MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) is not just a regional transport hub, but a true discovery for travellers who value their time and comfort. Sharing runways with the legendary Scott Air Force Base, this airport offers a unique combination of civilian hospitality and military organisation. For many tourists, it has become a "secret gateway" to the region, allowing them to avoid the hustle and bustle of large metropolises and start their holiday in the most relaxed atmosphere possible.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport stands out from giant hubs with its approach to passenger service. Its main advantage is the absence of stress. Thanks to the compact terminal, the journey from the car park to the boarding gate takes mere minutes, and queues for security checks are a rarity here. This is an ideal choice for families with children and elderly people for whom minimizing walking distances is important.

Another important feature is its specialisation in value travel. The airport serves as a popular base for low-cost carriers offering direct flights to the sunny resorts of Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. Additionally, travellers often note the convenient and affordable parking located literally steps away from the terminal entrance doors, making travelling by private car extremely cost-effective.

If you need to contact the administration of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), please use the following contact details. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

• Official Website: www.flymidamerica.com. Here you will find flight schedules, information about services, parking, and the latest airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (618) 566-5200. Use this number for general enquiries regarding terminal operations.
• Airport Address: 9656 Air Terminal Drive, Mascoutah, Illinois 62258, USA. Please note that the airport is located in the city of Mascoutah, which is near Belleville.
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on social networks where you can follow updates. Search for official accounts under the name MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to luggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: for on-site assistance, please approach the information desk in the terminal or airline representatives. For general questions, you may call the enquiry service.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), located near the city of Belleville, serves as a convenient and modern aerial gateway to the region. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers several convenient ways to reach the terminal, suitable for various budgets and travel plans.

Public Transport: MetroLink

The most economical and one of the most convenient ways to get to the airport is the St. Louis MetroLink light rail system. The Shiloh-Scott station on the Red Line is located literally a few steps from the passenger terminal. This allows you to travel here without transfers from downtown St. Louis or even directly from the region's main airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The journey from downtown St. Louis will take approximately 45-50 minutes. Thanks to affordable ticket prices, MetroLink is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Taxis and Transfers

For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or in a group, you can always use taxi services or popular ride-sharing apps (such as Uber or Lyft). A car journey from downtown St. Louis usually takes 30-40 minutes, though time may vary depending on traffic conditions. Although the cost will be significantly higher than public transport, this option ensures "door-to-door" convenience. You can also pre-book a private transfer, guaranteeing a car will be available at the required time.

Car Rental

If you value freedom of movement and plan to explore the surroundings, renting a car is the best solution. Several major rental companies have counters at MidAmerica Airport, where you can both pick up and return a vehicle. The airport has convenient access to the major I-64 highway, making travel through Illinois and into neighbouring Missouri fast and comfortable. This option is ideal for those who wish to create their own itinerary across the USA.

Airport Parking

One of the key advantages of MidAmerica Airport is its simple and affordable parking. Unlike large aviation hubs, you won't have to waste time searching for a space or taking a shuttle from a remote lot here. Short-term and long-term parking zones are located directly in front of the terminal, within a few minutes' walk. Reasonable rates make driving to the airport in your own vehicle a very attractive option.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) is a small and modern airport designed for maximum passenger convenience. Its key feature is simplicity and efficiency, making it an excellent alternative to large and congested aviation hubs.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights. Thanks to its compact size and thoughtful layout, navigating here is very easy. The terminal building does not have complex passageways or multiple levels, which significantly reduces transit time. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings.

Departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other. Immediately upon entering the terminal, you will see the airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to a single security screening point. After control, you enter a small and comfortable departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located right here as well — after the aircraft lands, passengers proceed to the baggage claim hall, which is situated near the main entrance of the terminal.

One of the main advantages of MidAmerica Airport is the speed of all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time than in major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, in accordance with your airline's rules, typically 1.5–2 hours before departure.

Navigating the terminal requires no special effort: all zones are clearly marked with signs. You can walk from the entrance to the boarding gate in literally a few minutes. This makes MidAmerica Airport an ideal choice for travellers who value their time and prefer to avoid the bustle of large transport hubs.

The history of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), located in the city of Belleville, Illinois, is unique and closely tied to military aviation. The airport was built as a civilian addition to the existing Scott Air Force Base of the USA. The official opening for passenger flights took place in 1997. The primary goal of its creation was to increase the region's capacity and attract additional air traffic to the St. Louis metropolitan area, relieving the main Lambert Airport.

