Lounge Review: TAP Air Portugal

Airport lounges are great for kicking back and relaxing before a flight, or alternatively, getting some work done in a quiet place. Sometimes I will get to the airport early in order to take my time enjoying the amenities, such as sit down dining or shower suites, before a long flight.

After coming in from D.C. the night before, I decided to visit the TAP Premium Lounge in the Lisbon (LIS) airport, before continuing on, on an inter-EU flight to Zurich. Due to a lost airpods situation, I did not have time to leisurely explore the lounge, but rather I quickly stopped by to grab some pictures and review it before flying onward. 

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

Location

After entering the Schengen terminal, there is a main oval area with many gate connectors branching off. In the center lies the escalator to the lounge areas. 

At the top of the escalator is the airport’s contract lounge, one accessible to priority pass holders (so many credit cards offer access). Walking further down the passage leads you to the entrance of TAP’s new flagship lounge. 

The Lounge

The lounge was not massive by any means, but it had all the typical fixings. After entering and checking in, it was clear that it was very busy. 

There were a few rows of more traditional couch-like seating, with some little trays to place your drink or dishes when not consuming.

Closer to the buffet section were more proper tables and chairs, where I sat to have my snack. Further, there were more individual chairs and tables along the window.

The buffet area included one island section with the food as well as a counter against the back wall that had a variety of drink options. 

This would have been a great place for plane spotting if the windows did not have massive shades, limiting any clear view of the tarmac (I guess I will have to save the plane spotting for Zurich).

Walking right from the check in area was a small bar with two bartenders. Although it was only lunch, the bar was already busy with customers getting their money’s worth. 

Beyond the bar was plenty of more seating along the wall and there were also some high tops. I was a fan of the large, circular ring lights, as well as the green paint and plants that made the lounge feel more relaxing. 

Unfortunately, there were no showers in this lounge to use after coming in on a red-eye, which I think would have been a nice touch. That said, the lounge seemed, overall, to be in pretty good shape despite being so busy. 

Food and Beverage

The food in the buffet section of the lounge felt more to me like a snack than a main meal (it was lunch time). This was disappointing because I found the catering to be good on-board so I was surprised there weren’t more proper meal options.

That said, I did find the selection to be more impressive than some lounges you would find in the US. There were options to make a salad, including grain based options, which is great for those trying to eat healthier while traveling.

In addition, there were more snack options including typical cheeses, cold cuts, and breads.

For drinks, in addition to the alcoholic options served at the bar, there was also fountain soda options at the buffet area. Further, there were two large coffee machines, ready to make all of the popular caffeinated beverages. 

There was also a small refrigerated section of canned beverages, as well as a fridge full of wines and other drinks. There were two dispensers for fruit juices. 

Access

I gained access to the lounge via my TAP Air Portugal business class ticket. Alternatively, anyone flying Star Alliance business or first class have access to this lounge before their flight.

Alternatively, anyone with Star Alliance Gold status can access the lounge with a Star alliance ticket. This includes flying in economy, so this is a great option for many United Airline elite members wanting to relax before their flight. 

The Last Point

Overall, I enjoyed my time in TAP’s new flagship lounge. It was not fancy or over the top by any means, and a very different experience than the Polaris lounge, which I recently reviewed, but I enjoyed my time there nonetheless.

I was able to quickly stop by to grab a bite to eat and a drink, however it was crowded so finding a seat was slightly challenging. If you have time in Lisbon and have access to the lounge, I would recommend stopping by before your flight.