Flying in TAP Portugal’s Executive Class

Headquartered in Lisbon Portugal, TAP Air Portugal has become a leading carrier in air travel between the US and Europe. The airline offers both economy and executive classes on board. If you’re flying executive with TAP Air Portugal, it’s important to note they offer two fares; executive and top executive. No matter the class, a flight with the airline is always bound to be luxurious, comfortable, and of ease. Below is my review of flying TAP Portugal’s Executive Class from Boston to Seville.

Different Fares in Executive Class

Both executive and top executive fares on TAP Air Portugal include 1 free hand baggage and checked bag. You’ll have the privilege of enjoying priority boarding as well as priority baggage (meaning these bags typically come out first post-flight). Ticket changes for executive class start from €85, while top executive changes are free of charge and come with no hidden fees. Refunds are also available with the top executive class ticket.

What to Expect with a Regular Executive Class Ticket

• Hand baggage 2 x 10kg and checked baggage 2 x 32kg
• Free seat reservations available at any time
• Access to over 60+ lounges worldwide 
• Priority boarding and baggage
• Lie-flat seating and noise cancelling headphones
• Menus featuring Portuguese products and exclusive wines

Lounge Access with TAP Portugal’s Executive Class

Flying out of Boston, I had access to Terminal C’s ‘The Lounge’ area. Available to passengers flying executive class with Emirates, Aer lingus, and TAP (regardless of class, you can also purchase a day pass here for $40). In terms of airport lounges, the area was quite full mid-day with little-to-no seating areas left. Drinks and small snacks were available, with a selection of soups, pastries, and petite sandwiches.

Flying with TAP Air Portugal will give you access to more than 60+ lounges worldwide, and while some are no doubt better than others, you can rest assured knowing you’ll have a space to get away. Use the airline’s online tool to find a lounge near you!

What to Expect Onboard 

I flew the Airbus A321neo with TAP Air Portugal from Boston to Lisbon and then on to Seville. While aircrafts may be slightly different in both design and layout, this is my honest review of my time flying onboard the Airbus Neo model.

With comfortable seating in the executive class cabin, this section offers seating with two seats or one. Sitting in 5C, I had a neighbor next to me separated by a slight partition (which turns into your food-tray table). Generous leg room is welcome, with chair modes available to elevate your legs or recline the back of the seat. Executive class seating also turns into completely lie-flat beds. Comfortable bedding and pillows are available if a snooze is what you need on your long-haul flight overseas.

While no amenity kit was given on this flight, TAP Air Portugal is typically known for its cultural kits on some other flights. Noise cancelling headphones are available at all seats, and an array of movies and channels are on offer for executive class passengers. There is also ample storage and charging space available around each seating area.

Dining in Executive Class

If you’re not upgrading to executive class for the food, then you’re doing it wrong. With a four-course offering on board, TAP airline staff truly shine during the dining service. Courses showcase the flavors of Portugal, with fresh seafood offerings, pasta, and meats. A trilogy of desserts is available after the main meal. A white table-cloth is given to guests to elevate the experience, and a selection of Portuguese wines are on offer (ask the staff for their recommendations, as they’re bound to steer you in the right direction).

To those choosing a wake up request, a light meal is available before landing. This typically includes a light sandwich, pastry, and fresh juices.