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!

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

Very amusing script

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.

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 2×2 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

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

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.

Great review Guvn'er!

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.

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

Those custard tarts – only 1 Matt!?

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

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.

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😇🇿🇦

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

That approach into LHR never gets old

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!

The gin is called Sharish

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

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

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…

That did look like one hell of a gin n tonic!

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!

I haven't read many good reviews about their lounge either in Lisbon. I'm with you I really am hoping they are good. If I ever go for SA Gold I'd definitely be taking one of their A330neo's to either South America or SFO (to initially qualify). The fares are unbelievably low compared to the rest, and the 200% accrual is excellent as you pointed out. Although 12,000 is ridiculously easy to do with 4 Aegean flights so you don't really need to do it, a long haul on TAP would be a nice video to see!