Hi PH,

Excellent installment with lots of high quality pictures. I was deeply impressed by your non aviation pictures. I was thinking while browsing your report that I was reading a travel guide. But no, it is just another PH's trademark.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Impressions from Lisbon and its Environs

Beautiful! They bring back the nice memories of my own visit four years ago.

Nice to know you had better experience with TAP. Except for FNC, you seemed not to get thwarted taking pictures.

Thanks for sharing this marvelous trip.

Cheers,
Suryo

Hi PH,

Yet another fabulous TR to read from you.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The hot (sort of) ham and cheese sandwich didn't look appetizing - and it wasn't easy to unwrap:

Definitely looks disgusting but I'm sure it tasted nice. Shame about the initial presentation of it though.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): One of them is the Pico do Arieiro, the island's second highest peak.

WOW! The pictures are stunning. How high up were you exactly as it was above the clouds. Look's spectacular.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Our local tour guide accompanied us to the check-in counters and even assisted during the check-in process - I guess non-experienced travellers appreciate that. Of course she was surprised when she heard that we had already checked in online.

LOL! Has she never seen a frequent flyer before?

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): However, after leaving the bus I discovered a flight departures screen which even showed the registrations - and I was glad to see we would get CS-TNI and not the same bird again.

That's one thing I hate. Travelling on the same aircraft twice on one trip is something I don't like. That's why I was so happy when I got both KU's B772's on my trip to New York.

Looking forward to your next trip.

Sandeep (AI151)

Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Excellent installment with lots of high quality pictures.

Thanks so much, Suryo, your feedback is highly appreciated.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): I was deeply impressed by your non aviation pictures. I was thinking while browsing your report that I was reading a travel guide. But no, it is just another PH's trademark.

I'm glad you liked them. Unfortunately, there won't be many destination pictures in the next few reports.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Beautiful! They bring back the nice memories of my own visit four years ago.

Good to hear!


PH

Hi PH

very nice TR with many intersting pictures. Madeira and LIS both look very attractive as an holiday destination.
TAP looks very good for some intra-european flights.
Thanks again for sharing

Johannes

Hi PH,

Great report and fantastic pictures - from your flights and from your travel experiences on the ground as well. Lisbon and the Isle of Madeira both seem to be great destinations with lots of things to see and do.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): And what I also found remarkable was the statement that the number of alcoholic drinks would be limited. Probably they had had some issues with drunk passengers recently?

Interesting indeed - I haven't yet heard such a statement on any flight.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Once we had received the boarding passes we passed security and went to the observation deck. Actually there are two facilities - one for the public and one for passengers.

The observation deck looks nice - quite close to the apron action.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): After the flight attendants had completed dinner service I went to the galley and asked them about the reason for the routing. A friendly male flight attendant confirmed what I had assumed - he referred to a strike in France, adding that similar actions had been affecting TAP's operations several times recently. It was really interesting to see how we flew around French airspace:

Interesting routing - avoiding France isn't easy for Portuguese or Spanish carriers. That must really affect their schedules seriously.

Regards
Christoph

Quoting AI151 (Reply 2): Yet another fabulous TR to read from you.

Hi Sandeep, thanks a lot! It seems we posted almost at the same time some minutes ago.

Quoting AI151 (Reply 2): Shame about the initial presentation of it though.

  

Quoting AI151 (Reply 2): WOW! The pictures are stunning. How high up were you exactly as it was above the clouds.

We went up to the top which is 1818 meters high.

Quoting AI151 (Reply 2): Travelling on the same aircraft twice on one trip is something I don't like. That's why I was so happy when I got both KU's B772's on my trip to New York.

Yes, you were really lucky to get both KU 777s.

Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 4): very nice TR with many intersting pictures.

Hi Johannes, thanks for your reply!

Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 4): Madeira and LIS both look very attractive as an holiday destination.

No doubts about that, I can only recommend to go there.

Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 4): TAP looks very good for some intra-european flights.

Yes, I hope they won't introduce a kind of low-cost model like Iberia, Spanair and other carriers in the region.


PH

Quoting Contact Air (Reply 5): Great report and fantastic pictures - from your flights and from your travel experiences on the ground as well.

Servus Christoph, many thanks for your feedback! I was still writing while you were posting.

Quoting Contact Air (Reply 5): Lisbon and the Isle of Madeira both seem to be great destinations with lots of things to see and do.

Yes, Lisbon and Madeira cater for all tastes.

Quoting Contact Air (Reply 5): The observation deck looks nice - quite close to the apron action.

It's a nice place, but I guess it can become quite boring sometimes.

Quoting Contact Air (Reply 5): Interesting routing - avoiding France isn't easy for Portuguese or Spanish carriers. That must really affect their schedules seriously.

Absolutely - and they need to load lots of extra fuel.


PH

Hi PH,

excellent report with awesome pictures. Definitely makes me want to go there as well  

TAP seems to offer a good product, always nice to get a warm snack, even if it is just a sandwich.

