Canadian North

Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA, widely known as TAG Airlines, is an airline with a history dating back to 1961. Starting as a small enterprise, the carrier has grown into a significant player in the aviation sector, specialising in both air cargo and passenger services. The company aims to provide reliable logistics and transport accessibility, connecting key industrial and residential areas.

Currently, the airline's route network includes strategically important destinations. The main hub airport is Edmonton, from where scheduled flights operate to various regions. The route to Yellowknife is particularly popular, highlighting the carrier's role in providing connections to northern territories. Flights are also operated to Cambridge Bay, Ottawa, and other cities. The company's fleet consists of reliable aircraft adapted for operation in various climatic conditions, and safety standards comply with strict international requirements.

You can contact Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (known as TAG Airlines) through several convenient methods. The carrier offers passenger support via its call centre, official website, and social media channels, where booking queries or carriage rules can be promptly addressed.

Official Website

For ticket searches, flight check-in, and up-to-date schedule information, please use the airline's official web resource:

• Website Address: www.tag.com.gt

Contact Details

Primary communication channels with airline representatives for urgent matters and booking management:

• Support Service (Call Centre): +502 2380 9400 (Main number in Guatemala)
• Additional Numbers:
  • Mexico: +52 55 9596 8465
  • Spain: +34 902 570 114
  • El Salvador: +503 7752 5604 (WhatsApp)
• Email for General Inquiries and Bookings: ventas@tag.com.gt
• Customer Support Email: atencionalcliente@tag.com.gt

Social Media

Follow the carrier's news and special offers on their official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X).

Local Offices

The company's head office and key service counters are located in Guatemala:

• Headquarters: Avenida Hincapié y 18 calle, Zona 13, Hangar 15, Ciudad de Guatemala (near La Aurora International Airport).
• Office at Mundo Maya Airport (Flores): Service counter within the airport terminal.

Please note: Contact details and office hours are subject to change. We recommend checking the airline's official resource for current information before contacting them.

Baggage Allowance Rules

Preparing for a journey with Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (5T) requires careful attention to packing. As the carrier operates flights that may include smaller aircraft and specialises in complex logistical routes (for example, from the Edmonton hub), requirements regarding baggage dimensions and weight may be strictly enforced. Below are the main standards and recommendations for passengers.

Cabin Baggage Allowance

Items necessary during the flight are permitted in the cabin; however, their quantity and size are limited to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

• Standard Allowance: Typically, a passenger may take one piece of carry-on baggage. The recommended weight is often up to 5–10 kg (depending on the fare), and dimensions must allow the bag to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.
• Personal Items: Additionally, one small personal item is allowed: a handbag, a briefcase with a laptop, or a camera.
• Liquids: Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each and packed in a transparent plastic bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage rules depend on the class of service and the specific route. Given the nature of destinations (such as Yellowknife or remote regions), it is important to check your ticket conditions in advance.

• Economy Class: Generally includes one piece of baggage weighing up to 23 kg. The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 158 cm.
• Higher Classes: Business class passengers or those with premium fares may enjoy increased allowances — up to two pieces of baggage or a higher weight limit (up to 32 kg per piece).
• Cargo Restrictions: On flights operated by smaller turboprop aircraft, stricter weight restrictions may apply due to the aircraft's take-off mass limits.

Excess Baggage

If your items exceed the established limits for weight, quantity, or dimensions, additional payment will be required.

• Overweight Fees: A fixed rate is charged for each kilogram of excess weight or for an additional piece of baggage.
• Pre-booking: It is recommended to pay for extra baggage online in advance, as airport rates are usually significantly higher.
• Maximum Limit: Under no circumstances may a single piece of baggage weigh more than 32 kg (occupational health and safety rule for handlers).

Special Items

Transporting non-standard baggage requires special coordination with the airline, especially considering the mixed cargo-passenger nature of Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA operations.

• Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, bicycles, or fishing gear are transported for a separate fee if they are not included in the standard baggage allowance. Equipment must be carefully packed in protective cases.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin (replacing carry-on baggage), while large ones are checked in or require the purchase of a separate seat in the cabin.
• Notification: The airline must be notified about the transport of special items at least 48 hours before departure.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For flight safety, it is strictly prohibited to carry the following items in checked baggage and carry-on luggage:

• Explosives, fireworks, flares.
• Flammable liquids and gases (petrol, solvents, lighter gas).
• Toxic, radioactive, and corrosive substances.
• Lithium-ion Batteries: Spare batteries and power banks may be transported only in carry-on luggage. They are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk.

Tips for Efficient Packing

To ensure a smooth journey, please follow these recommendations:

• Use Soft Bags: For flights on regional aircraft, soft bags or backpacks are often easier to stow in luggage compartments than rigid plastic suitcases.
• Labelling: Be sure to attach a tag with your name and phone number on the outside and place a contact card inside the suitcase.
• Valuables with You: Always carry documents, money, jewellery, electronics, and vital medication in your carry-on luggage.
• Weigh at Home: Check the weight of your bags before leaving for the airport to avoid stress and extra costs at the check-in counter.

Travelling with Pets: A Complete Guide

Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (5T) understands that for many passengers, pets are full-fledged family members. The company's policy aims to make the flight comfortable and safe for both owners and their four-legged companions. Whether you are flying with a small cat or a large dog, the carrier offers proven transport solutions.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Carry-on)

This option is ideal for small pets that can stay near their owner throughout the flight. The animal must remain in its carrier at all times.

• Carrier Dimensions: The container (preferably soft-sided) must not exceed dimensions of 40×30×20 cm to fit under the seat in front.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier is usually limited to 8–10 kg (recommended to verify when booking).
• Permitted Animals: Cats and small dogs are most commonly accepted.
• Comfort: The pet must be able to stand up to its full height and turn around inside the carrier.
• Limit: Usually, only one animal is permitted per adult passenger.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

Animals that are too large for the cabin travel in a special heated and pressurised compartment of the aircraft.

• Container Requirements: The cage must be made of rigid plastic or fibreglass, comply with IATA standards, and have a secure lock.
• Ventilation: Ventilation openings on three sides are mandatory.
• Cage Preparation: The bottom of the container must be covered with absorbent material, and a water dispenser must be attached.
• Restrictions: The maximum weight of the animal together with the cage must not exceed the limits established for the specific aircraft type (usually up to 45 kg).

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If the animal is very large or travelling unaccompanied, its transport is arranged through the cargo terminal.

• When Required: For giant dog breeds or when exceeding checked baggage limits.
• Special Requirements: Reinforced wooden or metal crates are required.
• Booking Procedure: Separate processing via the cargo department of Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (TAG Cargo) is required.

Required Documents

You will need to prepare a set of documents for flight check-in. It is recommended to keep originals and copies at hand.

• International veterinary passport.
• Health certificate (issued by a veterinarian no earlier than 10 days before departure).
• Valid vaccination certificate (a rabies vaccination is particularly important, administered no less than 30 days and no more than a year before travel).
• International sanitary certificates and import permits (for international flights).

Service Costs

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately. Rates may vary.

• In the Cabin: A fixed fee is charged per flight segment (approximate cost varies from 50 to 125 USD).
• In the Baggage Hold: The cost is calculated based on the weight and size of the cage or charged as a fixed fee per piece.
• Route Dependence: Fees are generally higher on international routes than on domestic flights.

Preparation Tips

To reduce stress for your pet, start preparing in advance.

• Acclimatisation: Accustom the animal to the carrier or cage at least 2 weeks before travel so they feel safe inside.
• Feeding: Do not feed the pet heavily 4–6 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness, but provide access to water.
• Identification: Be sure to attach a tag with the animal's name and your phone number to the collar and on the cage itself.
• Calming: Place a familiar toy or an item with the scent of home in the cage. Use of sedatives is permitted only upon a veterinarian's recommendation.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in certain cases for flight safety.

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic dogs (pugs, bulldogs, boxers) may not be permitted for transport in the baggage hold due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 8–12 weeks are not permitted to fly.
• Aggressive Behaviour: Animals showing clear aggression may be removed from the flight.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs accompanying passengers with disabilities are transported in the cabin free of charge (advance notification required).

