The TAP Premium Lounge Tejo at Lisbon Airport tries to offer travellers a place to escape the very busy Terminal 2, offering runway views, a full-service bar, and a decent selection of seating. However, when compared to flagship airline lounges at other major airports, it disappoints with its dated decor, overcrowding during peak times, and limited amenities. Despite these shortcomings, it remains the best lounge choice at Lisbon Airport for premium passengers. Here’s a review of our visit.
In this review:
- Opening Hours
- Locating the lounge & reception
- Comfort
- Food & drink
- Toilets & showers
- Wi-Fi, charging & productivity
- Extras
- BG1 Verdict
Opening Hours
The TAP Premium Lounge Tejo at Lisbon Airport is open daily from 5:00 AM until midnight.
Locating the lounge & reception
There are two TAP Premium lounges at Lisbon Airport. The main Tejo lounge is located on the first floor in the airport’s Schengen area, just after security, near Gate 26. Another, smaller TAP lounge (Altântico) is located by the international N gates in the non-Schengen area of the airport.
In this review, we’re visiting the main Tejo lounge. After passing through security, walk a few steps into the main hall of the departure area, where signage clearly directs passengers to the escalator/elevators that take you up to the lounge level.
When we arrived at reception, it was quiet, and the boarding passes on our phones were quickly scanned, allowing us swift entry. This efficiency at check-in was a welcome start as there can be queues here during peak hours.
Comfort
Inside, there’s a decent range of seating, including armchairs, sofas, and a large dining area. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the apron and main runway, offering natural light and a decent view of aircraft activity. Flight information screens are spread throughout, ensuring you can keep track of your flight without needing to leave your seat.
However, the lounge’s overall decor and furnishings feel tired, dated and impractical – it’s probably time for a refresh. Despite this, it was quiet when we arrived in the afternoon, with plenty of seating available. In contrast, our morning visit revealed a more congested atmosphere, with intercontinental connecting passengers filling the space.
A note on cleanliness: We’ve visited this lounge several times. During our earlier visits there were a lot of fruit/bar flies on surfaces and airborne. This has not been a problem on recent visits as the team appear to have improved the cleaning regimes.
Food & Drink
The lounge offers a hot and cold buffet with a reasonable selection, although not the most adventurous for a flagship lounge. However, the full-service bar is a definite highlight.
The two bar staff were friendly and efficient, serving draft beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and sparkling wine. For those preferring self-service, coffee machines are dotted around the lounge, and there are water filter taps available to refill bottles.
Toilets and showers
Toilets and showers are available, but there’s nowhere near enough of them for a lounge of this size and importance. The facilities are basic, although they are continuously staffed and cleaned. However, during peak periods, especially in the morning, they can become overwhelmed, resulting in queues.
WiFi, power & productivity
Wi-Fi in the lounge is simple to connect to via QR codes displayed around the room, with speeds reaching 16mb – good for browsing but not ideal for streaming or video calls. There are USB and mains charging outlets at most seats, though some were damaged and non-functional during our visit. One notable downside is the lack of any quiet or enclosed areas, making it tricky to take calls or work productively in peace.
Extras
One of the standout features for us was the warm pastel de nata served throughout the day, providing a deliciously sweet taste of Portugal while you wait for your flight.
BG1 verdict
This is as good as it gets at Lisbon Airport and the lounge disappoints when compared to other flagship lounges worldwide. While the neighbouring ANA lounge is larger, it falls short in terms of food and drink quality. Despite TAP Premium Lounge Tejo’s flaws – dated decor and overcrowding at peak times – the full service bar and food options still make it the best choice at Lisbon Airpot for those seeking a pleasant lounge experience.
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