Following problems with the on-line check-in for my wife (the system accepted my details), we arrived at Faro about an hour before departure, went to the top executive desk as advised where a helpful assistant apologised, sorted things out, allocated seats in the club section for both legs of our trip and confirmed she would allocate our miles to our Victoria accounts.

Our 319 pushed back 5 minutes early and arrived 10 minutes early after a 20 minute flight in Lisbon where we had our first experience of the new terminal 2 which is used for departures only - all arrivals including domestic arriving at terminal 1!! Having been bussed in, followed signs, bussed to the new terminal with minimal facilities, waited about an hour, we were again checked in and bussed back out to the remote aircraft park.

This flight using a 320 both took off and landed to the minute with pleasant crew and the usual roll, desert and drink service.

The return trip used a 319 for the 90 minute flight from Funchal, again spot on time, pleasant staff, roll and bun with hot and limited cold drinks (wine, but no spirits) service. Upon arrival at Lisbon we were met at the airport steps because of the short transfer time, taken directly to treminal 2 for immediate check in, only to be delayed 20 minutes waiting for the arrival of the inbound Paris flight, but following a fighter type approach by our 319 pilot into Faro arrived only 8 minutes late.

Overall a pleasant and efficient service which belied their reputation (TAP = take another plane) and one which we could thoroughly recommend.