TAP PORTUGAL
I arrived at the TAP Portugal check-in counter two hours before the flight, and there was no line. The agent was friendly, yet surprised when she saw a note in the computer stating that I had an upgradeable ticket and that it went through. I guess not that many passengers get those notes. Yeah baby! It pays to have friends at the airline -- thank you M.C. for making my day. On top of that, a business class seat gives a free pass to their lounge. TAP is in the Star Alliance Group (United, USAir, Thai…), so they use their partner SAS’ lounge. I was in this same lounge a few months ago, when I flew to Copenhagen on SAS (here's the link), and it was nicer the first time. SAS offered much better food and beverages choices (including sleek bottles of VOSS water). It turns out that each airline is in charge of catering for its passengers. Because flights are staggered, passengers seldom mix with each other at this lounge. For example, SAS flights depart in the early evening, while TAP flights leave a few hours later. Our flight was late by 45 minutes, so Singapore Airline passengers were starting to arrive in the lounge. Their caterers brought in some tasty Singapore noodles and other treats. It didn’t make much difference to me though, because it I wasn’t there to eat. I just wanted to relax and enjoy one of their three computers with free internet. (Unfortunately, there is a charge for wireless).