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Travel Service Polska is an air carrier specializing in regional passenger transport, providing vital connections between the islands. The airline's main transport hub is Ponta Delgada airport. Thanks to a convenient schedule and high frequency of flights, the company plays a key role in the region's tourism infrastructure, allowing travellers to comfortably explore the picturesque corners of the archipelago.

The company's route network focuses on short-haul flights connecting the capital with other islands. Passengers can travel to the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo or visit scenic Horta. Special attention is paid to destinations popular among nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat, such as Madalena and sunny Santa Maria.

The airline's fleet is selected taking into account the specifics of local airfields, some of which have short runways. This allows for flights even to such remote and hard-to-reach places as Vila do Corvo and Flores Island. Regular flights are also operated to Graciosa Island and São Jorge, ensuring reliable transport for locals and tourists alike.

A journey with Travel Service Polska is not just a flight, but an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking bird's-eye views of the Atlantic and the islands. The company strives to maintain high standards of safety and flight regularity, which is especially important given the changeable island weather.

When planning a trip with Travel Service Polska (which often operates internationally under the Smartwings brand), it is important to know the current contact methods in advance. The carrier provides support to passengers through digital channels and representatives at departure airports.

Official Website and Online Services

The main source of information regarding flights, baggage rules, and schedule changes is the airline's official portal. Here you can manage your booking and complete online check-in.

Official Website: www.smartwings.com

Customer Support Service

To resolve urgent issues, make changes to a ticket, or check flight status, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the website or the contact details provided on your itinerary receipt. Please note that support lines may be busy during the high season.

• Electronic Form: Available in the "Contacts" section of the official website.
• Telephone: The contact centre number is usually listed on your booking confirmation.

Airport Services

On the day of departure, assistance can be obtained directly at check-in counters or from ground handling agents. If your flight departs from key hubs such as Ponta Delgada, we recommend arriving at the airport early to resolve any organizational matters on-site.

Tip for tourists: Since Travel Service Polska often operates charter flights, some queries (such as seat selection or meal requests) may need to be handled through the tour operator from whom the holiday package was purchased.

Understanding baggage rules is key to a stress-free start to your holiday. Travel Service Polska (often operating flights under the Smartwings brand) adheres to generally accepted international standards, but has its own specifics that are important to consider when packing, especially if you plan to bring outdoor equipment.

Hand Luggage

Passengers are usually permitted to take one piece of hand luggage into the cabin. The standard weight is typically limited to 8 kg, and dimensions must not exceed 56x45x25 cm, including handles and wheels. This is important so that items fit easily in the overhead compartment.

In addition to the main bag, one small personal item (such as a handbag, laptop, or camera) is often allowed, which must fit freely under the seat in front of you. Given that Ponta Delgada serves as a base airport for many routes using smaller aircraft, dimension requirements may be checked particularly strictly.

Checked Baggage

Free baggage allowance depends on your ticket tariff (e.g., Economy Lite, Plus, or Flex). The standard weight for one suitcase in Economy Class is usually 23 kg. The sum of the three dimensions of the baggage (length + width + height) must not exceed 250 cm.

If you are travelling as a family or group, pooling baggage allowances may only be permitted provided that the weight of a single piece does not exceed the maximum safety limit of 32 kg. Always check the conditions of your specific tariff on your itinerary receipt before leaving for the airport.

Excess Baggage and Fees

A fee is charged for any excess weight or additional pieces of luggage. It is significantly cheaper to pay for excess baggage in advance via the airline's website or through your tour operator than at the check-in counter at the airport. Prices may vary depending on flight duration and season.

Special Equipment and Animals

Since the route network includes picturesque islands, many tourists bring sports equipment with them. Bicycles, surfboards, golf or diving gear are transported for an additional fee. Such equipment must be booked and paid for in advance, as hold space is limited.

Transporting musical instruments is possible both in the cabin (if they fit hand luggage dimensions or if a separate seat is purchased for them) and in the hold in a hard case.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety reasons, there are strict restrictions on carrying certain items:

• Prohibited in hand luggage: Sharp objects, imitation weapons, liquids in containers larger than 100 ml (with the exception of baby food and medicines).
• Prohibited in checked baggage: Lithium batteries and power banks (these must only be carried in hand luggage!), electronic cigarettes, explosives, and flammable substances.

