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TAP Air Portugal Review: Is It Worth It?

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Top Pick TAP Air Portugal Compare Fares Search TAP Air Portugal Flights โ†’
TypeFull-Service Airline
HeadquartersLisbon, Portugal
HubsLisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO)
Overall Rating3.7/5

TAP Air Portugal is Portugal's flag carrier and the only airline offering direct connections between Europe and all of Portugal's Atlantic territories โ€” the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. As a Star Alliance member, TAP also provides excellent onward connections via Lisbon to Brazil (the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world), Angola, Mozambique, and other Lusophone nations. For travelers whose itineraries include these destinations, TAP is often the only sensible choice and the carrier with by far the deepest knowledge of these routes.

The airline's Stopover Portugal program is a genuine highlight of the product: passengers flying between Europe and long-haul destinations (Brazil, North America, Africa) on a TAP ticket can include a 1โ€“5 night free stopover in Lisbon or Porto without any additional flight cost. This is one of the best deals in European aviation, essentially giving travelers a free city break in one of Europe's most charming destinations. Lisbon Airport is conveniently located 7km from the city center and accessible by metro. TAP Miles&Go is the loyalty program, earning and redeeming through Star Alliance partners including Lufthansa, Swiss, United, and Singapore Airlines.

Baggage Policy

Carry-On1 cabin bag (55x40x20cm) + 1 personal item included in all fares
Checked Bag1x23kg included in Basic+ and above; Discount (cheapest) is carry-on only

TAP's Stopover Portugal program allows a free 1โ€“5 night stopover in Lisbon or Porto when flying to Brazil, North America, or Africa on a TAP ticket โ€” excellent added value.

Scores

CategoryScore
Comfortโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Priceโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Reliabilityโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Routesโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Baggageโ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
Overall3.7/5
Pro Tip

Compare TAP Air Portugal fares across multiple booking sites โ€” prices can vary by 10-20% for the same flight.


Pros

  • Best connections to Brazil and Portugal's Atlantic islands (Madeira, Azores)
  • Free stopover in Lisbon or Porto on qualifying long-haul itineraries
  • Star Alliance member with good transatlantic code-share network
  • Porto hub provides access to northern Portugal routes

Cons

  • Fares from non-Portuguese markets can be higher than budget alternatives
  • Smaller fleet means fewer route options than major European carriers
  • Historical reliability issues โ€” has improved but reputation lingers
  • Short-haul intra-European service is basic

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to book flights to Tap Portugal?

For the best fares to Tap Portugal, book 6-8 weeks in advance for short-haul European flights and 2-3 months ahead for long-haul routes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer lower fares. Shoulder season (spring and autumn) provides the best balance of price and weather.

Which airports serve Tap Portugal?

Tap Portugal is served by both major international airports and smaller regional ones. Budget airlines often fly into secondary airports that may be further from city centers but offer significantly cheaper fares. Factor in transfer costs when comparing airports โ€” a cheaper flight to a distant airport may not save money overall.

What are the baggage allowances for flights to Tap Portugal?

Baggage policies vary significantly between airlines. Full-service carriers typically include 23kg checked luggage, while budget airlines charge extra. Carry-on limits usually range from 7-10kg. Always check your specific airline's policy before packing to avoid expensive airport surcharges.

Are there direct flights to Tap Portugal from major hubs?

Major European hubs like London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam typically offer the most direct connections to Tap Portugal. From North America, direct flights are available from New York, and sometimes from other major cities depending on the season. Connecting flights through European hubs often provide more schedule flexibility.

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