TAP Portugal

Lisboa to Bruxelles on 29 July 2012 was more than hour late. Business class meal on this 2.5 hour flight consisted of nuts and a glass of water or orange juice. The inflight entertainment was the same Canadian hidden camera video as on my TAP flight six days earlier and some culinary videos.

Flew from Heathrow to Lisbon on to the Azores. Flight out to the Azores was 3 hours late because they said they had no crew. Coming back to Heathrow the flight was at first 15 minutes late then another 15 minutes late and then another 15 minutes late taking off because we were already late and lost our slot got to over Heathrow and the plane was again 15 to 20 minutes late landing because we were late leaving Lisbon and lost our landing slot. The planes looked dirty and worn but had leg room. The only positive experience of the trip was the cabin crew on all flights seemed nice but the offered "meals" were not very good.

We flew for £193 per person to Portugal from London. It didn't start well as our flight was delayed by 1 hour for an 'unknown reason'. However we soon boarded the plane and it was ok. TAP is a high class budget airline. Don't expect much. If you want a cheap flight I recommend them for their price. If your going on a long haul flight and your going on economy maybe look somewhere else.

AMS-LIS on 16th of July. Evening flight carried out by Portugalia Airlines which was a nice treat! Great leg space very cosy little Fokker 100 and friendly staff. On return flight we had a TAP A320 series. A little more crowded due to the seating but still very good for flights in Europe I suppose. I like the fact that there was a high standard of service as well as meal service. I would definitely fly them again!

LIS-ZAG-LIS. First flight delayed 2 hours with no explanation. When boarding we were informed there would be no catering services as they were flying with minimum cabin crew. Three hours of flight with not even a single glass of water being offered is not acceptable.. The leather of their seats needs urgent refurbishment. Cabin crew very ineffective and uninspired.

I flew with TAP 3 times two internal flights LIS-FUN-LIS and regional flight LIS-MUN. I'm on their loyalty program so try to be very supportive of them. Once in the air I think TAP is fine and I do enjoy their food in Business Class. But getting going is the issue on all 3 flights there was a delay. First 3 hours after changing aircraft 3 times then a 1.5 hr delay and finally an improvement but still 20 minutes late. The fact that I spent 5 hours extra in airports with the same airline makes me question whether they are reliable at all with their time.

(LGW-OPO/LIS-LGW). TAP Discount fares fractionally exceed what Easyjet charge. About right for a full- service but distinctly average airline. Lisbon airport was chaos; queues disorderly and mismanaged. Chunky leather seats (viz. the new slim seats on LH A320s) though comfortable bordered on the claustrophobic. No vegetarian option available at booking or in-flight (and I doubt my companion was the sole vegetarian onboard) but FAs handled our complaints/queries compassionately and professionally. Very friendly and courteous staff from check-in to disembarkation. Loved the safety video - one of those rare moments when you actually crack up during a flight.

EWR-LIS 6/14/12. Check in was fast and efficient flight departed according to schedule in flight meal was average very impressed by the in flight entertainment system and it variety of movies TV shows music and games. Cabin Crew were attentive to my needs throughout the flight. Overall very good experience from TAP.

June 26th I flew from Fortaleza to Lisbon continuing on to Dusseldorf with a return on July 2nd from Dusseldorf via Lisbon to Recife. Pleasantly surprised with the flights. After some of the negative comments I was not expecting much but TAP has surpassed my expectations from dedicated check in at all airports to separate busses upon arrival and departure in Lisbon to and from the gate. Staff were friendly the food was great and during heavy turbulence the captain kept us very well informed in Portuguese and English on the progress of the flight. All in all I would definitely fly them again.

Outbound flight MUC-LIS delayed six hours. Inbound flight appears as cancelled on Lisbon airport website due to planned four day pilots strike. TAP tell me the flight is still on I travel to the airport six hours early to get rebooked on anything going back to MUC and they still deny it is cancelled. After lining up for one hour get rebooked onto a Lufthansa flight by a TAP agent.