Lambert-St Louis Airport (STL) Flights & Flight Status

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the largest airport in Missouri serving metro St. Louis. The airport connects to mostly domestic destinations, with a few exceptions like Cancun and Toronto. In 2022, STL reintroduced its first direct service to Europe in decades with a non-stop flight to Frankfurt on Lufthansa. For years now, it has been in need of major renovations which are finally happening: construction on a single modern terminal to replace the two existing ones is scheduled to begin in 2026. These tips will help you make the most of it until then.

Tips to enjoy St. Louis Airport terminals

St. Louis Airport has two terminals, connected through a free 24-hour shuttle. Terminal 1 handles most airlines like Delta and American, while Terminal 2 services Southwest and Lufthansa. Both terminals can get busy, but I find Terminal 2 extra uncomfortable at times due to how popular Southwest is.

Terminal 1 was last upgraded more than a decade ago and going through its ticketing area with restored vaulted ceilings and skylights is one of the things I enjoy about STL. That changes post-security where both terminals can get cramped and crowded at peak times. During off-peak hours, the airport is often eerily empty. I recommend avoiding flights that arrive and depart during the busiest times – early mornings and afternoons.

If I must travel during peak hours, I sometimes stop at Vino Volo (near Gate A3 at Terminal 1 and Gate E18 at Terminal 2). In my experience, this wine bar doesn’t get as full as other places, perhaps due to the fact that St. Louis is such a beer town.

I usually travel just with a carry-on, but if you’re checking bags, expect more wait time, particularly at Terminal 2. It has only two baggage claim lanes, which is too small for the amount of traffic it handles. STL offers luggage carts, but unlike other airports around the world, this service is not free: it costs about the same as a latte in a major US city.

Navigating security lines at STL

Going through security at STL can be a hit or miss. Some days, the security lines move fast, while others, they can be painfully slow. I make full use of my TSA pre-check status (there is a pre-check enrollment center at Terminal 1), but even pre-check lines can take up to 30 minutes at peak times to get through.

Clear PLUS membership, which offers expedited screening through biometrics identification, is another option that is accepted at both terminals. Clear might make even more sense if you go on frequent international trips. Unlike TSA pre-check, it can be used at a number of international airports, including Frankfurt and Heathrow.

Terminal 1 is bigger than Terminal 2 and there are a couple of confusing quirks here. First, security checkpoints are located on the lower level where you claim your luggage. There are elevators to the left and center of ticketing area entrances, but if you’re expecting to go through security on the upper level, they can be easy to miss.

And second, Concourses A and C at Terminal 1 are not connected, so be sure to check which gate you’re flying from, as each concourse will have its own security entrance area. A gates are located to the far left of the lower level and C gates to the far right.

Car options at STL

Getting in and out of St. Louis Airport by car can be problematic at peak hours when poor layout of the airport roads results in congested lanes. Still, if I’m feeling particularly tired and need door-to-door service, I go for a ride app like Uber or Lyft. Cabs service STL as well, but I tend to use the apps more often for two reasons: comparable cost and convenience.

Outside of surge pricing, a ride app can cost the same or even cheaper than a cab. It’s also a bit more convenient: at Terminal 1, cabs are located on the lower level across a parking garage, while the ridesharing pick-up is curbside, by Door 6 at the upper level. At Terminal 2, the cab stand is located across the drive lanes near Door 12 on the lower level, while the ridesharing pick-up is curbside by Door 11.

If you’re planning to stay outside of major urban areas, renting a car might be a good option – after all, this is a city where everyone drives. The rental car offices are located off site; free shuttle service at both terminals will get you there. Be sure to reserve your vehicle ahead of time as this is a popular option and cars tend to get sold out if you wait until the last minute.

Best way to get into the city

My favorite airport transport option is MetroLink, especially if you want to avoid rush hour traffic. MetroLink is a great (if underappreciated) St. Louis light rail system that has two lines, Blue and Red. You’ll use the Red Line, which connects the airport to famous St. Louis areas like Delmar Loop, Central West End and downtown.

MetroLink access at both terminals is quite convenient. At Terminal 1, the station entry is located by Entrance/Exit 2 on the far right of the ticketing area. It’s a bit more of a walk at Terminal 2, where you’ll have to cross the open-air parking garage on the departures level (look for the blue MetroLink signs to guide you along the way).

There is also bus service at STL. The Bus Port central hub, located a shuttle-ride away from both terminals, picks up Greyhound and MetroBus passengers. I wouldn’t waste my time on it as the MetroLink costs about the same as the MetroBus and is much easier to access.

Things to do at the airport

Local dining scene

Airport food is rarely great. Thankfully, STL has a number of decent options at each terminal that are local to the city. In my experience, Terminal 2 has better choices, including such St. Louis staples as the Tres Reyes restaurant between Gates E33 and E34 and the Urban Chestnut brewery by Gate E8.

Be aware that many of these spots close around 6pm or at last departure. If your flight is delayed or if you’re landing late, bring your snack with you. If you don’t mind bar food, a few spots stay open till 10pm, including the NASCAR Drafthouse at Terminal 1 and Eighteen 76 at Terminal 2.

A number of vending machines throughout the airport carry ultra-local products. I like getting a cup of chocolate frozen custard from Ted Drewes, a St. Louis institution, at either terminal. At Terminal 2, you can get a self-serve pizza at a kiosk from the St. Louis chain Crushed Red. The pizza itself is just ok, but it will do in a pinch.

Airport art

For an art lover like me, the most standout feature at STL is the airport art program with artworks exhibited throughout both terminals. One of my favorite permanent art pieces is a tile mural by the Taiwanese-American artist Amy Cheng called Nucleic Life Formations, located at the MetroLink station in Terminal 1 (one more reason to take the train).

Terminal 1 Arrivals has a small dedicated gallery space near Exit 11. I’ve seen a number of rotating exhibits here in the past, including photographs and rare books. At Terminal 2, between Gates E40 and E33, I sometimes stop by the row of large red rocking chairs. I could never quite decide if it’s art, amenity or both, but I enjoy it just the same.

Lounges at St. Louis Airport

St. Louis Airport has one lounge option at each terminal. Inside Terminal 1, there is an American Airlines Admirals Club to the left side at the entrance to Concourse C. This lounge is open to Admirals Club members, qualifying First and Business class customers, and certain Platinum status holders. It also accepts day passes, which cost double the typical lounge fee.

While I frequently fly American Airlines, I’ve never felt the need to become a member of the Admirals Club due to my Priority Pass membership (more on it below). In St. Louis, I’ve been tempted to get in several times, but the high day pass fee has always stopped me. Instead, I try to arrive just in time if I’m departing from Terminal 1 to minimize the time spent waiting inside.

If you’re a member of the Priority Access network, which gives access to lounges around the world through memberships with popular US credit cards, you can go to the Wingtips lounge opposite Gate E29 at Terminal 2. It’s not a particularly thrilling lounge, but it has served me well on a few occasions when the terminal was crowded.

One thing to keep in mind about Wingtips is that it is closed on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 1 and 3:30 pm to all passengers except elite Lufthansa flyers. It is also closed on Saturdays.