Interesting routing on your way back. It seems to me that a southernly route over the mediteranean and Italy would have been shorter while still avoiding french airspace, but then I guess they knew what they were doing.

So, thank you for sharing this trip with us
CaptainRed

Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8): excellent report with awesome pictures.

Thanks a lot, CaptainRed!

Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8): Definitely makes me want to go there as well

I'm sure you'd like it!

Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8): TAP seems to offer a good product, always nice to get a warm snack, even if it is just a sandwich.

Yes, and alcoholic drinks were also available free of charge.

Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 8): It seems to me that a southernly route over the mediteranean and Italy would have been shorter while still avoiding french airspace, but then I guess they knew what they were doing.

Probably that airspace was already too crowded, who knows.


PH

I loved Madeira but even in 1 week I could not see everything and relax at the same time. Your report makes me want to go back. Thanks.

Quoting lychemsa (Reply 10): Your report makes me want to go back. Thanks.

Nice to hear you liked it!

Quoting lychemsa (Reply 10): I loved Madeira but even in 1 week I could not see everything and relax at the same time.

I can only agree, one week is not enough if you want to see all interesting places. We didn't make a tour to the western part of the island, definitely something to do during our next stay.


PH

Hey PH,

Fantastic report! Very interesting read with great photos.

I wanted to make the exact same trip that you had - Lisbon and Madeira in september, but getting there from Israel was expensive and would require long connections in Europe (getting to LIS alone was $450) so we passed it and choose Malta eventually, as you know.

Great job, as usual.

LY

[Edited 2010-10-30 10:04:13]

Quoting EL-AL (Reply 12): Fantastic report! Very interesting read with great photos.

Thanks a lot, Jonathan, great to hear you liked it.

Quoting EL-AL (Reply 12): I wanted to make the exact same trip that you had - Lisbon and Madeira in september, but getting there from Israel would require long connections in Europe (getting to LIS alone was $450) so we passed it and choose Malta eventually, as you know.

That would have been quite expensive indeed. Which carrier would you have flown to LIS? Malta was a nice alternative, I guess.


PH

Hi PH,

It's always a delight to read TRs on Madeira with that stunning approach into FNC and yours is no exception. Thanks for posting so many non-aviation pics as well. I particularly like the ones of your trip into the mountains.

You certainly got a long flight for your money on the LIS-MUC leg! Although like Christoph, I'm wondering why you didn't fly over the Med?

That first sandwich on TAP looked a bit grim but apart from that they seem to offer a decent service.

Happy flying
Infodesk

Many thanks for a great TR, it brought back many good memories from when I lived and worked in Madeira. TAP were always my airline of choice when I needed to get off the island and always found the service to be very good.

Thanks again and

Cheers!

Quoting infodesk (Reply 14): It's always a delight to read TRs on Madeira with that stunning approach into FNC and yours is no exception. Thanks for posting so many non-aviation pics as well.

Hi Hannah, many thanks for your feedback!

Quoting infodesk (Reply 14): I particularly like the ones of your trip into the mountains.

They belong to my favorites, too. That mountain is a great place.

Quoting infodesk (Reply 14): You certainly got a long flight for your money on the LIS-MUC leg! Although like Christoph, I'm wondering why you didn't fly over the Med?

That's a good question. Probably that airspace was already too crowded.

Quoting TravelsUK (Reply 15): Many thanks for a great TR, it brought back many good memories from when I lived and worked in Madeira.

Thanks a lot, Nick!

Quoting TravelsUK (Reply 15): TAP were always my airline of choice when I needed to get off the island and always found the service to be very good.

I hadn't been sure what to expect prior to the trip, but I was pleasantly surprised.


PH

Hi PH,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your trip report. It brought fond memories of my own visit to Lisbon in August. Your photos of Sintra show a big contrast to when I was there. The traffic was banked up for miles and the place was crowded. Isn't the monastery with its Manueline architecture impressive?

I haven't yet reached Madeira, but your report makes me want to go there. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Quoting Quokka (Reply 17): I thoroughly enjoyed reading your trip report.

Hi Roy, I'm glad you liked it!

Quoting Quokka (Reply 17): Your photos of Sintra show a big contrast to when I was there. The traffic was banked up for miles and the place was crowded.

That sounds bad - we went there on a Wednesday afternoon, we didn't face any such problems.

Quoting Quokka (Reply 17): Isn't the monastery with its Manueline architecture impressive?

  

Quoting Quokka (Reply 17): I haven't yet reached Madeira, but your report makes me want to go there.

Very good, I'm sure you'd enjoy your stay!


PH

Hey, PH,

superb pictures, nothing else expected, from you´re time in Portugal.

Both Lisbon and also Madeira is in my log, but you´re pictures show me, like some other comments, many new signs,
well done.

Also my experiences with TAP are not that bad.
Hope to see that Porto Santo story soon.

Greetings,
Markus(FLIEGER67)

Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 19): superb pictures, nothing else expected, from you´re time in Portugal.

Hi Markus, thanks for your reply!

Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 19): Hope to see that Porto Santo story soon.

It will be just a short report, should be online soon.


PH

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 13): That would have been quite expensive indeed. Which carrier would you have flown to LIS?

This was suppose to be KLM via AMS to Lisbon and back with AF via CDG. In the summer there are direct flights from Tel Aviv to Lisbon (operated by Sun D'or with B752) but those were even more expensive - 600 USD or so.

Fabulous trip report!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Awesome approach

What would a Madeira approach be without a landing on runway 05?  

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The very flight attendant's German was in need of improvement

I'm always pleased to hear flight attendants of foreign airlines doing annoucements in our language. It certainly isn't one that is very easy to learn.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Probably they had had some issues with drunk passengers recently?

Benign thought. Maybe they just think it's too costly to give out unlimited free alcohol?

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...were soon replaced by alien-like green figures:

Very imaginative, isn't it?    There are far better examples of cartoon figures in airline safety videos (Virgin Group *hint*).

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): It was really interesting to see how we flew around French airspace

I love seeing odd routings on the inflight map!

Thanks for sharing your experiences and impressions with us! It has certainly been a pleasure. I'm looking forward to your LH longhaul report, by the way!

As usual, awesome trip report and pictures!

Those seats look really thick and plush. Nice to hear that TAP's short-haul service is decent. I wonder what their long haul product is like.

Lisbon looks absolutely gorgeous--great topography and densely packed with beautiful architecture, situated on the coast. I'd love to visit someday.

Quoting EL-AL (Reply 21): This was suppose to be KLM via AMS to Lisbon and back with AF via CDG.

Interesting routing, but it's too bad that these carriers don't fly widebodies to TLV.

Quoting EL-AL (Reply 21): In the summer there are direct flights from Tel Aviv to Lisbon (operated by Sun D'or with B752) but those were even more expensive - 600 USD or so.

That's a lot!

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 22): Fabulous trip report!

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 22): Thanks for sharing your experiences and impressions with us! It has certainly been a pleasure.

Many thanks for your feedback, Marius!

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 22): What would a Madeira approach be without a landing on runway 05?

Definitely less exciting!

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 22): It certainly isn't one that is very easy to learn.

  

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 22): There are far better examples of cartoon figures in airline safety videos (Virgin Group *hint*).

I haven't seen those yet...maybe I can find them on youtube.

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 22): I'm looking forward to your LH longhaul report, by the way!

I fear many weeks will pass until it's finished...I still need to write a few other reports.

Quoting HOONS90 (Reply 23): As usual, awesome trip report and pictures!

Many thanks!

Quoting HOONS90 (Reply 23): I wonder what their long haul product is like.

You find mixed ratings about TP's long-haul product, but I'd like to try it. At least all A330s are equipped with PTVs in Y Class, I'm not sure whether the A340s have been refurbished yet.

Quoting HOONS90 (Reply 23): Lisbon looks absolutely gorgeous--great topography and densely packed with beautiful architecture, situated on the coast. I'd love to visit someday.

You really should!


PH

Excellent report Planehunter.

Thanks for giving an insight of TP's domestic service, It looks like they offer an acceptable product in Y. I'm planning on taking them once so I can take the SATA A310 from LIS to PDL/TEC. Any idea of what route the hiFly 310 was operating? I'm glad to see that TP did operate the LIS-MUC flight when the French airspace closed down.

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 25): Excellent report Planehunter.

Thanks a lot, good to hear you liked it!

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 25): I'm planning on taking them once so I can take the SATA A310 from LIS to PDL/TEC.

Very interesting, should be a nice flight.

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 25): Any idea of what route the hiFly 310 was operating?

No, unfortunately. Recently it has been flying for Sporting Club de Braga.

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 25): I'm glad to see that TP did operate the LIS-MUC flight when the French airspace closed down.

Yes, that's what I thought, too. I'm not sure whether TP cancelled any flights due to that strike.


PH

Awesome Trip Report Planehunter ! Looks like you had some great weather and inspiring views in Portugal too !

Roni and I was just talking about a Europe trip sometime, we think exactly the same to Funchal on TAP !

Do TAP A320 have Business class (or Mono class) to FNC?

It would be great if we do a group TR in the future!  

Cheers

Sam

Fantastic report with fantastic pictures! It seems like a very nice trip!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Airbus A320-214 CS-TNK (MSN 1206), named "Teófilo Braga"

I flew on this on my only TP flight so far'; ARN-LIS in May 2007. I was in seat 28A, the row behind you......

Service on TP seems fairly good for a European carruer on the flights you took.

You could get the registrations of the aircraft landin at LIS from the rooftop pool ? That must have been famtastic; relaxing by a pool and getting more numbers......

The pictures from the peak at Madeira are amazing! Fantastic views from up there!

The observation deck at the airport in FNC seems really nice!

Too bad you had a very long flight on the return MUC-LUS but nice that TP didn;t cancel the flight......

Looking forwrard to short report on the short flight.

