In the world of aviation, fifth freedom routes are like hidden treasures - and TAP Air Portugal's San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) service is one of the best-kept secrets for budget-conscious travelers. While most passengers think of TAP as purely a Portuguese carrier, this unique route allows the airline to operate between two countries where neither is its home base, often at significantly lower prices than direct competitors.
Understanding TAP's Fifth Freedom Route
TAP operates this route as part of its longer SFO-LHR-LIS (Lisbon) service, using their modern Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. The flight typically operates 3-4 times weekly, departing SFO around 4:25 PM and arriving in London at 10:40 AM the next day. As of 2024, base fares can start as low as $382 roundtrip during off-peak seasons, though typical prices range from $400-600.
Aircraft and Onboard Experience
The A330-900neo features TAP's latest cabin configuration with 298 seats total: 34 lie-flat business class seats, 96 Economy Xtra seats with 34" pitch, and 168 standard economy seats with 31" pitch. Economy passengers receive complimentary meals, wine, and personal entertainment systems with 100+ movies and TV shows.
Best Times to Book
- Lowest fares: January-March (except Valentine's Day weekend)
- Shoulder season deals: October-November (excluding Thanksgiving)
- Book 4-6 months ahead for summer travel
- Last-minute deals often appear 2-3 weeks before departure
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer best pricing
Stopover Strategy
One of TAP's unique advantages is their free stopover program in Portugal. By booking SFO-LHR-LIS (or vice versa), you can add a stay in Lisbon or Porto for up to 5 days at no additional airfare cost. This effectively gives you two destinations for the price of one, with total fares often still under $500.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
- Winter (Jan-Mar): $382-450 roundtrip
- Spring (Apr-May): $450-600 roundtrip
- Summer (Jun-Aug): $600-800 roundtrip
- Fall (Sep-Nov): $450-550 roundtrip
- Holiday Season (Dec): $700-900 roundtrip
Miles and Points Opportunities
TAP is a member of Star Alliance, meaning you can earn and redeem miles through United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or any other Star Alliance program. Economy flights typically earn 50-100% of miles flown, while discounted fares may earn as low as 25%. A roundtrip SFO-LHR flight can earn approximately 11,000 miles at full earning rates.
Booking Tips and Tricks
- Book directly through TAP's website for best customer service
- Consider mixing and matching directions (TAP one way, another carrier return)
- Check both SFO-LHR-LIS and SFO-LIS-LHR routings
- Sign up for TAP's newsletter for exclusive promo codes
- Use flexible date search to find lowest fares
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking the free stopover option
- Not checking both directions for better pricing
- Forgetting to join Miles&Go program before flying
- Missing out on student and youth discounts (up to 10% off)
- Not considering nearby airports (OAK, SJC) for positioning flights
Final Recommendations
TAP's SFO-LHR fifth freedom route represents one of the best values for West Coast to London travel, particularly when combined with the free stopover option. For best results, book 3-4 months ahead, travel mid-week during shoulder season, and always check both direct and stopover options. Remember that while base fares may start under $400, taxes and fees typically add $150-200 to the final price.
