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TAP Express is a Portuguese airline founded in 2016 by parent company TAP Air Portugal. The airline, like the parent company, flies as the national flag carrier of Portugal and operates as a full-service airline meaning more is included with your ticket. TAP Express uses 3 types of aircraft from 2 manufacturers, these are the Embraer E190 and E195 as well as the ATR 72. Portugalia Airlines, which is also owned by TAP Air Portugal operates flights on behalf of the airline, as does White Airways. The airline operates services to Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Netherlands and the UK within Europe but also offers services to Morrocco within Northern Africa. TAP Express has two major operating hubs, with one being in Lisbon and the other being located at Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. As this airline is part of the TAP Air Portugal group, it makes it an affiliate member of Star Alliance so you are able to enjoy the benefits of the wider airline group as well as redeem and gain miles with TAP Miles & Go.
Baggage Policy
TAP Express has different carry-on and checked baggage policies.
Carry-on Baggage
Regardless of your ticket type selected you are allowed to bring cabin bags with you. All passengers can bring 2 items of baggage which includes one personal bag, such as a small backpack or handbag which shouldn't be larger than 40x30x15cm or weigh more than 8kg. As well as this you can also bring a cabin case on board with you included in the ticket, this should not weigh more than 10kg and should fit within the 55x40x20cm limitations. If travelling in the airlines business class product then you are allowed to bring 2 cabin cases plus 1 personal item, meeting the specified weight and size limits.
Checked Baggage
If travelling on a 'Discount' ticket type then you do not get checked baggage as standard and will have to pay for this if you want a suitcase. All other ticket types include checked luggage, but your ticket type specifies the amount you can bring. On all 'Basic', 'Classic' and 'Plus' tickets you are allowed to bring 1 checked case per passenger as well as the specified hand luggage allowance. The cases have a maximum weight limit of 23kg and if you exceed this then you will have to pay a fee. If travelling on an 'Executive' ticket then you are able to bring 2 suitcases, both with a weight of 32kg each.
Cabin Classes
Economy
The airline offers 4 ticket types within its economy product, each offering different benefits. The base ticket is 'Discount', where you only receive hand luggage free of charge, but all other services are at additional costs and you won't receive any miles for it. The next level is 'Basic', where you again get hand luggage included but are also allowed to bring 1 piece of checked luggage and rewarded with miles. If you wanted more included with your ticket then you can purchase the airlines 'Classic' option where you receive everything from the basic fare as well as free seat selection and double the amount of Airmiles. The airline's top-level fare for economy is 'Plus', where you receive hand luggage and checked baggage free of charge as well as free seat reservation and priority check-in. The airline also allows free changes as well as 3x the miles of their basic fare. All economy seats onboard both aircraft types are laid out as 2x2 across with a seat pitch of approximately 30".
Executive
Tap Express offers a business class product on board their aircraft. They offer two ticket types each with certain additional benefits, which are 'Executive' and 'Top Executive'. Both ticket types offer you a free complimentary meal, 2 pieces of checked luggage as well as hand baggage, seat reservations and priority boarding, check-in and security fast lanes. However, if you choose a top executive ticket then you get a more flexible ticket, allowing free changes and refunds. Business seats are larger and more comfortable, in a separate part of the cabin and have a seat pitch of approximately 32".
In-flight Entertainment & WIFI
TAP Express currently doesn't offer inflight Wi-fi on any of its aircraft or aircraft operated by Portugalia or White Airways. The airline also doesn't offer entertainment onboard apart from an inflight magazine so you may want to bring something to keep you occupied for the duration of the flight.
Check-In
TAP Express passengers can check in prior to flight departure online. Alternatively, if you're unable to check in online then you must check in at the airport.
Online Check-in
You are able to check-in online with all ticket types, free of charge. You can do this up to 36hrs before departure and at this point can reserve your seat. This method may make your airport experience easier and quicker as you avoid the queues. If travelling with hand baggage only then this option may be best as you can then head straight through to security. You can still check-in online if travelling with checked luggage, check this in and head to a bag drop desk at the airport.
Airport Check-in
The airline also offers you the ability to check-in at the airport free of charge. You can make use of the self-service machines to do so and then visit the bag drop desk to speed up wait times or queue for a check-in desk where they do it all for you. You may want to factor in wait times if checking in to avoid delays.
Frequent Flyer Programme
TAP Express does have a frequent flyer program for you to join, earn miles and redeem. It is part of the TAP Miles & Go program which also allows you to gain miles on TAP Air Portugal as well as on airline partners such as; Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Azul, Azores Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Copa, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, GOL, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines. TAP Miles & Go also has numerous shopping, hotel and car hire partners for you to redeem when travelling with TAP Express.
Airline Alliance
As the airline is owned by TAP Air Portugal, which is a member of Star Alliance, TAP Express is an affiliate member of the airline group. This means that although not a full member, it receives a large majority of its benefits because of its parent company being part of the organisation. This means you are also able to gain and redeem miles with TAP Express on other Star Alliance Members.
Destinations that TAP Express flies to
As of November 2021, the airline operates to 7 countries in Europe, 1 in North Africa as well as serving multiple domestic routes within Portugal. The airline has numerous routes to neighbouring country Spain, making it easy for customers to transit through Lisbon on mainline TAP Air Portugal and change for regional TAP Express.
Alternatives to TAP Express
There are multiple airlines operating across Portugal that you could choose to fly with instead. Iberia in neighbouring Spain also has an expansive route network across Europe and the Americas. However, EasyJet, Vueling, Azores Airlines, Ryanair and Wizz Air all offer competitive prices and a wide range of destinations.
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Hub Airport
TAP Express has a major hub at Lisbon Portela Airport, where passengers can easily connect on to TAP Air Portugal services to a wide range of destinations including South America, Asia, Africa, North America, Europe and the Middle East. Lisbon provides an easy transfer experience for TAP Express passengers. The airport has a wide range of facilities including shops and restaurants as well as excellent transport links to the city, use the Red Line to get to central Lisbon. Multiple other airlines also service the airport which includes Aer Lingus, British Airways, Air Transat, airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, El Al, Finnair, LATAM, TAAG Angola Airlines and many more. With our virtual interlining it has never been easier to create an itinerary suited to your needs!
Fleet
TAP Express uses two manufacturers of aircraft for its fleet, Embraer and ATR. The airline along with sister airline Portugalia Airlines, which operates services on behalf of TAP Express has a fleet of Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft. The airline also uses the ATR72 aircraft with some operated on behalf of the airline by White Airways.