Published Jan 31, 2024
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16 Strategies for Maximizing the Value of Your Flights
If you have spent any significant time flying between Europe and North or South America, odds are you have flown TAP Portugal at least once. The Lisbon-based airline averaging 2500 flights a week is a popular choice among budget-conscious travellers who like a good deal without sacrificing comfort. Let's break down everything you need to know about TAP Portugal Airlines, including the best ways to ensure you get every penny's worth out of your travel budget.
TAP PORTUGAL OVERVIEW
TAP Portugal is Portugal's flag carrier airline, with its central hub located in Lisbon. It offers flights to 90 destinations across 34 countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia. It is internationally recognized, winning Europe's Leading Airline to Africa and Europe's Leading Airline to South America awards at the World Travel Awards in 2022 and 43 World Travel Awards since 2009. TAP Portugal has been a member of Star Alliance since 2005, along with some of the world's leading airlines like United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada.
WHERE DOES TAP PORTUGAL FLY?
The majority of TAP Portugal's destinations in 2024 lie between Europe, North and South America, and Africa. In Europe, the countries with the most available flights at any given point in time are, obviously, Portugal, considering the airline's hub in Lisbon, Spain, Germany, and especially the UK, with many flights available to choose from every day. In the US, the company flies to New York, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Newark, and Washington D.C. TAP Portugal covers 11 airports across Brazil, making it its main destination in South America, and offers flights to 10 countries in Africa, with Morocco being the company's leading country on the continent by flights.
15 TIPS TO SAVE ON TAP PORTUGAL FLIGHTS
1. Join TAP Miles&Go Program: Enroll in TAP Portugal’s frequent flyer program, TAP Miles&Go. Accumulate miles with each trip, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other benefits.
2. Newsletter Subscription: Subscribe to TAP Portugal Airlines’ newsletter. This can be a great way to stay informed about special deals, promotions, and last-minute offers.
3. Early Booking: As with most airlines, booking your flight well in advance with TAP Portugal Airlines can save you a significant amount of money. Keep an eye out for early bird specials and promotional fares.
4. Flexible Travel Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use the TAP Portugal Airlines fare calendar to find the cheapest days to fly. Sometimes, flying mid-week can be cheaper than weekends.
5. Use Stopover Option: TAP Portugal offers a stopover program in Portugal. You can stay in Lisbon or Porto for up to ten nights at no extra airfare cost, turning one vacation into two.
6. Travel Light: Be mindful of the baggage policy. If you can manage with carry-on luggage, you can avoid checked baggage fees. Always check the luggage allowance for your ticket class.
7. Seat Selection: If you're not particular about where you sit, skip paid seat selection. TAP Portugal Airlines will assign a seat for free during check-in.
8. Explore Package Deals: Sometimes booking a package (flight + hotel or car rental) through TAP Portugal’s website can be cheaper than booking separately.
9. Check for Sales and Promotions: Regularly check TAP Portugal’s website and social media channels for flash sales and exclusive online offers.
10. Meal Preferences: For long-haul flights, meals are typically included, but it's wise to specify any dietary preferences or requirements in advance.
11. Credit Card Partnerships: If you have a credit card that partners with TAP Portugal Airlines, you might earn extra miles or enjoy additional benefits like lounge access or priority boarding.
12. Online Check-in: Use TAP Portugal’s online check-in service to save time at the airport. It’s available 36 hours before your flight.
13. Group Discounts: If traveling in a group, inquire about group discounts, which may not be heavily advertised.
14. Feedback and Complaints: If you have a legitimate complaint, don’t hesitate to contact TAP Portugal’s customer service. Sometimes, they offer compensation or vouchers for future travel.
15. Stay Informed about Policies: Keep yourself updated with TAP Portugal’s policies on cancellations, refunds, and rebooking, which can save you money if your plans change.
16. Look for Alternative Airports: Sometimes flying out of or into a nearby alternative airport can be cheaper than major airports.
CONCLUSION
TAP Portugal has a wide range of destinations to choose from, a solid frequent flyer program, and while it may be considered a budget airline, offers a great balance between flight cost and comfort. If you make use of all the tips in this article, that balance shifts even further toward cost efficiency, creating countless opportunities for affordable globetrotting.
We invite you to explore the latest deals of TAP Portugal in the Payless Deals section.
