Review: TAP Air Portugal A321neo LR | Business Class | LIS-BOS

TAP Air Portugal Business Class – Booking

I had previously flown Business Class with TAP Air Portugal and appreciated the comfort as well as the value of fixed-rate award tickets via Aeroplan. When I saw that 2 of the 4 “throne” seats were still available on this flight, I jumped at the opportunity, especially since there were two of us traveling, my partner and I. It guaranteed that each of us would enjoy a fully private space.

I preferred a direct flight to Montreal, but only the connection via Boston was available. However, the schedule after our transatlantic arrival between Boston and Montreal still allowed us to arrive home the same day, making this option very appealing.

How to Earn Aeroplan Points

The simplest method to obtain Aeroplan points is to apply for one of these Aeroplan credit cards. Not only will you receive Aeroplan points as a welcome bonus, but you will also accumulate them on all purchases made with your Aeroplan credit card.

Note that you can also use travel rewards points from credit cards like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as well as the annual $150 travel credit to cover part or all of your flight.

Here is the welcome offer currently available for this card:

TAP Air Portugal Business Class – Cabin

As we boarded our flight, I noticed the aircraft registration was CS-TXE. This plane is named Fernando Pessoa, in honour of the famous Portuguese poet who symbolizes the country’s rich cultural heritage. Delivered in 2020, it’s a relatively new aircraft that embodies the latest generation of modern, quiet Airbus jets and offers enhanced comfort for a smooth transatlantic journey.

The Business Class cabin on TAP Air Portugal’s Airbus A321neo LR, a single-aisle aircraft, features a unique and uncommon layout. There are only 5 rows, alternating between even-numbered rows in a 1-1 configuration and odd-numbered rows in a 2-2 configuration.

This original arrangement offers an interesting compromise between togetherness and privacy. The 2-2 rows allow passengers to travel side-by-side, ideal for couples or travel companions, while the 1-1 rows offer an isolated seat, perfect for solo travellers seeking peace and extra space.

This distinctive configuration stands out from the typical 2-2-2 or 1-2-1 layouts found on wide-body aircraft, but it’s perfectly suited to the needs of a long-range single-aisle flight, offering an excellent balance of comfort and efficiency.

With only 16 Business Class seats, the cabin is small and intimate, contributing to a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

TAP Air Portugal Business Class – Seat

Throne Seat (Even Rows)

Even though we were travelling as a couple, we decided to each enjoy the unique experience of the “throne” seat. We were seated in 4B and 4E, in one of the two rows featuring the 1-1 configuration, which offers an almost unexpected level of privacy on a single-aisle aircraft.

From the moment you settle in, the comfort is immediately noticeable: the seat is spacious, with direct aisle access, eliminating any inconvenience from neighbouring passengers passing by. The partitions between rows enhance privacy, completely blocking the view of other passengers when seated. The cocoon-like feel is very real, further enhanced by the lateral support and high backrest, perfect for relaxing or sleeping.

When it comes to amenities, the seat is thoughtfully designed: two armrests, a spacious retractable tray table, a discreet storage compartment behind the aisle-side armrest, and even extra spots to tuck away your blanket or place small items on the floor without encroaching on your legroom. Everything is within easy reach, practical, and intuitive.

On the technology front, TAP doesn’t cut corners: there are two charging stations, each with both an electrical outlet and a USB port — one located on the side of the seatback, the other at the base — ensuring your devices stay powered throughout the flight.

In short, the “throne” seat is more than just a seat; it’s a true personal haven on a transatlantic flight, where comfort, space, and privacy come together to make your travel experience genuinely enjoyable.

Duo Seat (Odd Rows)

The odd-numbered rows in the Business Class cabin are arranged in a 2-2 configuration, offering both a window seat and an aisle seat, ideal for couples or travel companions who want to sit together. The difference compared to the “throne” seats is significant: while each seat does have an armrest on either side, they are narrow, similar to those on a standard chair, and there is virtually no personal storage space.

The window seat passenger must step over the aisle seat passenger to access the aisle, which limits independence and reduces privacy. The partition between the two seats houses the tray table when retracted, providing some visual separation and partially reducing interactions between travellers, while creating a minimal sense of privacy.

Overall, these rows are noticeably less appealing than the throne seats, as each seat lacks direct aisle access and sacrifices a significant amount of personal space and privacy. However, on our flight, a family of four occupied one of these rows, with the parents on one side and the children on the other. Everyone seemed satisfied, as the seats are still generously sized and provide decent comfort with a moderate level of privacy.

Common to both Seat Types

The seat controls are simple and intuitive, with various adjustments. Legroom is generous, allowing you to fully stretch out without restriction.

When fully reclined, the seat converts into a completely flat bed, ensuring optimal comfort for a restful sleep on this type of transatlantic flight.

The individual entertainment system, via a decent-sized screen, offers a standard selection of movies, series, and music. Even if the screen is not as large as on some wide-body aircraft, it remains perfectly functional for entertainment during the flight.

Summary

Key Takeaways:

TAP Air Portugal Business Class – Service and Onboard Experience

The Business Class service on TAP Air Portugal’s A321LR is remarkable. With only two flight attendants for the entire cabin, the ratio is excellent and allows for extremely attentive service throughout the flight.

The crew is kind, generous, and proactive, anticipating needs without ever being intrusive. You truly feel well taken care of, with a warm atmosphere that helps make the flight pleasant and comfortable from start to finish.

The main meal offers three choices: rack of lamb with potato gratin and vegetables, cod in sauce with sweet potatoes, or pumpkin cappellacci with white wine sauce, spinach, and hazelnuts. The presentation is meticulous, and TAP’s tableware stands out: elegant, refined, and more elaborate than what is usually seen in Business Class.

Dessert consists of a classic trio – ice cream, fresh fruit, cheeses – accompanied by coffees, teas, and chocolates. In terms of taste, the dishes are average: well-executed, balanced, but without great boldness. Before landing, a light hot meal is also offered, convenient for arriving at your destination without feeling too heavy.

In summary, the onboard dining combines efficiency and meticulous presentation, offering a visually pleasant and functional experience on a medium-haul transatlantic flight.

Benamôr Amenity Kit

Since 2023, TAP Air Portugal has partnered with Benamôr to offer Business Class passengers amenity kits with colours and designs inspired by Portuguese culture. These kits are made from recycled plastic (rPET), highlighting both brands’ commitment to sustainability.

Each kit is available in four distinct colors, each representing an emblematic symbol of Portugal:

Laranjinha (orange): inspired by the bitter orange, an iconic fruit of Portugal.
Nata (yellow): a tribute to the famous Portuguese pastry, pastel de nata.
Gordíssimo (blue): evoking shea butter, a prized ingredient introduced to Portugal during the Age of Discovery.
Alecrim (mint): representing rosemary, a popular aromatic herb in Portugal.

Inside each kit, passengers will find essential in-flight comfort items: Benamôr hand cream, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, eye mask, and flight socks.

This collaboration between TAP Air Portugal and Benamôr aims to offer passengers an authentically Portuguese experience, while showcasing the country’s craftsmanship and culture.

TAP Air Portugal Business Class – My Overall Impression

TAP Business Class on the A321LR offers a true flight experience: the throne seats provide rare privacy and comfort on a single-aisle aircraft, the service is attentive and warm, and the elegantly presented dining pleasantly complements the journey. Every detail contributes to a sense of well-being and serenity on this medium-haul transatlantic flight.