Thanks for information. Just booked my first Lufthansa flight for March. STL-FRA-EDI. Looking forward to it. Really good price IMO.matguy70 wrote: ↑Dec 26, 2022Flew Christmas afternoon. STL to FRA on Lufthansa. Flight was full and a lot of passengers transferring in FRA to other destinations worldwide. Myself included to Madrid. Great to see all of the international passengers connecting/arriving in STL as well. United One World representative is om hand to connect passengers to Terminal 1 in STL for international arriving guests.
The plane was amazing... we were in business but even economy is beautiful. The plane was immaculate and comfortable. Service and food was impeccable and top notch. The best airline I have ever flown. The omboard staff was excellent.
Great to have this airline serving STL into an amazing hub in EU as well.
Fly back next week... will report back then.
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Imagine if Southwest had to pay each customer 400+ dollars for each canceled/significantly delayed flight as airlines have to do in Europe...
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^ few years ago my brothers flight from Paris to Zagreb got cancelled and there wasn't another for 2 days so Air France got him a hotel for 2 nights and $850 dollars, he had some good meals during his sightseeing.
I saw a news article saying Southwest has 10,000 bags stuck at Lambert currently,.
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^i think it’s 9998 now, my brother got his yesterday after checking them on Sunday
Looks like they think they can run a mostly full schedule tomorrow. Not many cancellations entered yet and they reopened bookings for tomorrow after having them closed for a few days. I don’t think they would have opened them back up unless they felt pretty good about things.
We are on January 1 Lufthansa FRA to STL is completely sold out.
Another interesting update on the Southwest luggage saga... SF Chronicle reporter tracked her child's car seat with an AirTag...
KMOX Total Information AM (at 8:05 / 9:05 news) had a segment on Lufthansa's success in STL. "St. Louis embraces EU Flights"
Rhonda was interviewed and she confirmed that June/July/August/Sept/October were all over 90 percent full flights outbound and inbound. November/December was 86-88 percent full. She expects Lufthansa will increase flights in Spring.
Of the travelers on the first 7 months: approximately 12% of passengers per flight inbound are connecting onto United in Terminal 1 in STL. Over 50% outbound passengers are connecting to other destinations in EU/other when landing in FRA. Approximately 20 percent inbound STL passengers are foreigners coming to STL.
Rhonda also said the Lufthansa is selling Business Class out consistently (which on the A330-300 now has two areas) and STL is seeing the largest volume of Business class bookings than other US Markets.
Side note: We booked BIZ Class both ways this last week (both flights were completely sold out on Dec 25 and Jan 1). Lufthansa is the nicest airline I have ever flown (internationally I have flown all the legacy US carriers as well as Iberia, AirEuropa, BritishAir, FinAir, El Al, and the defunct Alitalia). The food, service impeccable and planes clean and well appointed. Another note: when boarding in EU or any other country in the world for that matter, airlines (including US carriers) have horrible boarding "rules"... your group boarding number means nada... everyone crams up and just starts going on - even if you are 1st/biz class or member class - I hate it! BUT, Lufthansa (like all all Germany) follows the rules - you line up in their lines - they are methodical and organized like you wouldn't believe. It was amazing (both in FRA and in MADRID on both connections). Kudos to Lufthansa.
Side note #2: Will STL see another carrier line up for service to EU or other international cross TATL service? We will see.
Rhonda was interviewed and she confirmed that June/July/August/Sept/October were all over 90 percent full flights outbound and inbound. November/December was 86-88 percent full. She expects Lufthansa will increase flights in Spring.
Of the travelers on the first 7 months: approximately 12% of passengers per flight inbound are connecting onto United in Terminal 1 in STL. Over 50% outbound passengers are connecting to other destinations in EU/other when landing in FRA. Approximately 20 percent inbound STL passengers are foreigners coming to STL.
Rhonda also said the Lufthansa is selling Business Class out consistently (which on the A330-300 now has two areas) and STL is seeing the largest volume of Business class bookings than other US Markets.
Side note: We booked BIZ Class both ways this last week (both flights were completely sold out on Dec 25 and Jan 1). Lufthansa is the nicest airline I have ever flown (internationally I have flown all the legacy US carriers as well as Iberia, AirEuropa, BritishAir, FinAir, El Al, and the defunct Alitalia). The food, service impeccable and planes clean and well appointed. Another note: when boarding in EU or any other country in the world for that matter, airlines (including US carriers) have horrible boarding "rules"... your group boarding number means nada... everyone crams up and just starts going on - even if you are 1st/biz class or member class - I hate it! BUT, Lufthansa (like all all Germany) follows the rules - you line up in their lines - they are methodical and organized like you wouldn't believe. It was amazing (both in FRA and in MADRID on both connections). Kudos to Lufthansa.
