ON THE GROUND: After a quick and somehow traffic- free ride from our home in Pennsylvania to Newark Liberty International Airport, my husband and I swiftly checked in for our overnight flight to Porto. We were in great spirits, as this trip was our honeymoon!
After an easy journey through security, we made our way to the lounge. TAP does not have a designated lounge in Newark, but travelers in Executive Class have the option of the Lufthansa or SAS lounge. We stayed in the former and found the lounge clean and comfortable with plenty of seating options for a couple. We enjoyed a celebratory glass of rosé Champagne as well as some light snacks before boarding our 10:30 p.m. flight.
PRE-FLIGHT: I was pleasantly surprised to find we were able to pre-order our meals through TAP’s app. My husband and I both opted for the beef selection, and the flight attendants confirmed our selections prior to takeoff. We also received a hot towel after we settled into our fully lie-flat seats. Each seat had a reading light, USB port and noise-cancelling headphones for the in-flight entertainment system, which was crystal-clear and easy to navigate with a good selection of newer and classic movies and shows. The amenity kit was a beautiful charcoal and yellow geometric pattern and provided basic amenities, which I greatly appreciated as my toiletry kit was at the bottom of my suitcase. We took advantage of the complimentary WiFi offered for iMessage and WhatsApp to respond to well wishes for our honeymoon.
IN-FLIGHT: The star of the show was the delicious cuisine, attributed to the two-year partnership TAP signed with The Art of Tasting Portugal. The fresh and sustainably sourced menus are updated every two months, with a different chef highlighting a different region of the country. We had a selection of cuisines from Chef Cláudio Pontes, who hails from the Azores. As our flight was considered long-haul at six hours, we were treated to a “full gastronomic experience.” We started with a sweet corn flan with herb-marinated shrimp and a tomato vinaigrette. Our main course was beef with herb butter, rajas con crema and rice, snap peas and carrots. The absolute highlight of the meal was the light and airy cheesecake dessert. The meal was impeccably paired with a selection of wine from the well-crafted Portuguese wine list. My beef paired nicely with a glass — or two — of Adega de Redondo Alentejo Reserva.
After dinner service ended, I put on Crazy Rich Asians and settled into a deep sleep on the comfortable pillows and under the wide, thick quilt that made me feel warm but not overheated. The crew were friendly and welcoming but not overbearing, which I appreciated while I was falling asleep. I was able to get about four hours of sleep before waking up to enjoy a light and tasty breakfast of fresh fruit, a croissant and delicious coffee. The flight landed right on time, and we disembarked directly onto the tarmac but then had to take a shuttle bus to the main terminal. There was a slight wait as all of the passengers departed the plane, but the drive to the terminal was quick, and we easily breezed through customs, ready to explore the first stop on our honeymoon.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
TAP’s free stopover program makes it easy to add stops throughout Portugal. Customers flying one-way or round-trip can effortlessly add a free stopover in Porto or Lisbon for up to 10 days, including promotions and discounts on lodging, restaurants, and exclusive experiences and activities. Customers also receive a 25 percent discount on a second domestic destination such as Madeira or the Azores.
Check TAP’s website to see which chef will curate your meals, and use the order-ahead program to make your selection.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2025
Jul 12, 2025Expanded Cell Service Coming to More NYC Subway Trains
New Yorkers will be thrilled to learn more cell service will soon be available on parts of select trains in New York City. MTA officials announced the expanded service will come to the 4 and 5 train tunnels from Bowling Green in Manhattan to Borough Hall in Brooklyn.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Cruises
Jul 12, 2025Windstar Debuts Exclusive Air + Hotel Cruise Offer
Have your Polynesian dreams come true with Windstar Cruises’ new Air + Hotel offer. Receive complimentary economy airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti (PPT) on select 2025/2026 Air + Hotel cruise packages, a value of up to $1,500 per person.
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 11, 2025Step Lively in Fashionable Sneakers Designed for City Walking
Morgen Trainers, Black-Gum Colombian craftsmanship meets European-inspired style in Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers. Handmade in Bogotá with full-grain Italian leather exterior and ultra-soft Vachetta leather lining (feel free to go sockless), these low-profile sneakers feature sturdy, vulcanized rubber soles and plush internal padding to withstand all-day city walking. The black-gum colorway feels timeless, but with five additional combinations to choose from, it’s easy to add some of your own personality while maintaining a neutral look that travels well with a variety of outfits. With slow fashion roots and lasting construction, they’re built to go the distance. $270.
Sponsored Content
Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years
TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal: from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.
Airlines
Jul 11, 2025Cathay Pacific Launches World’s Best Economy Class Sale
Cathay Pacific celebrates its recent recognition as a Top 3 World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Economy Class in 2025’s Skytrax World Airline Awards with a one-of-a-kind deal.
Park Hyatt Johannesburg Opens
Daily
Jul 11, 2025How to Spend a Summer in Cyprus
Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Celebrates 50 Years
Daily
Jul 10, 2025Global City Guidebook: British Virgin Islands
July 2025
Jul 10, 2025Daily
Jul 10, 2025The Oberoi Group Introduces Elements by Oberoi
The Oberoi Group recently reaffirmed its commitment to building a future anchored in sustainability by introducing Elements by Oberoi, a holistic environmental and social responsibility framework.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
Jul 9, 20255 Fabulous Hotel Breakfasts Around the World
These fabulous hotels around the world prove breakfast really is the most important meal of the day.
ShareThis