Fly American from Portland to St. Louis

My journey began nestled in the lush valley between the east bank of the Willamette River and west side of the Cascade Range – the picturesque Portland, Oregon. It's a place where nature and innovation intertwine; where the pace of life is unhurried, but opportunities are abound. From there, my destination was set for St. Louis, Missouri. The majestic arching city that overlooks the mighty Mississippi River, where midwestern charm seamlessly mingles with the metropolitan hustle.

Now, plan as I might, I discovered that when it comes to airfare, flexibility is key. Professional advice suggests that the best time to book domestic flights is roughly 70 days before departure, but naturally, life often fails to offer such foresight. I found myself in need of last-minute flights, weaving through countless listings of flight deals and airline reviews. While scouring these options, my vocabulary was enriched with industry lingo: round-trip, one-way, premium economy, and so forth.

A friend, however, who is a frequent flyer with American Airlines counseled me to consider connecting flights, a concept which initially, I was opposed to thinking about the potential layovers. He, however, swayed me stating that as a savvy traveler, considering such an option is a good choice. Not merely for the possibility of lower costs, but also the chance to momentarily disembark, stretch your legs, and even explore another city if time permits.

Opting for American Airlines, I was soon greeted with the detailed flight schedule. There were options aplenty; red-eye flights, direct flights, non-stop journeys to St. Louis. An array of daunting options soon ebbed away after realizing the thorough explanation of each category. I opted for a non-stop flight. The idea of flying straight into the heart of America's beloved gateway city was thrilling.

American's in-flight services, I learned, caters to all types of travelers, whether economy class like myself or those luxuriating in first-class. I was also informed about their baggage allowance policy, reminding myself to check every little detail of my suitcase in order to avoid last-minute surprises. A seemingly mundane point, yet one never truly appreciates it until one encounters an unexpected fee for exceeding a weight limit.

Despite taking a non-stop flight, the flight duration from Portland to St. Louis was comfortable. Much as I would like to take credit for my equanimity, it was more a testament to the exceptional service of American Airlines. From the helpful ground staff in Portland to the congenial cabin crew, every interaction was a reinforcing reminder of why American is considered a leading airline.

In my experience, the journey