TAP Business Class

I got a steal of a deal in placing an “offer” to bid for an upgrade for a fraction of the cost (I went with the lowest amount, and it worked). So here is what it was like flying TAP from Nice to Lisbon to New York, all on narrow-body jets (E190 to LIS and a A321Neo to JFK).

Seat: C

No comment for flight to Lisbon. All European airlines have the same seat in biz and eco, just with one seat blocked off, which in the 2-3 layout of this plane was actually nice because I sat next to no one and had an empty seat.

The A321 however was a different story. Its the same type of seat you find on JetBlue mint, but honestly, worse. Its really crucial to get one of the “throne” seats for this to be a worthwhile upgrade, as those have plenty of storage and privacy. The other seats are fine if you are traveling with a friend or significant other, but for a solo traveler, its not ideal. Tight, minimal storage, and just not clean overall. 

Food: B-

Everything was just meh. Nothing stood out, nothing was bad. 

Entertainment: C-

Not a whole lot. And really unresponsive screen with a poor user experience.

Service: D

Just like the most rude and bitchy flight attendants I think I have ever had, point blank. 

Airport Experience: D

The lounge is a crowded zoo with below average food, and getting to the plane meant taking a bus, which was also delayed, meaning we sat/stood on the bus for almost 30 minutes. Not good.

Overall thoughts:

Is it better than economy? Absolutely. Does TAP price themselves quite competitively? Yes. Is it a good experience? Not really. If you can get it for bidding the minimum and are flying just across the pond to NYC/MIA, then go for it, otherwise, save your money.