Tips for Efficient Packing

To avoid stress at the airport, weigh your suitcases at home. Use bright tags or ribbons to easily identify your luggage on the carousel. Valuables, documents, money, and essential medicines should always be kept with you in your hand luggage. If you are flying with connections through hubs like Angra do Heroísmo, ensure your luggage is checked through to your final destination.

Travel Service Polska (SP) has a loyal policy regarding travel with pets, understanding that for many passengers they are full-fledged members of the family. Whether it is a short inter-island flight or a flight to the mainland, the carrier offers clear protocols for the safe transport of animals, though prior approval of the service is required.

In the Cabin (Hand Luggage)

This option is suitable for small cats and dogs that can comfortably fit at the owner's feet. The number of spaces for animals in the cabin is strictly limited, so the service must be booked as early as possible.

• Carrier Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for a soft bag should usually not exceed 43x30x27 cm (recommended to verify for the specific aircraft type).
• Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• Requirements: The pet must remain inside the carrier with the zipper closed throughout the entire flight.
• Limit: Usually only one pet per passenger is permitted.

In the Hold (Checked Baggage)

If your pet weighs more than 8 kg, it will travel in a special climate-controlled section of the cargo hold. This is safe, as the temperature and pressure are maintained at the same level as the cabin.

• Container: A rigid plastic crate certified by IATA (with metal bolts) is required.
• Comfort: The crate must be spacious enough for the animal to stand up fully, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
• Safety: Water bowls must be attached to the door inside the container, and the bottom lined with absorbent material.
• Documentation: Copies of veterinary documents must be attached to the crate.

As Cargo

In some situations, animal transport is only possible via the cargo terminal. This applies to very large dogs or cases where the animal is flying unaccompanied.

• When required: If the weight of the animal with the crate exceeds the allowable limits for baggage (usually over 32-50 kg) or the flight is to a country with particularly strict import rules.
• Processing: Requires a separate air waybill and handing over the animal to the airport cargo terminal (e.g., at the Ponta Delgada hub) several hours before departure.

Necessary Documents

Before traveling, strictly prepare a full package of documents to avoid refusal of carriage:

• International veterinary passport.
• Microchip (electronic identification is mandatory for flights within the EU).
• Valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before departure, but not more than a year ago).
• Health certificate (clinical examination) issued by a veterinarian 24-48 hours before the flight.

Service Costs

Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately according to special tariffs:

• In cabin: Fixed fee per flight segment (the most budget-friendly option).
• In hold: Cost depends on the weight of the animal together with the crate and the destination.
• Payment: It is recommended to pay for the service in advance via the call centre or website, as tariffs at the airport may be higher.

Preparation Tips

To ensure the flight goes smoothly for both you and your four-legged friend, follow these simple recommendations:

• Accustom the animal to the carrier or crate in advance, several weeks before the trip.
• Place an item with the owner's scent inside to reduce the pet's stress level.
• Do not feed the animal heavily 4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness, but provide a little water.
• Check the reliability of the crate locks before checking it in.

Restrictions and Exceptions

The airline reserves the right to refuse carriage if rules are not followed or for safety reasons:

• Prohibited Breeds: Restrictions often apply to the transport of brachycephalic dogs (snub-nosed breeds, e.g., pugs, boxers) in the hold due to the risk of breathing problems at altitude.
• Aggressive Animals: Dogs of fighting breeds may require special reinforced crates or may only be transported as cargo.
• Guide Dogs: Transported free of charge in the aircraft cabin provided there is a training certificate and a muzzle, regardless of their weight.

Important: Rules may change depending on the aircraft type and route. We strongly recommend contacting Travel Service Polska representatives or your tour operator at least 48 hours before departure to confirm your pet transport request.

Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Unlike large network carriers with complicated mileage accumulation systems, Travel Service Polska (SP) adheres to a different philosophy of customer relations. The main emphasis is on the affordability of air travel and transparent pricing. Instead of a complex loyalty programme with status tiers, the company offers competitive fares that allow travellers to save money directly when purchasing a ticket, rather than accumulating virtual points for future trips.

