Is TAP a good airline?

All airlines have sales and it depends on when you are traveling. The prices are not based on if they are good or not.
TAP does not have a record of filing for bankruptcy protection like for example United or Alitalia.
What is a good airline to you?

We flew TAP Airlines from Porto, Portugal to Madrid several years ago. You are correct. The price was a bargain! We could find no fault with our flight. The plane was on time, comfortable and the flight attendants were attentive. We would fly with them again.

I hope I can find a deal using TAP like you two for my trip this December through January

They are restrictive like many European airlines in terms of weight of carry on--8 KG or 17 lbs. I have been looking at flights with them but that is a serious constraint.

Ok so the cost goes up when if you can not meet the rules on baggage.

TAP dates back to the aftermath of the Second World War. It was partially privatized in recent years, has code-shares with a number of international airlines, and has purchased several short-hop carriers in the budget class. It is reported to have ambitions in the competitive US-transatlantic market, which may help explain bargain fares.

I am seeing tickets for $939 on TAP; not really a bargain

Main drawback of TAP is congestion at their Lisbon hub if you need to connect. Their European flights are frequently delayed in high season, and there is very little seating at the airport.

Thank you one and all. The point about congestion in Lisbon is particularly concerning.

We flew TAP last fall nonstop from Boston to Lisbon. It was a perfect flight, no problems whatsoever.

I recently flew TAP from Geneva to Lisbon. It was just like a typical low-budget airline, uncomfortable seats, no food service on a 2.5 hour flight. I later talked to several people who flew on long-haul flights and said they were great.

But TAP is not a low cost airline...it is the national air carrier of Portugal and a member of the Star Alliance. Hate to break it to you, but all airlines are now charging for bags.

Which is why I was surprised and disappointed by the TAP leg of my R/T Portugal trip, but reassured by the long-haul fliers.

I recently flew TAP roundtrip between Boston and Lisbon.

The flight was just as good as any other flight I've been on. Good service, on-time departures and arrivals, comfortable seats, etc.

I agree with the above comments about Lisbon's airport. It's surprising such a major destination's primary airport could lack basic amenities such as accessible electrical outlets, decent restaurants, even seating!

There's nothing quite like flying a transatlantic flight and then having to wait three hours for a connecting flight while sitting on the cold, hard floor.

I don't blame that on TAP -- but you'll want to take that into consideration because you'll likely fly through Lisbon.

I have used this airline fairly often and never had any problems with them. I use them when the price is right and their schedule works for me. I would not shy away from them.