Side note #2: Will STL see another carrier line up for service to EU or other international cross TATL service? We will see.
Was it today? Do you have a link to it?matguy70 wrote: ↑Jan 03, 2023KMOX Total Information AM (at 8:05 / 9:05 news) had a segment on Lufthansa's success in STL. "St. Louis embraces EU Flights"
Rhonda was interviewed and she confirmed that June/July/August/Sept/October were all over 90 percent full flights outbound and inbound. November/December was 86-88 percent full. She expects Lufthansa will increase flights in Spring.
Of the travelers on the first 7 months: approximately 12% of passengers per flight inbound are connecting onto United in Terminal 1 in STL. Over 50% outbound passengers are connecting to other destinations in EU/other when landing in FRA. Approximately 20 percent inbound STL passengers are foreigners coming to STL.
Rhonda also said the Lufthansa is selling Business Class out consistently (which on the A330-300 now has two areas) and STL is seeing the largest volume of Business class bookings than other US Markets.
Side note: We booked BIZ Class both ways this last week (both flights were completely sold out on Dec 25 and Jan 1). Lufthansa is the nicest airline I have ever flown (internationally I have flown all the legacy US carriers as well as Iberia, AirEuropa, BritishAir, FinAir, El Al, and the defunct Alitalia). The food, service impeccable and planes clean and well appointed. Another note: when boarding in EU or any other country in the world for that matter, airlines (including US carriers) have horrible boarding "rules"... your group boarding number means nada... everyone crams up and just starts going on - even if you are 1st/biz class or member class - I hate it! BUT, Lufthansa (like all all Germany) follows the rules - you line up in their lines - they are methodical and organized like you wouldn't believe. It was amazing (both in FRA and in MADRID on both connections). Kudos to Lufthansa.
Side note #2: Will STL see another carrier line up for service to EU or other international cross TATL service? We will see.
I’ve heard from multiple people we should get more frequency but now that we are into January, I’m getting nervous about it.
I think a lot of airports our size are in wait mode for the A321XLR that keeps getting pushed back. United, AA, Aer Lingus, JetBlue,Frontier all have it on order. Although I’d guess Frontier is more to fly south than Europe.
I've been checking KMOX website. It was a "featured" 3rd story in on the news times yesterday January 3. I just happened to catch it. But KMOXs website is the worst IMO. Very few local stories get posted that are not AP written on there it seems like. But I know they normally post podcast of the PM Total Info... so waiting to see if the AM will be posted. Maybe email them to post too.jshank83 wrote: ↑Jan 04, 2023Was it today? Do you have a link to it?matguy70 wrote: ↑Jan 03, 2023KMOX Total Information AM (at 8:05 / 9:05 news) had a segment on Lufthansa's success in STL. "St. Louis embraces EU Flights"
Rhonda was interviewed and she confirmed that June/July/August/Sept/October were all over 90 percent full flights outbound and inbound. November/December was 86-88 percent full. She expects Lufthansa will increase flights in Spring.
Of the travelers on the first 7 months: approximately 12% of passengers per flight inbound are connecting onto United in Terminal 1 in STL. Over 50% outbound passengers are connecting to other destinations in EU/other when landing in FRA. Approximately 20 percent inbound STL passengers are foreigners coming to STL.
Rhonda also said the Lufthansa is selling Business Class out consistently (which on the A330-300 now has two areas) and STL is seeing the largest volume of Business class bookings than other US Markets.
Side note: We booked BIZ Class both ways this last week (both flights were completely sold out on Dec 25 and Jan 1). Lufthansa is the nicest airline I have ever flown (internationally I have flown all the legacy US carriers as well as Iberia, AirEuropa, BritishAir, FinAir, El Al, and the defunct Alitalia). The food, service impeccable and planes clean and well appointed. Another note: when boarding in EU or any other country in the world for that matter, airlines (including US carriers) have horrible boarding "rules"... your group boarding number means nada... everyone crams up and just starts going on - even if you are 1st/biz class or member class - I hate it! BUT, Lufthansa (like all all Germany) follows the rules - you line up in their lines - they are methodical and organized like you wouldn't believe. It was amazing (both in FRA and in MADRID on both connections). Kudos to Lufthansa.
