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While I rarely fly business class, I make sure to focus on the business class flights for longer flights. I am very content flying from DC to Florida in economy, so unless I am getting a free upgrade, there is no reason to waste money or points for a higher cabin.
That said, when paying for a long haul flight in business class includes a free connecting flight in business class, how could I possibly decline? That is just what happened for my routing to Zurich. If I flew economy or business, the cost was the same.
This review includes my thoughts of what it is like to fly on intra-European business class on TAP Air Portugal.
This article is part of my Trip Report: Skiing in Switzerland including:
- Lounge Review: United Polaris Lounge IAD
- Flight Review: TAP Air Portugal Long Haul Business Class Flight IAD-LIS
- Flight Review: TAP Air Portugal Intra-Europe Business Class Flight LIS-ZRH
- Lounge Review: TAP Premium Lounge Lisbon
- Hotel Review: Moxy Bern Expo
- The Trains of Switzerland: My Thoughts
- Hotel Review: Hotel Schweizerhof of Zermatt
- Skiing Zermatt in March: My Thoughts
- Going to Italy for Lunch
- Hotel Review: Sheraton Zurich
- Lounge Review: Swiss International Lounge Zurich
- Flight Review: United Polaris Business Class ZRH-IAD
Ground Experience
The ground experience did not turn out to be nearly as much as I had originally hoped. I accidentally left my AirPods on the flight coming in, so we ended up waiting at the lost and found for most of the layover in order to retrieve them. Unfortunately, we were not able to get them before our next flight, but they are there now (note: maybe I should fly to LIS to get my AirPods?).
After arriving, we cleared customs into the EU and eventually went back through security. In a rush, we went straight to the gate. Boarding was delayed so I made a quick dash over to the TAP Business Class lounge to snap some pictures.
It was a very small lounge that happened to be very crowded. There were a good number of food options but nothing had a wow effect. The large windows allowed for significant light within the lounge but were not ideal for plane spotting.
The Seat
The thing about intra-European business class is that it is really just economy seats with a blocked off middle seat. This means that while we had a blocked seat in between us and we were in the first row of the plane, there was nothing super differentiating about the seat.
Luckily, the seat had an outlet and usb, which was great because at this point my devices were starting to die.
Food and Beverage
As the flight was nearly three hours, there was a meal service on board the flight for lunch. Unfortunately, there was no gluten free pre-order option for this short flight, but one option they did have seemed mostly gluten free.
I did not end up eating too much besides the lamb chops, but they were actually really good. I was impressed and will even go as far to say that they were one of the best meals I have ever had on a plane.
They also had a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I stuck with water in order to help with the jetlag so I would be ready to ski when we got to Zurich.
Service
The service was fast and prompt once on-board. Since I was tired after the red-eye, I did not try to start any conversations. Rather, keeping more to myself and my downloaded Netflix, the flight attendants were quick to help and were there when needed.
Additionally, they helped with stowing luggage before takeoff and landing since we were located in the bulkhead, which was a nice touch.
The Last Point
I had low expectations going into the flight for intra-European business class. While it was not necessarily the most comfortable seat compared to the lie-flat seat on the long-haul flight, or even US domestic first class, I, overall, had a very pleasant experience.
I do not think I would go out of my way to pay more for business class over economy in this situation, but it was a very enjoyable flight and I will gladly fly TAP’s intra-European business class if the opportunity should arise again.
Nonstop Points has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Nonstop Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. This post may contain affiliate links; please read our advertiser disclosure for more information
I always wonder why people put down US domestic First Class when you have interEurope Business class which is an Economy Seat with a block off middle seat. I don’t know if Europe has anything like US domestic First Class, I’ve never seen it.
Because not everyone needs the extra width or length for 3 hrs and appreciates a printed menu with bevs and high quality meal. And that’s what you pretty much always get. For non-transcon in the US, I would vastly prefer intereurope business class to frequently uncleaned wide recliners and terrible food.
I think products such as Delta’s new domestic first or what an airline like Turkish flies for short-haul flights is likely the best option going forward. Continues to remind me that domestic first or intereurope business seems better suited for upgrades to increase loyalty. It has been interesting to see this dynamic recently.