SATA InternationalS4

Azores Airlines is the flag carrier of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal in the North Atlantic. Formerly known as SATA International until its 2017 rebrand, the airline is part of the SATA Group, which traces its roots back to 1941 when it began inter-island services within the Azores archipelago.

Headquartered in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel island, Azores Airlines connects the nine volcanic islands of the Azores to mainland Portugal, other European destinations, and North America. The airline operates a modern all-Airbus fleet, including the long-range A321LR, enabling nonstop transatlantic flights from the Azores to Boston, Toronto, and Montreal.

Azores Airlines is distinct from its sister company SATA Air Acores (IATA: SP), which operates turboprop aircraft for inter-island flights within the Azores. Both airlines are part of the SATA Group and share the SATA Imagine loyalty program.

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 in front

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit varies by fare class

Fare Class	Cabin Bag Weight
Economy (Simple/Basic/Flex/Top)	8 kg (17 lbs)
Comfort Light	8 kg (17 lbs)
Comfort Plus	15 kg (33 lbs)

Note: When cabin overhead space is full, cabin bags may be placed in the hold free of charge.

Checked Baggage

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

Domestic & Intra-Azores (via SATA Air Acores):

Fare	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Simple	0	Purchase from EUR 50 (~$55)
Basic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Top	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Comfort Light	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Comfort Plus	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Europe & Africa:

Fare	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Simple	0	Purchase from EUR 65 (~$71)
Basic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Top	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Comfort Light	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Comfort Plus	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each

North America (Boston, Toronto, Montreal):

Fare	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Simple	0	Purchase from $120 USD
Basic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)
Top	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Comfort Light	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each
Comfort Plus	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Resident Bonus: Azores residents traveling to mainland Portugal on Basic or Flex fares receive an additional 23 kg bag free.

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Weight Range	Domestic/Europe	North America
24-32 kg (53-70 lbs)	EUR 60 (~$66)	$160 USD
Over 32 kg	Cargo only	Cargo only

Maximum: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag. Bags exceeding this must be shipped via cargo, except sports equipment and musical instruments up to 45 kg with pre-booking.

Special Items

All special items require pre-booking and confirmation. Fees apply if they exceed your free baggage allowance.

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Pre-booking required
Skis/snowboard	Standard bag fee	Pre-booking required
Bicycle	EUR 100 (~$110)	Must be boxed
Surfboard	EUR 100 (~$110)	Pre-booking required
Musical instrument (large)	Standard + possible excess	Hard case required
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Advance notice recommended

Prepaid Extra Baggage

Save by purchasing additional baggage online before check-in:

• Up to 3 extra pieces (23 kg each) on international flights
• Up to 30 kg extra on inter-island flights
• Not available on flights to/from Africa or codeshare flights

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at azoresairlines.pt/baggage.

Azores Airlines operates a modern all-Airbus fleet optimized for both short inter-island hops and long transatlantic crossings.

Fleet Overview

Aircraft	Routes	Seats	Configuration
Airbus A321LR	North America, long-haul	190	16 Comfort + 174 Economy
Airbus A321neo	Europe, medium-haul	186	16 Comfort + 170 Economy
Airbus A320neo	Europe, domestic	168	Economy only
Airbus A320	Europe, domestic	165	Economy only

Comfort Class

Azores Airlines' premium cabin offers enhanced comfort without lie-flat seats, similar to domestic first class in the United States.

Seat Specifications:

• Seat pitch: 40" (102 cm)
• Seat width: 18" (46 cm)
• Recline: Approximately 40 degrees
• Configuration: 2-2 (A321neo/A321LR)
• Moldable headrests

Comfort Class Amenities:

• Complimentary meal service with Portuguese cuisine
• Premium wines and beverages
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority baggage handling
• Lounge access at select airports
• Fast Track security (Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada)
• In-flight entertainment system
• Power outlets (USB) and WiFi (A321LR)

Economy Class

Seat Specifications:

• Seat pitch: 31" (79 cm)
• Seat width: 18" (46 cm)
• Standard recline: Approximately 10 degrees

Economy Class Amenities:

• Complimentary snacks and beverages on short flights
• Complimentary meal service on transatlantic flights
• Personal device entertainment via streaming
• Power outlets (USB) on A320neo, A321neo, A321LR

Entertainment

A321neo/A321LR:

• Streaming entertainment to personal devices
• WiFi connectivity available (A321LR)
• Power outlets at every seat

A320/A320neo:

• Streaming entertainment to personal devices
• No seatback screens

Download the Azores Airlines app before your flight to access entertainment.

Meals

Transatlantic & Long-Haul:

• Complimentary hot meals in both cabins
• Portuguese-inspired cuisine
• Special meals available with advance request

Domestic & Short-Haul:

• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Buy-on-board options available

Booking Tips

• Compare fares carefully: Simple fares have no checked bags; Basic is usually the better value
• Book early for summer: Boston and Toronto routes fill quickly June-September
• Resident discounts: Azores and Madeira residents receive significant fare discounts
• Student fares: Available with proof of enrollment, includes extra baggage
• Prepay bags online: Always cheaper than airport rates

At the Airport

• Ponta Delgada (PDL): Small airport, allow 2 hours for international flights
• Boston (BOS): Flights depart from Terminal E (international)
• Connection times: Allow minimum 2 hours for connections via Lisbon on separate tickets

Transatlantic Travel

• Azores stopover: Break your transatlantic journey with a few days exploring the islands
• No direct Portugal-US: Azores Airlines does not fly Lisbon-US; use TAP or connect via PDL
• Time zone: Azores are UTC-1 (1 hour behind Lisbon, 4 hours ahead of New York)

Inter-Island Travel

• SATA Air Acores (SP): For flights between Azores islands, book SATA Air Acores
• Through tickets: Book inter-island + international on one ticket for baggage continuity
• Weather delays: Inter-island flights can be affected by Atlantic weather; book flexible fares if possible

SATA Imagine Tips

• Silversky threshold: 25,000 miles or 80 flights in 2 years earns mid-tier status
• Activity extends miles: Any flight or partner activity resets the 3-year expiration clock
• Business program: Companies can accumulate miles separately from individual accounts

Common Issues to Avoid

• US boarding passes: Cannot be printed online; must collect at airport
• Bermuda flights: No online check-in available
• Excess baggage restrictions: High-demand flights (especially Boston-PDL in summer) may limit excess baggage acceptance
• Sports equipment: Always pre-book; cannot be guaranteed day-of

Article last verified January 2025. Always confirm current policies at azoresairlines.pt.