compensation**

Compensation depends on the distance of your flight:

* **€250** for flights up to 1,500 km
* **€400** for flights within the EU over 1,500 km or other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
* **€600** for flights over 3,500 km

*Note: The compensation may be reduced by 50% if you are re-routed and reach your destination within a few hours of your original arrival time.*

#### **2. Re-routing or Refund**

You have the right to choose between:

* **A full refund** of your unused ticket
* **An alternative flight** to your destination at the earliest opportunity
* **A flight at a later date** of your choosing, subject to availability

#### **3. Assistance While Waiting**

If your re-routing requires a long wait, TAP Air Portugal must provide:

* Meals and refreshments
* Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
* Transportation between the airport and hotel
* Two free telephone calls, emails, or faxes

---

### **Steps to Take If You’re Denied Boarding by TAP Air Portugal**

If you’re denied boarding, follow these steps to ensure you protect your rights and get the assistance and compensation you’re entitled to:

#### **1. Request a Written Statement**

Ask TAP staff to provide the reason for the denied boarding in writing. This will be essential when filing a claim.

#### **2. Ask for a Passenger Rights Document**

EU law requires airlines to provide a written notice outlining your rights under EU Regulation 261/2004. Request this immediately if it’s not provided automatically.

#### **3. Keep All Travel Documentation**

Retain your boarding pass, flight ticket, receipts for meals, taxis, hotels, and any other expenses incurred due to the denied boarding.

#### **4. File a Compensation Claim**

You can submit your claim through the official **TAP Air Portugal website**. Include:

* Flight details
* Booking reference
* Explanation of the event
* Any supporting documentation (receipts, boarding pass, etc.)

#### **5. Escalate If Necessary**

If your compensation request is denied or delayed without explanation, consider escalating the issue:

* Contact **Portugal's National Enforcement Body (NEB)** for air passenger rights
* Use a passenger rights claims service
* Seek legal advice if necessary

---

### **Tips to Avoid Being Denied Boarding in the Future**

While some causes of denied boarding are beyond your control, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

* **Check in early** – Online or at the airport
* **Arrive well in advance** – Especially during busy travel periods
* **Double-check documents** – Ensure your passport, visa, and health certificates are valid and applicable
* **Join TAP’s frequent flyer program** – Loyalty members are sometimes prioritized during overbooking situations
* **Reserve a seat in advance** – This may reduce the chance of being involuntarily bumped

---

### **Contact TAP Air Portugal for Assistance**

If you need help with denied boarding or filing a compensation claim, contact TAP customer support:

* **Phone**: [phone] (U.S. and Canada)
* **Website**: [https://www.flytap.com](https://www.flytap.com)
* **Social Media**: You can also contact TAP via Twitter or Facebook for quick responses