You Trip Report

	DATE	FLIGHT NUMBER	SEAT	AIRCRAFT
27 Nov 19	TP 456	17C	A320neo
CLASS	VIEWS	LANGUAGE	AUTHOR
Economy	87740	English	jetsetpanda

Prologue:

Hello and Happy 2020 to everyone.

This will be my first TR for this new year and is the return segment of my trip to OPO that I took at the end of Nov. 2019.. I had a wonderful time in this lovely city and this trip was even more special since our beloved Francis (Vendredi13) joined me as we discovered Porto for the first time.

Just as it happened on my inbound flight I submitted a bid through SeatBoost and once again my name was the only one on the list up until departure time but no upgrades were processed.

The taxi took me and my companions to the airport and once we arrived we checked in at the TAP Premium desk since I had *A Gold status. The agent was efficient and explained to me that since we were traveling on a Discount fare we could only bring carry-on luggage. However because of my status he allowed me to check a bag for free which I appreciated.

OPO left me a good impression as an airport. I found it clean and modern. As a matter of fact isn't it considered one of the best in Europe?

Gate area.

AF plane parking next to us.

Boarding commenced and there was a flight attendant greeting pax at the door.

My row.

Once we took off service started. Again box snacks were offered only to those seated in Preferred seats. The rest of us had a choice between a pastel de nata OR crisps.

Beverage cart.

I chose crisps. FA was friendly and gladly served me two drinks when I asked.

Arrival into ORY was on time and smooth. I like how there is some art decorating the hallways at ORY.

Intercontinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas This hotel was a former palace overlooking Liberdade sqaure. Its central location is unbeatable with the convenience of the metro and Sao Bento stations next to it. We were assigned a room with a balcony in the front facade overlooking the square.

Exterior

Concierge desk

Entrance and hallway

Reception area.

Room was of decent size and the WC was really spacious with a tub and shower.

WC

View from the room.

Bar Das Cardosas Charming bar with a welcoming and comfy atmosphere.

Tasting port wine

Livraria Lello Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and famous bookstores in the world. A bibliophile would be in heaven here.

Nata Lisboa - a great place to have pasteis de nata

Francis and yours truly

We got lost walking at night but stumbled upon this viewing terrace adjacent to a church. Lovely views at night.

========== Porto Airport (OPO) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 9/10

Services and activities: 9/10

General cleanliness: 10/10

========== TAP Portugal - Airline ==========

Cabine comfort: 8/10

Crew: 9/10

Entertainment: /10

On-time performance: 10/10

Appetizer: 0/10

Starter: 0/10

Main Meal: 7/10

Main Meal-2: 0/10

Cheese: 0/10

Desserts: 0/10

Alcohols: 0/10

Mid-flight snack: 0/10

Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== Orly Arpt (ORY) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 9/10

Services and activities: 8/10

General cleanliness: 9/10

Summary:

TAP used to be more generous with their catering but at least it has not followed some of its competitor's zeal to implement a BOB program - not yet.at least.

It's an average intra-European product that for now provides free soft drinks and a small snack. Service was pleasant and the flight was on time.

16 Comments

Thomas — Jan 05,2020

At least you haven't missed your flight ! No lounge this time ? I still don't get it why you did not clear the upgrade. Go figure. At least you've got something to drink and eat.
Thanks for the great bonus ;)
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 06,2020

Hi Thomas,

No lounge because we didn't have enough time :P I believe TP uses a contract lounge out of OPO and do not have their own even though this is a hub city.

The upgrade appt is infuriating. I can't understand why offer upgrades when you don't intend to process them. As I said before i was the only one on the list. I can take comfort in knowing that TP is not as "stingy" as others when it comes to intra-European catering. Hey at least they still provide a free glass of wine from what I saw on their beverage cart.

You are very welcome and glad you enjoyed it. See you for a LH "extravaganza" flying CDG-MUC-SFO in J. ;)
Emile — Jan 05,2020

Thank you Adan for this nice TR, the ouaf looks happy! All the best for 2020.
Reply

Vendredi13 — Jan 05,2020

I was, Emile. I was:))

jetsetpanda — Jan 06,2020

Hi Emile,

De rien monsieur. I have that effect on some people :P Best to you too.
Vendredi13 — Jan 05,2020

Ouaf ! Panda:))

Beautiful report.
TAP made a good job, with you... And the extra carrying bag was really appreciated^^
Your bonus reminds me of so many pleasant moments spent in your company.. The library, the night walk, the bar of your hotel..
Porto is definitively worth a visit!

Thanks, Panda, for sharing this beautitful ytr, and for all these pleasant memories.
We ll definitively have to do it again !
All the best for 2020,Adan !
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 06,2020

Oauf! mon ami.

I can't complain about TP in my case. Going and coming I was never charged for bags. :)

I was impressed with Porto especially with the restaurants that we visited. Definitely we should go back.

You can count on 2020 being an exciting year with more trips on the way. ;)
Casper — Jan 05,2020

Gracias Amigo!
A short flight review but the bonus was good as always.
Great to see a dog and a Panda! :-))
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 06,2020

Hola Casper,

I thought the TR will be too short so a bonus was in order. ;)

in this case we did not kill each other. :P
GG_007 — Jan 05,2020

Thanks for sharing this TR

Happy new year 2020 for you and your family

Nice agent at the check in

On board the seats don't look confortable

The catering is rather stingy

Great bonus : Porto is an attractive city

See you soon for another report
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 06,2020

Salut mon GG,

"Happy new year 2020 for you and your family"
- Best to you as well.

"Nice agent at the check in"
- They were all nice to me on the outbound and inbound. ;)

"On board the seats don't look confortable"
- I was expecting the worst when I saw these ironing boards but they turned out to be OK at the end.

"The catering is rather stingy "
- Not compared to LX. :P Everything is relative.

"Great bonus : Porto is an attractive city"
- I highly recommend it. :)

See you soon on #NonstopYou airline. ;)
AntoinePil — Jan 07,2020

Happy new year Panda! Thanks for the YTR and the bonus!
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 07,2020

Hi Antoine,

Same to you. Thanks!
Capoune — Jan 09,2020

Hello Adan!

Happy new year to you and family!!!!
Thank you for this really nice TR.
Onboard the meal could be better but regarding BA it's very nice, lol!!

Very nice pics and bonus.

Thank you for sharing.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 10,2020

Salut Seb,

Same to you and many blessings for 2020!

OPO is a great city to visit. I recommend it.

See you later.