On the Ground: Check-in at Porto International Airport was smooth and efficient. Although there was only one agent handling Executive Class and one passenger ahead of me experienced a luggage-weight issue, a second TAP agent promptly stepped in to assist me with a smile, and I was on my way within minutes. Security was quick and well managed. From check-in to stepping into the elevator up to the lounge took less than 15 minutes in total.
Pre-Flight: I arrived well ahead of my 11:30 a.m. departure and found the ANA lounge in Terminal 1, used by TAP passengers, pleasantly uncrowded. The buffet included fresh juices, a selection of teas and coffee, small sandwiches, fruit and a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries, including Portugal’s celebrated custard tarts, pasteis de nata. The lounge’s interior was thoughtfully arranged to provide private corners for work or relaxation. Restrooms were spotless, though located outside the main lounge area opposite the check-in desk.
The terminal is modest in size but benefits from abundant natural light integrated into the architecture, creating an airy, spacious feel that extends into the lounge. I took a plate and settled into an armchair on the open deck overlooking part of the retail area. While the seating is open to the terminal below, ambient noise was pleasantly muted and not distracting.
When boarding began, a cabin attendant greeted me with a warm “Bom dia,” took my coat and offered a glass of sparkling wine. The lounge also provided a good selection of newspapers and magazines, though I preferred to read a new book I had recently picked up.
In-Flight: After a lighthearted safety video featuring TAP passengers, I familiarized myself with the seat controls. The seat offered a wide range of positions and converted to a fully flat bed for sleeping. The airline has introduced new headphones with advanced noise-cancelling technology that performed very well and were comfortable for extended wear. The older polar blankets have been replaced by large, dark blue quilts that felt far cozier. An unexpected and delightful detail was the amenity kit: a pencil box–style tin decorated with original artwork created by three international artists commissioned by TAP.
During meal service the cabin lights were gently dimmed, creating a pleasant, intimate dining-room atmosphere. The flight featured both a full lunch and a lighter meal prior to landing. After takeoff passengers were offered canapés with shrimp, blue cheese and nuts. For lunch, a trolley service allowed a salad to be prepared to order at the seat, with other options that included fresh mango and marinated scallops. A creamy basil soup finished with pesto and toasted pine nuts preceded my main course: beef filet au poivre with herb butter sauce, blanched potatoes and seasonal vegetables, paired with an excellent Monte da Cal Reserva from Alentejo. The menu included three main-course choices, one of which was vegetarian. Instead of the cheesecake dessert, I opted for a cheese plate served with raspberry purée and a glass of sweet Vinho Porto Doce.
The Experience: I have flown TAP several times and always appreciated the airline’s friendly, efficient service. This flight stood out as particularly enjoyable thanks to attentive cabin crew, comfortable seating and thoughtful amenities.
GT CHECKLIST
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged baggage
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand entertainment
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Turn-down service
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors