Phê Vé
April 19, 2026 • 3 min read
Alaska Airlines has launched its first transatlantic flight to Rome, while British Airways is resuming its route to St. Louis after a 22-year hiatus. Discover more details and tips for Vietnamese travelers.
Alaska Airlines Launches New Route to Rome
Alaska Airlines is set to begin its inaugural flight from Seattle to Rome on April 28, marking the airline's first foray into transatlantic travel. This is a significant milestone for Alaska as it expands its competitive presence in the international market. Just nine days prior, British Airways announced the resumption of its non-stop service from London to St. Louis, a route that has been absent since 2003.
Details on British Airways' Route
British Airways will operate this service four times a week between Heathrow Airport and Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. Flight BA221 departs Heathrow at 16:25 and arrives in St. Louis at 19:30; conversely, flight BA220 leaves St. Louis at 22:00 and returns to Heathrow at 12:05 the following day. The airline will utilize Boeing 787-8 aircraft, offering three classes of seating: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, and Club World (business class). This marks the first non-stop flight from the UK to St. Louis in 22 years.
History of the Route from St. Louis to London
The St. Louis to London route was first operated by British Caledonian in 1980 and changed hands several times before American Airlines discontinued the service in October 2003. Since then, the city has had virtually no direct flights to Europe for 22 years.
Market Demand in Europe
British Airways has identified a substantial population in St. Louis with a strong demand for international travel, both for business and personal purposes. The airline has previously expanded its services to several U.S. cities that are not major hubs, such as Portland, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. This resumption affirms that there remains a demand for travel from St. Louis to Europe, albeit limited by the lack of non-stop flights.
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Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
For those considering traveling to St. Louis from Vietnam, opting for a connecting flight may be the most practical choice. The flight time from Vietnam to the U.S. is approximately 20 hours (including layover time). This means travelers should be prepared for significant airfare costs, typically ranging from 15 million to 30 million VND depending on the season and destination.
Regarding visas, Vietnamese citizens will need a U.S. tourist visa. Applications can be submitted at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, St. Louis is a navigable city with a relatively developed public transportation system, including buses and light rail.
Current State of Air Travel and Future Trends
With the growing demand for non-stop flights from St. Louis to London, British Airways is poised to create a boom in this market, opening up numerous opportunities for additional routes in the future. New routes may soon be launched to Kansas City or Indianapolis, indicating a resurgence of mid-sized U.S. cities in the aviation sector.
Conclusion
Both Alaska Airlines and British Airways are making significant strides in expanding their international flight networks, with Alaska launching its route to Rome and British Airways resuming service to St. Louis. These developments are positive signs for the future of international aviation, especially for non-major hub cities in the U.S. If you're planning a trip to the U.S., keep this information in mind for a smooth and enjoyable journey!
Article adapted from source: Live and Let's Fly
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