LISBON — It’s difficult to comment on TAP Air Portugal’s Business class when heading to Lisbon from Montreal. Why? The sleeper seat of TAP’s A321LRneo is so comfortable, you see nothing but stars – and the lovely fog of sleep – for almost the entire journey.

On our return, however, we were able to fully appreciate the amenities and layout of Business class, still on this same new generation aircraft.

Instead of being placed one behind the other, the Recaro seats (a well-known brand found in some sports cars) of TAP’s A321LRneo Business class are arranged alternating from one row to the other.

So behind two seats, a single seat – commonly called a ‘throne seat’ – is placed in the middle of the next row. In this way, the bottom of the sleeper seat slides between the armrests of the previous row, which saves space, creates a sort of enveloping shell and brings the passenger closer to the individual screen of the seat.

For those who can benefit from such a seat (i.e. one in three people) in Business class, the ‘cocoon’ effect is all the more accentuated as it has two wide armrests, which takes its already high level of intimacy up an additional notch.

PLENTY OF AMENITIES

In addition, once you’ve finished your meal, you can easily have your tray on one side of the seat or the other, in addition to benefiting from direct access to the aisle.

Each seat (throne or not) also has an adjustable headrest as well as an F1-style seat belt (shoulder strap included). On the side of one of the armrests, there’s a practical compartment large enough to accommodate a small laptop, a mini backpack and the toiletry bag provided on board.

An e-reader, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones as well as traditional universal and USB sockets complete the package. Finally, a small additional storage basket located under the screen can also be used as a storage compartment.

In the cabin, the lighting of the A321LRneo is softer during services and turns on gradually and gently, in the morning, as you approach the final destination. The goal is to imitate the breaking dawn and not rush passengers. In addition, classic blankets have been replaced by soft, enveloping comforters on certain routes.

IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

To kill time in flight, there’s nothing like a good film or series. On board the A330-900neo and A321LRneo aircraft, TAP offers more than 500 television shows as well as a wide range of more than 100 films, including the latest Hollywood premieres, great classics, animated films and independent offerings.

Varied programs are also available: sports, lifestyle, gastronomy, travel, technology, nature, concerts and documentaries are at your fingertips.

Music lovers can choose from 1000+ titles divided into 160 albums as well as 12 musical lists classified by theme. In addition, a station dedicated to young people is also planned.

FOR DINING: TAP AIR PORTUGAL’S LOCAL STARS PROJECT

Prior to the meal service, a white port is served as an aperitif, to whet your appetite for what will follow. And many things follow.

TAP Air Portugal’s Local Stars project, the result of a partnership with The Art of Tasting Portugal, aims to discover the best of Portuguese cuisine.

For this initiative, TAP invited 12 chefs – all famous in Portugal and anchored in local traditions – to prepare as many menus using traditional ingredients from each region of the country, including a star product. The menus are a special treat for Business class passengers on TAP’s long-haul flights out of Lisbon, with new featured chefs every two months.

On our summer 2024 flight, we were treated to the dishes of Chef Rodrigo Castelo, who this year received a Michelin star and a green star for championing the sustainable development revolution in his kitchens. His dish of river crayfish illustrated this environmental awareness very well.

By using this crustacean – an invasive species abundant in the waters of the Tagus – as an ingredient, Chef Castelo aimed to promote the balance of the region’s fauna, as well as honour the region’s history and flavours. Highlighted by the River Crayfish and Bimi Broccoli Salad, the chef’s menu put the spotlight on the flavours of Portugal’s Lezíria do Tejo region.

In November and December 2024, Chef Alexandre Silva is in charge of the menu for TAP Business Class on the airline’s long-haul flights out of Lisbon. Known for his desire to innovate and challenge definitions of traditional cuisine, as well as his commitment to local and seasonal ingredients, Chef Silva is the owner and executive chef of two high-profile restaurants in Lisbon: Loco, awarded a Michelin star, as well as Fogo.

Chef Silva’s menu features products from the Center-West of Portugal, with a Shrimp Salad from the Portuguese Coast, a Peniche Sea Bass Pie with Seasonal Vegetables, and for dessert, Lavender Milk Cream.

FOR DRINKS: THE WINES OF PORTUGAL

Renowned for the excellence of its wines – starting with ports – Portugal is one of the most dynamic wine-producing countries, “and a single sip of wine sometimes allows you to feel the fresh air of the Douro, the plains of Alentejo or the sea air of the Algarve,” assures the airline.

Since 2022, a list of 43 wines selected from 8 different Portuguese regions and representing 24 local suppliers has been developed, and its content is served in rotation.

In two years, one million bottles of Portuguese wine will have been sold in mid-flight, creating an excellent showcase for national wines. These fine libations are also the perfect incentive to sink into a restful sleep onboard.

To find out more about TAP Air Portugal Business Class, click here, and for TAP’s business lounges, click here. This article originally ran at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group.