ChinaShrek

I currently have TAP booked in Business Class for a flight from TLV-LIS-BOS. Both flights are on the A321neo. I am thinking of visiting Petra after I travel around Israel, so I am thinking of changing my flight to UA AMM-EWR-BOS on a 787-8. Full disclosure: The TAP cost my 88K miles while the UA flight will cost 140K but I am thinking it will be more convenient to fly out of Jordan than Israel (but also more expensive). How would you compare the planes and service? What would you do?

cricketer

Just flew in J from LIS-SFO. A few years since my last TAP experience. LIS is still a chaotic mess, but as far as the flight is concerned, for the price, really unbeatable. Food was edible - similar quality to UA. Service was very friendly. Unfortunately a really loud snorer right next to me. And I will never understand serving the pre-arrival meal 5 hours prior to arrival...

gojko88

Then it must have been a particularly bad meal for TP standards. Food is the one thing that TP can be relied upon IME.

fly2nrt

I've done this... first they insisted I could only "check in" 3 hours before departure. When I told them I already checked in, just need to drop off my bags they reluctantly agreed.

Honestly, the Polaris lounge at EWR is so crowed that I'd rather just get to the airport much closer to departure time and go straight to security / boarding.

cricketer

Agreed. My previous TAP experiences were *much* better than this in terms of food. The short haul from MAD-LIS was also poor (though it is a very short flight). TAP food usually stands out even more intra-EU when compared with the competition.

TeamCarryOn

I'm looking at purchasing a one-way Biz Class fair on TAP. I see that they have a one-way fare with no change fees for about $1100 USD, more or less. Sometimes TAP can be tricky. Has anyone purchased one of these fares and had absolutely no change fees or other charges assessed for changing the date of your ticket? I understand that the price of the fare may change, although I doubt it for this particular route. Just wondering if there are any other fees in the fine print, that aren't mentioned. Thank you!

fly2nrt

At that price point, almost certain there's a change fee but ymmv. If it says change fees $0, then it's $0.

The website is clumsy but it works for "simple" changes.

jgrahamiii

Per TAPs website the check-in counter/luggage drop area at JFK only opens 2 hours before our flight. Is this true? Or does it really open 3 hours before?

Also, do Executive Class passengers get access to the LH Business Lounge in T1? A search in their app or online says no lounge at JFK, but a dropdown list says yes. So not sure.

Thanks for any info.

MadMoon

I flew TAP J from JFK this week.
We arrived 2,5h before the flight and the checkin was already open. The checkin agent proactively informed us about the lounge options, you can either go to the LH or TK lounge. We went to LH and also got access to the upstairs Senator area because of *G. Prio boarding was also enforced. I cannot say much about the meals as I slept through all of the flight, the seat was surprisingly comfortable to sleep in even though I am 6'4.

dkc192

Do others have data points on the timing of the pre-arrival meal on the LIS-SFO route? I hope this was just a fluke and it's normally served closer to arrival.

LegallyEagle

Finished another flight with TAP in their biz. Overall I think they're a sufficient low cost business class option.

Flew EWR to LIS. Flight out of Terminal B but went through Terminal C to stop into United's Polaris lounge. At about 4 pm the lounge was packed. Was a 45 minute wait to get seated for a la carte dining. The buffet was fine as an alternative. Took the shuttle air-side to Terminal B. I would note they drop you off right next to a stairwell, so had to climb a flight of stairs to enter Terminal B. Did not go into the SAS lounge there. Boarding was a bit messy, but that's partly due to the layout of ther terminal/gates being tight. Biz boarded in group 2 after folks in wheelchairs amd folks with kids.

Did not have dinner. Just went straight to bed. Did have breakfast before landing. It was underwhelming - fruit, cheese, and some cured meat - but fine. For the cost of tickets, i am not expecting anything notable. At least the bread selection was all warmed nicely and not a cold/stale brick other airlines just add onto a meal.

Flight was on a A321. Had a throne seat, so sufficiently spacious though the footwell can be tight. Seats do come with an overhead air vent, so very appreciated bonus points. Pillow is legitimately the worst of any business class offering amongst the airlines I have experienced - small and literally like a feather both in density and softness. It doesn't provide any support. If you like your head ever slightly elevated during sleep, you will need to put like a jacket underneath.

Service was friendly if just a bit casual rather than refined. They did go around to ask after breakfast was served if anyone wanted more drinks or bread. Amenitiy kit was basic/no frills. It serves its utility purpose but isn't something you're keeping or showing off unless you collect amenity kits indiscriminately.

i think TAP is worth it if you're not ready to pay a bit more for an elevated experience and can or want to fly comfortably enough for what any business offering should give: lie fly seat, semblance food beyond a reheated microwave meal, and drinks to go with meals. Helps if you can fly out of an airport where StarAlliance/United will provide a decent lounge experience. Not part of this experience, but my times going through TAP's lounge in Lisbon has been quite underwhelming and arguably worse than the Priority Pass able lounge next door (though both you shouldnt have high expectations- solid C: get a drink, some bites, and has showers)