TAP Air is the flag carrier airline of Portugal and has been in operation since 1945. Over the years, TAP Air Portugal has become a popular choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and luxurious flying experience. The airline’s Business Class, branded as Executive Class, offers fully flatbed seats, delicious dining and an impressive wine list. Let’s take a closer look at what TAP Air Portugal Business Class has to offer.
Airport Experience
TAP Air Portugal Business Class passengers are offered a premium check-in experience at its Lisbon and Porto hubs, which gives travelers more space and shorter queues for checking luggage and acquiring boarding passes. Passengers can also make use of kiosks that can print luggage tags for those who want to do it themselves. At all other airports, Business Class passengers have dedicated lanes for check-in. Fast-track security at most airports is another appreciated benefit that minimizes waiting time.
When departing most other cities in its network, Business Class passengers can access premium lounges. In many cities, these lounges are often affiliated with its Star Alliance partners. The premium lounges offer a comfortable space to relax before boarding and provide complimentary food and beverages.
Cabin & Seat
TAP Air Portugal Business Class now offers fully flat seating on all aircraft in three different staggered, forward-facing configurations. On the flagship A330-900neo, the 1-2-1 seating is popular with many passengers and provides direct aisle access from every seat. It allows couples to sit together in the center section, where every other row has two seats very close to one another, lovingly referred to as honeymoon seats. Solo travelers appreciate the high number of single seats placed along the sides of the cabin.
The A330neo’s Recaro seats offer a pitch of nearly 107 centimeters, a width of almost 56 centimeters, and a fully flat recline. Seats alternate between being closer to the aisle with a side table closer to the window or closer to the window with a side table closer to the aisle. Seat maps show which seats have a small table closer to the aisle for those that prefer that more private option.
On the retrofitted A330-200, rows in the Business Class cabin alternate between 1-2-2 and 1-2-1 seating and offer slightly more room than the A330 neo with a seat pitch of almost 112 centimeters and a width of nearly 70 centimeters. The prized single “throne” seats – the solo seats with a table on either side and no seat neighbor – provide maximum privacy. Unlike many other airlines, TAP Air Portugal does not charge extra fees to assign these seats. The only downside to the “throne” seats is that they have small footwells.
Business Class seats recline into a fully flat, two-meter-long (6.5 feet-long) bed with various positions for relaxing or lounging should you wish to catch up on the latest movies or work rather than sleep. The armrests on either side are lower on the airline’s newest planes to give passengers more stretching room when working or relaxing. An especially nice feature is the mesh net area for passengers to store shoes when sleeping, so they do not get caught under the seat when you bring the seat to the upright position.
Cuisine
TAP Air Portugal Business Class offers a diverse range of cuisine to suit all palates. The airline’s in-flight dining menu features a mix of traditional Portuguese dishes, as well as international cuisine. The menu is designed by Michelin-starred chefs and changes seasonally. Passengers can pre-order their meals online up to 24 hours before their flight or choose from the menu on board.
Passengers can enjoy a Portuguese welcome of local sparkling wine or glass of water to set Beverages are a big part of the TAP Air Portugal Business Class experience, with the airline boasting an impressive wine list featuring Portuguese wines as well as a range of international options. Alongside the wine list, Business Class passengers can also enjoy cocktails, beer, and spirits. Non-alcoholic options, including soft drinks and freshly squeezed juices, are also available.
When it comes to dining, TAP Air Portugal Business Class passengers can expect a range of high-quality dishes designed by top chefs. The menu features both Portuguese and international cuisine and is updated regularly to keep things fresh. The airline is also able to cater to dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal meals. For those looking for a lighter option, the airline also offers a “light meal” service.
In terms of service, TAP Air Portugal Business Class passengers can expect friendly and attentive service from the cabin crew. Passengers are welcomed on board with a Portuguese smile and can expect a personalized service throughout their flight. Cabin crew members are happy to assist with any requests, whether it’s making a restaurant reservation at the destination or providing additional pillows and blankets.
In-flight entertainment is provided via a large, high-definition touchscreen display that features a range of movies, TV shows, and music. Passengers can also use the display to access the airline’s digital magazine or track their flight’s progress. For those who prefer to bring their own entertainment, each seat is equipped with a USB port and power outlet.
TAP Air Portugal Business Class passengers can also enjoy a range of amenities and facilities to enhance their flying experience. These include noise-canceling headphones, an amenity kit featuring Portuguese toiletries, and a comfortable blanket and pillow. Onboard Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee, allowing passengers to stay connected while in the air.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing concern for many travelers, and TAP Air Portugal is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The airline has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, including using sustainable aviation fuel, reducing single-use plastics on board, and implementing energy-efficient measures across its operations. In recognition of its efforts, TAP Air Portugal was awarded a four-star rating in the 2020 APEX Official Airline Ratings for sustainability.
Short & Medium Haul
For short and medium-haul flights, TAP Air Portugal offers a Business Class product branded as TAP Executive. While the seat and cabin may be slightly different from the long-haul Business Class product, passengers can still expect a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The TAP Executive cabin features leather seats with generous legroom and pitch, while the food and beverage service includes a range of Portuguese and international options.
In conclusion, TAP Air Portugal Business Class offers a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience, with fully flatbed seats, delicious cuisine, an impressive wine list, attentive service, and a range of amenities and facilities. The airline’s commitment to sustainability is also commendable, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious travelers. Whether flying short or long-haul, TAP Air Portugal Business Class provides a high-quality experience that is sure to impress.
Tap Miles & Go
TAP Air Portugal’s frequent flyer program, TAP Miles&Go, offers several ways to earn and redeem miles to enhance the Business Class experience. By enrolling in the program, passengers can accumulate miles not only from flights but also from purchases with the airline’s partners, such as car rentals, hotels, and credit cards.
One of the most significant advantages of the program is the ability to upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class with miles. If a passenger has purchased an Economy Class ticket but would like to enjoy the perks of Business Class, they can use their miles to upgrade their seat. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a more luxurious experience while saving money on a Business Class ticket.
Furthermore, TAP Miles&Go offers discounted redemption rates for Business Class flights, allowing passengers to stretch their miles further and experience the comfort and luxury of Business Class for less. Members can also use their miles to book a companion ticket, providing an opportunity to travel with a friend or family member in Business Class.
Another exciting feature of the program is the ability to earn and redeem miles with TAP Air Portugal’s Star Alliance partners. This means that members can earn miles on flights operated by other airlines within the alliance and redeem those miles for TAP Air Portugal Business Class flights. By taking advantage of this feature, members can experience the comfort and luxury of TAP Air Portugal Business Class while travelling on other Star Alliance carriers.
