Over the years, we’ve observed that premium economy has become an ever more sought-after cabin on long-haul flights. This makes sense, as economy cabins continue to get tighter, while business class cabins are becoming more spacious, leading travelers to seek an option between the two.
Until now, Star Alliance member TAP Air Portugal has not provided premium economy on long-haul flights. However, this will change in 2026, though perhaps not in the manner you might anticipate…
TAP plans an unusual premium economy offering
Starting in the summer of 2026, TAP Air Portugal will roll out premium economy on long-haul flights, which will be available on both Airbus A330 and Airbus A321LR aircraft. However, from what I gather from this announcement, the airline will not be reconfiguring the planes in any significant way.
The airline highlights that it will provide 12 seats at the front of economy with an adjacent empty seat, which “ensures a quieter, more private environment for a truly relaxed journey.” It appears that TAP won’t actually present a genuine premium economy hard product, and this will merely occupy the first two rows of economy on the A330, and the first three rows of economy on the A321LR.
The soft product will align more with typical premium economy expectations, including:
– At the airport, premium economy will provide premium check-in, priority baggage handling, fast track security, and priority boarding
– Onboard, premium economy will feature a premium main meal with two hot dish choices, meal pre-selection up to 24 hours prior to departure, amenity kits, premium pillows, and enhanced headphones
– Regarding rewards and flexibility, premium economy will feature bonus miles, along with adaptable rebooking and refund policies
TAP Air Portugal will feature blocked adjacent seats
My perspective on TAP’s distinctive take on premium economy
I support airlines offering more choices to customers regarding the type of experience they can enjoy, so I view this as a favorable advancement.
That said, I can’t shake the feeling that the airline might struggle to manage expectations concerning this new concept. When customers opt for premium economy, they typically anticipate a seat that is quite different, more akin to domestic first class in the United States (admittedly, there are exceptions, like Condor labeling its extra legroom economy section as premium economy). If you book a premium economy flight on TAP without doing your homework, you may end up feeling quite let down.
Nonetheless, it’s indisputable that this is a resourceful way to implement premium economy. Given the current delays associated with procuring new seats and the duration required to reconfigure cabins, this is potentially a massive task. Through the approach TAP is adopting, the airline can essentially “activate” premium economy overnight, and there’s merit to that.
TAP isn’t launching true premium economy seating
Conclusion
By the summer of 2026, TAP Air Portugal will unveil premium economy on long-haul flights. However, the airline won’t actually introduce distinct seats, but instead will simply rebrand the front rows of economy and block adjacent seats.
On the bright side, the soft product will fully align with standard premium economy expectations, offering everything from enhanced meal service to amenity kits. This is undoubtedly an unconventional method for the airline, but it is certainly efficient.
What are your thoughts on TAP’s premium economy proposal?