Introduction

For the return to Zürich I picked a connection with TAP via Lisbon, leaving Madrid at 11:00 to connect to the Zürich flight from Lisbon at 13h35. But then one day before departure, after I’d already checked in, I received an email from TAP informing me that the flight from Madrid had been cancelled and that therefore, I would be departing Madrid at 06h30.

Check-In

TAP operates out of Terminal 2 in Madrid. I’ve already checked in and have only hand luggage. Which is a good thing because you’d be surprised by the queues at Madrid airport for check-in at 04h45 in the morning.

Fast Track security is available in Terminal 2. However, that only opens at 05h00. So, I take advantage of the fact that most passengers are still stuck at check-in and head through security before the big rush.

The Madrid Terminal 2 Puerta de Alcalá Lounge

TAP uses the Puerta de Alcalá contractor lounge operated by the airport authority. Much to my surprise, it’s actually open, even though it’s not even five in the morning yet. The lounge is not particularly nice or welcoming, to be honest. It has the charm of a dentist’s waiting room, with harsh lighting and only moderately comfortable seating.

The food options are not bad, although I’m not too keen to try the selection of sandwiches they have stacked in the fridge.

Boarding

Boarding already starts at 05h45, fifty minutes ahead of departure, which seems a bit excessive until I realise the flight is boarding from a bus gate and our aircraft is parked on a remote stand. The Spaniards have a habit of not announcing their flights, and that’s what happens this time too. I’m just standing there trying to stay awake, when the gate agent approaches me and asks, “Classe Premier?”. When I answer that, yes, I am in Business Class, she just says, “bueno, vamos”. Apparently, boarding has now begun…

The flight today is operated by an A 319, which is cool. They’re becoming quite rare in Europe. And a remote stand is always nice.

The Cabin & Seat

There are four rows of Business Class in a 2 + 2 configuration. 14 out of 16 seats are occupied, and all passengers in Business Class are connecting in Lisbon. Every seat has a power outlet and a holder for a mobile device in the seatback. Even on row 4 the pitch is comfortable.

On the stand next to ours, a Lufthansa A 321 is being readied for departure. From what I can see through the windows, the flight is close to empty.

The Service & Crew

There are four cabin crew on this flight – four middle aged females. They’re what I would call business friendly. They’re professional and courteous, but there’s no warmth. It is interesting that after the service, the maître de passes through the cabin advising passengers about the gate for their onward connection. However, I notice that this is a courtesy that is not extended to Economy Class passengers as well.

Once the doors close, the crew pass through the cabin handing out small pieces of dark chocolate.

The Meal – Light Breakfast

Our flight time to Lisbon is 55 minutes. So the breakfast starts immediately. The tray consists of a small plate with two types of cheese and a few slices of smoked Turkey. There’s also some cold green asparagus and a small cheese quiche. No bread is offered for breakfast, but there is a small packet of crackers on the tray. And then there’s also a bowl of grapes. It’s a small meal, but perfectly adequate for the time of day and the short flight time.

Arrival in Lisbon

Rather unexpectedly, Lisbon is reporting bad weather. The temperature is eighteen degrees, but it’s raining and visibility is limited. Lisbon airport is a hot mess. It’s very close to the city, which means you get some great views as you fly in low over the city on the approach. But it also means that growth at the airport is near impossible. As a result, there are only very few stands by the terminal building. Which is why our aircraft eventually comes to a stop on a remote stand.

Conclusion

So far, so good. In my previous experience with TAP, they can be a bit hit or miss – in the sense that sometimes the service is professional and friendly, like today, but then other times it could be a complete mess. The meal service was quite nice. Now let’s see what the transfer in Lisbon will be like…