St. Louis Airport: A Hub Of Nonstop Action

St. Louis Lambert International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. In 2019, it served nearly 16 million passengers and in 2023, there were more than 270 daily departures to 80 nonstop domestic and international locations. The airport covers 3,793 acres of land and is located 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. It provides nonstop service to destinations throughout the United States and to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. The airport has two terminals, five concourses, and 54 gates. While the airport can be busy, especially during peak hours, it generally flows well, and security wait times are typically not too long. However, it is always recommended to arrive early and check for any delays or changes to your flight schedule.

Security wait times

St. Louis Lambert International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. In 2019, it served nearly 16 million passengers. The airport covers 3,793 acres of land and is located 14 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis.

The airport has two terminals, five concourses, and 54 gates. Terminal 1 contains 36 gates across two concourses, lettered A and C, and Terminal 2 contains 18 gates across one concourse, lettered E.

The security wait times at St. Louis Lambert International Airport can vary depending on several factors. The TSA recommends that passengers arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled flight departure time to account for possible delays. While there is no definitive information on the average security wait times at the airport, estimates suggest that it usually takes around 15-20 minutes to get through the security checkpoints. However, these wait times can fluctuate due to unforeseen circumstances.

To ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process, St. Louis Lambert International Airport offers various options, including CLEAR, Standard, and TSA PreCheck. CLEAR Plus is a membership service that provides expedited security screening through dedicated lanes, helping travellers save time and avoid long lines. TSA PreCheck is another program that offers expedited screening, allowing passengers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and carry compliant liquids in their bags.

Additionally, several factors can influence the overall airport experience and wait times. These include the time of day, day of the week, and flight schedule. For example, early morning flights, particularly those before 6:00 am, tend to have shorter security lines. In contrast, the airport is in full swing by 6:30 am, and security lines may be longer during this time.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider the check-in and baggage drop-off process, especially if checking in luggage. Airlines typically require luggage to be checked in 45 minutes to an hour before departure. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes to two hours before the scheduled flight to account for any potential delays and ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Overall, while St. Louis Lambert International Airport is a busy transportation hub, travellers can minimise potential delays by arriving early, enrolling in expedited screening programs, and staying updated on their airline's specific recommendations and requirements.

TSA PreCheck

St. Louis Lambert International Airport offers a range of options to streamline your journey through the airport. One of the most well-known programs is TSA PreCheck, which is available at specific terminals and gates within the airport. With TSA PreCheck, passengers can enjoy expedited security screening, allowing them to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and carry laptops and compliant liquids in their bags during checks.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can visit an enrolment centre or pre-enrol online. Enrolment centres are located across the US, and you can find the closest one by entering your zip code on the official website. Alternatively, you can pre-enrol online and then complete your application at the airport.

In addition to TSA PreCheck, St. Louis Lambert International Airport also offers other options to expedite your security screening process. CLEAR Plus is a membership service that provides dedicated lanes at checkpoints, helping you save time and avoid long lines. With CLEAR Plus, you can add family members to your membership and enjoy seamless travel at 58 airports nationwide.

When planning your arrival time at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, it is recommended to consider various factors. While security wait times are estimated based on historical data and staffing schedules, they can vary due to unforeseen circumstances. It is generally advised to arrive at the airport well ahead of your scheduled flight departure time to account for any potential delays. Additionally, each airline has its own recommended and mandatory arrival times, so be sure to check with your airline for specific guidelines.

CLEAR Plus

At Terminal 1, CLEAR Plus lanes are available at Checkpoint A and Checkpoint C. Checkpoint A operates from 4:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday to Friday, and 4:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Checkpoint C is open from 4:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.

Terminal 2 also offers CLEAR lanes for both PreCheck-eligible travellers and standard security travellers. The CLEAR lanes at Terminal 2 operate from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

Lost and Found

If you've lost an item at St. Louis Airport, there are a few options available to you, depending on where you lost the item.

Items Lost in Airport Terminals

If you suspect that you lost an item within the airport terminal (excluding security checkpoint areas, immigration and customs areas, airline lounges, or items left on an airplane), you should contact the Airport Police Department directly on (314) 890-1370. They can be reached Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Central Time.

Items Lost at Security Checkpoint Areas

For items lost at a TSA security checkpoint, you can report the loss using the TSA Lost and Found Form. You can also call the TSA office at St. Louis Airport on (314) 595-0423 to inquire about your lost item.

Items Lost on the Plane

If you believe you left an item on the aircraft, you can return to the gate you disembarked from, if security procedures allow. Alternatively, if there is a Lost and Found desk at the airport, you can report your lost item there. You can also visit the luggage/baggage services desk for your airline, which is typically located in the baggage claim area. If these options are not feasible, you can contact your airline directly to report your lost item.

Lost Checked Baggage

If your checked baggage does not appear on the carousel within a reasonable amount of time, you should report it to your airline's luggage/baggage services desk immediately. They will assist in tracking your lost baggage.

General Tips

• Act quickly when you realise you've lost an item, as the airport is a busy place and your item may be taken or moved.
• Provide as much detail as possible when reporting your lost item, including your name and contact details, date and time of travel, airline used, and a comprehensive description of the item, including brand, colour, size, unique features, etc.
• If you've lost sensitive items like passports or electronics, be sure to mention this when reporting the loss.
• Inquire about the handling of unclaimed items and any legal notices related to lost and found items.
• Be aware of third-party services that may charge unauthorized fees for lost and found services.

Parking

For those seeking the most affordable parking option, Lot D is a good choice, with a daily rate of $9.00. It is conveniently located off I-70 and offers a free shuttle service that runs 24 hours a day, with pick-ups every 10 minutes.

When parking at St. Louis Airport, it is recommended to arrive early, especially for early morning flights, to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Frequently asked questions