Keep these great reports coming in the winter months now that you have a short break from travelling.

The777Man

Quoting N178UA (Reply 27): Awesome Trip Report Planehunter ! Looks like you had some great weather and inspiring views in Portugal too !

Hi Sam, thanks a lot for your nice feedback!

Quoting N178UA (Reply 27): Do TAP A320 have Business class (or Mono class) to FNC?

Yes, TAP sells its Executive product on that route.

Quoting N178UA (Reply 27): Roni and I was just talking about a Europe trip sometime, we think exactly the same to Funchal on TAP !

Sounds like a good idea!

Quoting N178UA (Reply 27): It would be great if we do a group TR in the future!

Absolutely, would be great to be on tour with you guys!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 28): Fantastic report with fantastic pictures! It seems like a very nice trip!

Many thanks, Lars! Good to hear you enjoyed it.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 28): I flew on this on my only TP flight so far'; ARN-LIS in May 2007. I was in seat 28A, the row behind you......

Nice coincidence!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 28): You could get the registrations of the aircraft landin at LIS from the rooftop pool ? That must have been famtastic; relaxing by a pool and getting more numbers......

Yes, I really enjoyed that. If you go to LIS again, you should stay in that hotel. But be aware that the approach directions may change regularly.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 28): Keep these great reports coming in the winter months now that you have a short break from travelling.

There are quite a few to come...


PH

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 24): Many thanks for your feedback, Marius!

You're welcome,

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 24): I haven't seen those yet...maybe I can find them on youtube.

Those are the two that I was referring to,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6ixjc5yeMU (Virgin America)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkr2JLeorJ8 (V Australia) My personal favorite airline safety demo. Gotta love the Australian accent!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 24): I fear many weeks will pass until it's finished...I still need to write a few other reports.

Talking about luxury problems!  I wish I had more trips to write about. Naturally, I'm also eager to see more from your side.

Hi Planehunter. What a wonderful trip and pics - I think you have outdone yourself and surpassed the already very high standard from your trip report of the Oman Air flights you took recently. Your avia and non avia pics were stunning. Seems like you were able to get some good shots without being told off by TAP or ground staff. From reading other trip reports on TAP, I got the impression they are really militant about not allowing photos. Thank you for posting this! Great stuff. P/jet

Hi PH,

A very impressive report about your summer break to Madeira! I loved those Madeira pictures, they are just stunning and right out of a guidebook! Makes me regret that I didn't explore the island at all during my trip there in July, but then again I was so exhausted from all stuff so I just needed complete relaxation!

TAP is quite an interesting carrier, I'll gladly fly them again if they fit my plans. Some of their crew could learn a lesson or two about customer service, smiling and friendliness, though.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): And what I also found remarkable was the statement that the number of alcoholic drinks would be limited. Probably they had had some issues with drunk passengers recently?

It can't be because of me - I only flew them after you did!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The hot (sort of) ham and cheese sandwich didn't look appetizing - and it wasn't easy to unwrap:

This seems to be their trademark. Received the same (minus the cheese) on PGA OPO-BRU in January, and another derivative on my LIS-FNC flight.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): During approach we enjoyed great views of Lisbon. Here's Portela Airport...

Yeah, the approaches into LIS from the south (which is what happens most of the time) are absolutely fabulous.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Holiday Inn near Alameda metro station. The building is a bit outdated, but the rooms were nice and the service was really good.

What do you know, I stayed in this very same hotel for three nights back in 2008. I really liked it - had some Priority Club status back then so was upgraded to a nice two-room minisuite.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Our favorite place in the city was the Holiday Inn's rooftop pool area...

Tell me about it! Although the one time we went there some dead drunk British lads showed up and took the place over. They were so annoying, noisy and rowdy it was better to leave...

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): On the next day we made a trip to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a truly beautiful town:

Been there as well - after that LIS stay we actually went to a beach hotel in Estoril for a week. I still have very fond memories of that holiday!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Prior to the trip I had been wondering for a long time whether I should choose seats on the right or the left side for the infamous approach to Funchal Airport. I had finally selected seats on the right side and I was glad about that decision when I discovered Madeira's rocky coast:

I had the same thoughts, but in the end ended up on the F side. We had the same approach as you did, so I was able to see the houses on the hillside whizzing past at a high speed, very close. Was definitely a hair raising experience! I recommend to try that if you ever venture back there...

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...were soon replaced by alien-like green figures:

Oh yes, I remember these.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): A friendly male flight attendant confirmed what I had assumed - he referred to a strike in France, adding that similar actions had been affecting TAP's operations several times recently. It was really interesting to see how we flew around French airspace:

I find it interesting that the captain did not make any announcement about it. Most people aren't stupid, ignorant sure, but not that stupid that they don't smell something fishy when a flight supposed to take less than 3 hours will take much longer, plus you have the airshow so pax are even able to observe the route. IMHO this is quite ridiculois from the cockpit crew!

