TAP Air Portugal (A330) flies nonstop from Newark to Lisbon
- harperaddam7
- Aug 9, 2023
- 3 min read
TAP Air Portugal has replaced outdated business-class seats with staggered models on A330s and an improved A330 fleet. The A330neo will be introduced later this year, but the previous-generation seat will continue. TAP offers great award availability and reasonably paid tickets, making it a worthwhile option for travellers.
Tap Business class Booking
A month ago, a low one-way business fare of $1,397 from Newark to Copenhagen via Lisbon was found, but using miles would have been preferred.
I chose to credit my flight to United MileagePlus, earning a total of 4,921 Premier Qualifying Miles and 6,152 redeemable miles, valued at $86 according to TPG values. We also got over 7,000 Membership Rewards points, worth $133, because we used the American Express Platinum Card®. Book early for "throne" seats for personal space and privacy on a fun ride.
Tap Business class Check-in and Lounge
As I mentioned in a separate piece, I chose to begin my voyage at Terminal C to see United's new Polaris Lounge, which is also available to long-haul Star Alliance business and first-class travellers. Although the lounge was somewhat packed, I had a lovely time, and transferring to my TAP aircraft from Terminal B was simple enough to make the extra effort worthwhile.
I was satiated after an hour at the Polaris Lounge, but I decided to see what Terminal B has to offer, which comprised a SAS lounge and two very identical Lufthansa lounges.
As a Star Alliance Gold member, I gained access to the Senator Lounge, which was slightly more equipped. It was similar to the Business Lounge around the corner but with a little larger food and booze variety.
Read Also: Tap Air Portugal Business Class
Check your Tap Portugal MatchCard
Check to see whether you're eligible for special deals of up to 125,000 points.
To obtain a match there was a bit of a crowd because I arrived shortly before numerous Star Alliance departures, including SAS and Lufthansa flights.
After a few minutes, I went the short distance to my departure gate, where I boarded CS-TOQ, a 16-year-old A330-200 that began flying for TAM in 2002 before joining TAP's fleet in 2014.
Tap Business class Cabin and Seat
TAP's A330-200 has 25 business-class seats in an alternate 1-2-2/1-2-1 arrangement, available on limited carriers and aircraft. The cabin has been renovated, eliminating centre overhead bins for an open feel. Some seats offer more space but avoid paired window seats. Be aware of the centre seats in Row 1.
Avoid aisle seats and instead choose TAP's throne seats (3J and 5J), window-facing window seats (3A and 5A), and canter seats with a second armrest. TAP's economy seats are comfortable, but 5J has more space for a transatlantic business flight. There is a compartment, storage area, and a drop-down pocket for loose goods in the seat. The footwell is small, but the seat controls are straightforward, with four settings. In bed mode, the air-filled cushion is comfy.
Tap Portugal Amenities
The amenity box included a dental set, hairbrush, eye mask, earplugs, socks, lip balm, cream, and a pen. A comfortable cushion and blanket were provided, along with noise-cancelling headphones. TAP offers on-demand high-definition entertainment. The selection was limited, but some new releases were available. The air show featured aircraft placement and ground speed but was outdated and dissatisfied with the moving map.
Read More: Tap Airline Business Class
Business Class Food and Beverage
In 2016, the author flew TAP for the first time and was ecstatic to see the improved catering options. The journey took roughly six and a half hours, with the personnel serving meals efficiently. The appetizers and drink cart arrived 40 minutes after take-off, but the soup was cold and the bread was lukewarm. The meal arrived later, but the meat was warm but not hot. Dessert was served 90 minutes after take-off, however only on aircraft departing from Portugal was cheese available. In addition, the author received chocolate boxes and chamomile tea. A loud PA system woke everyone up an hour before arrival, leading the author to fall asleep and miss breakfast.
The passenger enjoyed a pleasant flight with TAP's A330 business fares, which are difficult to beat. They slept well and arrived early, stopping for a Portuguese custard pastry before continuing to Copenhagen. If available, book a stopover in Lisbon for a one- or two-day excursion.
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