St. Louis Airport: A Traveler's Delight Or Disaster?

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is a large airport in the United States, serving the Midwest region. It is a 3-star regional airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food and beverages, staff service and security. The airport has two non-airside connected terminals. Terminal 1 has been refreshed and offers good natural light and a pleasant ambiance. Terminal 2 is crowded and dated but has good pre-security dining. The airport has efficient public transport connections.

The airport has received mixed reviews. Some travellers have praised the efficient staff, the variety of food and beverage options, and the ease of navigation. However, others have criticised the airport for its long baggage claim times, dirty restrooms, limited vegan food options, and poor staff service.

Cleanliness

St. Louis Lambert International Airport has been described as clean and pleasant by some, but horrible and undersized by others. The airport has been rated as a 3-star regional airport for cleanliness, among other things.

Some passengers have praised the airport's cleanliness, describing it as efficient and well-staffed. One traveller noted that the terminal was easy to navigate and that the staff "seemed to actually care about their jobs." Another reviewer mentioned that the airport was "clean/recently updated."

However, several other reviews paint a different picture, with some travellers describing the airport as horrible and disorganised. One passenger specifically mentioned the restrooms, describing them as "dirty and small," while another said the men's restroom "smelled of urine." The airport has also been described as undersized for the traffic it has, which may contribute to a perception of uncleanliness.

The airport's cleanliness may also vary between terminals, as one source notes that while Terminal 1 has been "refreshed" and offers "good natural light and a pleasant ambience", Terminal 2 remains "crowded and dated."

Efficiency of staff

The efficiency of staff at St. Louis Airport is a topic that has received mixed reviews. While some passengers have praised the staff for their exceptional service and compassion, others have criticised them for being unwelcoming and inefficient.

Positive Experiences

One traveller recounted an unforgettable experience where two outstanding Huntleigh USA Corporation employees, Arlando Bolden and his colleague, went above and beyond to ensure that the passenger made it to their destination smoothly, exemplifying the true spirit of customer service.

Negative Experiences

On the other hand, several reviews highlight instances of unhelpful and inefficient staff. One passenger shared their worst experience, where they were not welcomed by the staff and were scolded instead of receiving assistance with their luggage. Another passenger observed that the check-in line for Southwest was extremely long, with enough employees to shorten the line considerably, yet the staff merely stood around talking to each other. Similar sentiments were expressed by another traveller who described the situation as "afraid to lay off useless people".

Comparison to Other Airports

In comparison to other airports, St. Louis Airport's staff service and attitude have been described as "quite weak" by Skytrax, a company that provides star ratings for airports worldwide. This assessment is based on criteria such as staff attitude, courtesy, and language skills.

Overall Assessment

While there are conflicting reports about the efficiency of staff at St. Louis Airport, it is clear that improvements can be made to enhance the overall traveller experience. Providing adequate training and ensuring that staff are proactive in assisting passengers could help improve the airport's reputation in this regard.

Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and handles most of the airport's airline operations, including international flights. Terminal 2, on the other hand, is primarily used by Southwest Airlines and handles mainly domestic flights. Here is a more detailed comparison between the two terminals:

Terminal 1:

• Houses most of the airport's airline operations, including international flights.
• Has a spacious arrival and departure area with two levels.
• The upper level is for departures and has airline ticketing counters and access to the MetroLink station.
• The lower level is for arrivals and has baggage claim, shops, cafes, and access to concourses via security checkpoints.
• Concourses A and C offer a variety of dining and shopping options, including Starbucks, Budweiser Brew House, and Chillis.
• Concourse A has 15 gates, while Concourse C has 20 gates.
• Airlines operating from Terminal 1 include Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cape Air, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
• It has a children's play area and a lactation suite located near gate C3.
• Offers ample seating, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.
• Provides easy access to parking and transportation options, including the MetroLink light rail system.

Terminal 2:

• Is used primarily by Southwest Airlines and handles mainly domestic flights.
• Has customs and immigration facilities for international arrivals.
• Offers a variety of dining options, including California Pizza Kitchen, Urban Chestnut Brewery Bar, and Schlafly Beer Bar & Grill.
• Has two levels for arrivals and departures, with baggage claim and ground transportation access on the lower level.
• Concourse E has 18 gates and offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, including Burger King and Stella Artois Bar.
• Priority Pass members can access the Wingtips Lounge in Concourse E.
• Provides a USO Lounge for military personnel.
• Offers easy access to parking and transportation, including the MetroLink light rail station.

Overall, both terminals at St. Louis Lambert International Airport are well-equipped to handle the needs of millions of passengers travelling through each year. While Terminal 1 is larger and handles most international flights, Terminal 2 offers a more diverse range of dining options and is the primary hub for Southwest Airlines.

Food and beverage options

St. Louis Lambert International Airport has been described as average by travellers. While it has been praised for its drop-off/pick-up system, travellers have also complained about the long wait times for baggage claim, the lack of free internet, and the limited food options.

The airport has two non-airside connected terminals. Terminal 1 has been described as having good natural light and a pleasant ambiance, while Terminal 2 is said to be crowded and dated. However, Terminal 2 does offer good pre-security dining options.

Terminal 1

• Au Bon Pain or similar
• Shannon's
• Groundsomething - a burger place
• Vending machines serving Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Terminal 2 (East Terminal)

Various cafes and bars

Ease of wayfinding

Wayfinding at St. Louis Lambert International Airport is a mixed bag. The airport has two non-airside connected terminals. Terminal 1 has been described as offering good natural light and a pleasant ambiance, while Terminal 2 is said to be crowded and dated.

The airport has been described as "undersized for the traffic it has", with some passengers reporting that they found it difficult to navigate their way to the correct gate. One passenger stated that "the layout of the roads around the airport and signage are total crap. If you don't know exactly where to go, or if they make a change, you're taking your life into your hands." However, another passenger stated that "it's a piece of cake...security is a breeze most times", while another said that "it's pretty easy to navigate (though this is mainly because it is so tiny)".

The airport has been described as having "efficient" public transport connections, although one passenger stated that "rental cars are a bus ride away. That's not the end of the world, but I prefer airports that don't have that issue."

Frequently asked questions