TAR Aerolíneas Baggage Policy, Allowance, and Fees
TAR Aerolíneas operates regional passenger flights across Mexico using an all-jet fleet of Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. Because these regional jets feature compact cabins, overhead storage space is limited, making planeside valet checking a routine procedure for standard carry-on suitcases. Your permitted baggage allowance depends directly on the fare family selected during booking, ranging from carry-on-only tickets to fares bundling checked luggage.
TAR Aerolíneas allows one small personal item under the seat and one cabin bag up to 5 to 10 kg (11 to 22 lbs) on eligible fares, though rigid rolling bags often require free planeside gate checking due to Embraer ERJ 145 overhead bin dimensions. Checked luggage allowances range from zero on promotional tickets to 15 or 25 kg (33 or 55 lbs) on standard and flexible fares. Extra bags and overweight items incur fees billed in Mexican Pesos (MXN).
Baggage Allowance Snapshot
TAR Aerolíneas provides an under-seat personal item on all fares, but carry-on fit is constrained by regional jet bin sizes. Checked baggage allowances depend strictly on the fare tier purchased.
What can change: Ticket fare brand (Promo, Star, or Flex), seasonal demand, ticket purchase channel, and regional aircraft payload limitations.
Baggage Size Visual
Use the airline's stated order of dimensions. Measurements may include wheels and handles only when the official source says so.
Under-Seat Personal Item
Published limit: Approx. 40 × 30 × 20 cm; must fit under seat
Included on all TAR Aerolíneas ticket fares
ERJ Cabin Carry-On
Published limit: Approx. 45 × 35 × 20 cm; 5–10 kg (11–22 lbs)
Subject to fare tier rules and overhead bin clearance
Standard Checked Suitcase
Published limit: Max 158 linear cm (62 in); 15 kg or 25 kg base limit
Included on Standard and Flex fare classes
Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.
Official Source Verification
Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.
How BaggageBase Checks This Information
BaggageBase prioritizes verified rules from TAR Aerolíneas conditions of carriage, active booking paths, and Mexican federal aviation regulatory frameworks (AFAC and PROFECO). Because regional carriers adjust fare families and ancillary fee schedules periodically, we isolate confirmed structural rules from items that require ticket-level checks.
Fleet-specific limitations, such as the single overhead bin row on the Embraer ERJ 145, remain constant physical realities. In contrast, specific checked piece fees, promotional weight caps, and seasonal excess charges fluctuate. When exact linear boundaries or current fee amounts in Mexican Pesos differ between promotional materials and booking engines, we identify the variable data so you know what to check before departing.
TAR Aerolíneas Carry-On Baggage Allowance
TAR Aerolíneas operates a single-class cabin across its regional network. Carry-on allowances apply uniformly across the aircraft cabin, but your ticket type dictates whether overhead baggage is included in your base fare or limited to an under-seat piece.
Fleet Constraints on the Embraer ERJ 145
The physical layout of the aircraft defines your cabin baggage experience on TAR Aerolíneas. The Embraer ERJ 145 features a 1x2 seat arrangement:
- Single seats sit on the left (port) side (Row A).
- Double seats sit on the right (starboard) side (Rows B and C).
Overhead storage compartments exist only on the starboard side above seats B and C. There are no overhead bins above row A. Because the aircraft fuselage is narrow, the storage compartments are shallow and have low vertical clearance. Standard 22-inch (55 cm) rollaboard suitcases that fit easily on Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft cannot fit inside an ERJ 145 bin.
To see how regional cabin dimensions compare with mainline airlines across the industry, review our airline carry-on size comparison.
Planeside Valet Delivery (Al Pie de Avión)
Because most standard wheeled bags cannot enter the ERJ 145 cabin, TAR Aerolíneas uses an al pie de avión (planeside valet) handling procedure.
- You bring your carry-on bag through airport security screening and to the departure gate.
- At the boarding gate or on the tarmac steps, ramp agents attach an orange or yellow valet luggage tag to your bag.
- You leave the suitcase on the luggage cart or ground platform beside the aircraft entry stairs.
- Ground personnel place the bag directly into the rear cargo hold.
