Flight Review - TAP Air Portugal Business Class, Malaga to Lisbon to London Heathrow

Рет қаралды 7,196

Күн бұрын

My trip through Spain to its enclave of Melilla in Africa ended with a flight back to London from Malaga. I could have flown directly, but where's the fun in than and I'd previously reviewed that flight on the channel anyway...
So I found a decent fare in business class via Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal - an airline I'd been looking to fly on for some time... TAP Express, operated by White air from Malaga to Lisbon on an ATR72, then after a few hours in the flagship lounge in Lisbon, an A320 up to London Heathrow.
I really wanted TAP to be good... Were they? They were close...
⭐ #flightreview #TAPAirPortugal #MattsPlanet ⭐
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⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:24 - Malaga Airport
4:55 - Malaga to Lisbon
8:25 - Lisbon Airport and Lounge
12:35 - Lisbon to London
15:00 - The Greatest Transit of Heathrow Ever...

Пікірлер: 83

@cascinagiannisingapore9151 Жыл бұрын

I was a loyal business class flyer on TAP for a few years but the un joined up thinking finally got the better of me. Flying the same little ATR 72 from Marrakech to Lisbon as you had from Malaga, the pilot made the decision to leave all of the checked luggage I’m Morocco! Forgetting to mention the decision to anyone else. This caused a delay of over an hour with all the passengers on board in the afternoon August desert sun. The cabin crew didn’t think of giving us water in the over 50° C heat until a group of Brazilians threatened to hi jack the meal trollies while waiting to take off. On arrival in Lisbon, still completely ignorant of the pilot’s decision to off load checked luggage, the pax waited at the belt for well over an hour. It took another 90 minutes for Lisbon staff to ascertain that the luggage was still in Morocco and to fill in the correct forms to forward the luggage to passengers’ homes. Oddly enough my suitcase actually did arrive at my home in Milan one week later. Needless to say I have blacklisted TAP.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Again, not very joined up... Sounds like quite an unpleasant experience... Although I have seen some people delighted when that happens as it allows them to refresh their wardrobe courtesy of their travel insurance!

@tarquinmontague637 Жыл бұрын

That approach into LHR never gets old

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Give thanks for prevailing winds out of the west!

@Delbino2000 Жыл бұрын

That gin is called Sharish. It's made in the alentejo region of Portugal. Being a big gin buff myself, I agree with you - it's one of the best gins in the world. They have it in the duty free shops in Lisbon (you'd be lucky to get a decent price). Rather you buy from supermarkets like continente or Portuguese wine/spirit stores... Glad you enjoyed it.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much - will certainly look out for it next time I'm there

@primmtravels450 Жыл бұрын

Best fan ever.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

It was an amazing fan...

@lamontcranston4436 Жыл бұрын

Another great review, thank you! Would be great to see a running ranking of european business class flights at the end of the video though as your odyssey continues!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

You're reading my mind... That's 6 or 7 Euro carriers covered now... Was thinking to sweep up another 2 or 3 then a mega-ranking video is indeed in order...

@lamontcranston4436 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet Sorry for the slow reply, great idea, looking forward to it. Public service broadcasting at its finest!

@colinrenfrew48 Жыл бұрын

Always enjoy your videos, in a dark, humorous way. Nicely detailed and very witty, even when you deal with the headaches of modern flying. Good stuff.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Colin. Very nice to get feedback like this - so thanks for taking the time!

@jimmyjames6492 Жыл бұрын

That Malaga lounge is pretty big compared to the TAP lounge in Lisbon + both had some decent food selections. That's a pretty cool way to board a plane. Definitely something we don't get to do much in the US. Thanks for sharing + video!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jimmy. Less fun boarding that way when its tipping it down with rain!

@peetbothma6982 Жыл бұрын

Yet again you made my Sunday afternoon Matt😊. Looks about the stock standard for short haul European flights. Those pasteis looked delicious😋. TAP will be an option for me given my SAA Voyager membership👍. Side note. Flying in Emirates Business class next Sat for a work trip. First international trip in 3 years😇🇿🇦

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Cheers Peet - I think TAP is pretty handy if you find yourself in Maputo wanting to head North!! Where you off to on Emirates?