Focus on Regularity and Convenience

For tourists and locals frequently flying through the hub airport of Ponta Delgada, the main privilege is the convenient schedule and high frequency of flights. Stable air connections between the islands allow for flexible trip planning without having to adjust to rare departure dates. This is especially valuable for high-demand routes, such as flights to the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo or picturesque Horta, where flight regularity plays a key role.

Advantageous Fare Offers

The company's operating model, closely linked to the tourism segment and the Smartwings group, allows for the creation of special offers that often prove more beneficial than traditional bonus programmes:

• Seasonal Promotions: Newsletter subscribers are the first to know about price drops for popular destinations.
• Package Tours: Thanks to cooperation with major tour operators, the flight is often included in the cost of a comprehensive package, ensuring substantial savings when planning a holiday on Santa Maria or other resorts.
• Flexible Fares: Passengers can manage the ticket cost themselves by choosing only necessary services (e.g., baggage or meals), which is relevant for short flights to places like Madalena.

Corporate Service and Group Travel

Although the airline does not have individual loyalty cards, special booking conditions may be offered for organised tourist groups and corporate clients. This makes Travel Service Polska a convenient partner for organising expeditions or group tours to remote islands, for example to Flores Island, ensuring reliable logistics at a reasonable price.

Traveller's Tip: To ensure you don't miss the best ticket prices, it is recommended to book your flight in advance through official sales channels or trusted tour operators, especially during the high summer season.

Travel Service Polska (SP) strives to make air travel accessible and comfortable, offering service that meets modern European standards. Whether you are embarking on a long charter flight or taking a short hop between islands via the hub in Ponta Delgada, the carrier provides the necessary level of convenience for all categories of passengers.

Travel Classes

On most of the airline's flights, a unified Economy Class is offered. This is the optimal solution for tourist routes and regional connections. The service concept is built on the principle of "reasonable sufficiency," allowing for attractive ticket prices.

Within Economy Class, various fare options are available to passengers, which may include or exclude baggage allowance and seat selection. For those who value extra comfort, on some aircraft, it is possible to book seats in the front rows or at emergency exits (XL-seats) with extra legroom. This is particularly relevant if you are flying with a wealth of impressions from places like Angra do Heroísmo.

Seat Configuration and Onboard Comfort

Aircraft cabins are equipped with ergonomic seats featuring fabric or leather upholstery. The seat pitch meets the standard for charter and regional transport, ensuring sufficient space for short and medium-haul flights. The cabin layout depends on the aircraft type:

• On standard medium-haul liners, a classic 3-3 configuration is used.
• On smaller aircraft serving complex routes, for example to Horta or other islands with short runways, the configuration may be 2-2, creating a cosier atmosphere.

Individual panels with adjustable air vents and reading lights are located above each seat, allowing every passenger to adjust the microclimate and lighting to their preference.

Food and Beverages

The approach to catering on board Travel Service Polska depends on the flight duration and the conditions of the specific tour (if the ticket was purchased as part of a holiday package):

• Buy-on-Board Menu: A paid onboard catering concept applies on many flights. Passengers are offered a Bistro menu, including sandwiches, sweet and savoury snacks, as well as a wide selection of refreshing cold and hot beverages.
• Pre-order: For those wishing to have a full meal, there is an option to pre-order hot meals (including dietary requests where available) via the airline's website or tour operator (usually no later than 48 hours before departure).
• Short Flights: On short flights, for example to Santa Maria island, service may be limited to providing water due to the lack of time for full service.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Typically, there are no individual multimedia screens in seatbacks on board, which is characteristic of this transport segment. To avoid boredom during the journey, we recommend downloading films, music, or books to your mobile devices in advance. In the seat pocket in front of you, you will find an inflight magazine, which often publishes interesting articles about flight destinations, such as picturesque Madalena, as well as a duty-free catalogue (Sky Shop).

Services for Special Categories of Passengers

The airline pays close attention to the safety and comfort of passengers requiring special care. All special services must be requested in advance at the ticket booking stage.