Please note: Rules may change depending on the aircraft type and the legislation of the destination countries. We strongly recommend contacting Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA representatives directly when booking your ticket to clarify current requirements.

Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (5T) adopts an approach based on individual attention to each passenger. Currently, the carrier does not use a complex multi-level mileage accumulation system, preferring to invest in impeccable service quality, schedule reliability, and affordable fares for all categories of travellers. The company's main goal is to make every flight comfortable and predictable.

Convenience of Scheduled Flights

For passengers whose activities involve frequent travel, a key advantage is the well-thought-out route network and navigational stability. The high frequency of flights between the Edmonton hub and the city of Yellowknife (up to 14 flights in the reporting period) allows business people to plan their schedules flexibly. Regular air connections to destinations such as Cambridge Bay ensure reliable transport accessibility, which is especially valued by regular clients living or working in the region.

Expanded Flight Geography

Passenger loyalty is also maintained through unique offers on routes connecting major centres with remote territories. Departures from the city of Ottawa open a convenient path to the north. Flights to Iqaluit and Kuujjuaq are operated in compliance with high safety and service standards, sparing travellers the need to search for complex connecting options.

Service and Special Offers

The absence of a bonus card is compensated by attentive treatment and real benefits that the airline offers its guests:

• Seasonal Promotions: The airline regularly updates special offers on tickets, allowing significant savings when booking early.
• Individual Approach: The support team is ready to promptly assist in resolving non-standard issues, creating an atmosphere of trust and comfort.
• Corporate Opportunities: For organisations frequently using the carrier's services for business trips or cargo delivery, flexible cooperation terms are available, confirming the status of a reliable partner.

Onboard Services and Travel Classes

Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (5T) is focused on providing reliable and practical air connections. Given the specifics of the route network, which links major transport hubs like Edmonton with remote settlements, onboard service is organised to make the flight as comfortable and safe as possible. The carrier focuses on functionality and the attentive attitude of staff towards every passenger.

Travel Classes

Due to the use of regional aircraft, the airline's cabin configuration generally features a single class of service. This allows for space optimisation and offers equally high service standards to all travellers.

• Economy Class: The main and only class on most flights. It is designed to meet the needs of passengers making medium and short-haul flights (for example, to Yellowknife or Ottawa). The main priority is efficient time use and quick boarding/disembarking.

Comfort and Seat Configuration

The cabins of Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA aircraft are designed to ensure comfort even within tight flight schedules.

• Seats: Seats have an ergonomic shape and are typically upholstered in durable leather or high-quality textile, ensuring hygiene and a neat appearance.
• Seat Pitch: The distance between rows meets standard industry norms for regional aviation, providing sufficient legroom for flights lasting 1–3 hours.
• Configuration: Depending on the aircraft type, seating may be arranged in a 1+2 or 2+2 layout, eliminating uncomfortable middle seats in rows of three. This is particularly appreciated by passengers travelling alone or in pairs.

Food and Beverages

In-flight catering service is adapted to flight duration. The airline strives to keep travellers refreshed en route.

• Beverages: Passengers are offered soft drinks, juices, water, as well as hot tea and coffee. On morning flights, for example, when departing for Cambridge Bay, hot coffee is particularly appreciated.
• Snacks: Light snacks (biscuits, nuts, crisps) are usually included in the ticket price. On longer routes, the assortment may be expanded; however, full hot meals are generally not provided on regional turboprop aircraft.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA aircraft typically do not have built-in multimedia screens in seatbacks, which is characteristic of aviation of this type.

• Press: Passengers are often offered in-flight magazines or fresh newspapers to pass the time.
• Gadgets: It is recommended to download films, music, or books to personal mobile devices in advance. The use of gadgets is permitted in flight mode after reaching cruising altitude.
• Views: The main entertainment often becomes the view from the window. Flights to places like Iqaluit or Kuujjuaq offer a unique opportunity to see stunning northern landscapes from a bird's-eye view.

Special Services

The airline pays special attention to passengers requiring extra care and assistance.

