Claim Compensation from TAP Air Portugal

Getting your documents in order before you contact TAP is critical. Don't give them an easy excuse to dismiss your claim.

• Gather Your Evidence: Find everything. This includes your booking confirmation email, e-ticket numbers, boarding passes (even digital ones), and any receipts for expenses you incurred due to the disruption (like food, hotels, or transport).
• Know Your Flight Details: Write down the flight number, date, and the original scheduled departure and arrival times versus the actual times. The length of the delay is key.
• Document Everything: Keep a log of every interaction. Note the date, time, and name of any agent you speak with. Save screenshots of chat conversations and keep all email correspondence. This is your proof.
• State Your Case Clearly: Write a brief, factual summary of what happened. For example: "My flight TP208 from JFK to LIS on May 15, 2025, was cancelled without notice, and I was rebooked on a flight arriving 8 hours later."
• Reference the Law: Mentioning your rights under regulations like EU 261/2004 shows them you're serious and know what you're entitled to. It changes the entire tone of the conversation.

Yes, even as a US-based traveler, you often have rights. It depends on your flight route.

For flights involving the US, your rights are primarily governed by two sets of regulations:

1. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Rules: These are focused on refunds. If the airline cancels your flight for any reason, you are entitled to a full cash refund for your ticket and any extras you paid for, like seat selection or baggage fees. They might offer you a voucher, but you can and should insist on cash.

2. European Regulation (EC 261/2004): This is where compensation for your time and inconvenience comes in. Because TAP Air Portugal is an EU carrier, this powerful regulation applies to:

   • Any flight departing from an EU airport (e.g., Lisbon to New York).
   • Any flight arriving in the EU from a non-EU airport (e.g., New York to Lisbon).

Under EU261, if your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours on arrival, cancelled, or you are denied boarding, you may be eligible for compensation between €250 and €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. This is in addition to a refund if your flight was cancelled. The airline can only avoid this if the disruption was caused by 'extraordinary circumstances' (like extreme weather or air traffic control strikes).

Subject: Compensation Claim Under EU 261/2004 - Flight [Your Flight Number] - [Date] - Booking Ref: [Your Booking Reference]

Dear TAP Air Portugal Customer Relations,

I am writing to request compensation under European Regulation EC 261/2004 for the significant disruption to my travel on [Date of Flight].

My booking reference is [Your Booking Reference]. I was scheduled to travel on flight [Flight Number] from [Departure Airport] to [Arrival Airport].

This flight was [select one: cancelled / delayed by X hours on arrival / I was denied boarding].

The passengers in my booking are:

• [Your Full Name]
• [Full Name of Second Passenger, if applicable]

According to EU 261/2004, for a flight distance of [e.g., over 3,500 km], the prescribed compensation for this level of disruption is €600 per passenger. The total compensation claimed for my party of [Number] is [Total Amount].

I have attached copies of our travel documents and receipts for any expenses incurred.

I expect a response and payment of the compensation due within 14 days. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will escalate this matter to the relevant National Enforcement Body and explore further legal options.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number]

Don't be surprised if TAP denies your initial claim or simply ignores you. It's a common tactic. Here’s what to do next.

• File a Complaint with a Regulator: This is your strongest move. For flights to/from the US, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). For flights within Europe, file with the National Enforcement Body (NEB) of the country where the incident occurred. This official pressure often gets results.
• Use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service: Some EU countries have approved ADR providers that can mediate a dispute with an airline. Check the civil aviation authority website for the relevant country to see if TAP participates.
• Initiate a Credit Card Chargeback: This is best used for getting a refund for a service you didn't receive (like a cancelled flight ticket), not for inconvenience compensation. If you paid for a flight that was cancelled and TAP refuses a refund, contact your credit card company immediately.
• Make Noise on Social Media: A polite but firm public post on Twitter/X tagging @tapairportugal can sometimes get your case looked at by a social media team. It's not a guarantee, but it can speed things up when you're being ignored.

Tired of navigating TAP Air Portugal's endless contact forms and getting automated, unhelpful email replies? Sound familiar? The whole process is designed to wear you down until you just give up on the money you're owed. It's a frustrating game, but one you don't have to play alone.

Pine AI steps in to handle the entire tedious claims process for you. No more waiting on hold, no more drafting legalistic emails, and no more wondering if you've filled out the right form. We manage the communication, cite the correct regulations, and persistently follow up with the airline on your behalf. With a 93% success rate in consumer negotiations, we know how to cut through the corporate red tape and get your claim taken seriously. Think of us as your personal advocate, saving you the time and headache of fighting with an airline that doesn't want to pay. It's time to get your money back. No joke.

The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Pine AI is not a law firm.