@peetbothma6982 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet Dubai and then Nairobi. Really excited will be the 1st time I fly with them since 2001🤣

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

@@peetbothma6982 Dubai should be nice this time of year. Nairobi is a long way to double back too though!

@peetbothma6982 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet It is only 4 hours or so🤣🤣. For us that is a shortish flight, remember it takes a minimum of 10 to 12 hours to get to Europe and at least 17 to the US or Australia. From what I have seen it will be good and there is plenty time to work uninterrupted. Will most certainly not connect to the WiFi👌 Sure it will allow me the full on experience and value.

@laurabaden-powell1484 Жыл бұрын

Matt you're so funny. I do love the juxtaposition between serious considered review, some comedy and sometimes grump vibe. Pretty much like me!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Laura. You describe what I'm aiming to achieve so its good it seems to be coming across!

@johndereck304 Жыл бұрын

Great review Guvn'er!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much!

@johndereck304 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet Everything was boss mate! Sound stuff bloke!

@jampoyner Жыл бұрын

Another great video Matt! I flew TAP 2 weeks ago. Bid for a business upgrade from Manchester to Lisbon and economy on the way home. Can’t say there was a great deal of difference between the two classes if I’m honest. Seats were the same and other than priority boarding and having a bit of sandwich meat on board, it was the same experience. No lounge access at Manchester either from what I could see. Very underwhelming all in all!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

I think TAP aligns with BA in that Business is very similar to economy, albeit with some calories and a higher earning into the loyalty scheme... I wanted to try it for the channel and I didn't mind the points but I wouldn't rush to fly them again in business short haul...

@davidhamilton1881 Жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks for uploading. I am flying into LHR on Thursday from IAD. Somehow I don't think I will end up at the gate that's a two minute walk though...

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

This was terminal 2 so long haul tends to stop at the satellite block which is a fair hike unfortunately... Have a good flight!

@richardstreet7518 Жыл бұрын

They sometimes put Airbus wide bodies on short haul... we had one at Gatwick...keep up the good work.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Wasn't lucky that day!

@alexalexsson210 Жыл бұрын

I love the ATR72, sometimes fly it with Chalair to Quimper (UIP). Super turbo prop!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

I'd love them too if they cleaned the windows occasionally!

@tomcummin6801 Жыл бұрын

The appalling dad joke left me forehead on desk, but it is so terrible it gets you a like. FYI, you already get a pre-emptive one period everytime but what the heck. Safe travels Matt and thanks for bringing us along.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Tom. I couldn't resist but at least I apologised! Thanks for watching and thanks for the like!

@DeltaAlphaNovember27 Жыл бұрын

I’m doing this exact route next year and I’ll be getting a g&t then! Cheers!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Hey - have two! And some custard tarts!

@Petertjeehh Жыл бұрын

Brought back memories seeing you board that ATR! It was my first (and up until now only) prop experience and I kind of treasure that flight with Czech Airlines (PRG-WAW). Don't you just love that 2x2 layout and iconic main landing gear too?? (Terrified to fly a Dash-8 some day tho!) Apart from that, I've never flown with TAP, and to be honest, from what I've seen I'd consider other options first, although pricing seems decent indeed. Informative, but mostly still just loving that Matt-style videos. I'm still a big Fan! (You got me with that pun) Cheers, keep it up. - Peter-Jan

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter-Jan. Hard to beat £1k round trip in business to North America, although those fares seem to have gone into hibernation! A prop flight is certainly a different experience to a jet experience!

@TarrelScot Жыл бұрын

A handy video, well-timed for us. We're heading down to Banjul in January with TAP and taking advantage of their free stop-over offer in Lisbon for three nights on the way. We're going Economy but I see they offer paid access to the Premium lounge in Lisbon, so it was good to see what that was like.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark - it'll be lovely and warm in Banjul in Jan! Have a great time... That lounge is being refurbished so keep an eye open for reports that its open - hopefully they're easing some of the seating issues and leaving the bar (and the custard tarts) well alone!

