BA adds St Louis as 27th US gateway from next summer

British Airways is extending its transatlantic reach with seasonal flights to St Louis from next summer.

 

Flights are scheduled to start on April 19 and run four times a week throughout the season with return fares starting at £529.

 

The airline’s 27th US destination will operate from Heathrow, with the service coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – the highway from Chicago to Los Angeles via St Louis.

 

The Missouri city will also serve as a gateway to FIFA World Cup games in Kansas City and other US host locations.

 

BA last ran direct flights to St Louis more than 20 years ago with the restart coming as the airline also raises frequency increases to other US gateways. 

 

The airline is reintroducing a double-daily service to Miami and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth, increasing flights to Las Vegas from 10 to 13 a week, and serve both San Diego and Austin 14 times a week. 

 

Flights to New York (JFK) will operate only from Heathrow, with nine daily flights, including a new service operated by the airline’s Boeing 777-200 fleet, featuring First and Club Suite on board.

 

St Louis flights will operates in a three-class configuration - economy, premium economy and Club World business class.

 

BA will become the only UK airline to offer direct flights to St Louis.

 

Chief planning and strategy officer Neil Chernoff said: “St Louis is a fantastic addition to our US network – it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this. 

 

“As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”

 

Explore St Louis will collaborate with public–private destination marketing organisation Brand USA to highlight the new service to showcase the city’s “culture, creativity and opportunity”. 

 

US Travel Association president and chief executive Geoff Freeman said: “Connectivity is the lifeblood of the global travel economy.

 

“With the launch of British Airways’ nonstop service to St Louis from London, European travellers now have a direct gateway to the heart of the United States. 

 

“St Louis is an authentically American city that offers a vibrant mix of history, culture and innovation, making it an unforgettable destination for both leisure and business travellers.”

 

Explore St Louis president and chief executive Brad Dean said: “We are thrilled that British Airways sees the value and potential in prioritising St Louis.

 

“In addition to leisure travel, nonstop service between St Louis and London is a win for the meetings and events industry. 

 

"This new route gives international companies and associations a direct and competitive option to gather in a flexible, state-of-the-art convention complex in St Louis, a centrally located, thriving destination for meetings.”