TAP Portugal is a Star Alliance member that has been pushing hard to win business between Europe and North America. The airline offers some of the lowest fares available, even in Business Class.
The latest “fare sale” is available for booking until May 5th, 2021. You can travel up until September 15th, 2021.
Business Class fares start at $999 (return).
Where Does TAP Portugal Fly?
TAP Portugal flies between Lisbon and the following US destinations:
- Boston
- Chicago
- Miami
- Newark (EWR)
- New York (JFK)
- San Francisco
- Washington DC (IAD)
You would need to play around with Google Flights, but this fare sale should apply to the following European countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Russia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
It’s worth noting that you must connect beyond Lisbon to another European country to find the cheapest fares.
What is it Like Flying TAP Portugal in Business Class?
I’m sure you can easily find many online reviews. Reviews aren’t my strong suit – I’d rather just sit down and get a glass of champagne in my hand instead of taking photos for a blog – but I’ve flown TAP Business Class before and it was perfectly fine. Decent food and wine and a lie-flat seat… But no real “wow factor”, other than the ridiculously low fare!
How Many Miles Can I Earn?
These fares book into “J” Class. Check out wheretocredit.com to find out how many miles you could earn.
I usually credit these fares to Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles (150% of miles flown). But you can earn up to 200% of miles flown with popular Star Alliance programs such as:
- Aegean Miles & Bonus
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Avianca Lifemiles
- Lufthansa Miles & More
Where’s the Downside?
Even though the political will exists to allow vaccinated Americans to visit Europe this summer, there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter your chosen destination with an American passport. Or once you have arrived… that the situation won’t suddenly worsen, causing the closure of the restaurants, museums, etc. you intended to enjoy.
But more importantly, TAP Portugal has consistently been the WORST airline when it comes to refunding passengers for cancelled flights. This Flyertalk thread makes for scary reading.
So, if you are intending to book a flight, I recommend two things:
- Book direct with the airline – involving an Online Travel Agency only adds complication later
- Book with a credit card – you might need to do a “chargeback” instead of relying on the airline processing a prompt refund
But a late summer trip to Europe in Business Class for $1,000? Earning thousands of miles in the process? That is very tempting…