- Upon arrival at your destination, ramp agents unload valet bags and line them up at the aircraft steps or jetbridge. You pick up your bag before walking into the terminal.
This service is complimentary provided your bag falls within ticketed carry-on weight and size rules. Valet-checked bags bypass the main airport baggage claim carousels.
Carry-On Weight and Sizing Limits
Cabin bags are generally limited to dimensions of approximately 45 × 35 × 20 cm (18 × 14 × 8 inches) and a maximum weight between 5 kg and 10 kg (11 to 22 lbs), depending on your fare class.
The official source does not clearly state uniform linear dimensions across all international aggregators; items must physically fit inside the aircraft test unit or overhead bin.
| Item | Allowance | Size or fit rule | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Backpack / Weekender | 1 piece included on qualifying fares | Approx. 45 × 35 × 20 cm (18 × 14 × 8 in) | Fits inside ERJ 145 starboard bins when compressed |
| Standard Rolling Bag (20–22 in) | 1 piece on qualifying fares | Exceeds ERJ 145 overhead bin depth | Tagged at boarding steps for free planeside hold delivery |
| Garment Bag | 1 piece on qualifying fares | Must fold flat within overhead compartment | Accepted subject to available bin space |
Personal Item Rules and Under-Seat Guidelines
Every passenger on TAR Aerolíneas is permitted one personal item free of charge. This allowance applies to all ticket types, including basic promotional fares.
Definition and Placement
A personal item must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Acceptable items include:
- A small backpack or daypack
- A purse or handbag
- A compact laptop bag or briefcase
- A camera case or small tote
Seats across the aircraft feature under-seat storage, including the single-seat A row. However, passengers seated in Row 1 (bulkhead seats) do not have a seat in front of them. If you sit in Row 1, Mexican civil aviation rules require all personal belongings to be placed in the overhead compartments during taxi, takeoff, and landing. If overhead space is full, crew members may transfer items to the hold.
For typical size caps across different regional and mainline carriers, check our airline personal item size comparison.
Packing Valuables for Regional Flights
Because your main carry-on suitcase will likely be taken at the aircraft steps for planeside loading, keep all critical items inside your personal item. Do not pack the following items in a bag that may be valet-checked:
- Laptop computers, tablets, and mobile phones
- Lithium-ion power banks and spare electronic batteries (prohibited in the cargo hold)
- Prescription medications and medical documentation
- Passports, identification, keys, and cash
Checked Baggage Allowances and Fare Types
TAR Aerolíneas segments domestic bookings into branded fare families, such as promotional fares, Standard fares, and flexible fares. The baggage allowance attached to your ticket depends directly on this choice.
This rule can vary by route, fare, cabin, or operating carrier. Check the airline's baggage tool or official policy before payment or departure.
Fare Class Breakdown
- Promotional Fares (e.g., Tarifa Zero / Promo): Designed for light travelers. These tickets include an under-seat personal item but frequently exclude checked baggage. Checked bags must be purchased as an optional ancillary service.
- Standard Fares (e.g., Star): Often bundle a single checked bag with a weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs).
- Flexible Fares (e.g., Flex): Typically include one checked bag up to 15 kg or 25 kg (33 to 55 lbs) along with ticket change flexibility.
Evaluating whether to buy an inclusive fare or add a bag later is central to travel budgeting. Read our guide on checked bag vs. carry-on to calculate total travel expenses accurately.
Checked Baggage Sizing Limits
The standard maximum size for any checked piece is 158 linear centimeters (62 linear inches), calculated by adding length, width, and height (L + W + H) including handles and wheels. Bags exceeding this linear boundary are classified as oversized and incur extra fees.
| Fare Category | Included Checked Pieces | Weight Allowance per Bag | Notes / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promo / Basic Fare | 0 pieces | None included | Checked bags must be purchased online or at airport |
| Standard Fare | 1 piece | 15 kg (33 lbs) | Standard regional domestic allowance |
| Flex Fare | 1 piece | 15 kg or 25 kg (33 or 55 lbs) | Weight limit depends on specific ticket fare terms |
Baggage Fees for First, Second, and Additional Checked Pieces
All ancillary charges, checked bag fees, and weight surcharges on TAR Aerolíneas are calculated and collected in Mexican Pesos (MXN). When paying with a foreign credit card, your bank applies its daily exchange rate.
