Our review of TAP Air Portugal which connects Portugal to the world and is the country’s leading airline.
Tap Air has been operational since 1945 and carries millions of passengers to over 90 destinations around the world. Owned 50% by the state, 45% by a private consortium and 5% by employees of TAP Airlines, it has been a member of the global airline Star Alliance since 2005. We choose TAP to fly from Marrakech to Porto because of its good schedules and reasonable first class fares.
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Our Review & Experience flying TAP Airlines
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport is the hub for TAP Airlines from where you will find connections to Europe, America, and Africa. After a short flight from Marrakech, we landed in Lisbon, Portugal before connecting to our flight to Porto. The flight was only an hour and a half but it gave us a glimpse of the airline and its service.
When we arrived at the Marrakech Menara airport to check-in, there was a single desk with a long queue for Economy but nobody in Business/First. The terminal and the lounge were nice, clean and the building looked futuristic.
Economy class seats in TAP Air Portugal are divided into two sections: the normal economy class seats and EconomyXtra seats. EconomyXtra seats are colored red and they are located just behind the business class. These seats are a little more spacious and have reclining seats. The normal economy class is behind the EconomyXtra. Seats there are colored green and onboard meals are usually simpler than in EconomyXtra.
I can’t speak to the Economy class seats but the ones in First class were consistent with other airlines. I had read some review that the seats in TAP Air Portugal were thinner and not as padded as the old ones but in my opinion, they were quite nice.
Meals on TAP Airlines
We were served some fresh fruits, cheese, a small sandwich and a holiday dessert during our short flight on TAP Airlines since we were flying during the Christmas season.
Both our flights on TAP Air Portugal were short, yet sweet. The crew was friendly, the cabin spacious, seat comfort and the food served was fresh. We can’t wait to fly on their long-haul flights soon! May be to the Azores 🙂
TAP’s network covers 92 destinations in 36 countries worldwide. Operating on average about 3,000 flights per week, TAP has more than 80 Airbus aircraft and 21 serving TAP Express, the company’s regional network.
TAP Air Portugal Stopover Program
If you are considering the airline, it is good to know that TAP has a stopover program where you can stopover and visit Lisbon or Porto on the way to your final destination. You can stay between 1 and 5 nights without paying additional airline fees.
Modern Fleet & Modernization
TAP focuses on environmental emissions and energy efficiency. During the modernization of the fleet, the aircraft cabin interiors were replaced with more lightweight and environmentally friendly materials, reducing their weight and allowing greater performance. We were in the Business class seats and the leather seats were comfortable and legroom spacious.
Throughout their modernization process, they worked with national suppliers whenever possible, significantly reducing the ecological footprint. The new Recaro seats have a Portuguese design and the colors green and red that reinforce TAP’s brand identity. The materials chosen for the seats are said to been prepared in a Portuguese factory. The project involved the renovation of several thousand seats with new designs in their Airbus airplanes.
Efficiency & Emissions
TAP Airlines has been committed for several years committed to reducing these emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions are a direct effect of fuel consumption by aircraft and TAP Airlines were the first in the world to launch a Carbon Emissions Offset Programme.
In 2016 they became the first airline in Europe to install the sharklet technology, these wingtip devices allow for greater efficiency and emissions reduction. A forerunner in the industry, they partnered with IATA (International Air Transport Association), for the program and even earned the “Planet Earth Award 2010”, by UNESCO and the International Union of Geological Sciences.
In short, TAP Airlines is efficient, modern, committed to reducing emissions, and has a strong safety record.
When you go
Check TAP Air Portugal for current routes and rates. TAP Airlines has developed and implemented new standards for hygiene, health and sanitary safety. Portugal has safety measures in place to ensure that all who visit Portugal can travel around the country, safely and confidently.
Portugal now offers travel insurance for international visitors. In August, Portugal announced that International visitors planning their travel to the country can purchase Portugal Travel Insurance, a travel insurance policy that includes medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and hospital expenses associated with Covid-19, as well as expenses due to cancellation, interruption, or extension of travel due to the pandemic. You can also purchase a Portugal Health Passport which ensures that you have access to quality healthcare services during your stay.
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