SATA Air AcoresSP

SATA Air Acores is the inter-island airline of the Azores, providing essential air service connecting all nine islands of this Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic. Operating since 1947, the airline is one of Europe's oldest regional carriers and serves as the lifeline for the approximately 240,000 residents of the Azores, enabling daily travel, medical appointments, education, and commerce between islands that would otherwise be isolated.

Headquartered at Joao Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel island, SATA Air Acores is part of the SATA Group, which also operates Azores Airlines (IATA: S4). While Azores Airlines handles international routes to mainland Portugal, Europe, and North America, SATA Air Acores focuses exclusively on inter-island connections within the archipelago. In 2024, the airline surpassed the milestone of one million passengers in a single year, operating over 550 weekly flights during peak summer season.

Important distinction: SATA Air Acores (SP) is separate from Azores Airlines (S4). For flights between the Azores and mainland Portugal, Europe, or North America, you need Azores Airlines. For flights between Azores islands, you need SATA Air Acores. Both airlines share the SATA Imagine loyalty program.

SATA Air Acores operates regional turboprop aircraft with limited cargo capacity. The airline uses a weight concept rather than piece concept on inter-island flights - you have a total weight allowance rather than a set number of bags.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in)
• Examples: Purse, laptop bag, small backpack
• Must fit under seat

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight: 8 kg (17 lbs) for Economy class

Passenger Type	Cabin Bag Weight
Economy Class	8 kg (17 lbs)
Connecting from Azores Airlines Comfort	13 kg (28 lbs)

Important: Combined weight of personal item and cabin bag cannot exceed the fare allowance. Cabin space on Q400 aircraft is limited; oversized bags may be placed in the hold.

Checked Baggage

Inter-Island Flights (Weight Concept):

Passenger Type	Weight Allowance	Notes
Adult/Child	23 kg (50 lbs)	Standard allowance
Infant (under 2)	10 kg (22 lbs)	Separate allowance
Goldsky Members	33 kg (72 lbs)	+10 kg bonus
Students (12-26)	33 kg (72 lbs)	+10 kg with student ID

Weight Concept: No limit on number of bags, but:

• Maximum 32 kg (70 lbs) per single bag
• Total combined weight must stay within your allowance
• Multiple smaller bags are easier for aircraft loading

Size Limits:

• Maximum linear dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) per bag
• Bags exceeding 32 kg must be shipped via cargo

Excess Baggage

Excess baggage is accepted on a space-available basis subject to fees charged by weight. Due to aircraft capacity constraints:

• High-occupancy flights may limit excess baggage
• Pre-booking excess baggage is strongly recommended
• Excess may be limited to one additional bag per passenger

Booking: Purchase extra allowance online through Azores Airlines website before check-in for guaranteed space.

Student Allowance

Students aged 12-26 traveling between their home and educational institution receive an additional 10 kg (22 lbs) on inter-island flights when:

• Traveling on a student fare, OR
• Presenting student ID/enrollment proof at check-in

Special Items

All special items require pre-booking and confirmation. Contact the airline before travel.

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard	Pre-booking required
Skis/snowboard	Standard	Pre-booking required
Bicycle	EUR 100 (~$110)	Must be boxed
Surfboard	EUR 100 (~$110)	Pre-booking required
Diving equipment	Standard	Part of baggage allowance
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Advance notice recommended

Fees as of January 2026. Verify at azoresairlines.pt/baggage.

SATA Air Acores operates regional turboprop aircraft designed for short inter-island routes across the Azores. Flight times range from 20 minutes (PDL-SMA) to 1.5 hours (PDL-FLW).

Fleet Overview

Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 (6 aircraft in summer 2025):

• Capacity: 78 passengers
• Configuration: 2-2 seating in single class
• Cargo hold: 1,595 kg capacity
• Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW150A engines
• Cruising speed: 667 km/h
• Range: 2,656 km

Bombardier Dash 8 Q200 (2 aircraft in summer 2025):

• Capacity: 37 passengers
• Used for smaller airfields and lower-demand routes
• Essential for Corvo's short runway

Cabin Experience

Seating:

• All-economy configuration
• 2-2 seating arrangement
• Standard regional aircraft pitch
• No assigned seat selection on most fares

Service:

• Complimentary light snacks and beverages on longer routes
• No in-flight entertainment systems
• No WiFi (flights are typically under 2 hours)
• Cabin announcements in Portuguese and English

Scenic Highlights: Flying between islands offers spectacular views:

• Volcanic calderas and crater lakes
• Dramatic coastlines and green pastures
• Whale watching from above (Pico strait)
• The remote beauty of Flores and Corvo

Tip: Request a window seat for stunning aerial views of the islands, especially when flying to Flores or over the central group.

Weather Considerations

Atlantic weather significantly affects operations:

• Strong winds can delay or cancel flights, especially to Corvo and smaller islands
• Winter months (November-March) see more disruptions
• Book flexible tickets if possible for time-sensitive travel

Booking Tips

• Book early: Inter-island flights fill quickly, especially in summer and around holidays
• Through-ticket: Book inter-island + international on one reservation for baggage continuity and rebooking protection
• Resident discounts: Azores residents receive significant fare reductions
• Student fares: 12-26 year-olds get discounts and extra baggage with student ID
• SATA Imagine: Join even for one trip to start accumulating miles

At the Airport

• Arrive early: Counter closes 30 minutes before departure with no exceptions
• Small airports: Corvo, Graciosa, and Santa Maria have minimal facilities
• PDL connections: Allow 90+ minutes when connecting to international flights
• Weather delays: Check flight status before leaving for the airport, especially in winter

Packing

• Weight matters: 23 kg total allowance is strictly enforced
• Weigh bags at home: Excess baggage acceptance is not guaranteed
• Pack layers: Weather can change quickly between islands
• Rain gear: Azores are known for "four seasons in one day"

Island Hopping

• Central group circuit: PDL-TER-SJZ-PIX-HOR can be done efficiently
• Western group: Flores and Corvo require more time due to limited frequencies
• Ferry alternatives: Ferries connect central group islands in summer (slower but scenic)
• Corvo day trips: Possible from Flores with careful scheduling

Weather Awareness

• Winter travel: December-February sees most cancellations
• Western islands: Flores and Corvo are most affected by weather
• Flexible dates: Build buffer days into western island itineraries
• Backup plans: Know ferry schedules as weather alternatives (summer only)

Common Issues to Avoid

• Missing connections: Don't book tight connections on separate tickets
• Excess baggage: Pre-book online; may be refused day-of on full flights
• Sports equipment: Always pre-book; cannot be guaranteed at check-in
• Corvo travel: The smallest island has limited flight options; plan carefully

Best Value

• SATA Imagine: Free to join, starts earning immediately
• Silversky status: 80 flights in 2 years is achievable for frequent inter-island travelers
• Off-peak travel: April-May and October-November offer lower fares and good weather
• Goldsky perks: Extra 10 kg baggage is valuable for island residents

Article last verified January 2026. For current schedules and policies, visit azoresairlines.pt.