Booking Channel Differences
Purchasing your checked luggage during initial online booking or through the TAR call center is less expensive than paying at the airport counter on the day of travel. Airport ticket offices (ATO) assess the highest tier of baggage fees.
Payload Restrictions on Additional Bags
TAR Aerolíneas operates 50-seat regional jets that operate under strict weight and balance limitations, particularly during warm weather or at high-altitude airports across central and northern Mexico. Because of this, second and third checked bags are accepted strictly subject to aircraft payload availability. If a flight reaches its structural payload limit, the airline may decline additional bags at check-in or send them on a subsequent flight.
| Service Scope | Booking Channel | Fee (MXN) | Application Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Checked Bag (when not bundled) | Advance Web / Call Center | Lower web rate | Applies per one-way flight segment |
| First Checked Bag (when not bundled) | Airport Ticket Desk | Higher airport rate | Assessed at check-in counter |
| Second Checked Piece | Advance or Airport | Standard piece rate | Accepted subject to ERJ 145 payload space |
| Additional Pieces (3rd+) | Airport Check-In | Standby excess rate | Accepted only if aircraft weight allows |
Note: Baggage fees are subject to 16% Mexican Value Added Tax (IVA) where applicable.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your checked bag exceeds the weight limit specified by your ticket, TAR Aerolíneas charges excess weight fees at airport check-in.
Weight Ceilings and Maximum Cutoffs
Standard checked luggage on TAR has a baseline limit of either 15 kg (33 lbs) or 25 kg (55 lbs). Any luggage weighing more than your ticketed allowance up to 32 kg (70 lbs) is classified as overweight.
Any single piece of baggage exceeding 32 kg (70 lbs) will not be accepted for transport on passenger flights under any circumstances. Bags over 32 kg must be repackaged into separate bags or shipped separately via a commercial freight cargo service.
Per-Kilogram Surcharge Structure
Overweight charges on TAR Aerolíneas are billed per individual kilogram over your ticketed allowance. For instance, if your ticket permits 15 kg and your suitcase weighs 18 kg, you must pay the per-kilogram rate for the 3 excess kilograms before the counter agent issues your bag tag.
| Condition | Threshold | Additional fee | Acceptance limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight Baggage | 1 kg above ticket allowance up to 32 kg | Charged per excess kg in MXN | Absolute ceiling: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag |
| Oversized Baggage | 159 cm to 200 linear cm (63 to 79 in) | Flat oversized fee in MXN | Subject to cargo hold door dimensions |
| Severely Oversized / Overweight | Over 200 cm or over 32 kg (70 lbs) | Not accepted as passenger baggage | Must ship via air cargo |
Mexican Aviation Passenger Rights and Statutory Allowances
Domestic commercial flights in Mexico operate under the Federal Civil Aviation Law (Ley de Aviación Civil), enforced by the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).
Under statutory Mexican regulations, passengers purchasing a full-fare domestic flight ticket are granted baseline rights, including the transport of carry-on items and up to 15 kg or 25 kg of checked luggage without separate fees. However, Mexican law permits airlines to market discounted, unbundled fares (such as "Tarifa Zero" or promotional fares) if the passenger voluntarily waives the checked baggage allowance during purchase in exchange for a lower ticket price.
When you purchase a discounted promotional ticket on TAR Aerolíneas, you accept a contract that waives the statutory checked allowance. If you decide to check a bag later, you must pay the airline's standard ancillary piece fee.
Infant, Child, and Medical Equipment Policies
TAR Aerolíneas provides specific allowances for passengers traveling with infants (children under two years of age) and individuals requiring mobility or medical equipment.
Traveling with Lap Infants
When traveling with an infant seated on an adult's lap:
- You are permitted to check one fully collapsible stroller, pushchair, or baby pram free of charge.
- You may check one approved infant car seat free of charge.
- You are permitted one small diaper bag inside the cabin containing essential food, milk, and care items for the flight.
