LAM Mozambique Airlines

What LAM allows and how to request space

Traveling with a pet on LAM Mozambique Airlines is possible, but it works a little differently than traveling with standard baggage. On most routes, LAM accepts domestic cats and dogs as checked baggage in the aircraft hold (AVIH) when arranged in advance and when space and weather conditions permit. For safety and regulatory reasons, pets are generally not permitted in the cabin; only recognized assistance/guide dogs may travel in the cabin, subject to prior approval and documentation. To start the process, ask your ticketing agent or contact LAM directly to request pet acceptance at least 48–72 hours before departure, sharing your pet’s breed, weight, and crate dimensions. Availability is limited per flight and may vary by aircraft type and by the rules of the countries you are flying to, from, or through.

LAM uses pressurized, temperature‑controlled compartments for animals accepted in the hold, and staff will guide you through check‑in and handover procedures. If your itinerary includes partner airlines or tight connections, you’ll need each carrier’s approval and enough connecting time to re-check the animal if required. Special note for South Africa: due to local regulations, pets bound for or transiting Johannesburg typically must be shipped as manifested cargo rather than as checked baggage, and in‑cabin pets are not permitted (assistance dogs excepted). Policies can evolve and seasonal heat restrictions may apply, so reconfirm acceptance and any country permits again 24–48 hours before you fly.

In the hold: conditions, timing, and care

Acceptance happens at the check‑in counter earlier than usual; plan to arrive well ahead of time so staff can inspect the crate and documents. Feed a normal meal several hours before you leave home, but avoid a large meal right before check‑in; offer water and allow a final comfort break before handing over the crate. Veterinarians and airlines strongly advise against sedation because it can affect breathing and temperature regulation at altitude. Label the crate clearly with your name, phone numbers, itinerary, and the pet’s name, and attach written feeding/watering instructions just in case of irregular operations. After arrival, your pet is usually returned in the arrivals hall near oversized baggage; on some international routes, collection may occur at a customs or veterinary inspection point.

Crates, sizes, and weight limits

Your carrier must be a rigid, IATA‑compliant kennel that lets your pet stand without touching the top, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It needs secure metal hardware (screws/bolts rather than only plastic clips), a sturdy metal door, ventilation on at least three sides (four for most international trips), and a leak‑proof, absorbent floor. Fixed food and water bowls must be accessible from outside, and the crate should have no wheels attached during the flight; remove leashes and collars and tape a small bag of spare food to the top. For safety, LAM typically accepts AVIH as checked baggage only up to a practical handling limit; as a rule of thumb, when the combined weight of animal and crate exceeds about 32 kg or the crate is too large for the aircraft door, shipment must go via cargo. Only one adult animal per crate is accepted; two young littermates (puppies/kittens under six months and similar size) may share a larger crate if calm together, otherwise separate them.

Documents and veterinary requirements

For travel within Mozambique, carry your pet’s up‑to‑date vaccination record (including rabies) and a recent fitness‑to‑fly note from a licensed veterinarian. Some provinces, airports, or destination hotels may ask to see proof of vaccination on arrival, so keep originals handy. For international trips you will need an official veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel (often within 10 days), proof of current rabies vaccination, and any import or transit permits demanded by the destination. Many countries require an ISO microchip, and the European Union and United Kingdom have additional rules (including a rabies blood test and specific waiting periods when arriving from Mozambique). South Africa applies strict veterinary controls and generally requires advance import or transit permits and cargo-only carriage for pets; the United States applies CDC rules for dogs from high‑risk rabies countries. Always verify country‑specific paperwork well in advance, because missing documents will prevent acceptance at check‑in.

Fees, restrictions, and embargoes

Pets accepted as checked baggage are charged a special‑handling fee that is separate from your free baggage allowance. The amount varies with route, aircraft, and the animal+crate size/weight; you will be quoted during approval and the fee is typically paid at the airport. If your pet must travel as cargo, rates are set by the cargo office and may include broker or veterinary inspection costs at destination. LAM may refuse animals during high heat or extreme cold, for pregnant or nursing animals, or for very young pets (generally under 8–12 weeks, depending on destination). Certain species (for example, reptiles, rodents, and birds) are usually not accepted as checked baggage; snub‑nosed (brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds can face extra restrictions in hot months because they are more prone to respiratory stress.