Anyway I find it weird that you were routed via the UK airspace, somehow I think a more logical and shorter route would be across Spain to PMI, then avoiding France airspace over the Mediterranean to Italy and then up from there. But then again Eurocontrol always works in mysterious ways.

Keep up the good work - when will you get around writing about that RTW? 2012?  

Hola PlaneHunter,

Great TR, as usual.

Maderira is one of those places I would like to visit in a short time, probably next summer.

The approach to FNC is great, it looks awesome. I bet it must be quite scary sometimes to land on that strip above the sea, if the plane does not stop in time you better have your bathing suit handy.

TP service look quite decent to me, although they should work on some variety in their menus, at least you get something to chew on while on flight, pretty different from the carriers on the other side of the border, I hope they keep their independence  

Madeira pictures look wonderful, a great place to go on vacation. I have been told about the flower gardens and the picturesque scenery, pretty nice.

Thanks again and keep them coming.

Salut!

Roger

Quoting Luftfahrer (Reply 30): Those are the two that I was referring to,

Great stuff! Thanks, Marius!

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 31): Hi Planehunter. What a wonderful trip and pics - I think you have outdone yourself and surpassed the already very high standard from your trip report of the Oman Air flights you took recently. Your avia and non avia pics were stunning.

Thanks a lot, Palmjet. I'm glad that you liked it.

Quoting Palmjet (Reply 31): Seems like you were able to get some good shots without being told off by TAP or ground staff. From reading other trip reports on TAP, I got the impression they are really militant about not allowing photos.

I didn't face any problems at all on the planes - but I was discrete.

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): A very impressive report about your summer break to Madeira! I loved those Madeira pictures, they are just stunning and right out of a guidebook!

Many thanks, FlyingFinn!

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): Makes me regret that I didn't explore the island at all during my trip there in July, but then again I was so exhausted from all stuff so I just needed complete relaxation!

Yes, I remember your report. I'm sure you'll get another chance to explore the island in the near future.

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): It can't be because of me - I only flew them after you did!

Good one! 

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): What do you know, I stayed in this very same hotel for three nights back in 2008. I really liked it - had some Priority Club status back then so was upgraded to a nice two-room minisuite.

Nice, so you know well what I was talking about!

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): Although the one time we went there some dead drunk British lads showed up and took the place over. They were so annoying, noisy and rowdy it was better to leave...

That sounds really bad...

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): I find it interesting that the captain did not make any announcement about it.

Oh, he did make an announcement, but I couldn't understand the most important part.

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 32): Keep up the good work - when will you get around writing about that RTW? 2012?

Another good one!    I don't travel as much as you, so I should definitely be able to post it before 2012.  

Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 33): Hola PlaneHunter, Great TR, as usual.

Hola Roger, thanks for your comments!

Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 33): Maderira is one of those places I would like to visit in a short time, probably next summer.

Sounds like a good idea!

Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 33): The approach to FNC is great, it looks awesome. I bet it must be quite scary sometimes to land on that strip above the sea, if the plane does not stop in time you better have your bathing suit handy.

Well, there are some really interesting videos on YouTube...

Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 33): TP service look quite decent to me, although they should work on some variety in their menus, at least you get something to chew on while on flight, pretty different from the carriers on the other side of the border, I hope they keep their independence

Yes, hopefully they won't copy IB and JK.


PH

Hi PlaneHunter,

Great report! Your pictures really make me want to visit Portugal!

Cheers!

Hey, PlaneHunter!

Great report! Your photos were fantastic, what great views you had both in Lisbon and in Madeira!

I just finished reading an article about TAP in the new Airways magazine; interesting to see a report about them too!

Looks like you had really nice weather for flying .. how good!

Thanks for sharing,

Matthew

Quoting VonRichtofen (Reply 35): Great report! Your pictures really make me want to visit Portugal!

Many thanks, good to hear you liked it!

Quoting 767747 (Reply 36): Great report! Your photos were fantastic, what great views you had both in Lisbon and in Madeira!

Thanks a lot, Matthew! I'm glad you enjoyed reading.

Quoting 767747 (Reply 36): I just finished reading an article about TAP in the new Airways magazine; interesting to see a report about them too!

Interesting, I may order that issue.


PH

What an amazing trip PlaneHunter!

Lisbon and Madeira are just STUNNING! And your pictures have captured this very essence!


For us around here, that region of Europe (Portugal/Spain) is almost an untouchable for some reason and it always strikes me as a beautiful place!

Also from your experience, TAP seems to offer a great intra-European product! You got decent snacks on all sectors! But the interiors do look a little shabby and worn out.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): And what I also found remarkable was the statement that the number of alcoholic drinks would be limited. Probably they had had some issues with drunk passengers recently?

Very odd! Perhaps they were running out of stock?

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): However, the sandwich tasted better than expected and the muffin as well as the white wine weren't bad either:

I am quite impressed with this! For today's standards it is more than what i would have expected!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Impressions from Lisbon and its Environs

Absolutely amazing!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...and turned out to be ideally located for plane spotting. What's better than logging registrations from a deck chair?

