On the Ground: Check-in at Porto International Airport was pleasant and stress-free. Though there was only one agent handling Executive Class and only one person ahead of me in line, that passenger was having some issue related to luggage weight. Anticipating the possibility of a delay, a second TAP agent immediately stepped forward to assist me, with a smile, and I was on my way in minutes. The security line was short and efficiently handled. Total time from check-in to stepping into the elevator going to the lounge one level up was less than 15 minutes.
Pre-Flight: I arrived early for my 11:30 a.m. flight, and the ANA lounge in Terminal 1 used by TAP passengers was not at all crowded. There was a nice spread of fresh juices, teas, coffee, small sandwiches, fruit and freshly baked breads and pastries, including Portugal’s famed custard tarts, pasteis de nata, on which I promptly focused. The interior space was nicely sectioned for privacy and working. The bathrooms, though immaculately clean, were located outside of the main lounge area across from the lounge check-in desk.
The Porto airport is relatively small, but a constant flood of natural light worked into the architecture and design gives the impression of spaciousness, which directly carries through to the lounge. Plate in hand, I chose an armchair on the open deck overlooking part of the terminal’s retail zone. Though open to the surrounding area, the sound coming from below was muted and not at all distracting.
When the boarding call came, I was greeted by a hearty “Bom dia” by one of the cabin attendants, who took my coat and quickly offered me a glass of sparkling wine. A good selection of magazines and newspapers was offered, but I bypassed those in favor of a book I’d just acquired.
In-Flight: Following a fairly amusing safety video featuring TAP passengers, I explored my seat’s adjustment options, which allowed an excellent range of positions and fully reclined for sleeping. The recently introduced headphones featured cutting-edge noise-canceling technology and did exactly that while also being extremely comfortable to wear. Another pleasant and recent change: Large, dark blue quilts have replaced the less cozy polar blankets previously used. Another surprise — and an especially nice touch — was the amenity kit, a pencil box-shaped tin with a lid decorated in original art, part of a project involving designs by three separate international artists commissioned by TAP specifically for this amenity.
During meal service, cabin lights were slightly dimmed, which had the pleasing effect of creating an intimate dining room ambience. My flight included lunch and a second, lighter meal prior to landing. Canapés with shrimp, blue cheese and nuts were offered following takeoff. Lunch included a beautiful salad prepared to order from a trolley seatside, with additional choices that included fresh mango and marinated scallops. Following a creamy basil soup finished with pesto and toasted pine nuts, I chose a main course of beef filet au poivre with an herb butter sauce, blanched potatoes and vegetables, and a glass of excellent Monte da Cal Reserva from the Alentejo region. Three additional choices, including a vegetarian meal, were also available. Though there was a tempting cheesecake for dessert, I selected the cheese plate with raspberry purée and a glass of sweet Vinho Porto Doce.
The Experience: Though I’ve flown TAP multiple times over the years and have always found the service friendly and extremely efficient, I would rate this flight experience as especially pleasurable.
GT CHECKLIST
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged baggage
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand entertainment
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Turn-down service
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 4, 2023Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Offers a Bevy of Holiday Events
There may not be snow in Los Angeles this season, but Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is certainly full of the holiday spirit, with Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s events happening in the hotel’s gorgeous event spaces.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Stocking Stuffers for Your Favorite Vagabonds
Looking for fun things to stuff into the toe of a few holiday stockings? Here are some great choices:
Destinations / North America
Dec 4, 20236 U.S. Christmas Markets to See on Your Travels
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. Christmas markets with us.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Hotels Around the World Unveil Incredible Designer Holiday Trees
Everyone loves a good Christmas tree, but these iconic hotels around the world take it one step further with designer-styled trees illuminating lobbies and public spaces, wowing all who enter. From Lela Rose to Louis Vuitton, don’t miss these ultra-luxury trees redefining tree decorating as we know it.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023Kokomo Restaurant Offers Modern Caribbean Cuisine, Music and Art in Transformed NYC Neighborhood
As first-time restaurateurs, but with plenty of hospitality-related experience, Ria and Kevol (Kev) Graham were not entirely comfortable opening their first restaurant in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, where several upscale restaurants and 5-star hotel dining is just a block away. And to make matters worse, they opened in July 2020, when New York City was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
The Islands of Tahiti offer a range of captivating activities for travelers with diverse interests, from hiking to breathtaking waterfalls, riding horses on secluded beaches; swimming with sharks; or immersing in Polynesian culture through traditional dance, music and art. For watersports enthusiasts, the crystal-clear lagoons offer exhilarating experiences like surfing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding. And if you’re looking to relax, the pristine beaches, overwater bungalows and tropical sun offer the perfect setting. With 118 islands and atolls to explore, island hopping is an excellent way to experience the full diversity of The Islands of Tahiti. With its blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, The Islands of Tahiti offer a truly unique travel experience.
Daily
Dec 1, 2023The River Less Traveled: 3 Compelling River Cruise Itineraries Debuting in 2024
In addition to intimate settings, smaller staff-to-passenger ratios, and personalized food and beverage options, river cruises have the advantage of providing a deeper dive into a region’s culture, food and history. The Rhine, Rhône and Danube in Europe and the Mississippi River and St. Lawrence in North America have much to offer travelers with their itineraries, tying together beloved cities and lesser-known destinations along their routes.
ShareThis