The initial years were challenging for the airport, as attracting major carriers proved to be a difficult task. However, over time, the airport found its niche by focusing on serving budget airlines. A key moment in its development was the start of cooperation with Allegiant Air, which turned MidAmerica into its regional hub, connecting it with popular tourist destinations in Florida and other states. This partnership led to significant growth in passenger traffic and proved the success of the secondary airport model.

In recent years, the airport has been undergoing a new stage of development. Significant modernisation and expansion of the passenger terminal have been carried out to improve comfort and increase capacity. Besides passenger transport, MidAmerica is actively developing cargo and industrial sectors. One of the most significant events in its recent history was the placement of production facilities for the Boeing company on its territory, where, notably, unmanned aerial vehicles for the US Navy are assembled. This highlights the unique dual status of the airport — as both a civilian and an industrial-military facility.

Among interesting facts from the history of MidAmerica Airport is its joint use of runways with one of the country's largest and oldest airbases. This synergy of civilian and military infrastructure is a distinctive feature of BLV. The airport is often cited as a successful example of a public-private partnership that was able to overcome initial difficulties and become an important transport hub for southern Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) offers passengers a basic but sufficient set of services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Being compact and uncongested, it provides a calm and convenient starting point for your journey.

Dining and Shopping: In the secure area of the airport, there is a café-grill where you can order hot dishes, sandwiches, salads, and beverages. This is the only dining establishment, but its menu is capable of satisfying the basic needs of travellers. There is also a small shop selling newspapers, magazines, snacks, and souvenirs.

Comfort and Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for passengers throughout the terminal. The departure lounge features convenient areas with power outlets and USB ports for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. There are no dedicated VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport; all passengers are served in a general, but spacious and clean, waiting area.

Financial and Special Services: ATMs are installed in the terminal, but currency exchange points are absent. For passengers with children, changing tables are equipped in the restrooms. The airport fully complies with accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. Assistance with boarding and moving through the terminal can be requested through your airline.

Accommodation and Business: There are no hotels directly within the airport building, however, a multitude of hotels to suit any taste and budget can be found a few minutes' drive away in the cities of O'Fallon and Shiloh. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) is a compact and convenient aviation hub, and its dining infrastructure fully reflects this status. There is no vast variety of restaurants here as found in large international hubs, yet everything necessary for a comfortable wait is available. The main dining points are concentrated in one location, making navigation very simple.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), passengers will find the airport's main establishment — Take-Offz Bar and Grill. This is a versatile venue that functions simultaneously as a café and restaurant. It is here that you can have a quick snack or a full lunch while waiting for your flight. In the area before security (landside), the choice is generally limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

The menu at Take-Offz Bar and Grill offers classic American cuisine. For a full meal, you can order burgers, sandwiches, pizza, or salads. If time is short, coffee, pastries, yogurts, and other ready-made snacks are available for a quick bite. Although you won't find iconic St. Louis dishes like toasted ravioli here, the hearty and familiar food will help pass the time before your flight.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements should note that choices may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find a salad or vegetable sandwich on the menu. However, options for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, are practically non-existent. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to eat before arriving at the airport or to bring food with you.

The price range at Take-Offz Bar and Grill corresponds to the average level for US airports — slightly higher than in city establishments. Opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule: the café opens a couple of hours before the first departure and closes after the last plane departs. This ensures that passengers on any flight can make use of its services.

To ensure your journey through MidAmerica St. Louis Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. By following these recommendations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and save time in the city of Belleville, USA.

Arrival Time and Check-in. MidAmerica Airport is relatively small, which often means shorter queues. Nevertheless, the standard rule remains in force: arrive 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. To speed up the process, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or to security if you are travelling light.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage. Prepare your documents in advance: ID and boarding pass. Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics will likely need to be removed from your bag. Do not place sharp objects or flammable substances in your hand luggage. Power banks are permitted, but they must be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If the airline allows you to select a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats are for lovers of beautiful views, while aisle seats are for those who wish to stand up freely. Seats in the front of the cabin will allow you to disembark faster upon arrival. If you have a connecting flight, thanks to the compact size of MidAmerica Airport, you will be able to reach the required gate quickly. Immediately upon arrival, check the information board for details about your next flight.

How to Save Money. To save on water, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated, so you can bring permitted snacks (for example, nuts, bars, biscuits) with you. If you are arriving by car, study the parking options and book a space online — this is often cheaper.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Find out about your rights to compensation, provision of meals, or a hotel (in case of a long delay). Use this time to rest, charge your gadgets, or have a snack at the airport café.