Side note #2: Will STL see another carrier line up for service to EU or other international cross TATL service? We will see.
I’ve heard from multiple people we should get more frequency but now that we are into January, I’m getting nervous about it.
I think a lot of airports our size are in wait mode for the A321XLR that keeps getting pushed back. United, AA, Aer Lingus, JetBlue,Frontier all have it on order. Although I’d guess Frontier is more to fly south than Europe.
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I'm curious, after seeing some airports open in other cities with more modest price tags, why is our airport slated to cost $3 billion?
Is it because there is more infrastructure work on it compared to, say, Kansas City, where they're getting a new airport for half the cost? Granted, Kansas City's airport will have 39 gates and St. Louis' will have 62.
I think I read somewhere that they are considering re-doing how Metrolink interacts with the airport, and that they might even use the current tracks for a people mover, but I can't find that last part in any articles this morning.
Did I fever dream that or something when I had the flu a few weeks ago?
Is it because there is more infrastructure work on it compared to, say, Kansas City, where they're getting a new airport for half the cost? Granted, Kansas City's airport will have 39 gates and St. Louis' will have 62.
I think I read somewhere that they are considering re-doing how Metrolink interacts with the airport, and that they might even use the current tracks for a people mover, but I can't find that last part in any articles this morning.
Did I fever dream that or something when I had the flu a few weeks ago?
^ You may have seen my comment from several days ago.
People movers of any kind are not being explored, they were considered for several other terminal options that were rejected. MetroLink stations will remain as is, at least according to the WSP representative during the December 15th briefing.
People movers of any kind are not being explored, they were considered for several other terminal options that were rejected. MetroLink stations will remain as is, at least according to the WSP representative during the December 15th briefing.
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If we are consolidating to a single terminal I would appreciate if they could improve the metro station a bit. Make it somewhat indoors or at least better protected from the elements.
I've always thought the T1 station was pretty great as far as your typical airport train station went. Its existing placement is well suited for a consolidated terminal that will use the existing T1 processor (domes). It can't be anymore than a 500' or so walk from the platform to the ticketing hall. I'm also a fan of the long windowed hallway that looks out onto the airfield, a view that will only get better with a new terminal.
Compare that with some other larger cities. Like a nearly 10 minute walk from the Orange Line to the Midway terminal in Chicago. Even in NYC you have to ride a separate "AirTrain" from JFK before you can even transfer to the local subway lines (thanks Robert Moses!). You'll have to do the same at LAX by 2024. LGA doesn't even have rail service. Most of our peer cities have no rail connection to their airports either.
Still, I would definitely support a minor "refresh" of the T1 station as part of the new terminal project. New fixtures, platform concrete fixes, and most importantly an extended canopy. But I wouldn't go too far, don't fix what isn't broken. Here's a very rudimentary photoshop of the extended CWE canopy on the airport station. I'd say this would be plenty as far as weather protection (plus the multicolored lights would be a nice touch). You could also have real-time train arrival and departure info inside the terminal where people could wait if the weather is bad.
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Compare that with some other larger cities. Like a nearly 10 minute walk from the Orange Line to the Midway terminal in Chicago. Even in NYC you have to ride a separate "AirTrain" from JFK before you can even transfer to the local subway lines (thanks Robert Moses!). You'll have to do the same at LAX by 2024. LGA doesn't even have rail service. Most of our peer cities have no rail connection to their airports either.
Still, I would definitely support a minor "refresh" of the T1 station as part of the new terminal project. New fixtures, platform concrete fixes, and most importantly an extended canopy. But I wouldn't go too far, don't fix what isn't broken. Here's a very rudimentary photoshop of the extended CWE canopy on the airport station. I'd say this would be plenty as far as weather protection (plus the multicolored lights would be a nice touch). You could also have real-time train arrival and departure info inside the terminal where people could wait if the weather is bad.
I also like the T1 station too, but you think it could be redone to make it more inviting or unique to our region and the airport? Maybe some art projects or a unique station design could help with shining a light on both the redesigned airport as a regional gem and our light rail system with the connectivity it offers to travelers looking for a way into downtown or other parts of our region.
It might seem a bit much given that the station wouldn't connect directly with the new part of the terminal but it would be pretty cool to see such a thing!
It might seem a bit much given that the station wouldn't connect directly with the new part of the terminal but it would be pretty cool to see such a thing!