Strollers can be used inside the airport terminal up to the aircraft boarding door. Ramp agents will tag the stroller planeside and return it to you at the aircraft steps upon landing.
Mobility Aids and Assistive Medical Devices
Under Mexican civil aviation regulations, essential mobility aids and medical equipment do not count toward your ticketed baggage allowance:
- Wheelchairs (manual and electric), walkers, crutches, and braces are transported free of charge in the cargo hold.
- If you use a battery-powered wheelchair, you must notify TAR Aerolíneas at least 48 hours before departure. The battery must meet international transport standards (ICAO/IATA dangerous goods regulations). Spillable batteries may require special isolation, while dry-cell, gel, or lithium-ion units must be secured and disconnected.
- Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and CPAP machines approved for flight may be carried into the cabin free of charge and do not count against your carry-on allowance.
Special Items: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Pets
Regional aircraft impose physical space limits that affect non-standard luggage, sports gear, and instruments.
Sports Equipment
Items such as golf bags, scuba diving gear, fishing rods, and archery sets can be checked on TAR Aerolíneas flights, subject to space availability and payment of a special luggage handling fee in MXN.
Because the Embraer ERJ 145 has a smaller cargo door than mainline aircraft, rigid cases exceeding 200 cm in length-such as full-size surfboards, tandem bicycles, or pole vaulting equipment-cannot physically fit into the cargo hold. Contact the airline to verify dimensions before taking large sports cases to the airport.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments (such as violins, flutes, or ukuleles) may be taken into the cabin as your carry-on item, provided they fit within the starboard overhead compartments or beneath the forward seat.
Large instruments (such as cellos or large guitars) cannot fit in the ERJ 145 overhead bins. You must either pack the instrument in a certified hard-shell flight case for transport in the cargo hold (subject to standard excess and fragile baggage terms) or purchase an extra cabin seat for the instrument in advance.
Pets Traveling in the Cabin and Cargo Hold
TAR Aerolíneas permits small domesticated dogs and cats to travel on domestic routes under specific conditions:
- Pets in Cabin (PETC): The pet must remain inside a soft-sided, leak-proof carrier that fits entirely beneath the seat in front of you. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed the airline's published cabin limit (typically 8 kg to 9 kg total). A pet fee in MXN applies per flight segment.
- Checked Pets (AVIH): Animals exceeding cabin limits may travel in the cargo hold in an approved rigid kennel, provided aircraft hold ventilation and seasonal temperatures permit. In extreme summer heat, regional airports across northern Mexico may suspend animal transport in cargo holds for safety.
What Happens if Your Bag Exceeds Limits at the Airport
If your luggage exceeds weight or dimensional limits when you arrive for departure, airline personnel will intervene at check-in or boarding.
Counter Inspections
At the airport check-in desk, every checked piece is weighed. If your bag exceeds your ticketed limit (for example, registering 19 kg on a 15 kg allowance), the ticketing agent will prompt you to:
- Pay the per-kilogram overweight fee in MXN using a debit or credit card.
- Repack the bag by transferring heavier items into another bag or leaving non-essential items behind.
Airport counters close strictly 45 minutes prior to domestic departures. Having to repack luggage at the terminal can cause you to miss the baggage cutoff window.
Gate Inspections
Gate agents inspect carry-on luggage during the boarding process. If you purchased a promotional fare that excludes overhead baggage, or if your carry-on bag is clearly oversized:
- The gate agent will attach a checked baggage tag.
- You will be charged the airport gate-check baggage fee, which is higher than the advance online rate.
- You must remove all portable electronics, lithium power banks, and valuables before releasing the bag to ground crew.
Regional Flight Baggage Checklist
Follow these steps before heading to the airport for a TAR Aerolíneas flight to prevent unexpected fees or boarding delays.
- Choose a soft-sided duffle over a hard rollaboard. Soft bags compress into the small starboard bins of the ERJ 145, whereas rigid rollaboard bags are sent to the hold.
- Keep power banks and medication in your under-seat bag. Carry-ons are routinely valet-checked at the tarmac steps; lithium batteries and essential drugs cannot go into the cargo hold.
