Picture this: you’re boarding a plane painted in Portugal’s colors, bound for Lisbon or Porto, and your adventure is already beginning! Because yes, choosing Portugal’s national airline isn’t just about the flag on the tail, it’s also (and above all) about history, a touch of Portuguese charm, and some surprisingly good opportunities. Here’s my little tour of TAP Air Portugal what you should know, why it’s worth considering, and a few insider tips to keep handy!

A bit of history

The airline was founded as Transportes Aéreos Portugueses on March 14, 1945. Its very first commercial flight took place on September 19, 1946, between Lisbon and Madrid. Since then, TAP has become Portugal’s “flag carrier”: its hub is based at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, and it connects Europe with Africa, Latin America (especially Brazil), and beyond! In short, every flight carries a bit of history, heritage, and Portuguese expertise.

Why it might be a great choice

A smooth gateway to Portugal: by flying with TAP, you’re already stepping into the Portuguese spirit. Flights land in Lisbon or Porto, super convenient if your trip starts or ends in these cities.

True international coverage : TAP serves numerous countries and offers intercontinental routes, making it a solid option for both short- and long-haul travel.

Attractive deals : you’ll often find competitive fares, especially if you book in advance. The official website offers several fare classes there’s something for everyone !

“Portugal Stopover” program : thanks to the Portugal Stopover option, you can plan a layover in Lisbon or Porto at no extra cost under certain conditions, a real bonus to extend the fun.

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Ticket prices and how to get the best deals

TAP tickets can start at reasonable prices, especially if you’re flexible. For example, one-way flights on certain European routes can be found at competitive rates.

To snag a good deal :

• Book as early as possible. Like with most airlines, fares go up as the departure date gets closer. Tools like AirHint even track TAP’s price trends (apparently, 6-3 months before departure is the sweet spot).
• Be flexible with dates : midweek or off-season flights can make a big difference.
• Double-check your fare class : the gap between “Discount” (usually hand luggage only, like most airlines these days) and “Classic” or “Plus” (checked baggage, seat selection, etc.) can be bigger than you think.

Tradition and modernity : what to expect onboard

What I love about TAP is this mix, on one hand, tradition (the uniforms, the name, that strong Lusophone identity), and on the other, modernity with a renewed fleet, online check-in, the “Miles&Go” loyalty program, and an easy-to-use app. You can check in, manage your baggage, and track your flights, all from your phone.

A few things to watch out for

Super low fares can sometimes mean less flexibility : “Discount” tickets are often non-changeable and come with minimal perks.

Baggage : to get the lowest price, usually only a carry-on is included. If you need checked luggage, make sure to add it (though, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably mastered the art of the vacuum-packed backpack by now!).

Like with most airlines, prices rise during holidays and summer, so flexibility = advantage.

If you’re flying to or from Portugal, TAP Air Portugal is genuinely a great choice: you get the perks of a national airline, a solid network, and a strong identity. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can find some great deals. So yes, get ready : book early, pick the right fare, pay attention to the small details (baggage, flexibility, dates). Then, let yourself be carried away by this airline that beautifully blends “Portuguese tradition” with “modern service.”

Fasten your seatbelt, smile, and enjoy the ride and if your plane flies over the coast or stops in Lisbon, take a moment to think : “Ah, there it is… I’m almost in Portugal already.”