@TarrelScot Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet Yeah I caught your comment about refurbishment of the lounge in the vid. Duly noted. We're visiting a community development project around 25km outside the main town. Near one of the new fishmeal processing plants. Hope it's not too smelly!

@axelhaberkorn8351 Жыл бұрын

Great review, Matt! When did you take this flight? I just flew through LIS with TAP on a return trip from WAW to FNC. On Nov 5, their lounge was already closed for refurbishment. Surprisingly, no direct alternative was offered. The ANA lounge was not even available for Star-Alliance Gold members (have TAP gold), only got in with PP. But it was beyond crowded, people lining up outside or turning around. For the return flight, an email said you would receive vouchers at check in to be used at some restaurants in the airport. We skipped on that as our connection time was minimal. While we flew eco on the flight to Portugal, where absolutely no service whatsoever was offered (4h-flight after all from WAW!), the return was in Business. I had the same desert as in your video from FNC-LIS :) the second leg gave us an offer between two dishes, which I found pretty amazing for an intra-European flight and considering what some others are offering. Think the value-for-money in C is quite acceptable and actually good in comparison to others. Eco on the other side, without any snacks or drink offering at all is just mindblowingly bad. Keep up the great work!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Axel. This was 9 October - this was the last video I made about this trip which is why it took a while to get released! ANA was busy even with the TAP lounge open... Interesting comparison of economy - I am usually very happy to fly economy but the videos that come out of those trips tend to not be that interesting, so I usually buy up to business when filming... That's my excuse anyway!

@axelhaberkorn8351 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet I'd fly more business, too, if I had a yt channel such as yours! :D But essentially there is not much of a difference for intra-european flights, sadly. Was happy with the additional legroom though on our 4hrs flight. It's pretty bad in TAP's standard economy rows. Doable on shorter routes, but it becomes more painful with every hour. TAP has pretty good deals, I have to say, so I'm keeping an eye on them. That's why took the liberty to fly business back, plus the additional miles / 200% also with Eurobonus. I'm keen to try their business product on a transatlantic flight. Their prices are very competitive. It's on the to-fly-list!

@davidbalcon8726 Жыл бұрын

Agree about the G&Ts from that bartender. About the only reason to tolerate the always crowded lounge (though those custard tarts…)!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks David. I sent a friend to that lounge and got him all excited about the gin and tarts and it was shut... I really hope they're reconfiguring it to be less like a railway terminal although I'm not sure whether there's scope to extend it in any direction.

@davidbalcon8726 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet Always crowded. Had to sit in the corridor to washrooms last time I was there. TAP really must create separate lounges for long haul overseas flights to reduce the load on this lounge from those flying intra-European flights.

@ethanjwarren Жыл бұрын

I've noticed in your last few videos you've been sat on the Starboard side - is this your preferance or just a coincidence? Good video Matt

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Ethan - good attention to detail there! Just a coincidence. I do sometimes think about where the sun is going to be when picking a seat but there was little planning in these choices!

@markwaite5265 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for another enjoyable and enlightening video Matt. One quick question relating to the self-serve beer tap being the only example of a beer you can actually drink ... I take it the beers in AY's HEL Non-Schengen Lounge (which are self serve) are not to your liking?

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Cheers Mark. Not been through Helsinki! On a plane at least. I did fly out once on a helicopter to Tallinn but the service ended when the helicopter crashed a few years later... Took the ferry from Estonia to get there, and been back on a cruise. Since I've had the channel, there's been one in the Lufty lounge in T2 which was a disaster! HEL is on the list though!

@markwaite5265 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet then if I can make a suggestion … You could review AY’s (fairly) new A350 non-reclining J seat which is being called a game changer. It’s not across the whole fleet (and wasn’t on their A350 LHR-HEL I took last month) but is on their SIN run and some US routes. OW TPs up for grabs!!

