TRIP Linhas A8R

TRIP Linhas Aereas was a Brazilian regional airline that played a crucial role in connecting secondary cities across Brazil from 1998 to 2014. Based in Rio de Janeiro, TRIP operated as one of Brazil's major regional carriers, specializing in routes to smaller cities that would otherwise lack convenient air service.

The airline focused on connecting business travelers and residents of interior cities in Rio de Janeiro state, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and surrounding regions. TRIP was known for reliable service, competitive pricing, and connecting hubs in Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte.

In May 2014, TRIP was merged into Azul Linhas Aereas, one of Brazil's three major carriers. This acquisition expanded Azul's regional network and consolidated the Brazilian market. Today, many of TRIP's routes continue to operate under the Azul brand.

Historical Note: If you flew TRIP recently, your reservations were automatically transferred to Azul. Current TRIP frequent flyer miles may have been credited to Azul's TudoAzul program.

Carry-On Allowance

TRIP operated ATR 72 and ATR 42 turboprops with limited overhead bin space for regional service.

Personal Item (all passengers):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (16" x 12" x 8")
• Examples: Laptop bag, purse, small backpack
• Must fit under seat

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 45 x 35 x 20 cm (18" x 14" x 8")
• Weight: 5 kg (11 lbs) maximum
• Note: ATR fleet cabin bags were smaller than jet aircraft allowances due to turboprop overhead bin limitations

Important: TRIP's ATR turboprops had smaller overhead bins than narrow-body jets. Larger carry-on bags were often gate-checked at no charge.

Checked Baggage

Fare	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Standard	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)

Size Limit: 158 cm (62 in) linear (length + width + height)

Additional Bags:

• Second bag: R$200 (~$100)
• Pre-purchase recommended when booking

Excess Fees

Condition	Fee
Overweight (24-32 kg)	R$200 (~$100)
Over 32 kg	Not accepted

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counted as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	R$200 (~$100)	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Priority handling

ATR Fleet Cargo Limitations: The ATR 42/72 turboprop cargo holds were smaller than jet aircraft. Oversized items and sports equipment were subject to space availability. Advance notice recommended for special items.

TRIP operated an all-turboprop fleet optimized for regional routes.

ATR 72-500:

• Configuration: 2-2, 68 seats
• Seat pitch: 30-31" (76-79 cm)
• Seat width: 17" (43 cm)
• Propeller aircraft (turboprop)

ATR 42-500:

• Configuration: 2-2, 48 seats
• Seat pitch: 30-31" (76-79 cm)
• Seat width: 17" (43 cm)

Cabin Features:

• All-economy configuration
• No in-flight entertainment system
• No power outlets
• Air conditioning
• Overhead reading lights

Food & Beverage:

• Complimentary water and juice on most flights
• No meal service (short flight times of 45-120 minutes)
• No buy-on-board food service
• Beverages provided before landing

Flight Experience:

• Flight times typically 45-120 minutes
• Turboprops flew lower than jet aircraft—excellent views of Brazilian landscape
• More cabin noise than jet aircraft typical for turboprop operations
• Generally smoother than expected (higher service frequency)

Seat Tips:

• Window seats ideal for scenic views of Rio state and Atlantic coast
• Front rows provided faster disembarkation at smaller airports
• Propeller noise slightly louder in mid-cabin rows

Booking (Historical):

1. TRIP fares were competitive with GOL and Azul on regional routes
2. Tuesday/Wednesday flights often had better availability
3. Early morning departures (before 8 AM) had better completion rates
4. Secondary city connections often offered frequency advantages

Packing for ATR Fleet:

1. Pack light—ATR cabin bags were smaller than jet standards
2. Gate-check policy was flexible with no charges for oversized carry-ons
3. Bring a sweater or light jacket—turboprop cabins ran cooler than jets
4. Noise-canceling headphones recommended for turboprop flights
5. Window seats offered exceptional views; turboprops flew at lower altitudes

At Smaller Regional Airports:

1. Arrive 90-120 minutes early (secondary airports had limited services)
2. Use online check-in—saves time at small stations
3. Expect walk-out boarding and stairs—wear comfortable shoes
4. Regional airports typically had no food options—eat before flight
5. Weather delays more likely on secondary routes

During Flight:

1. Window seats offered excellent views (turboprops flew lower than jets)
2. Flights were short—entertainment not needed
3. Stay hydrated (cabin air slightly drier than jet cabin)
4. Hold handrails when boarding/deplaning via stairs
5. Engage with local passengers—TRIP served strong business community routes

Connections at Rio Hubs:

1. GIG (Galeão) and SDU (Santos Dumont) are close (15 minutes by car)
2. Allow 90+ minutes for connections via ground transport
3. Bags transferred automatically on same airline; recheck for partner airlines
4. SDU connections sometimes quicker than GIG
5. TAM/LATAM, GOL, and Azul code-share connections available

Regional Routes: Popular TRIP routes included:

• GIG/SDU–CNF: Frequent business service to Belo Horizonte
• GIG–Vitória (VIX): Espírito Santo connections
• GIG–Cabo Frio (CFB): Coastal leisure routes
• CNF–Montes Claros (MOC): Interior Minas Gerais
• GIG–Angra dos Reis (AIG): Summer coastal service

Legacy & Transition to Azul:

• TRIP's regional network became the foundation of Azul's regional expansion
• ATR fleet eventually retired; routes consolidated to Azul E195-E2 jets
• TudoAzul program integrated TRIP frequent flyer miles (2014 merger)
• Former TRIP secondary city routes provided Azul competitive advantage

Common Turboprop Expectations:

• Turboprops are noisier but more efficient than jets on short routes
• Lower altitude = better views and slightly shorter flight times
• Smooth operations on most regional weather (better low-altitude performance)
• Turboprops typically more reliable than jets for remote airport operations

Historical note: TRIP Linhas Aereas ceased operations in May 2014 after merger with Azul. This guide reflects the airline's policies at the time of merger. Modern travelers should use Azul's website and booking system for current service on former TRIP routes. Last verified: January 2014