TAP Air, Portugal’s flag carrier, has been around for more than seven decades.
If you’re flying aboard their Airbus 330-200, it’s worth getting the best seat in the house.
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Extra legroom
Choosing the right seat can seriously affect your flight experience.
Hence you can use our detailed plane map to choose a seat that meets your preferences.
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Whether you want a scenic view or extra legroom in Instagrammable locations, our guide highlights the best seats to choose and those to avoid.
Transportes Aéreos Portugueses – or TAP as it is more commonly known – operates on average 2,500 flights a week to 34 countries worldwide.
Some destinations are as far flung as Brazil, Gambia, and the United States.
With this in mind, having a spacious and comfortable seating arrangement is key to a long haul flight.
While TAP has a fleet of 80 aircraft, one of its most popular planes is the Airbus 330-200.
In fact, most of the fleet consists of Airbus, ATR, and Embraer, designed with more legroom in mind at the front of the jet.
The Economy Class front rows all have reclining seats and adjustable headrests on A330-900, A330-200 and A321LR aircraft.
For medium haul flights, the red ‘comfort’ chairs even have electrical and USB outlets unlike the standard green economy seats.
As with many airlines, emergency exits generally have more space to move, although you won’t be able to leave any bags on the floor.
Those sitting in them may need to help in the event of an evacuation.
To be able to book an emergency exit seat, TAP Air says passengers will have to be adhere to the following rules:
- Understand and speak Portuguese and/or English;
- Have no issues moving quickly
- Be over 12 years old as these seats are not available for booking for children or babies
- Cannot have a pet on board
- Cannot be an inadmissible passenger or be in custody
- Have any physical or sensory impairments that make it difficult to understand printed or verbal instructions.
On the A319, these are rows 10 and 11, whereas on the A320 these are rows 12 and 14.
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The A321 has two sets of emergency exits over the plane’s wing – they can be found at rows 12 and 28.
The best seats for getting off the plane first
Picking a seat near the front of the cabin is ideal for quickly disembarking and reaching your next connection.
If front seats are unavailable, select any aisle seat so that you can pop up once the plane stops and the seatbelt sign is off.
However, if you find only window or middle seats towards the back, flight attendants might be able to assist you in finding a better option, although this is not guaranteed.
Regardless of your seat location, tell your seat neighbours about any tight connections and be prepared to exit as soon as the plane finishes taxiing.
This proactive approach can help you manage getting off the plane quicker.
The best seats for getting food
On long-haul flights, passengers enjoy complimentary meals with a variety of food and beverage options.
While on medium-haul flights, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase.
Cabin crew serving food from trolleys generally reach the front and back rows first.
Despite this, service is usually quick, so all passengers are served shortly after take-off.
The best seats for photos
For stunning inflight photos, choose a window seat as capturing images from an aisle seat is rather challenging.
Check the best side for scenic views by researching your flight’s route on a map.
Then check out our detailed aircraft seat maps to make an informed seat selection.
It’s worth keeping a screen wipe or soft cotton cloth to your travel bag as sometimes the windows need a little cleaning.
Take a nap
If possible, choose a seat away from high-traffic areas like restrooms and galleys to minimise disturbances while you rest.
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Aim for a window seat as you can rest your head against the window for support.
One major reason the window seat is a great place to nap is that you won’t be woken up by passengers who need to climb over you to go to the bathroom.
Sitting at the front of the plane will also give flyers a less bumpy ride, which could help people sleep more uninterrupted.
If you want to snooze, avoid the aeroplane’s caboose.
In the case of TAP Air, it might be worth splurging a little extra to get some reclining seats at the front for some shuteye.
Seats to avoid
According to SeatGuru, the worst seats on TAP Air’s A330-200 are the ones at the back.
Seats 41, from A to J, are next to the galley as well as the back of the plane.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Expect to get the worst of the turbulence and noise in this area.
They also have limited recline, which means keeping upright for an uncomfortably long time.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
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