Alaska Airlines started daily nonstop flights connecting St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and Portland International Airport (PDX) on May 13, introducing a direct travel option between the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.
The service runs once daily in both directions through October. Flight 338 arrives in St. Louis at 4:37 p.m., while Flight 337 departs Lambert for Portland at 5:33 p.m. Alaska Airlines is deploying Boeing 737‑9 Max aircraft for the route. The service is scheduled through October 2, 2026, offering months of nonstop connectivity.
New Coast-to-City Travel Options
The Portland route adds to Alaska Airlines’ existing nonstop flights from St. Louis to Seattle, providing additional direct access to the Pacific Northwest. Airport officials described the new flight as an expansion of available options for travelers seeking direct connections between the Midwest and West Coast.
Lambert International serves more than 15 million passengers each year and supports both domestic and seasonal international flights. The airport operates as an Enterprise Fund Department of the City of St. Louis and maintains infrastructure and services funded through airport user fees.
Airline and Airport Statements
Alaska Airlines emphasized that the service enhances connections for passengers traveling through Portland to destinations across the United States, Hawaii, and South Pacific regions. The airline confirmed Boeing 737‑9 Max aircraft will operate the flights, a model used widely across domestic routes.
Airport Director Rhonda Hamm‑Niebruegge noted Portland’s cultural and recreational offerings. Officials highlighted that the route could provide a streamlined travel experience, allowing passengers to reach Portland directly without the need for connecting flights.
Flight Distance, Timing, and Scheduling
The nonstop route covers approximately 1,700 miles. Flight duration averages around four hours, aligning with typical coast-to-midwest air travel. Departure and arrival times are consistent for the daily flights, supporting same-day travel in both directions.
Other carriers operate seasonal direct flights between St. Louis and Portland, but Alaska’s daily nonstop schedule offers uninterrupted service through the summer and early fall months.
Portland’s Expanding Role in Alaska Airlines Network
Portland International Airport continues to serve as a major departure point for Alaska Airlines, with flights to numerous destinations across the United States. The addition of St. Louis supports seasonal network growth, complementing flights to destinations such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Idaho Falls, and other U.S. cities.
The airport maintains a mix of seasonal and year-round services. The new St. Louis route is part of broader network updates for the 2026 travel season, reflecting schedule adjustments across the airline’s domestic system.
Operational Details and Passenger Access
The daily flights are conducted using Boeing 737‑9 Max aircraft. Timetables indicate flights depart Portland in the late afternoon and arrive in St. Louis in the early evening. The return leg departs Lambert shortly thereafter, creating a schedule suitable for travelers seeking direct and convenient itineraries.
The nonstop service allows passengers to avoid connecting flights, enabling a single-aircraft journey in both directions. This scheduling supports direct travel between the Midwest and Pacific Northwest while integrating with Alaska Airlines’ wider network for onward connections.
Seasonal Service and Network Context
Alaska Airlines’ seasonal scheduling reflects adjustments to passenger demand and operational planning for domestic routes. The St. Louis–Portland flights complement existing Pacific Northwest routes from Lambert International, including Seattle, and provide expanded options for both business and leisure travelers.
Airline and airport officials emphasized the reliability of the schedule, noting consistent daily departures and arrivals. The flights are part of Alaska Airlines’ larger efforts to expand nonstop service from key airports, offering direct access to regional destinations and connecting hubs.
Passenger Experience and Connectivity
Passengers traveling between St. Louis and Portland now have direct access without layovers, streamlining travel between the Midwest and the West Coast. The flights fit within Alaska Airlines’ broader hub-based network, providing access to additional destinations through Portland.
Consistent departure and arrival times support planning for same-day travel, and the nonstop schedule reduces transit time compared with itineraries requiring connections. The route contributes to increased travel options from St. Louis, enhancing convenience for both regular and seasonal travelers.