- Weigh your checked suitcase at home in kilograms. TAR enforces strict weight balances on regional jets and charges excess fees for every single kilogram above your allowance.
- Verify your fare type on your confirmation receipt. Basic promotional fares exclude checked luggage, and adding a bag online is far cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
- Check regional cargo door dimensions for sports equipment. The ERJ 145 cannot accommodate large hard-shell surfboards or oversized bicycle travel cases.
- Arrive at the airport terminal 90 to 120 minutes early. Check-in counters close 45 minutes before departure, and repacking or paying excess fees takes extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TAR Aerolíneas allow a free carry-on bag on all fares?
Most standard and flexible fares include one personal item and one carry-on bag weighing between 5 kg and 10 kg. However, promotional fares (such as Tarifa Zero) may restrict your free allowance strictly to an under-seat personal item. Check your fare rules to see if an overhead bag is included on your ticket.
Will a standard 22-inch rolling suitcase fit in the overhead bin on TAR?
No, a standard 22-inch (55 cm) rigid rolling suitcase will not fit inside the overhead bins of TAR's Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. The overhead bins are narrow and located only on the right side of the cabin. Ramp staff will attach a valet tag at the boarding gate and place the suitcase in the cargo hold free of charge.
How does planeside valet baggage pickup work on TAR Aerolíneas?
When boarding from the tarmac or jetbridge, ramp agents tag your carry-on bag and take it directly to the aircraft hold. When you land, ramp agents unload these tagged bags and place them at the foot of the aircraft stairs. You pick up your bag right on the tarmac or jetbridge before entering the terminal.
What is the standard weight limit for checked baggage on TAR domestic flights?
Depending on your fare family, the base weight limit for included checked luggage is either 15 kg (33 lbs) or 25 kg (55 lbs). If you booked a basic promotional ticket that does not bundle luggage, you must purchase a checked bag allowance online or at the airport ticket desk.
How much does TAR Aerolíneas charge for overweight baggage?
TAR Aerolíneas charges overweight baggage on a per-kilogram basis in Mexican Pesos (MXN) at the airport check-in desk. If your suitcase exceeds your ticketed limit (such as weighing 18 kg on a 15 kg ticket), you pay the per-kilogram fee for each excess kilogram up to the absolute 32 kg (70 lbs) safety cutoff.
Can I bring a baby stroller on TAR Aerolíneas without paying an extra fee?
Yes. Under Mexican aviation regulations, passengers traveling with an infant can check one fully collapsible stroller or pram and one infant car seat free of charge. Strollers can be used throughout the airport terminal and checked planeside at the aircraft boarding door.
Can I bring a dog or cat on a TAR Aerolíneas flight?
Yes, TAR Aerolíneas permits small dogs and cats in the cabin provided the pet remains in an approved soft-sided carrier under the forward seat and meets the maximum weight limit. Larger pets may travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold, subject to seasonal weather conditions and aircraft space. Both options require an extra fee in MXN.
Are sports items and musical instruments accepted as standard luggage?
Small musical instruments that fit within cabin dimensions can be carried on in place of a cabin bag. Larger instruments and sports gear (such as golf bags or scuba equipment) must be checked, incur a specialized handling fee in MXN, and are accepted only if they fit through the ERJ 145 cargo doors.
Final Booking and Travel Considerations
When traveling on TAR Aerolíneas, understanding the physical dimensions of the Embraer ERJ 145 fleet prevents surprises at the boarding gate. Pack assuming your primary carry-on bag will be checked planeside at the aircraft steps, and keep all fragile electronics, power banks, and necessary medications in your small personal item under the seat.
Before departing for the airport, confirm your ticket fare family on your booking receipt to verify your exact checked luggage allowance. If your fare does not bundle luggage or if you expect to travel heavy, purchase your baggage allowance through the airline's website in advance to avoid higher counter fees in Mexican Pesos.
Airline baggage rules and fees can change by route, fare, cabin, operating carrier, traveler status, purchase channel, and departure date. Check the airline's official baggage policy or calculator before booking, paying, or traveling. BaggageBase reviews information for 2026 where possible, but the airline's published terms remain the final authority.
