If you’re flying internationally from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, you probably want to know which airlines actually make the experience smooth. Delta Air Lines really stands out at STL, offering reliable connections to a bunch of global destinations.
Southwest might be the big name for local travel, but they stick mostly to domestic and nearby Caribbean flights.
Knowing which airlines serve your destination can save you a headache—and maybe some cash. STL gives you a decent range of international options, so finding flights that fit your plans isn’t too hard.
Key Takeaways
- Several airlines serve international routes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
- Delta Air Lines offers the most reliable international service at STL.
- Picking the right airline can help you reach key global destinations more efficiently.
Overview of International Airlines at St. Louis Missouri Airport
You’ll find a handful of airlines offering international flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). These carriers connect you to major global hubs, aiming for convenience and smooth transfers.
The airport’s international service shifts with airline strategies and what passengers actually want. Sometimes it feels like a moving target.
Major Carriers Operating at STL
At STL, Delta Air Lines is the main international player. Delta connects St. Louis to big hubs like Atlanta and Detroit, which open up flights to Europe and beyond.
Air Canada is also in the mix, mostly linking you to Canada. Southwest Airlines rules domestic travel at STL, but they’re not flying international routes from here.
Terminals and gates are set up to support international travel—Terminal 1 is where you’ll find customs and baggage handling for these flights.
Types of International Routes Available
Most international routes from STL go to Europe and Canada. Direct flights are rare; you’ll usually connect through Delta’s hubs.
For example, you can get to London or Paris, but there’s almost always a stop in Atlanta first. Air Canada sticks to Toronto and a few other Canadian cities.
If you’re hoping for direct flights to Asia, Africa, or South America, you’ll probably need to connect elsewhere. The options really depend on which airline’s network you’re using.
Changes and Trends in International Flights
International flights at STL are growing, but not as quickly as at bigger airports. Delta is expanding routes, but they’re doing it slowly and only when demand is there.
Code-sharing and airline partnerships are on the rise, which lets you book international trips even if there’s no direct flight. It’s not perfect, but it does make things a bit easier.
The airport keeps tweaking its infrastructure, trying to keep up with these changes and improve the whole travel vibe.
Top-Rated International Airlines Serving STL
A few airlines really stand out for international service from STL. They offer a mix of reach, price, and newer planes that can make the trip a little more pleasant.
Delta Air Lines: Global Connectivity
Delta Air Lines gives you a lot of international options from STL, especially if you don’t mind a layover.
Their network covers Europe, Asia, and Latin America, mostly through Atlanta and Detroit. Delta’s service is generally solid, and you’ll find enough daily flights to work with most schedules.
Spirit Airlines: Affordable International Options
Spirit Airlines is the go-to for budget-friendly flights to places like the Caribbean and Latin America. If saving money is your main concern, Spirit can get you there.
Just be ready for fewer frills and extra charges for things like bags or seat selection. If you’re okay with basic service, Spirit’s a decent option for international trips without breaking the bank.
Fleet Highlights: 787 Dreamliner and More
Some international flights at STL use newer planes, like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This jet is more fuel-efficient and usually more comfortable than older models.
Delta sometimes flies the 787 on longer routes. You’ll get bigger windows, better lighting, and a smoother ride.
It’s worth checking what plane you’re on if comfort matters to you.
Key International Destinations from St. Louis Missouri Airport
STL offers a handful of direct international flights, making it pretty easy to reach vacation spots or big cities overseas. There are nonstop options to popular places and some newer routes popping up.
Popular Nonstop Getaways: Cancun
Cancun is one of the top nonstop international destinations from STL. It’s got beaches, resorts, and those famous Mayan ruins.
Flights to Cancun usually run all year, so you can plan a trip for whenever you need some sun or adventure. The flight’s about four hours—no layovers, just straight to relaxation.
Travel to the Caribbean: San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is another direct international route from St. Louis. It’s a mix of beaches and history, like Old San Juan’s colorful streets and forts.
If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t even need a passport for this one. The flight is roughly four hours, which makes it perfect for a quick getaway with a Caribbean vibe but still on U.S. soil.
Emerging International Routes
STL is slowly adding more international connections. Direct flights to Toronto open up Canada for both business and leisure.
Frankfurt, Germany, is served seasonally, so you can get to Europe without changing planes. These routes give you more options and can help you avoid the chaos of bigger airports.
It’s worth keeping an eye out for new flights—sometimes they pop up with little fanfare.
Tips for Booking International Flights at STL
Booking an international flight from STL takes a bit of strategy. You want the best airline, a comfortable seat, and to make sure you’ve got all the paperwork sorted.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Journey
Delta is your main bet for international flights from STL. They have the most destinations, especially for Europe and other big hubs.
Check Delta’s schedules to match your plans. Spirit has some international flights, but they’re mostly nearby countries and pretty no-frills.
Compare flight times, layovers, ticket prices, and baggage rules. Direct flights are always less hassle, especially for longer trips.
Maximizing Comfort and Value
If you’re flying far, pick your seat carefully. Delta offers Main Cabin, Comfort+, and First Class. Comfort+ is nice if you want extra legroom but don’t want to splurge.
Book early—airlines usually have better prices a few months out. If you fly often, Delta’s loyalty program can help you rack up points for upgrades or free flights.
Bring snacks and entertainment unless you want to pay more onboard. And double-check baggage fees—Spirit, in particular, likes to tack on charges for checked bags.
Essential Travel Preparations
Try to get to STL at least two to three hours before your flight. That way, you’ll have enough time for check-in and security.
For international trips, you might need to allow even more time for extra screening. Honestly, it’s better to wait at the gate than to rush.
Double-check that the name on your ticket matches your government ID. If it doesn’t, you could run into trouble at the counter.
Don’t forget your passport and any visas you might need. It’s easy to overlook the details when you’re excited or stressed.
Figure out your parking or drop-off plans before you go. STL has a bunch of parking lots, but the best ones fill up fast.
If you plan ahead, you’ll save yourself some headaches. Nobody wants to circle the airport looking for a spot.
Stay on top of airline updates about delays or gate changes. The airline apps or STL’s website can help with real-time info.
Things change fast at airports, so it pays to keep an eye on your flight.