Searching for TAP Air Portugal reviews will give you a wide spread of opinions, from happy transatlantic travellers to frustrated passengers with delayed bags. That is normal for almost any large airline. This post does not give you a star rating, because a single number would not be honest. Instead it explains what people commonly mention, how to read the reviews, and what to check yourself before you book.
About the airline
TAP Air Portugal is the flag carrier of Portugal, with its main hub at Lisbon airport. It is a member of Star Alliance, and it connects Europe with the Americas, Africa and the Middle East. Its strategy relies on Lisbon as a connecting point, so many passengers fly with a change of plane there. It also operates routes from Porto and has regional flights to the Azores and Madeira. Because the network is built around transfers, a lot of the experiences people report relate to connections.
What travellers commonly mention
I cannot quote ratings, but across forums and review sites the same themes tend to appear. Treat them as patterns to check, not guarantees.
- Value on transatlantic routes: Many people compare TAP fares to those of other European carriers, especially for routes to the US, Canada and Brazil. Some note that prices can be competitive.
- The stopover option: TAP has a programme that lets travellers spend a few days in Lisbon or Porto on the way to another destination. Check the current conditions on the airline’s website.
- Connections at Lisbon: Tight transfers can be stressful if the first flight is late. People often recommend allowing generous time.
- Baggage: Some reviewers report delays or lost luggage after connections. This happens across the industry, but it is worth packing essentials in your carry-on.
- Delays and disruption: Lisbon is busy, and weather, air traffic control issues or strikes can cause disruption at times. Check the situation before travel.
- Service on board: Opinions vary on food, seat comfort and entertainment. Aircraft types differ by route, so experiences are not uniform.
- Customer service: Mixed opinions, with some people praising quick help and others reporting long waits. Keep records of everything.
How to read TAP Air Portugal reviews
- Look at the date. Airlines change over time. A review from several years ago may not reflect the present.
- Note the route and fare. A long-haul trip in a premium cabin is a different experience from a short European flight on the cheapest fare.
- Look for patterns, not outliers. One angry review means little. Twenty mentioning the same problem means more.
- Check where the review sits. Independent sites, travel forums, social media and airline surveys have different incentives.
- Separate the airline from the airport. Queues at security or passport control are not the airline’s fault.
- Check the response. If the airline responds with specifics, that tells you something about how they handle complaints.
Before you book: what to check yourself
Fare rules
The cheapest fares often come with limits: a small cabin bag only, restricted seat selection, no changes or refunds. Read the fare conditions on the airline’s site. Prices and rules change, so confirm them at the time of booking, as of 2025/2026.
Baggage allowance
Check how many bags are included and the size and weight limits. On some fares a checked bag is extra. If you travel with sports gear or a big suitcase, calculate the full cost.
Connection time
If you book a single ticket with a connection, the airline is generally responsible if you miss the second flight because of a delay on the first. If you book separate tickets, you are not protected. Leave extra time if you must collect and recheck bags.
Your passenger rights
In the EU and the UK, regulations give passengers rights in case of long delays, cancellations or denied boarding, with compensation in some situations. Rules differ for other regions. Look up the official rules on the European Commission or your national aviation authority website, rather than relying on an airline summary.
Seat and cabin
Look up the aircraft type on your route, and use a seat map tool to avoid poor seats. This is more useful than most written TAP Air Portugal reviews when it comes to comfort.
Practical tips for a smoother trip
- Check in online and save your boarding pass offline.
- Keep medicines, chargers, a change of clothes and valuables in your carry-on.
- Take photos of your bags and keep your baggage tags.
- Join the airline’s app notifications for gate changes and delays.
- Consider travel insurance that covers delays and missed connections.
- Pick a longer layover in Lisbon and enjoy a short visit if you have more than a few hours. Official city information is available at visitportugal.com.
My take
TAP is a sensible option if you want a flight to Portugal or an affordable route across the Atlantic with a Lisbon stopover, as long as you accept the usual risks of connections and read the fare rules. Use TAP Air Portugal reviews as one source among several, ask friends who flew your route recently, and decide based on your own priorities, whether that is price, schedule or comfort.
Photo: Aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, source.