Getting your pet ready: practical tips that help

A calm, crate‑trained pet travels better. Introduce the kennel weeks in advance, placing bedding and treats inside so it becomes a safe den rather than a new constraint on departure day. Exercise your pet before you leave for the airport and line the crate with a familiar, unscented blanket to reduce stress; avoid strong sedatives and heavy meals close to check‑in. Choose early‑morning or late‑evening departures in hot seasons when possible, and try to book nonstop or longer connections that allow time to meet any veterinary or customs checks. Keep copies of all documents on paper and in your phone, and attach printed duplicates to the crate.

• Pack: labeled rigid crate, spare absorbent pads, a small bag of food, empty water bottle/bowl, leash, wipes, and printed health and import documents.

This guidance reflects how LAM handles pets in practice and the regulatory environment on its network. Because approvals depend on aircraft, weather, and local authorities, the safest approach is to secure written confirmation from LAM and to verify destination rules before purchasing your ticket and again before you travel.

Age categories and who needs a seat

For LAM Mozambique Airlines (TM), age bands generally follow international practice: an infant is under 2 years on the day of travel, a child is 2–11, and from 12 years the ticket prices and conditions align with adults. If your baby turns two during your trip, the returning segment must be booked as a child. You may travel with one lap infant per adult; a second infant with the same adult typically requires a separate seat. Many families prefer to purchase a seat for greater safety and comfort even when the child is under two. If a child needs to fly without you, contact LAM early to confirm availability and conditions of any Unaccompanied Minor service on your route.

Infant seating options and fares

You can choose between keeping your infant on your lap or buying a dedicated seat. A lap infant does not occupy a seat and usually travels on a reduced infant fare plus taxes; seating is restricted away from exit rows and may be adjusted because of oxygen-mask positions. Buying a seat allows you to use an approved child restraint and to settle your baby for sleep more easily, especially on longer sectors. Carers with two infants will need at least one paid seat so one child can be properly secured. Seat assignments around bulkheads are limited, and LAM may need to reseat families for safety reasons—arrive early and ask at check-in if you have a specific seating preference.

Baggage for babies and children

When a child has their own seat, their cabin and checked baggage usually mirror the allowance of the chosen fare type. For lap infants, airlines in the region commonly include a small cabin allowance for baby essentials and may include a modest checked piece; LAM’s practice can vary by route and fare, so always check your e‑ticket for the exact allowance. Most tickets permit baby equipment such as a collapsible stroller and/or car seat at no extra cost, even for lap infants. Keep all fragile items, milk, formula, and nappies in your carry-on; security typically allows reasonable quantities of baby food and liquids—present them separately during screening. Labels with your name and phone number on every item help reunite you with gear quickly at smaller regional airports.

Strollers, bassinets, and car seats onboard

Strollers are usually accepted to the aircraft door and gate-checked; at some stations they’re returned planeside, while at others you’ll collect them at the belt—ask the agent at boarding for local practice. Use a lightweight, foldable stroller and a simple travel bag to protect it from scuffs. Bassinet availability on LAM’s mostly narrow‑body routes is limited and not guaranteed; some aircraft may not have bassinet fittings at all. If bassinets are offered on your flight, they are for small infants within specific weight/length limits and must be requested as early as possible—ideally . Even with a confirmed request, bassinets remain subject to aircraft/seat configuration on the day.

A practical look at LAM’s frequent flyer program

LAM Mozambique Airlines (IATA: TM) runs a straightforward frequent flyer program designed for travelers who shuttle between Maputo and Mozambique’s key cities, with some regional reach. You’ll earn miles on eligible TM flights and climb status tiers for extra comfort and recognition when you fly. While the airline is not part of a global alliance, the program remains useful if you regularly travel within Mozambique or on TM’s regional routes. Enrollment is free and digital, and your member number can be added to any new or existing booking. Program details evolve over time, so it’s wise to double‑check current rules on LAM’s website before you plan a redemption.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

LAM’s program typically offers an entry tier for all members and two elite levels that reward frequent flyers. Qualification is based on either status miles (distance and fare‑class weighted) or the number of flown segments on TM within a tracking year. Most fare classes earn toward status, although deep‑discount economy can earn reduced credit, and some special fares may be excluded. Requalification follows the same logic: meet the threshold again during your next 12‑month or calendar period to keep status. If you fall short, a soft‑landing to the next lower tier may apply, but it’s not guaranteed.

