We are traveling to Portugal in October via London, which we'll be flying into and home from (DC area) at the end our 2.5 week trip. We need to fly from London to Lisbon, and return to London from Porto (taking the train between Lisbon and Porto). Just beginning to look at airline options and note that TAP has decent schedules from and to Gatwick, although it is not clear whether TAP would be less expensive than one of the budget carriers like EZ Jet or Ryanair. Curious about anyone's experience with TAP vs. other options.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11893 posts
it is not clear whether TAP would be less expensive than one of the budget carriers like EZ Jet or Ryanair.
The final cost will depend in large part on what baggage you have.
No personal experience, but the budget carriers look to be restrictive on their baggage allowance and vigorous in their enforcement of the rules. Just be sure to 'add in everything', when making the cost comparison.
Presumably the flight home from London is the day after the flight from Porto to London?
Posted by
OP
Bethesda, MD, USA
8 posts
Thanks for the insight. We are actually staying in London for another 5 nights after returning from Porto so no issue with connections.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1817 posts
TAP is almost always as cheap as the low cost airlines due to the baggage issue, as mentioned earlier. With Ryanair, EasyJet, etc. you can take a bag the size of a large purse (must go under seat in front of you) for free. With TAP, you can take a rolling carryon for no extra charge. Just be sure it meets the dimensions for TAP. I fly with them regularly and have had no problems.
Posted by
USA
134 posts
Because of the way aviation taxes work in UK, if given choice, it is better to do stopover in London on outbound and keep connection at London less than 24 hours on the return especially if you are traveling in business class (difference becomes very visible on award travel)
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5853 posts
although it is not clear whether TAP would be less expensive than one of the budget carriers like EZ Jet or Ryanair
You can easily check the total price for any of the options you are considering. Just go to each airline’s website and check the price including the options that you need for luggage, seats, etc.
I’ve flown easyJet from Portugal to London (as well as on various other intraEuropean flights). Be aware that for easyJet the total price will vary based on your luggage options. For example, easyJet’s fare is higher if you are bringing a carryon for the overhead bin or checking a bag. The least expensive fare only includes a bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
I would just choose the flight with the best combination of time and price. I’d probably choose either TAP or the easyJet flight to Gatwick. I prefer Gatwick to Stansted or Luton. If TAP has the best times and the price is reasonable, go with that.
Posted by
OP
Bethesda, MD, USA
8 posts
Thanks to all. We elected to go with TAP because it offered direct flights to Lisbon and from Porto to London and the price was comparable.