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Is TAP Portugal a Good Airline? 2025 Review for U.S. Travelers

TAP Air Portugal, the national flag carrier of Portugal, has become one of the most talked-about transatlantic airlines for American travelers. With direct flights from Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS), TAP promises European access at competitive prices — but does it truly deliver?


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Quick Verdict: Is TAP Portugal Worth Flying in 2025?


Yes — for most travelers, TAP Air Portugal is a solid, value-driven airline.It blends affordable fares, modern Airbus A330-neo jets, and a reliable safety record with a few trade-offs in comfort and service speed.


Overall rating: ⭐ 4.2 / 5Best for: budget-conscious U.S.–Europe passengers seeking Lisbon or onward European connections.Not ideal for: travelers who prioritize in-flight luxury or extra-wide economy seating.


Baggage and Check-In Experience


TAP’s baggage policy is transparent and easy to manage. Economy Classic and Plus fares include one checked bag (23 kg), while Executive Class travelers enjoy two × 32 kg bags.

👉 For full details, see our in-depth guide:TAP Air Portugal Baggage Allowance 2025.

Carry-on limits: 55 × 40 × 20 cm (10 kg).Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles agents often weigh carry-ons, so staying under the limit avoids fees.


Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure, and the mobile app supports seat selection and boarding passes.


🛫 Fleet and Comfort


TAP’s long-haul routes now feature the Airbus A330-900neo, known for quieter cabins, LED mood lighting, and improved fuel efficiency.Economy seats offer 31 inches of pitch, similar to United or Delta economy, while Economy Xtra adds 3–4 inches more.


Pros:

  • Clean, new aircraft

  • USB & AC outlets at every seat

  • Complimentary Portuguese wine


Cons:

  • Limited recline on older A321 LRs

  • Entertainment library smaller than Delta or British Airways


🍽️ In-Flight Dining & Service

TAP’s Portuguese cuisine gets high marks on U.S.–Lisbon flights. Expect two full meals and complimentary local wine or Sagres beer on transatlantic segments.


Cabin crews are generally polite and efficient, though service pace varies depending on flight load.


🌍 Safety Record & Reliability

TAP Air Portugal holds a 7/7 safety rating (AirlineRatings.com) and is part of Star Alliance alongside Lufthansa and United.Its maintenance operations comply with EASA and FAA standards.


Delays average 15–25 minutes, which is competitive for transatlantic carriers.


💸 Pricing & Value for U.S. Routes

Average round-trip fares (2025):

Route

Economy Basic

Economy Plus

Executive Business

Chicago → Lisbon

$520

$670

$1,950

Dallas → Lisbon

$540

$700

$1,990

Los Angeles → Lisbon

$585

$740

$2,050

TAP often undercuts major U.S. airlines by 15–25 % and includes free stopovers in Lisbon (up to 5 nights) — perfect for multi-city European trips.


🧩 Star Alliance Benefits

Mileage accrual applies to Miles & Go and partner programs like United MileagePlus.Passengers can access Star Alliance lounges when flying Business Class or holding Gold status.


🌆 City-Specific Insights


✈️ Chicago Travelers

O’Hare flights depart nightly, connecting smoothly through Lisbon to Paris, Rome, and Madrid. Winter loads are light → lower fares.


🛫 Dallas Flyers

DFW–Lisbon is TAP’s newest U.S. route, offering competitive pricing versus Iberia. Expect full A330-neo service with power at every seat.


🌴 Los Angeles Passengers

The 11-hour LAX–LIS route benefits from TAP’s quietest cabins. West Coast travelers value its stopover flexibility to explore Portugal before continuing to Europe.


💬 Traveler Feedback (2025 Snapshot)

Positive mentions: value, aircraft quality, food.Negative mentions: economy seat width, occasional slow customer support.

Category

Score (5 = Excellent)

Safety

⭐ 5.0

Cleanliness

⭐ 4.6

Comfort

⭐ 3.8

Service

⭐ 4.1

Value

⭐ 4.7

⚖️ Pros & Cons (AI-Overview Summary)

✅ Pros

❌ Cons

Competitive fares from U.S. cities

Economy seats tight for tall travelers

Free Lisbon stopover (1–5 nights)

Limited inflight entertainment

Modern Airbus A330-neo fleet

Customer-service wait times vary

Reliable safety & Star Alliance member

Wi-Fi unavailable on some aircraft


🧭 Final Take — Is TAP Portugal a Good Airline?

For U.S. passengers in 2025, TAP Air Portugal balances affordability, safety, and convenience exceptionally well.If you value modern aircraft and European connectivity over luxury extras, TAP ranks among the best value transatlantic airlines today.


🛫 Related TAP Guides



For complete fare options and destination details, visit the TAP Air Portugal main airline page on ExperianAirfare.

 
 
 

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