LOL .. No wonder it was your favorite location in Lisbon  

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I was pleased to see that our flight would be operated by CS-TTA, the first of 19 A319s delivered to TAP:

Nice one!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): When the runway got expanded, it had to be put on stilts, making the whole thing look like an oversized aircraft carrier, with water at both ends of the runway:

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): back-taxied to the terminal:

WoW! this seems to be nicer than LCY's unique features!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I hadn't taken a cabin picture on the two other TAP flights, so it was about time:

How were the crew in general about taking cabin shots? They seemed uptight about it in previous TRs!

Quoting N178UA (Reply 27): Roni and I was just talking about a Europe trip sometime, we think exactly the same to Funchal on TAP !

LOL! Let's do it!


PH, again, an amazing TR with some great pictures that tell a wonderful story! Thanks a lot for sharing this with us, and i am definitely looking forward to more!

Cheers,
Roni

Hey great report. A trip down memory lane for me , I did a cruise once that stopped in Lisbon and Madeira. We sailed into Lisbon under that bridge past the Belem Tower and I remember the aircraft flying over us.   Really nice to see places I went to . Nice report on TAP and positive unlike some other recent ones.

Happy flying

OA260  

Hi PH,

Finally found the time to read, great report!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I also found remarkable was the statement that the number of alcoholic drinks would be limited. Probably they had had some issues with drunk passengers recently?

- That or cost saving.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): The hot (sort of) ham and cheese sandwich didn't look appetizing - and it wasn't easy to unwrap:

- Nope, looks like it could be messy, not the greatest catering offering, however better than nothing.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): While walking around in the cabin I grabbed some postcards

- In this day and age I find it amazing these are still supplied by some airlines.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Our favorite place in the city was the Holiday Inn's rooftop pool area...

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): which offered great views of the surrounding area...

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): and turned out to be ideally located for plane spotting. What's better than logging registrations from a deck chair?

- Good to know, thanks  

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a truly beautiful town:

- Indeed, it's a lovely place to visit.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I discovered a flight departures screen which even showed the registrations

- Nice, never noted that before, though it has been some years since I was last in LIS, I'll keep an eye out when transiting through in March.

Nice pictures of Funcheal, might be able to intice the wife to visit.

Regards

Mark

Hi PH,
like Mark, I also finally had the free time to read your fantastic report. You really have a bunch of great pictures of the Madeira island and Lisbon. Never been to Portugal myself, but definitely on the list to do in the future. I think Madeira is among the most interesting islands to visit for a European taking a package deal.
TP seems very reasonable too. Since you booked a package deal, still eligible to get some M&M ?

MfG,
Eric

Quoting ronerone (Reply 38): What an amazing trip PlaneHunter! Lisbon and Madeira are just STUNNING! And your pictures have captured this very essence!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 38): PH, again, an amazing TR with some great pictures that tell a wonderful story! Thanks a lot for sharing this with us, and i am definitely looking forward to more!

Hi Roni, thanks a lot for your nice comments!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 38): But the interiors do look a little shabby and worn out.

Yes, too bad I couldn't try the new interior on one flight.

Quoting ronerone (Reply 38): How were the crew in general about taking cabin shots? They seemed uptight about it in previous TRs!

I was being discrete, but I'm sure some FAs saw me taking pictures - no reactions at all!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 39): Hey great report.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 39): Nice report on TAP and positive unlike some other recent ones.

Thanks, Phil!

Quoting OA260 (Reply 39): A trip down memory lane for me , I did a cruise once that stopped in Lisbon and Madeira.

How long did you stay on Madeira? Did you visit some places?

Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 40): Finally found the time to read, great report!

Many thanks, Mark!

Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 40): In this day and age I find it amazing these are still supplied by some airlines.

Yes indeed - and some airline like LH usually supply many different ones.

Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 40): Nice pictures of Funcheal, might be able to intice the wife to visit.

I'm sure she would like it.

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 41): like Mark, I also finally had the free time to read your fantastic report. You really have a bunch of great pictures of the Madeira island and Lisbon.

Hoi Eric, dank u wel!

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 41): I think Madeira is among the most interesting islands to visit for a European taking a package deal.

No doubts about that!

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 41): Since you booked a package deal, still eligible to get some M&M?

Yes, I got more than expected, just don't remember the exact amount.


PH

Hello there PH! Great report!  

Very nice to read a TAP report, they are quite few of them on the forum  
Your flights looked pretty nice, those seats aren't the most comfortable out there. Also that safety video freaked me out too! They should really consider changing those hideous alien things.

I was a bit surprised to see them only serving a sandwich on the MUC-LIS segment. Normally TAP serve a full hot meal, at least they do to the flights to Scandinavia (hope they still do). On the other hand those flights are almost 5 hours long. But LH still serve a hot meal IIRC? Or did they also stop doing that.
The food on the Madeira flights looked pretty suited for flights of that length. Those sandwiches are pretty tasty, you sure it wasn't salmon?  

