A number of days in the past, I had the possibility to fly TAP Air Portugal’s Airbus A330-900neo enterprise class on the 7hr45min in a single day flight from Miami (MIA) to Lisbon (LIS). Whereas I’ll have a full journey report quickly, on this submit I wished to share some preliminary impressions of the expertise.
TAP Air Portugal has achieved a powerful job modernizing its lengthy haul fleet, because the airline now principally flies A330-900neos and A321LRs. TAP typically has the popularity of being one of many weaker airways throughout the Atlantic, as a result of the airline virtually operates as a hybrid full service and low value service, at the least in economic system.
The humorous factor is that whereas TAP has very cheap enterprise class fares when paying with money, the airline has traditionally been stingy with award availability. Luckily the airline lately had some large open award availability, so I couldn’t assist however e book.
Whereas I got here into the flight with low expectations, I’ve to confess that they have been exceeded. I don’t wish to recommend that TAP presents some world class product, however at a minimal that is extremely aggressive, and I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with the airline once more.
The the seats have been snug sufficient, the meals was tasty, the leisure choice was enough, and the crew was pleasant and environment friendly. Let’s get into it…
TAP’s A330 enterprise class seats are effectively designed, however tight
TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neos characteristic 34 enterprise class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration, with direct aisle entry. TAP chosen the Recaro CL6710 seat for this jet, which is similar that you just’ll discover on EL AL’s Boeing 787s.
This can be a staggered configuration, the place seats in each different row have the identical structure. The perfect seats are the “true” window seats, since they’re the furthest from the aisles and the closest to the home windows (effectively, except you’re like me, and stupidly choose a seat and not using a window).
The seat in fact turns right into a flat mattress, with the footwell being to the facet of the seat in entrance.
Now, whereas I’ve to offer TAP credit score for enhancing its enterprise class product over time, I’ve to say that this product feels fairly tight on the A330. For instance, EL AL has the identical product on the 787, however that aircraft is wider. So once I was in mattress mode, I felt fairly “caught” on this seat, and wasn’t simply capable of transfer round.
So this isn’t my favourite enterprise class onerous product on the earth, however I believed it was ok.
TAP’s enterprise class catering is pretty tasty
The catering in TAP Air Portugal enterprise class was strong. After takeoff, the service started with drinks and combined nuts. I respect how TAP showcases wines from Portugal, and I loved a glass of sauvignon blanc.
The starter and appetizer have been then served on a single tray, which I respect for a fast in a single day flight (as TAP has the identical meal process on the even shorter flights from Boston to Lisbon, for instance). The starter consisted of poached halibut, vegetable ceviche, and arugula, whereas the primary course consisted of cod with herb butter, saffron rice, pumpkin, zucchini, and tomato.
To complete off the meal, there was a “dessert trilogy,” comprised of ice cream, recent fruit, and cheese. A field of goodies, in addition to port wine, have been provided to accompany that.
Earlier than touchdown, TAP has a normal breakfast snack, with no possibility. This consisted of a plate with chilly cuts and cheese, some yogurt with berry compote, a fruit plate, and a croissant.
For brief in a single day flights, I believe it’s all about serving one thing that’s half first rate effectively, and TAP did an excellent job with that.
TAP’s facilities & leisure are a combined bag
TAP Air Portugal’s enterprise class facilities and leisure have been… not unhealthy?
I preferred the enterprise class blanket, which was good and thick, whereas the pillow was fairly skinny. Luckily I might prop my hoodie beneath the pillow for a bit extra help (I at all times want a hoodie when departing Miami Airport, as a result of it’s like a freezer within the terminal, for causes I can’t work out).
The amenity package was fundamental, however had the necessities, together with socks, eyeshades, earplugs, a dental package, and hand cream.
The leisure choice was higher than I used to be anticipating, with over 135 motion pictures, and over 70 TV reveals, together with some fairly current titles.
TAP additionally has Wi-Fi on its A330-900neos. All passengers can get free messaging (with no photographs or movies), after which Wi-Fi pricing ranges from €9.99 for a one hour go, to €29.99 for a full flight go, all with no knowledge caps.
TAP’s enterprise class crew was beautiful
I’ve gotta be sincere, I’ve had some fairly surly crews on TAP Air Portugal. Whereas I don’t anticipate Singapore Airways ranges of service on all airways, it actually detracts from the expertise when a crew is visibly sad to be at work.
That mentioned, I’ve to offer this TAP crew credit score, as they have been pleasant. Every passenger was warmly greeted on the door by one of many flight attendants, and the women working in enterprise class have been all smiles, and had a watch for element.
Service undoubtedly wasn’t very personalised, which is to say that TAP’s enterprise class service movement feels a bit like an meeting line, with the fixed use of carts. However for the primary time on a TAP lengthy haul flight, I truly felt just like the crew wasn’t actively sad to be there, in order that was a pleasing shock.
In equity, it had been a number of years since I took an extended haul flight on TAP, so I don’t know if I simply received fortunate, or if one thing on the airline has modified for the higher.
Backside line
I lastly had the possibility to fly TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neo enterprise class. I got here in with low expectations, primarily based on my earlier experiences with TAP. So I used to be pleasantly shocked by the flight — TAP’s new enterprise class seats are an enormous enchancment, the meals was fairly good, the leisure was first rate, and the crew was pleasant.
TAP wouldn’t be my first selection throughout the Atlantic — that might in all probability be Air France, ITA Airways, Emirates, or Singapore Airways (relying on the route) — nevertheless it’s a strong product that I definitely wouldn’t keep away from. For instance, I desire the TAP expertise to a overwhelming majority of flights with Lufthansa, SWISS, LOT Polish Airways, and extra.
What’s your tackle TAP Air Portugal’s A330-900neo enterprise class?
