Ruth Haines
St. Louis Lambert International Airport is not a very big airport, and travellers report that it usually takes under 15 minutes to get through security and to your gate. During peak travel periods, such as early mornings and evenings, wait times tend to be longer, but even then, travellers report wait times of up to 10 minutes. If you are connecting flights, a layover of 45-55 minutes is considered to be enough time, as the terminals are relatively small and linear. However, if you are checking luggage, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight to account for the time it takes to drop off your luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) |
| Airport Size | Small |
| Average Security Wait Time | 5-10 minutes (up to 15 minutes) |
| Peak Hours | Early mornings (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) and late afternoons to evenings (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM) |
| Off-Peak Hours | Late mornings to early afternoons and late evenings (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and after 8:00 PM) |
| Recommended Arrival Time for Domestic Flights | 2 hours before departure |
| Layover Duration | 45-55 minutes is sufficient |
| Terminals | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
| Shuttle Services | Free Terminal Shuttle between Exit 12 at both terminals |
| Parking Options | Lot A, Lot B, Lot C, Lot D, Lot E |
| Lost and Found | St. Louis Airport Police Department |
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What You'll Learn
- The St. Louis airport is small and can be traversed in 10 minutes
- A 55-minute layover is enough time to deplane, eat, and walk the concourse
- Peak hours at the airport are 5:00-8:00 and 4:00-7:00, with higher passenger volumes
- The airport offers a free 24-hour Terminal Shuttle between exits at both terminals
- The longest part of the airport day is when your gate is at the end of the terminal
The St. Louis airport is small and can be traversed in 10 minutes
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (IATA: STL) is the primary international airport serving metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Covering 3,793 acres of land, it is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Missouri. Despite its size, the airport can be traversed in 10 minutes, as attested to by several sources.
One source states that the Southwest Airlines concourse can be traversed in under 10 minutes, with the record being under 7 minutes. Another source mentions that the airport is "tiny" compared to others like Atlanta or Chicago. This is echoed by another commenter, who refers to the airport as a "baby airport".
The small size of the airport is advantageous for passengers with layovers, as they can easily reach their next gate within a short time. For example, one passenger with a 55-minute layover mentions that they had enough time to deplane, have a drink at a bar, walk down the concourse, and still have time to spare. Another passenger with a 45-minute layover on Southwest Airlines, which operates out of Terminal 2, mentions that it is "not an issue in the slightest" as the terminal is small and linear.
However, it is important to note that the time required for luggage transfer between connecting flights may vary. While the airport provides a lost and found section and baggage claim locations, some passengers have experienced delays in receiving their checked luggage. Therefore, while the St. Louis airport can be quickly navigated, the efficiency of luggage transfer should also be considered when assessing layover times.
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A 55-minute layover is enough time to deplane, eat, and walk the concourse
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the only major airport serving St. Louis and is located 12 miles from the city centre. It is used by airlines such as Southwest, American, United, Frontier, Delta, and Southern Airways Express.
A 55-minute layover at St. Louis Airport is enough time to deplane, eat, and walk the concourse. The airport is relatively small compared to others such as Atlanta or Chicago. One passenger even commented that they had a 20-minute layover in Dallas and were still able to make it from one end of the terminal to the other without running.
If you are travelling with Southwest, you will be in Terminal 2, which is very easy to navigate. Terminal 2 is also where you will find food options such as Shake Shack, Blue Note, and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. There is also a grab-and-go station outside a restaurant between gates 18 and 20, and another one at the big curve heading for gates 34+. However, it is important to be quick and efficient if you want to grab a bite to eat, and you may prefer to bring your own food to save time.
In addition to eating, you will have time to walk down the entire concourse and back to your gate. If your incoming and outgoing gates are close together, you may even have time to watch an episode of a TV show before boarding your next flight.
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Peak hours at the airport are 5:00-8:00 and 4:00-7:00, with higher passenger volumes
Peak hours at St. Louis Lambert International Airport are 5:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. During these times, the airport experiences higher passenger volumes due to the number of departing and arriving flights. As a result, security lines tend to be longer, and wait times can be longer too.
If you're travelling during peak hours, it's recommended that you arrive at the airport early to account for the longer wait times. You can also speed up your security process by ensuring that you have the necessary documents readily available, such as your boarding pass and identification. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with TSA guidelines and procedures, as well as packing your liquids and gels according to regulations, can contribute to a smoother experience.