I must say that I'm very impressed with the pics you took for this report, very nice done. What camera are you using, could it possibly be a DSLR or is it a compact? 

Thanks for sharing!
//Jonas

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 43): Hello there PH! Great report!

Hi Jonas, thanks a lot for your comments! Nice to hear from you.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 43): Also that safety video freaked me out too! They should really consider changing those hideous alien things.

  

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 43): But LH still serve a hot meal IIRC? Or did they also stop doing that.

Yes, I think they do.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 43): Those sandwiches are pretty tasty, you sure it wasn't salmon?

Salmon or tuna, I'd say.

Quoting LH4116 (Reply 43): I must say that I'm very impressed with the pics you took for this report, very nice done. What camera are you using, could it possibly be a DSLR or is it a compact?

Thanks. It's a compact, Panasonic Lumix TZ8. Actually I'm not entirely satisfied with that one - it's difficult to take good pictures in low light conditions. I guess I won't keep it very long.


PH

Hi PH,

Another great TR of yours, with excellent pictures of Lisbon included there too!

Looks like you were really lucky with the weather too.. It looks fantastic.

The food doesn't seem too bad.. At least it looks edible!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): I was expecting a straight approach to runway 23, but it got even better: We would pass the airport, turn right and land on runway 05:

Indeed, a really nice approach to the airport!

Madeira looks really nice too.. Wonder if I'll ever get there!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Two hours prior to departure were dropped off at the terminal. Our local tour guide accompanied us to the check-in counters and even assisted during the check-in process - I guess non-experienced travellers appreciate that.

That's a nice touch from the tour guide! Especially if you don't know Spanish or Portugese, I'm sure that'd be helpful.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Shortly after takeoff the captain made an announcement, but it was hard to understand. However, I had clearly heard that the flight would take 3 hours and 30 minutes which was very unusual. Our MUC-LIS flight took only 2 hours and 46 minutes and that had even been west-bound. Some time later the airshow confirmed that our flight would indeed take longer than usual:

Very interesting detour, one that I'd probably enjoy taking! But I do wonder why they didn't go south over Italian airspace instead..

Thanks again!

Cheers,
Nicholas

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 3): Unfortunately, there won't be many destination pictures in the next few reports.

Still I am looking forward to the reports of yours.

Hi PH,

This is definitely one of the best reports on A.Net Very nice job. That runway at Funchal is incredible. As you said, like an over-sized aircraft carrier. There are few airports in the world that are on my list as "unique" for various reasons and Funchal is one of them. I'd love to fly there someday, but until then, your report is definitely good enough to tide me over.  

Also, the Pico do Arieiro photos are great...what a beautiful place.

Thanks for posting this.

Best,
BZNPilot

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 45): Another great TR of yours, with excellent pictures of Lisbon included there too!

Hi Nicholas, many thanks for your comments!

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 45): Madeira looks really nice too.. Wonder if I'll ever get there!

You are a true enthusiast, so I'm quite sure you'll touch down on runway 05 one day!

Quoting NZ107 (Reply 45): Very interesting detour, one that I'd probably enjoy taking! But I do wonder why they didn't go south over Italian airspace instead..

Probably Italian airspace was crowded due to other rerouted aircraft.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 46): Still I am looking forward to the reports of yours.

Nice to hear, Suryo! The Porto Santo report should be online within the next 24 hours.

Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 47): This is definitely one of the best reports on A.Net Very nice job.

Many thanks, BZNPilot, I'm very pleased to hear that!

Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 47): There are few airports in the world that are on my list as "unique" for various reasons and Funchal is one of them. I'd love to fly there someday, but until then, your report is definitely good enough to tide me over.

Yes, FNC is a very special airport. It's worth to go there.

Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 47): Also, the Pico do Arieiro photos are great...what a beautiful place.

That's indeed a great place.


PH

Hello Planehunter!

TAP looks like a good airline! Hope to have them in my log someday.

Thank you for a good report! Godd pictures! madiera looks nice!

Greetings

/R

Hi PH,

Yet another wonderful report... I really enjoyed this account of Portugal. TAP is not an airline I would normally consider, but those snacks look good and consistent!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): And what I also found remarkable was the statement that the number of alcoholic drinks would be limited. Probably they had had some issues with drunk passengers recently?

I think most airlines think this, but just don't say it! Still, it has the effect of making passengers uncomfortable when ordering a second drink I feel...

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe

Wonderful - I was just at Agilhas, Africa's most southerly point... funny how people are attracted to these!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): ...or (deep sea) black scabbard fish:

grrr... as a marine resource manager this is not good juju!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Thread starter): Some teenage girls belonging to a handball team permanently tried to flirt with him - by asking questions, repeatedly pressing the call button and even handing out to him small pieces of paper. He remained friendly, but it was obvious that he was pissed off by the girls' childish behavior.

Oh god... is this unacceptable? It is my usual approach with the Asian FAs on QR flights... haha

Well done PH, nicely compiled photos and you have inspired me to get to Lisbon - how was the food? The egg tarts?!

