TAP Air Portugal and getting to the Frances

[RevGreg]

I have never traveled outside of the US, and my original flight was canceled. Wondering if anyone have opinions on tap air Portugal? It appears to be very cheap to the point that it concerns me, but if it is reliable, great. I am a spreadsheet pilgrim I would like to arrive in Spain within an hour or two of when the flight is scheduled.

I’ve read that people consider it to be a budget airline? Seems to me like a budget airline may fit the spirit of the Camino, unless people have other stories as to why it should be avoided.

 

[TravellingMan22]

G

I have never traveled outside of the US, and my original flight was canceled. Wondering if anyone have opinions on tap air Portugal? It appears to be very cheap to the point that it concerns me, but if it is reliable, great. I am a spreadsheet pilgrim I would like to arrive in Spain within an hour or two of when the flight is scheduled.

I’ve read that people consider it to be a budget airline? Seems to me like a budget airline may fit the spirit of the Camino, unless people have other stories as to why it should be avoided.

Good airline that offers good fares. Not budget in the traditional sense. National carrier of Portugal.

 

[Vacajoe]

I actually prefer TAP to many American-based airlines. I found them fair on pricing, decent seat space, good meal, and overall just a good experience. From Northern California, it’s often the cheapest way to Spain/Portugal. Plus they often offer the option for a free layover of up to a week or so in Porto or Lisbon when connecting to a flight to/from elsewhere.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I flew TAP airline from Chicago to Barcelona when they started flying from ORD in 2019. They seemed fine to me at the time and not budget.

 

[trecile]

I would like to arrive in Spain within an hour or two of when the flight is scheduled.

What airport are you planning on flying to? If it's Lisbon or Porto you will not be in Spain within an hour or two of landing!

 

[dbier]

I flew Tap Portugal twice, 21 and 23, from the eastern US. Went through Lisbon each time.

They are very competitive on price and are a full service airline (though they often weigh carry on roller bags , they don't tend to weigh backpacks) . Love them . Only downside is going through Lisbon...plane to bus to terminal to long immigration line to connecting gate.

I'd say enjoy the flight with them. I went into and out of Madrid. They were on time.

 

[MickMac]

I have never traveled outside of the US, and my original flight was canceled. Wondering if anyone have opinions on tap air Portugal? It appears to be very cheap to the point that it concerns me, but if it is reliable, great. I am a spreadsheet pilgrim I would like to arrive in Spain within an hour or two of when the flight is scheduled.

I’ve read that people consider it to be a budget airline? Seems to me like a budget airline may fit the spirit of the Camino, unless people have other stories as to why it should be avoided.

You have a considerable distance to Spain definitely not a few hours do you mean clearing customs in Portugal which could take 1 hour or so then onwards 4 to 5 hours depending on schedules ?.

 

[LynnCamille]

I have never traveled outside of the US, and my original flight was canceled. Wondering if anyone have opinions on tap air Portugal? It appears to be very cheap to the point that it concerns me, but if it is reliable, great. I am a spreadsheet pilgrim I would like to arrive in Spain within an hour or two of when the flight is scheduled.

I’ve read that people consider it to be a budget airline? Seems to me like a budget airline may fit the spirit of the Camino, unless people have other stories as to why it should be avoided.

I used Tap Air Portugal in September, 2023 with economy flights from Chicago O'Hare to Lisbon and Madrid via Lisbon back to O'Hare. Was nothing but pleased with their service and professional staff.

 

[Freewalker]

Have flown TAP many times from Toronto, Canada to Lisbon, Porto, Malaga, Madrid, Milan and have never had an issue. Not really a budget airline but they frequently have seat sales from NA. All flights on time. Great food onboard BUT not always a wide bodied ie : 3 seats, aisle, 3 seats. Many airlines are now using the Airbus 321neo especially in low season. You can transfer to Easyjet, Ryanair from Lisbon or Porto to many EU cities. The latter 2 are budget airlines. When I've had a tight connection in Lisbon, the airport staff have been amazing as have guided me through a special line.