• Children: Special safety belts are provided for infants under 2 years old (children fly on their parents' lap). Bassinets are available on some aircraft types (quantity is limited). Families with children have priority boarding.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The company provides a full range of assistance services (WCHS, WCHC) at airports and on board. If your route includes remote points such as Flores Island, be sure to notify the airline of the need for assistance with boarding and disembarking, as not all small airports are equipped with airbridges.

Travel Service Polska's (SP) route network is structured to ensure maximum regional connectivity, using Ponta Delgada airport as a key hub. The airline offers convenient connections and regular direct flights linking the archipelago's main tourist and business centres. Below is information on the most sought-after routes and flight frequency over a three-week period.

A journey with Travel Service Polska (SP) promises to be comfortable and memorable, especially given the scenic nature of the inter-island routes. To ensure your flight goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared a list of practical recommendations based on the carrier's operational specifics and the nature of regional flights.

Best Time to Book and Finding Best Prices

Since the airline's main routes connect popular tourist spots such as Ponta Delgada and historic Angra do Heroísmo, ticket prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the season. To catch the lowest fares, it is recommended to book your flight 2–3 months before your planned date, especially if your trip falls during the summer period (June to September).

Keep an eye out for promotions on the official website and subscribe to the newsletter. Often, advantageous offers appear for mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) when passenger traffic is lower than on weekends. It is also worth checking package offers from tour operators, as Travel Service Polska often acts as a charter carrier, and tickets may be sold as part of a complete tour.

Online Check-in and Saving Time

Do not neglect the opportunity to check in online. Usually, it opens 24–30 hours before departure. This will allow you to avoid queues at the airport and proceed directly to the security zone if you are travelling with hand luggage only. Given that small airports, such as the one in Horta, can be crowded during peak hours, having a boarding pass on your phone will make life significantly easier.

Seat Selection: The Best Views

Flights across the SP route network are a true aerial excursion. When flying to Madalena, try to choose a window seat (usually for a small extra fee) to enjoy the majestic view of Mount Pico. If your path lies to sunny Santa Maria, the view of the coastline and ocean expanses will be a great start to your holiday. Since flights are often short, it is most comfortable to occupy seats in the front of the cabin for quick disembarkation.

Travel Insurance

Atlantic weather is unpredictable, and flights to remote islands, for example to Flores Island or tiny Vila do Corvo, may be delayed or rescheduled due to fog and wind. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive insurance covering risks of flight delays and cancellations. This will save your nerves and finances in case of unforeseen schedule changes.

Mobile Services

Use the mobile version of the website or the app to track flight status in real time. This is particularly relevant for departures from hub airports with complex logistics. In case of changes, push notifications will arrive faster than you hear an announcement over the PA system.

The history of Travel Service Polska is a path of dynamic development from a small charter carrier to an important player in the tourist air travel market. Founded in the early 2010s as a subsidiary of the major Czech holding Travel Service, the company initially set its goal to provide affordable and comfortable flights for Polish tourists to summer holiday destinations.

Formation and Early Years

In its early years, the carrier focused on operating charter flights commissioned by leading tour operators. A key success factor was flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to seasonal demand. The company rapidly gained passenger trust thanks to punctuality and high safety standards, which allowed it to expand its flight geography beyond standard Mediterranean resorts.

Rebranding and Integration

An important milestone in the company's history was brand unification. As part of the parent company's global strategy, Travel Service Polska gradually transitioned to the commercial name Smartwings. This step allowed for the optimization of operational processes, updated service standards, and the offering of a clearer and more recognizable product on the European market.

Route Network and Fleet Development

The company's development strategy has always been built around finding unique niches. A significant stage was the expansion of its presence in the Atlantic region. The choice of Ponta Delgada airport as one of the key hubs allowed the airline to take an important position in ensuring air connections between the islands. This decision required fleet adaptation: alongside classic medium-haul liners, the company began operating aircraft capable of working effectively in the specific conditions of island airfields.

Modern Stage

Today, Travel Service Polska (SP) continues to implement innovations, paying special attention to the digitalization of services and the environmental efficiency of flights. The company is actively renewing its aircraft fleet, replacing older models with more economical and quieter planes. The modern stage of development is characterized by strengthening positions on regional routes and constantly improving service quality for travellers striving to discover new horizons.