TAP Air Portugal A321neo: Is Executive Class Worth the Upgrade?

TAP Air Portugal's Intra-Europe Business Class: A Realistic Review

Flying business class within Europe offers a certain level of expectation. Recently, I experienced TAP Air Portugal's Executive Class on an intra-European route, and while the experience was pleasant, it's important to have realistic expectations.

The lounge was a definite plus. It offered a good selection of food and beverages, although I suspect the lunch and dinner options might be more extensive. It's comparable to other European carriers' lounges, but perhaps not quite as impressive as their flagship airport lounges. Interestingly, the ANA Lounge, used by Air France passengers, seemed very similar to TAP's premium offering.

Boarding was efficient, with business class passengers, TAP Miles&Go Premium members, and Star Alliance Gold members receiving priority. The seating configuration is where things get interesting. Like many European airlines, TAP utilizes a standard 3x3 configuration, similar to economy class. While TAP doesn't block the middle seat with a tray table, the armrests can be raised, providing a bit more personal space. On my particular flight, the business class cabin was sparsely populated, creating a sense of privacy despite the standard seating arrangement.

One of the deciding factors in choosing TAP was the expectation of a hot meal, as I had read that they were offered on this route. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. While Air France has a good reputation for catering, TAP's offering was comparable to other European airlines on shorter flights. Ultimately, TAP's Star Alliance membership and Lisbon being their home base were key considerations. (Published October 26, 2023)