• Passengers with Disabilities: Airline staff provide full assistance during boarding and disembarking, as well as help with stowing wheelchairs in the baggage hold. This service should be requested when booking (at least 48 hours in advance).
• Unaccompanied Minors: For young travellers (usually aged 5 to 11) flying alone, an escort service is available. Staff supervise the child from check-in until handover to the meeting party at the destination.
• Travelling with Infants: Parents with children under 2 years old are permitted on board (on the lap). It is recommended to check with cabin crew regarding the availability of special safety belts.

The flight geography is structured to ensure regular connections between administrative centres and remote territories. The main emphasis in the schedule is on a high frequency of flights along key routes, allowing passengers and shippers to plan logistics flexibly. The most intensive air traffic is established between the cities of Edmonton and Yellowknife. Additionally, an important transport hub functions in the city of Ottawa, opening routes to northern settlements.

Travel Planning Tips

A journey with Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (5T) will be as comfortable as possible if time is dedicated to preliminary preparation. Given the specifics of the route network connecting major hubs with remote regions, we have gathered key recommendations to help make your flight easy and predictable.

Booking and Finding Best Prices

To guarantee a seat on the flight at the best price, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. For popular routes, such as departures from Edmonton, the optimal time for booking is considered to be 4–6 weeks before the travel date. If you plan to travel during the high season or holidays, it is better to take care of tickets 2–3 months ahead.

Check the airline's official website regularly for discounts and promotions. Often, the most advantageous fares are available when purchasing round-trip tickets or choosing dates in the middle of the week. Subscribing to the carrier's newsletter will help you not to miss special offers on flights to Yellowknife and other popular cities.

Check-in and Booking Management

Save time by using online check-in options. Typically, the service becomes available 24 hours before departure. This allows you to avoid queues at the airport and verify in advance that all data is entered correctly. Save your electronic boarding pass on your mobile device — it is eco-friendly and convenient.

Use digital services to manage your trip actively. Via the mobile version of the site, you can promptly check flight status, which is especially important when flying to regions with changeable weather, such as Iqaluit or Kuujjuaq. In case of schedule changes, you will be the first to know.

Seat Selection

Correct seat selection will ensure additional impressions from the flight. Since many of the airline's routes pass over picturesque northern territories, we advise booking window seats. Views of snowy expanses and tundra upon approach to destinations like Cambridge Bay are truly unique. If a quick exit from the aircraft or extra legroom is important to you, choose aisle seats in the front rows.

Insurance and Safety

Considering the geography of flights, we strongly recommend taking out flight delay insurance. Weather conditions in northern latitudes can change rapidly, and having a policy will help compensate for food and accommodation expenses in case of forced waiting. Also, ensure your insurance covers risks related to baggage loss or delay, especially if you are carrying important equipment or warm clothing.

History and Establishment

The history of Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos SA (TAG Airlines) dates back to 1961. Founded as a family business, the company became one of the pioneers of civil aviation in Guatemala. The main driving force behind the carrier's creation was the desire to ensure reliable transport links between the capital and hard-to-reach areas of the country. TAG Airlines became the first national airline to receive certification in accordance with modern international standards, laying a solid foundation for its further growth and development.

Route Network Development

In the initial stage, the company's activities focused on organising domestic transport, which helped create vital transport infrastructure for local residents and businesses. A significant milestone was the development of tourism: regular flights gave travellers convenient access to key natural and historical attractions of the region, including famous monuments of ancient civilisations. Gradually, the flight geography expanded, and the airline moved beyond the domestic market, establishing air connections with neighbouring states and strengthening business and cultural ties in the region.

Modernisation and Present Day

Over more than 60 years of continuous operation, the airline has undergone a significant evolution — from using light aviation to operating a modern fleet consisting of spacious turboprop and jet liners. The strategy of constantly updating the aircraft fleet has allowed the carrier not only to significantly increase passenger traffic but also to guarantee a high level of comfort and safety. Today, TAG Airlines continues to maintain its status as one of the most authoritative and experienced players in the air transport market, combining rich traditions with advanced service technologies.