Luke

Quoting parton87 (Reply 49): Thank you for a good report! Godd pictures! madiera looks nice!

Many thanks for your comments, parton!

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 50): Yet another wonderful report... I really enjoyed this account of Portugal.

Hi Luke, thanks a lot for your feedback! Good to hear from you.

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 50): Wonderful - I was just at Agilhas, Africa's most southerly point...

Sounds great - can we expect to see a report about your Africa trip?

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 50): grrr... as a marine resource manager this is not good juju!

Yes I know, one should avoid eating those. We only tried the fish once and weren't impressed at all.

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 50): It is my usual approach with the Asian FAs on QR flights...

Have you been successful?  

Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 50): Well done PH, nicely compiled photos and you have inspired me to get to Lisbon - how was the food? The egg tarts?!

Very good egg tarts and lots of other tasty stuff...you should really visit Portugal.


PH

Thanks planehunter for this nice report with beautiful pictures ! Congratulations.

I like TAP for their reliable A/C's, good service. Please have a look at my newest trip report so you can see the latest TAP 320 product: "TAP FAO-LIS-HAM excellent experience".

Best regards,

Daniel

[Edited 2010-12-22 06:37:17]

Quoting dtswi (Reply 52): Thanks planehunter for this nice report with beautiful pictures ! Congratulations.

Thanks for your feedback, Daniel!

Quoting dtswi (Reply 52): Please have a look at my newest trip report so you can see the latest TAP 320 product: "TAP FAO-LIS-HAM excellent experience".

I really enjoyed reading, hope to see more from you.


PH

Hi PlaneHunter,

Very good travel report. Good air and land pics as well.

I now have the Azores on my list of places to go. I've been to Lisbon, but the islands seem like they encompass Portugal's seafaring and rural elements a lot more. And good you got a sunny day in Sintra - I have not been lucky with the weather the two times I have gone.

And the description of FNC as an oversized aircraft carrier could not be better. By the way, how was the weather in Madeira - mostly sunny, cloudy or half and half?

Thanks for the insights. I will be browsing through some of the others in your collection later with more time.

Quoting OP3000 (Reply 54): Very good travel report. Good air and land pics as well.

Thanks a lot!

Quoting OP3000 (Reply 54): I now have the Azores on my list of places to go. I've been to Lisbon, but the islands seem like they encompass Portugal's seafaring and rural elements a lot more. And good you got a sunny day in Sintra - I have not been lucky with the weather the two times I have gone.

That's bad to hear. The weather was excellent during our trip.

Quoting OP3000 (Reply 54): And the description of FNC as an oversized aircraft carrier could not be better. By the way, how was the weather in Madeira - mostly sunny, cloudy or half and half?

It was a bit cloudy sometimes, but mostly sunny, really enjoyable.


PH

Nice report, Portugal looks really good and it has many places worth to visit.
That routing on the way back was really really weird, but the explanation from the cabin crew explained everything.  

I don't know where this gem of a report was hiding because I religiously follow everything you write. Thanks for the report. Seems like TP has upped its game based on your experience. I absolutely L O V E Lisboa - it is my favorite European city - though, Barcelona finishes a close second. And, I L O V E Portugal - and your pictures have inspired a sense of "saudade" in me and here I am looking for a flight to Lisboa when I should really be packing!

Saludos,
A.

Hi PH
As always your trip reports are a joy to read and I did thoroughly enjoy it.Might I add that I think your photography is top notch,the pics are so clear and very interesting.Hope you don't mind my asking but were these taken with a DSLR camera? or a Point and Shoot camera?
Cheers from Dave

Quoting LazialeMKD (Reply 56): Nice report, Portugal looks really good and it has many places worth to visit.

Many thanks, Angel! I can only recommend to visit Portugal.

Quoting LazialeMKD (Reply 56): That routing on the way back was really really weird

Yes, something like that doesn't happen very often.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 57): I don't know where this gem of a report was hiding because I religiously follow everything you write. Thanks for the report.

Hi Alex, thanks a lot for your feedback!

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 57): I absolutely L O V E Lisboa - it is my favorite European city - though, Barcelona finishes a close second.

I really enjoyed the time in Lisbon, but I have to admit that I have never been to the city of Barcelona...I only transferred there and also stayed at an airport hotel once.

Quoting LazialeMKD (Reply 56): And, I L O V E Portugal - and your pictures have inspired a sense of "saudade" in me and here I am looking for a flight to Lisboa when I should really be packing!

Good to hear!

Quoting ba724 (Reply 58): As always your trip reports are a joy to read and I did thoroughly enjoy it.Might I add that I think your photography is top notch,the pics are so clear and very interesting.

Many thanks for your nice comments, Dave! Great to hear you enjoy the reports.

Quoting ba724 (Reply 58): Hope you don't mind my asking but were these taken with a DSLR camera? or a Point and Shoot camera?

I use a common Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ8. Actually I'm not entirely satisfied with that one. Sometimes, especially at night, it's very difficult to take decent pictures.


PH