In practice, the ladder looks like this: a base tier for new members, Silver for consistent domestic/regional travelers, and Gold for the most frequent flyers. Silver usually requires a moderate amount of annual flying (often measured by a set number of TM segments or a midrange total of status miles). Gold calls for a higher threshold that frequent business travelers can reach with regular Maputo–regional rotations. Exact numbers and qualifying periods can change, so treat airline-published tier charts as definitive. Keeping most of your regional trips on TM is the fastest route to status.

Earning miles and partner credit

You earn redeemable miles on TM‑operated flights according to distance flown and fare class, with premium cabins and flexible economy fares earning at higher rates. Elite members receive a mileage bonus on top—think of Silver as a modest boost and Gold as a more generous one. Remember that some discounted fares may earn only a fraction of flown miles or none at all, so the fare basis matters. Always add your number at booking or check‑in, and keep boarding passes until miles post; retro‑credit is usually possible within a limited window.

LAM is not part of a global alliance, and partner earning is limited, usually tied to specific codeshare arrangements on select routes. When your ticket shows a TM flight number (a segment), you’re most likely to receive credit, even if another carrier operates the flight. Ground partners—such as hotels, car rentals, or local brands—appear via periodic promotions rather than a large permanent network. It pays to watch for bonus offers and to credit all eligible travel to avoid mileage “leakage.”

Fleet at a glance

LAM Mozambique Airlines (IATA: TM) runs a compact, practical fleet tailored to the country’s long coastline and dispersed cities. As of late 2024, you’ll typically see around six aircraft in active service, centered on the Embraer 190 regional jet and the De Havilland Dash 8‑400 turboprop. The exact count can fluctuate because smaller airlines rotate airframes through heavy maintenance and occasionally add short‑term wet‑leases during peaks. This two‑type strategy keeps training, spares, and operations streamlined while matching capacity to demand. In short, the E‑Jet handles the longer domestic and regional hops, and the Q400 excels on short, thinner routes and airfields with more limited infrastructure.

The workhorses and how they’re set up

The Embraer 190 is the backbone for Maputo–Johannesburg and other trunk services, marrying range with good hot‑and‑high performance. Cabins are laid out 2‑2 across, which means there’s no middle seat and boarding feels quick and orderly. LAM commonly flies the E190 in a two‑cabin arrangement—with a small Business section up front and Economy behind—delivering roughly 98–106 seats depending on the airframe. Overhead bin space is decent for regional jets, and the lower, quieter cabin makes the E190 a comfortable choice for one‑to‑three‑hour sectors.

The Dash 8‑400 (Q400) covers many domestic sectors such as coastal and northern links where runway length and demand favor turboprops. Expect a 2‑2 single‑class layout with roughly 70–78 seats and brisk climb performance that keeps block times tight. Modern Q400s cruise near 650–670 km/h, so the time difference versus a jet on sub‑800 km routes is often small, while fuel burn remains impressively low. If you like a view, the Q400’s window height and quick turns make these flights feel delightfully connected to the landscape.

Newest and oldest aircraft in service

Within TM’s fleet, the Q400s tend to be the newer airframes, delivered in the 2010s, while several E190s date from the late 2000s and have been updated with refreshed cabins and avionics over time. That split gives the airline a healthy mix of youthful efficiency and proven, reliable jets that maintenance teams know well. Average ages sit in the low‑to‑mid teens, typical for regional carriers in the region. For you, it translates to familiar, stable interiors and predictable performance across routes you’re most likely to book.

