I had a great experience at the Southwest Airlines STL Terminal. Check-in was fast and simple, with helpful staff available to assist. Security lines were moving quickly, so I didn't feel stressed or hurried. The terminal was clean, with ample seating and a good selection of food choices to get a bite to eat before boarding. The boarding process at Southwest was as usual, and the flight took off on schedule. Overall, the STL terminal experience makes flying with Southwest a hassle-free and pleasant experience!

Overview of Terminal 2

Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport is designated for international flights and is the primary base for Southwest Airlines. The terminal is structured across two main levels:

1. Lower Level (Arrivals): This level handles incoming passengers, featuring immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim areas, and access to ground transportation options.

2. Upper Level (Departures): Dedicated to departing flights, this level houses check-in desks, security checkpoints, and access to various gates. Passengers can also find a selection of food, beverage, and retail concessions here. The upper level provides access to Concourse E, which includes gates E2 through E33.
   Facilities and Services

To ensure a comfortable and efficient travel experience, Terminal 2 offers a variety of amenities:

1. Dining and Shopping: Passengers have access to numerous restaurants, cafeterias, and retail shops, including duty-free options.

2. Financial Services: The terminal is equipped with ATMs and currency exchange services to cater to travelers' financial needs.

3. Passenger Assistance: Information booths, language assistance, and wheelchair services are available to assist passengers requiring additional support.

4. Business Services: Spaces are available for rent, accommodating business meetings and social events.

5. Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, ensuring passengers can stay connected during their journey.

6. Lounges: The Wingtips Lounge, located in Terminal 2, offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, television, snacks, and drinks. Access passes start at $36 per person.
   Inter-Terminal Transportation

For passengers needing to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, the airport provides a free shuttle bus service operating 24 hours a day, with frequencies ranging from 8 to 15 minutes. Additionally, the MetroLink Red Line offers convenient transportation to downtown St. Louis, with stations accessible at both terminals.

Southwest Airlines' Expansion and Impact

Southwest Airlines has experienced significant growth at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. In October 2023, reports indicated that Southwest's operations had reached record levels, effectively positioning STL as a major connecting hub for the airline. Approximately 35% of Southwest's market share at STL consists of connecting flights, surpassing the Federal Aviation Administration's 25% threshold for hub designation.

This surge in traffic has prompted infrastructure developments to accommodate the increased passenger volume. A notable project includes a westward ground-level expansion of Terminal 2 to enhance baggage claim capacity for Southwest Airlines. The estimated $60 million project, financed through bond measures to be repaid by Southwest, is expected to be completed in 2025.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, there are plans for a comprehensive reconfiguration of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration approved a master plan in May 2023 that proposes consolidating the airport's operations into a single terminal. This project aims to integrate Southwest Airlines into Terminal 1, streamline passenger flow, and expand amenities. The proposed terminal would increase parking capacity from approximately 2,000 to nearly 8,000 garage spots and enhance concession and retail spaces by 60%. While negotiations with airlines and environmental assessments are ongoing, the projected completion date for this nearly $3 billion expansion is set for 2031.

Conclusion

Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating Southwest Airlines' operations, offering passengers a range of services and amenities to ensure a pleasant travel experience. The terminal's continuous evolution, marked by infrastructure expansions and proposed future developments, reflects the airport's commitment to accommodating increasing passenger volumes and enhancing operational efficiency. As Southwest Airlines continues to expand its presence at STL, Terminal 2 remains integral to connecting travelers to destinations across the country and beyond.