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The new structures will be mostly or entirely airside, so you'd have to clear security to get to them. The tracks and platforms are basically on a bridge that looks to be completely structurally independent from the airport buildings. No real reason you couldn't build more or less anything you want around them, seeing as they connect with a small landside extension of one of the old concourses slated for demolition. You could build a new holding area, new restrooms, a new lounge . . . whatever. Basically build it surrounding the end of the bridge.
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could we woo (or would we want to) breeze airlines to STL/BLV?
Breeze Airways, ultra low-cost US carrier from JetBlue founder
https://www.flybreeze.com
Breeze Airways, ultra low-cost US carrier from JetBlue founder
https://www.flybreeze.com
A Reddit comment has ignited a fury of rumors on Airliners that a second legacy carrier is in the works for STL.
Anyone care to elaborate?
Anyone care to elaborate?
What about a new covered station that goes a few hundred more feet in to a unified car rental facility?
Checked out the thread on Airliners. Some calling BS, but if true (big if) BA makes the most most sense. LH pretty much overlaps KLM and Air France. Since LH started service, I know (edit) three people who’ve traveled to London via Air Canada, United, American. And another traveling soon but not with LH, wants to fly into the country from the US. As I’ve posted before, I’m pretty certain LH is not greatly affecting STL- London travelers and that’s a sustainable number.addxb2 wrote: ↑Jan 05, 2023A Reddit comment has ignited a fury of rumors on Airliners that a second legacy carrier is in the works for STL.
Anyone care to elaborate?
Aer Lingus was mentioned as a potential legacy but, personally, not excited about a Dublin route when London would have greater economic impact.
My hope is LH goes to 4x week and BA starts with 3x service. That’s a good modest, attainable start to grow on.
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^^ Isn't that kind of the plan?
^^^ I'd love to hear about another legacy carrier at St. Louis.
Unrelated, but due to the overwhelming presence of Southwest Airlines at Lambert, I applied a Southwest Airlines credit card a few days before their unbelievable holiday screwup. Kind of regretting that decision right now.
I wish United or Delta would step up operations here.
^^^ I'd love to hear about another legacy carrier at St. Louis.
Unrelated, but due to the overwhelming presence of Southwest Airlines at Lambert, I applied a Southwest Airlines credit card a few days before their unbelievable holiday screwup. Kind of regretting that decision right now.
I wish United or Delta would step up operations here.
Was at a luncheon a month back and Jason Hall was a guest speaker. He did mention Lufthansa is very happy with the STL route but likely won't be expanding service beyond 3x week but pretty much only due to staffing shortages (a companywide problem). They could and may expand in the future if that is solved, but not expected in the near future.shadrach wrote: ↑Jan 05, 2023Checked out the thread on Airliners. Some calling BS, but if true (big if) BA makes the most most sense. LH pretty much overlaps KLM and Air France. Since LH started service, I know two people who’ve travel to London via Air Canada and United. And another traveling soon but not with LH, wants to fly into the country from the US. As I’ve posted before, I’m pretty certain LH is not greatly affecting STL- London travelers and that’s a sustainable number.addxb2 wrote: ↑Jan 05, 2023A Reddit comment has ignited a fury of rumors on Airliners that a second legacy carrier is in the works for STL.
Anyone care to elaborate?
Aer Lingus was mentioned as a potential legacy but, personally, not excited about a Dublin route when London would have greater economic impact.
My hope is LH goes to 4x week and BA starts with 3x service. That’s a good modest, attainable start to grow on.
He also did tease and say there would be an announcement in 2023 regarding another service to Europe. No specifics, no timeline, just said it was a "tease" for the attendees. Come to think of it, he didn't even say the word "Europe" but it was alongside talking about the LH route and its success so it was implied. Also didn't mention if it was a done deal or not, but the tone/comments made it seem like it was (but of course nothing is guaranteed or final until announced).
Couldn't find the Reddit thread but I would guess we are talking about the same thing here.
I know someone that is at day 8 of waiting on their luggage from Southwest.RockChalkSTL wrote: ↑Jan 05, 2023^^ Isn't that kind of the plan?
^^^ I'd love to hear about another legacy carrier at St. Louis.
Unrelated, but due to the overwhelming presence of Southwest Airlines at Lambert, I applied a Southwest Airlines credit card a few days before their unbelievable holiday screwup. Kind of regretting that decision right now.
I wish United or Delta would step up operations here.