A few days ago, I had the chance to fly TAP Air Portugal’s Airbus A330-900neo business class on the 7hr45min overnight flight from Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS). While I’ll have a full trip report soon, in this post I wanted to share some initial impressions of the experience (in the other direction I flew American’s Boeing 777-200ER business class).
TAP Air Portugal has done an impressive job modernizing its long haul fleet, as the airline now mostly flies A330-900neos and A321LRs. TAP generally has the reputation of being one of the weaker airlines across the Atlantic, because the airline almost operates as a hybrid full service and low cost carrier, at least in economy.
The funny thing is that while TAP has very reasonable business class fares when paying with cash, the airline has historically been stingy with award availability. Fortunately the airline recently had some wide open award availability, so I couldn’t help but book.
While I came into the flight with low expectations, I have to admit that they were exceeded. I don’t want to suggest that TAP offers some world class product, but at a minimum this is highly competitive, and I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with the airline again.
The the seats were comfortable enough, the food was tasty, the entertainment selection was sufficient, and the crew was friendly and efficient. Let’s get into it…
TAP’s A330 business class seats are well designed, but tight
TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neos feature 34 business class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration, with direct aisle access. TAP selected the Recaro CL6710 seat for this jet, which is the same that you’ll find on EL AL’s Boeing 787s.
This is a staggered configuration, where seats in every other row have the same layout. The ideal seats are the “true” window seats, since they are the furthest from the aisles and the closest to the windows (well, unless you’re like me, and stupidly pick a seat without a window).
The seat of course turns into a flat bed, with the footwell being to the side of the seat in front.
Now, while I have to give TAP credit for improving its business class product over the years, I have to say that this product feels quite tight on the A330. For example, EL AL has the same product on the 787, but that plane is wider. So when I was in bed mode, I felt quite “stuck” in this seat, and wasn’t easily able to move around.
So this isn’t my favorite business class hard product in the world, but I thought it was good enough.
TAP’s business class catering is fairly tasty
The catering in TAP Air Portugal business class was solid. After takeoff, the service began with drinks and mixed nuts. I appreciate how TAP showcases wines from Portugal, and I enjoyed a glass of sauvignon blanc.
The starter and main course were then served on a single tray, which I appreciate for a quick overnight flight (as TAP has the same meal procedure on the even shorter flights from Boston to Lisbon, for example). The starter consisted of poached halibut, vegetable ceviche, and arugula, while the main course consisted of cod with herb butter, saffron rice, pumpkin, zucchini, and tomato.
To finish off the meal, there was a “dessert trilogy,” comprised of ice cream, fresh fruit, and cheese. A box of chocolates, as well as port wine, were offered to accompany that.
Before landing, TAP has a standard breakfast snack, with no option. This consisted of a plate with cold cuts and cheese, some yogurt with berry compote, a fruit plate, and a croissant.
For short overnight flights, I think it’s all about serving something that’s half decent efficiently, and TAP did a great job with that.
TAP’s amenities & entertainment are a mixed bag
TAP Air Portugal’s business class amenities and entertainment were… not bad?
I liked the business class blanket, which was nice and thick, while the pillow was quite thin. Fortunately I could prop my hoodie under the pillow for a bit more support (I always need a hoodie when departing Miami Airport, because it’s like a freezer in the terminal, for reasons I can’t figure out).
The amenity kit was basic, but had the essentials, including socks, eyeshades, earplugs, a dental kit, and hand cream.
The entertainment selection was better than I was expecting, with over 135 movies, and over 70 TV shows, including some pretty recent titles.
TAP also has Wi-Fi on its A330-900neos. All passengers can get free messaging (with no photos or videos), and then Wi-Fi pricing ranges from €9.99 for a one hour pass, to €29.99 for a full flight pass, all with no data caps.
TAP’s business class crew was lovely
I’ve gotta be honest, I’ve had some pretty surly crews on TAP Air Portugal. While I don’t expect Singapore Airlines levels of service on all airlines, it really detracts from the experience when a crew is visibly unhappy to be at work.
That said, I have to give this TAP crew credit, as they were friendly. Each passenger was warmly greeted at the door by one of the flight attendants, and the ladies working in business class were all smiles, and had an eye for detail.
Service definitely wasn’t very personalized, which is to say that TAP’s business class service flow feels a bit like an assembly line, with the constant use of carts. But for the first time on a TAP long haul flight, I actually felt like the crew wasn’t actively unhappy to be there, so that was a pleasant surprise.
In fairness, it had been several years since I took a long haul flight on TAP, so I don’t know if I just got lucky, or if something at the airline has changed for the better.
Bottom line
I finally had the chance to fly TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neo business class. I came in with low expectations, based on my previous experiences with TAP. So I was pleasantly surprised by the flight — TAP’s new business class seats are a huge improvement, the food was quite good, the entertainment was decent, and the crew was friendly.
TAP wouldn’t be my first choice across the Atlantic — that would probably be Air France, ITA Airways, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines (depending on the route) — but it’s a solid product that I certainly wouldn’t avoid. For example, I prefer the TAP experience to a vast majority of flights with Lufthansa, SWISS, LOT Polish Airlines, and more.
What’s your take on TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neo business class?