What to expect by route and cabin

On LAM Mozambique Airlines (TM), meal service is sized to the journey so you can focus on the trip rather than the tray. On short domestic hops, you’ll typically receive a light snack—think a pastry or sandwich—along with tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks. As flights stretch to regional routes within Southern and Eastern Africa, the service steps up to a more substantial cold meal or a warm snack, adjusted to the time of day. Breakfast departures lean toward baked items, yogurt, and fruit, while midday and evening flights favor savory bites with a Mozambican twist.

Cabin also matters. In Economy Class, expect a tidy snack box or tray and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages that’s simple but reliable. Business Class brings a more generous plated service, extra variety, and a broader drinks selection, even on shorter sectors. On the longest regional sectors, Business passengers may receive a hot entrée when aircraft equipment and catering facilities allow, though offerings can vary by route and supplier.

Special diets and how to request them

If you follow a specific diet, LAM offers a limited but practical range of pre-ordered special meals on select international routes. Common requests such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, low-sodium, and diabetic meals are usually accommodated when you ask in advance. Religious meals may be available in limited form (for example, non-pork or fish/vegetarian alternatives), but fully certified halal or kosher options are not guaranteed on all flights. For infants and children, you can request baby food or a child-friendly meal, though many parents prefer to bring familiar items for peace of mind.

To improve your chances, place the request at least 48 hours before departure via Manage Booking (if enabled for your ticket), the LAM contact center, or your travel agent, and reconfirm at check-in. If you manage allergies, it’s important to know that the airline can’t guarantee a completely allergen-free environment—traces of nuts, dairy, gluten, or other allergens may be present. Carry essential medication, wipe down surfaces, and consider bringing sealed snacks that meet your dietary needs, especially on shorter flights where catering choices are naturally narrower.

Quality, flavors, and beverages on board

LAM’s catering focuses on straightforward, fresh flavors with regional touches—think peri-peri notes, grilled chicken or tuna, and seasonal fruit when available. Presentation is practical rather than elaborate, but meals are generally well-balanced and sized so you don’t feel rushed on quick turnarounds. Coffee and tea service is a given on morning departures, and chilled juices or soft drinks are usually available throughout the day. You’ll notice menu variations by station, because many items are sourced from local caterers in Mozambique and neighboring countries.

On LAM Mozambique Airlines (TM), the in‑flight entertainment experience is straightforward and shaped by short domestic and regional journeys. Instead of a vast on‑demand library, you’ll find simple options that help the time pass comfortably, with a focus on reading and relaxing. For many flights, your own phone or tablet will be the star of the show, so planning ahead pays off. This guide walks you through what’s available, how to access it, and a few easy ways to make the most of your time in the air.

What to expect onboard

Most of LAM’s fleet serves short hops within Mozambique and Southern Africa, which means a simple, reliable setup rather than bells and whistles. You won’t typically find personal seatback screens; on select Boeing 737 aircraft there may be shared overhead monitors for the safety video, a moving map, or short destination clips. Embraer regional jets and turboprops usually forgo screens entirely, so the focus shifts to the in‑flight magazine, quiet time, and your own device. The airline’s magazine, Índico, features travel pieces, culture, and route information in Portuguese and English, a pleasant companion for a one‑ to two‑hour sector.

How you access entertainment

Access is primarily passive, via those overhead screens where fitted, and actively through your own phone or tablet. LAM does not offer a proprietary streaming portal or app at this time, so there’s nothing to log into onboard. Bring your own headphones for your device; audio jacks for airline content are uncommon because there isn’t a dedicated seatback system. Power outlets and USB ports vary by aircraft and are not guaranteed, so it’s wise to board with a full charge and a compact power bank. If you need assistance pairing Bluetooth headphones to your device in airplane mode, cabin crew are usually happy to help between service checks.

Variety, language, and quality

You won’t find an on‑demand library of recent movies, box‑set TV shows, or built‑in games on most TM flights. When overhead programming is shown, it’s typically short‑form material: travel vignettes, destination highlights, or a route map, sometimes silent and sometimes with Portuguese narration and English captions. Music is not provided through seat audio channels, so plan your own playlists or podcasts for the journey. The overall quality is clean and family‑friendly, but the runtime is brief and designed for short sectors rather than deep viewing. For children, offline cartoons, e‑books, and simple games on a tablet will go much further than what’s available onboard.

Cabin and class differences