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

@@markwaite5265 Thanks Mark - I do have my eye on Finnair - there's an ex-BUD fare which you can route through HEL before heading across the Atlantic, which could be fun... Always a little nervous of gambling on a short haul trip on a wide body as equipment changes can make the whole thing a waste of money if the point of travelling is to make videos!

@markwaite5265 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet True re equipment swaps, though AY's use of the XWB on SH is probably here for as long as their travails heading east (a previous massive market for them). Looking forward to the next video regardless of carrier/topic!!

@bowman7296 Жыл бұрын

Great video as usual Matt, but would not make me want to fly with TAP Airlines, you mentioned the girl sitting on your seat from Malaga was bit frosty the ones at check in and security were not much better looking by there expressions. Look forward to next one.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Ha ha! I try not to be too rude about people if I show their face in a video! Its a bit of a shame really as TAP is really close to being really great - they just require some stronger management and coordination...

@well-blazeredman6187 Жыл бұрын

A frostie hostie.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

@@well-blazeredman6187 Very good!

@timtony7153 Жыл бұрын

You see, they have some AMAZING fares at times, but the whole company just doesn't set me on fire!! At late I paid a few 100 quid more to Fly TK in stead of TAP. They just seem to be a ship without a captain! Not much vision, not much style! Bit like the logo on the ATR! Meh Good video! 10/10 for the grandad joke on the fan! Must do a Christmas special on them as its not the first you did! Great stuff as usual! God bless T

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks! So close to being great... I don't usually make such obvious jokes but this was too good a gag to pass up!

@timtony7153 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet what do you call the Irish sub airline of TAP... Ahum....... TAPDANCE.....

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

@@timtony7153 Very good. ...

@VicTheflyingDentist Жыл бұрын

Loved the video as always Matt. I unfortunately am not as generous as you when it comes to flying business class, and want the full Shabang experience. Sadly most of the European carriers are bad, in terms of Cabin experience (the empty middle seat experience) which is nothing more than a glorified economy cabin. I was thinking of flying to Istanbul with BA business class(for tier points), but looking at some vlogs, they offer the same glorified economy class, I abandoned the idea. Even Agean offers the same . I might try Finnair, which offers better seating experience. Thank you once again for your lovely video.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much V C. I can't imagine I'd pay the premium for business on a short haul flight once these experiments are done for the channel - hopefully its interesting to see what the airlines do provide so people can be confident that they're not missing out when choosing economy!

@Chris-fp3ol Жыл бұрын

Those custard tarts - only 1 Matt!?

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Only 1 on camera. The true count will remain between me and my cardiologist!

@likhan.ghosh. Жыл бұрын

Why do seat squatters always look confused and baffled when you ask them to move….

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

One of travel's mysteries! As a professional, I'm sure she knew what she was doing! If I wasn't filming I may have been less bothered, but not that day!

@tokoexplore Жыл бұрын

Hello Matt, I think you had Sharish gin from Portugal. Cheers, TOKO

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks TOKO - that seems to be the consensus. Not the cheapest gin out there from what I've seen but very highly rated!

@dicksbits Жыл бұрын

Very amusing script

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard. I try!

@barryhudson4238 Жыл бұрын

The gin is called Sharish

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Thanks Barry - I'll keep an eye out for it...

@alexmcwhirter6611 Жыл бұрын

Sloppy ground handling at Liston. One wonder whether TAP can survive in its current form or whether it will be taken over.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

Interesting... TAP has a monopoly on a lot of exotic routes and isn't afraid to charge what it likes on them, which I suppose could make them more likely to be taken over... But if Swissair was managing things it would be a different experience!

@alexmcwhirter6611 Жыл бұрын

@@MattsPlanet One must also note that the current CEO was previously CEO of Flybe Mark 1. Lufthansa Group (including Swiss of course) will have enough on its plate should it continue to chase ITA Airways.

@MattsPlanet Жыл бұрын

@@alexmcwhirter6611 Interesting. If you've seen my review of ITA you'll sense that Lufty would have an even bigger job on their hands if they took them over!