Flying with Southwest? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Southwest Terminal at STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), the largest and busiest airport in Missouri, serves as a major gateway to the Midwest. Among the most popular carriers at STL is Southwest Airlines, which maintains a significant presence here and provides travelers with extensive domestic coverage and a few international connections.

If you're flying with Southwest Airlines to or from STL, it’s essential to understand the layout, services, and amenities of its designated terminal. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the southwest terminal stl—from check-in and security to lounges, food options, transportation, and insider tips for a smooth travel experience.

Overview of St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
Before diving into the specifics of Southwest’s terminal, let’s understand the general structure of STL:

Location: 10701 Lambert International Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63145

Airport Code: STL

Terminals: STL consists of two primary terminals—Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Terminal 1: Houses most domestic and international carriers.

Terminal 2: Exclusively home to Southwest Airlines and its entire STL operation.

Southwest Airlines at STL: Terminal 2
All Southwest Airlines flights at STL operate from Terminal 2, making it incredibly easy for passengers to navigate. This exclusive setup ensures a smooth and consistent experience for travelers, with operations streamlined under one roof.

Quick Facts:
Terminal Used: Terminal 2

Gates Used: E Gates (E2–E40)

Check-in Counters: Directly inside Terminal 2, near the entrance

Baggage Claim: Ground level of Terminal 2

Security Checkpoint: One central checkpoint for all Southwest passengers

Getting to Terminal 2
By Car:
Driving Directions: Access Terminal 2 via Interstate 70 or Interstate 170. Follow signs for Lambert Airport and then for Terminal 2.

Parking: The most convenient options include:

Terminal 2 Parking Garage (connected to the terminal)

Lot D Economy Parking, which offers shuttle service to both terminals

By Public Transit:
The MetroLink Red Line stops at both terminals. Terminal 2’s station provides easy access to Southwest gates.

Rideshare & Taxi:
Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis can drop passengers off at the Departures curb outside Terminal 2. Pickups are also designated in the same vicinity on the Arrivals level.

Check-In & Baggage at Terminal 2
Southwest Airlines’ check-in area at Terminal 2 is designed for efficiency and ease of use:

Check-In Options:
Self-Service Kiosks: Located near the entrance for speedy check-in and bag tagging

Full-Service Counters: Friendly staff can assist with check-in, boarding passes, and any luggage issues

Mobile App Check-In: Check in online and proceed straight to security if traveling without checked bags

Baggage:
Southwest allows two free checked bags per passenger, a unique perk compared to other U.S. carriers.

Oversized baggage and items like strollers or sports equipment are handled near the regular check-in counters.

TSA Security at Terminal 2
Terminal 2 features a single security checkpoint, which simplifies navigation but can lead to lines during peak travel hours. Here are tips for a smoother experience:

Best Times to Arrive: Arrive at least 90 minutes early for domestic flights and 2 hours for international routes.

TSA PreCheck: Available at this terminal and clearly marked; often shorter than the regular lines.

CLEAR Service: Currently not available at STL, so travelers relying on CLEAR should plan accordingly.

Gates and Boarding Process
Once past security, passengers enter the E Concourse, exclusively used by Southwest Airlines. Gates are well-marked and include ample seating.

Southwest Boarding Style:
Open seating based on boarding group (A, B, C) and number (1–60)

Tips to Board Early:

Check in exactly 24 hours in advance

Purchase EarlyBird Check-In

Opt for Business Select fares

Dining and Shopping at Terminal 2
While Terminal 2 is smaller than Terminal 1, it offers a solid range of food, drinks, and shopping options to keep travelers entertained and satisfied.

Dining Highlights:
The Great American Bagel Bakery: Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Schlafly Beer Bar: Local St. Louis craft beer and pub food in a relaxing environment.

The Pasta House Co. Express: A taste of Italian comfort food before your flight.

Starbucks: Grab your coffee fix or a light bite.

Shopping Options:
Hudson News: Magazines, books, travel essentials

Tech on the Go: Chargers, headphones, gadgets

St. Louis-themed souvenir shops: Pick up memorabilia and gifts

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminal 2, with no sign-up required.

Charging stations and outlets are located near most gates and throughout the seating areas.

Accessibility Services
Southwest Airlines and STL provide a wide range of accessibility features to ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers:

Wheelchair Assistance: Request in advance through Southwest or upon arrival at the terminal.

Elevators & Ramps: Available throughout Terminal 2

Service Animal Relief Area: Located outside baggage claim

TDD Phones: Installed for hearing-impaired passengers

Family and Pet-Friendly Amenities
Traveling with kids or pets? Terminal 2 makes it relatively easy.

For Families:
Family Restrooms are available near security and boarding areas.

Changing Tables in all restrooms

Kid-Friendly Dining Options like bagels, pizza, and snacks

For Pets:
Pet Relief Areas: Located outside the terminal near the arrivals curb

Southwest allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in carriers under seats

Transportation After Arrival
Baggage Claim:
Located on the ground level of Terminal 2, easily accessible from your arrival gate.

Ground Transport:
Rental Car Counters: Access via shuttle to the Rental Car Center

Hotel Shuttles: Many area hotels offer complimentary pickup

Taxis & Rideshare: Clearly marked areas outside baggage claim

Popular Southwest Routes from STL
Southwest offers nonstop service from St. Louis to numerous major U.S. cities:

Top Domestic Destinations:
Chicago Midway (MDW)

Denver (DEN)

Las Vegas (LAS)

Orlando (MCO)

Phoenix (PHX)

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Seasonal & Weekend Getaways:
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

San Diego (SAN)

Nashville (BNA)

Limited International Routes:
Although limited, STL offers some Southwest international flights via connections.

Tips for Smooth Travel from STL Terminal 2
Use the Southwest App: Check gate changes, flight status, and boarding position.

Arrive Early: Terminal 2 can become busy during the day, especially early mornings and late afternoons.

Pack Smart: Take advantage of Southwest's generous baggage policy.

Eat Before Boarding: While Southwest offers snacks, full meals aren’t served in-flight.

Monitor Weather: Midwestern storms can sometimes delay departures—always check forecasts.

Pros and Cons of Flying Southwest from STL
✅ Pros:
Exclusive use of Terminal 2 simplifies logistics

Generous baggage allowance

Multiple nonstop routes

Friendly customer service

Family and pet-friendly terminal

❌ Cons:
Terminal 2 has fewer food and shopping options than Terminal 1

No CLEAR lanes or premium lounges

Limited international service

Future Developments at STL Terminal 2
STL has plans to gradually improve both terminals. For Terminal 2, the focus is on modernizing interiors, expanding gate capacity, and enhancing traveler amenities, all of which will benefit Southwest passengers.

Keep an eye out for:

Expanded food choices

Updated gate signage and displays

Potential integration of CLEAR services

Final Thoughts
Flying Southwest Airlines from St. Louis Lambert International Airport’s Terminal 2 is a generally smooth and traveler-friendly experience. The terminal’s exclusive Southwest usage makes it easier to navigate, with shorter lines and a consistent layout.

Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or visiting family across the country, you’ll appreciate the simplicity, efficiency, and Midwestern hospitality of Southwest’s operations at STL.

So, next time you're flying through Southwest's STL terminal, arrive early, grab a coffee, enjoy the open seating, and rest easy knowing you're in one of the most streamlined airline terminals in the region.