TAP Air Portugal has rolled out a series of passenger-focused changes for long‑haul travellers, including a redesigned travel kit, complimentary digital newspapers and magazines on select aircraft, a pre-flight “Skip Meal” option and a luggage collection, storage and delivery tie-up with LUGGit.
What’s new onboard
The airline’s new travel kit, branded “The Blaze”, is now being distributed in Business and Economy Prime cabins on its long‑haul services. TAP says the collection features an updated aesthetic inspired by Portugal and uses recycled materials for the bag and some internal components.
- Contents highlighted: socks supplied by PEDEMEIA and wellness and personal care items from 8950.
- Sustainability elements: recycled materials in the bag and inner lining, a bamboo toothbrush and kraft paper packaging.
- Cabins: available on Business and Economy Prime on long‑haul flights.
Digital reading at no extra cost
Passengers travelling on TAP’s Airbus A330‑900 and A321LR aircraft can access PressReader’s catalogue of national and international newspapers and magazines via the aircraft’s Wi‑Fi portal without buying an internet package. The selection spans news, business, travel, technology, sports, lifestyle and entertainment titles from markets including Portugal, Brazil and the United States.
To use the service passengers connect their device to the onboard Wi‑Fi network, open the in‑flight entertainment portal and select the PressReader section. TAP already offers the service in its Lisbon and Paris lounges, and the new onboard availability extends that offer to passengers in the cabin.
“Skip Meal” aims to reduce waste and improve rest
TAP has introduced a “Skip Meal” setting for long‑haul travellers who prefer not to receive an onboard meal. Customers can register the preference through the airline’s website under “Manage Booking” or via the TAP app under “Choose Meal”. The airline records the choice in its systems and shares it with cabin crew so passengers are not disturbed for meal service.
The carrier frames the option as both a comfort measure for passengers who wish to sleep and a step towards reducing food waste on board.
Luggage services via LUGGit — extra convenience in Europe
Separately, TAP has partnered with LUGGit to offer luggage collection, storage and delivery in five European cities. The collaboration is aimed at travellers who want door‑to‑door handling of their bags or short‑term storage while they sightsee or wait for accommodation check‑in.
| Service | Availability / Notes |
|---|---|
| "The Blaze" travel kit | Business and Economy Prime, long‑haul flights; contains PEDEMEIA socks and 8950 products |
| PressReader access | Complimentary on A330‑900 and A321LR via Wi‑Fi portal; complements lounge availability |
| Skip Meal option | Selectable through Manage Booking or TAP app; recorded for cabin crew |
| LUGGit luggage services | Collection, storage and delivery in five European cities (partner arrangement) |
For South African travellers planning trips to Europe or connecting via Portugal, these updates offer small but practical improvements: a more sustainable amenity kit, easier access to reading material without buying Wi‑Fi, the ability to opt out of meal service to rest, and optional luggage handling in select European locations.
While the changes are incremental rather than transformational, they reflect a broader industry push to combine passenger comfort with sustainability and convenience. Travellers who value uninterrupted sleep, reduced single‑use waste, or seamless city arrivals may find the new options particularly useful.
Passengers should check TAP’s website or the mobile app for the latest cabin‑specific availability and to select the Skip Meal preference before departure.
