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
Mar 31, 2023Italian Mansion, Winery Locanda La Raia Available for Private Stays
Looking for luxury in Italy’s Southern Piedmont Region? In the wine hills of Gavi, north and west of Genoa, Locanda La Raia offers 10 splendid guestrooms and two apartments on a 180- hectare estate. Once a countryside inn and post station serving travelers journeying through the area on horseback, the space has been meticulously restored by the Rossi Cairo family to showcase original features such as vaulted ceilings and exposed brickwork. Each guestroom has been individually decorated and now features enormous windows overlooking the surrounding landscape of lush gardens, rolling meadows and organic vineyards.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Mar 30, 2023The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach’s Wellness Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers travelers a new immersive wellness experience: Healing in Hawai’i.
Daily
Mar 30, 2023NoMo Soho Introduces New Private Event Spaces, Return of Rose Garden
NoMo SoHo recently announced the return of Rose Garden as well as the introduction of two new event spaces, The Penthouse and Nina’s.
Daily
Mar 30, 2023A New Type of Art Experience: Rotterdam’s Depot Boijman’s Van Beuningen Opens
A little more a year ago, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, designed by architectural firm MVRDV, opened to the public in Rotterdam. At Depot, everything revolves around the interaction between the visitors and more than 151,000 works stored in various areas of the unique building.
4 Spring Hotel Openings
Daily
Mar 29, 2023Elk Cove Inn & Spa Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 29, 2023eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023Last-Minute Spring Deals from SIXT
SIXT invites customers to book some spring and summer deals. Book a midweek deal for up to 30 percent off rentals of two–four days starting on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ending by Thursday. Book the midweek offer by June 30. Blackout dates of April 2–22 apply.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023Andaz Mayakoba Welcomes Summer with 20 Percent Off All Suite Stays
Just in time for summer travel, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya launches its Suites on Sale promotion. During the summer months, the resort offers travelers 20 percent off a stay in a suite.
ShareThis