The average wait time at St. Louis Lambert Airport is reported to be up to ten minutes. However, during peak travel periods, these wait times can extend. Off-peak hours at the airport are generally late mornings to early afternoons and late evenings, specifically between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and after 8:00 p.m., when passenger traffic is lighter.
The size of the airport also plays a role in determining the required layover time. St. Louis Airport is considered relatively small, making it easier to navigate within a short time frame. Individuals with personal experience at the airport have reported that a 55-minute layover is sufficient to deplane, walk the concourse, and even purchase snacks or drinks.
However, it's important to consider factors such as the time required for the airline to unload and load checked baggage for your connecting flight. While St. Louis Airport may be small, baggage claim processes can sometimes be lengthy. Therefore, when determining the ideal layover duration, it's crucial to take into account both the size of the airport and the potential time needed for baggage handling.
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The airport offers a free 24-hour Terminal Shuttle between exits at both terminals
The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is relatively small compared to other airports. Sources suggest that it is possible to traverse the Southwest Airlines concourse in under 10 minutes. The airport provides a free Terminal Shuttle service that runs 24 hours a day between Exit 12 at both terminals. This shuttle service is ideal for passengers who need to get between terminals or to and from the parking lots.
For those driving to the airport, Lot A is a good option if you want to keep your car close, and Lot B is recommended for long-term parking. Both lots offer shuttle services, with shuttles running every 8-15 minutes. If you're looking for the most cost-efficient option, consider long-term parking, which offers the best value.
When it comes to security wait times, travelers report average wait times of up to 10 minutes. However, during peak travel periods, such as early mornings and evenings, wait times tend to be longer due to higher passenger volumes. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least one to two hours before your flight to ensure a smooth experience.
Additionally, if you have checked luggage, keep in mind that most airlines require you to drop off your bags 45 minutes before your flight. The St. Louis Lambert International Airport also offers a lost and found section for any lost items, which can be accessed by contacting the airport police department.
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The longest part of the airport day is when your gate is at the end of the terminal
St. Louis Airport is not very big, and travellers with a layover can easily traverse the concourse in under 10 minutes. However, the longest part of the airport day is when your gate is at the end of the terminal, and you have to walk with your luggage. This can be a tiring and time-consuming process, especially if you have mobility limitations or heavy luggage.
When your gate is at the end of the terminal, you might have to walk a considerable distance, which can be challenging, especially if you are running late or have a tight connection. The walk can be even more daunting if you are travelling with children, have mobility issues, or are carrying multiple bags. In such cases, you can contact the information booth upon arrival and request an escort to be dispatched to your location.
Additionally, the time taken to walk to your gate can be further extended if you need to stop for food or use the restroom. The food lines at St. Louis Airport can be long, and the quality of the food has been described as terrible. Therefore, it is advisable to grab snacks from a convenience store like Hudson News or use one of the vending machines.
Furthermore, if you have checked baggage, you may need to factor in additional time for your luggage to be unloaded and loaded onto your connecting flight. Baggage claim and retrieval can sometimes take over an hour, and there is a risk of your luggage being misplaced or sent on a different flight. Tracking your bags through the airline's app can help alleviate some of the stress and keep you informed about their location.
Overall, while St. Louis Airport is relatively small, the time taken to reach your gate, especially if it is at the end of the terminal, can feel like the longest part of your airport experience, impacting your overall journey and potentially causing delays if you have a tight connection.
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Frequently asked questions
St. Louis Airport is relatively small, so a layover of 45-55 minutes should be enough time to get off the plane and connect with another flight. However, if you are changing airlines, this may involve a terminal change, which could take longer.
The average wait time to get through security at St. Louis Airport can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and passenger volume. On average, travellers report wait times of up to 10 minutes, but during peak travel periods, wait times can be longer. It is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and allow extra time if checking luggage, which must be dropped off 45 minutes in advance.
St. Louis Airport offers both long-term and short-term parking options. Long-term parking is available in Lot B, with a daily rate of $12 and shuttles running every 8-15 minutes. Lot D offers the lowest daily rate of $9, with shuttles running every 10 minutes. For short-term parking, Lot E is located east of Terminal 2 and offers similar rates to the terminal garages, but availability may be limited due to high demand.
