Review of TAP Air Portugal flight Lisbon → Natal in Business

Airline TAP Air Portugal

Flight TP 0003

Class Business

Seat 3A

Aircraft Airbus A330-200

Flight time 06:45

Take-off 16 Aug 14, 17:30

Arrival at 16 Aug 14, 20:15

LIS NAT Lisbon Natal

#72 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 317 reviews

By FConceicao 7558

Published on 12th October 2014

Hi

That's my trip report of TAP Portugal flight 3 from Lisbon to Natal (Brazil) in Business Class.

Flight: TAP Portugal TP 0003
Route: LIS-NAT

Aircraft Registration: CS-TOM
Type: Airbus A330-202
Name: Vasco da Gama
MSN: 899
Delivery date: 05/Feb/2008

From: Lisbon International Airport (LIS-LPPT)
Date: 16/Aug/2014
Terminal: 1
Check-in counter: 60
Boarding gate: 47A
Scheduled Time of Boarding: 14h10
Boarding time: 16h35 (2h25 late)
Stand: 503
Push-back: 17h22
Taxi: J, M
Taxi time: 7 minutes
Departure runway: 03
Scheduled Departure Time: 15h10
Actual Departure Time: 17h22 (2h12 late)

At the gate I were advised that had a problem with the lavatories in economic class and the flight was delayed 2 hours

At 5pm I boarded the Airbus A330-200, reg: CS-TOM, this 6 years plane, named Vasco de Gama

The seat 3A onboard the plane

The Safety Card

Pushed-back from stand 503 at Lisbon Airport

After departure, right turn to Brazil!!!

The empty TAP's Business Class

Leaving Portugal

The menu

The Blanket, environment friendly amenities kit and the noise cancelling headphones

At FL400, the delicious lunch:
A smoked duck salad with chocolate vinaigrette

Asparagus, sausage and mushrooms Pasta

After some hours watching movies there were a snack
Focaccia with smoked swordfish, papaya compote and rocket and a great chocolate mousse

Some minutes before arrival

To: Grande Natal (São Gonçalo do Amarante – Governador Aluízio Alves) International Airport (NAT-SBSG)
Date: 16/Aug/2014
Scheduled Time of Arrive: 18h45
Actual Time of Arrive: 20:16 (1h31 late)
Runway: 12

At the gate on this new Airport

As the other Brazilian Airports the immigration is very inefficient, with only 2 desks for non-Brazilian Passaports for that flight, so when you get out of plane run to be the first! This airport is new but the only 2 ATM machines (at Departures) only accept Brazilian cards… No comment
Outside of the airport

My ticket and baggage tags

Thank you to read my report!

Verdict

TAP Air Portugal

8.6/10

Cabin8.0

Cabin crew10.0

Entertainment/wifi8.5

Meal/catering8.0

TAP Premium Lounge

8.1/10

Comfort8.5

Meal/catering8.5

Entertainment/wifi7.0

Services8.5

Lisbon - LIS

7.2/10

Efficiency7.5

Access7.0

Services7.0

Cleanliness7.5

Natal - NAT

3.8/10

Efficiency0.0

Access5.0

Services5.0

Cleanliness5.0

Conclusion

Despite the delay TAP Portugal continues to have the best Crew and food onboard that planes! The business class experience is also a plus! A good option to fly to Brazil!

0
LIKES LIKE TO THANK THE AUTHOR

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7 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !

SKYTEAMCHC GOLD 10180 Comments 2014-10-12 19:23:01

Thanks for sharing this trip with us.
The catering looks good and your comments confirm it but the presentation is a bit plain for business class and my taste.
The cabin looks bright and in good condition. IFE's are big. How is the seat when in bed position ? full flat ?
It seems to be a very empty cabin maybe because Natal is more of a a leisure destination.
The arrival airport looks very nice and modern and the palm trees add to the feeling being far way. 2014-10-12 19:23:01

lagentsecret 12184 Comments 2014-10-12 21:25:39

Thanks for sharing your first FR and welcome aboard

Your report is lacking from pictures of the menu and the wine list

More pictures of the cabin and comments about the crew's behavior and somme details about the IFE could be interesting too

See you soon for another report 2014-10-12 21:25:39

AirCanada881 1616 Comments 2014-10-12 21:35:29

Thanks for sharing this report, I don't think I'd seen TP's longhaul J cabin before, it doesn't look bad but far from being competitive IMO.
The A332 is one beautiful aircraft!
Welcome! 2014-10-12 21:35:29

KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6769 Comments 2014-10-12 21:44:09

Thanks for sharing your first report with us! There are some nice pics and th cabin and catering look good. Could you add some comments to the summary section to explain your grading? Thanks and Welcome to Flight-Report!

KevinDC / COmmunity Manager 2014-10-12 21:44:09

rickytt 95 Comments 2014-10-13 20:15:40

Obrigado pelo report! Ja fui varias vezes com a tap ao Brasil Recife e RJ nunca tentei a experiência na executiva. Experimentou o salão tap em lx? e dos melhores que ja fui! 2014-10-13 20:15:40

pititom GOLD 11502 Comments 2014-10-14 12:22:41

The seat is not really appealing as it seems to be an angled lie-flat. On the other hand, I find the catering appetizing. Unfortunately, for such a long flight, seat would be my priority.

Thanks for sharing, and welcome here :)

2014-10-14 12:22:41

FConceicao AUTHOR 24 Comments 2014-10-18 02:24:57

Hi

Thank you very much for your comments! I'm going to improve my report and its also a learn for future reports! About TAP Business Class, that were introduced at 2006, the seats are very similar to the older Lufthansa Business Class seats, so not a full flat bed. TAP Portugal needs to improve the Business class seats and it probally will be made for the Airbus A350. The service is excelent! The cabin crew are very nice, even more in Business, the food is delicious and the IFE is also nice and with many movies, series and songs.

Thank you and the Best Regards 2014-10-18 02:24:57