southwest airlines – stl airport terminal 2
If you’re planning a trip from St. Louis International Airport (STL) and flying with Southwest Airlines, you’ll be glad to know that Southwest operates exclusively out of Terminal 2. This guide covers everything you need—from the layout of Terminal 2 to the best practices for checking in, boarding, and beyond—so you can breeze through the airport and enjoy your Southwest experience.
1. Overview of Southwest Airlines Operations at St. Louis (Terminal 2)
1.1 Where to Find Southwest in Terminal 2
- Check‑in counters: Southwest check‑in is located in the Southwest Check‑in Area near the concourse entrance, just past the main public information desk. Look for the large “Southwest Airlines” sign.
- Baggage claim: SW flies to STL from Central departure, so bags are retrieved at Carousel 1 on the arrival concourse.
- Boarding gates: Southwest uses gates G2‑G5 and G12‑G14 on the North side of the terminal for domestic flights.
1.2 Frequency of Southwest Flights at STL
Southwest is a high‑volume carrier at STL:
- Daily flights: ~30 to nearby hubs (Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, Atlanta, and more).
- Peak hours: Early‑morning (4 – 8 AM) and late‑afternoon (4 – 7 PM) see the highest arrivals and departures.
2. Airport Terminal 2 Layout & Southwest‑Specific Help
2.1 Navigating to Southwest Check‑in Counters
- Signage: Follow the clear directional signs from the main concourse; you’ll see a “Southwest Airlines” banner with check‑in counters marked.
- Time to allow: Southwest recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic and international flights; early check‑ins strengthen your seat selection and bag tags.
2.2 Security, Boarding Gates, and Amenities
| Step | Details | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Use TSA pre‑check lanes (Southwest offers free TSA Pre✓® to enrollees). | Show TSA PreCheck ID at the scanner. |
| Boarding | Southwest boards “A,B,C” group during in‑flight announcements, prior to its “Pick‑up Time” # | Arrive at gate U‑R 10 min before this time. |
| Amenities | Espresso bar, free Wi‑Fi, free and low‑cost cell‑phone charging stations, and a BYO‑lounge area if you purchase travel insurance. | Many airports now offer a “Southwest Lounge” (NEAR the check‑in area) for $30 for premium tickets. |
2.3 Food & Shopping Choices
- Dining: “1st Street Café” for casual coffee & pastries; “Café Kyiv” (mid‑terminal) offers fresh salads.
- Retail: Low‑price electronics, Travel accessories, & Southwest branded merchandise at the “Southwest Shop”.
3. Practical Tips for Southwest Travelers at St. Louis
3.1 Baggage Policies & Fees
| Baggage Type | Allowance | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry‑on | 1 + 1 personal item | Free | Personal item must fit under the seat. |
| Checked | 1 bag (max 50 lb) | Free (up to 8 lb has no fee) | Check if bag > 50 lb → $25 fee; > 70 lb → $45 fee. |
Tip: Use Southwest’s “Bag Drop” at the curbalert; you can check bags 2 hours before the flight without a ticket.
3.2 Arrival & Ground Transportation
- Public transit: Arthur & Sullivan bus (Route 1), STS Light Rail, and the St. Louis Airport Express bus line (Bus 95) run directly to the terminals.
- Rideshare: Uber & Lyft drop‑off points are outlined on the terminal’s digital signs; note that rideshare drivers officially use the left‑hand side of the curb after crossing Route 1.
- Car rental: Reserve via the airline’s page for “Airport Counter Rental” to pick up from the car‑repair area—no airport fees for pickup.
3.3 In‑flight Experience
- Seat selection: Southwest seat choices are open upon check‑in, with free “A‑B‑C” group assignments. Use the “Quick Search” feature on the Southwest app to see the seat map in real time.
- Wi‑Fi & Entertainment: On most Southwest flights, Wi‑Fi is available at a nominal fee ($8.99 for 3 h; $13.99 for unlimited). NO in‑flight media—bring your own streaming device.
4. Comparison: Southwest versus Other Airlines at St. Louis
| Feature | Southwest (STL Terminal 2) | United (Terminal 1) | Delta (Terminal 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check‑in | 2–3 hrs before; free baggage | 3 hrs; 1 free bag, 2nd $30 | 3 hrs; 1 free bag, 2nd $35 |
| Seat Selection | Open-selection, free | Free within $100 | Paid for all selections |
| Boarding | A‑B‑C groups | Early Boarding (1–2 hrs before) | Early Boarding + Managed |
| Amenities | Fast‑food cafés, free Wi‑Fi | Limited coffee shops | Coffee lounge & free charge stations |
| Lounge | None (or 30 $ lounge) | United Club (free for elite members) | Delta Sky Club (free for elite) |
Bottom line: Southwest offers the most flexible baggage policy and a cost‑friendly, self‑service experience that’s perfect for budget and spontaneous travelers.
5. FAQ & Additional Resources
5.1 Do I need to check a bag for every flight?
Answer: Southwest lets you bring one free checked bag (45 lb) per ticket. If you have an inbound flight from another country, just use your usual bag‑policy for the inbound leg.
5.2 How does Southwest handle flight delays at STL?
Southwest’s “Automatic E‑mail Reminders” let you stay in the loop. Additionally, you can grab a last‑minute seat upgrade via the app if another flight is overbooked.
5.3 Are there any special discounts for Southwest passengers in St. Louis?
Check the “Southwest St. Louis Discounts” section on the Southwest website for partnership offerings with local hotels, car rentals, and streaming services.
6. Conclusion
Southwest’s presence at St. Louis International Airport’s Terminal 2 provides a streamlined, affordable flying experience for both everyday travelers and those on a tight schedule. By familiarizing yourself with the terminal layout, bag policies, and the best ground transport options, you’ll dodge common headaches and enjoy a smooth journey from gate to gate. Whether you’re heading out for business or a weekend getaway, Southwest makes flying from STL a simple, hassle‑free adventure.
Credible Sources
- Southwest Airlines Official Site – Frequently Asked Questions and Baggage Policy
- St. Louis International Airport (STL) – Terminal 2 Map and Services
- Travel+Leisure – “Southwest Airlines Review” (2023)
- Consumer Reports – “Baggage Fees and Policies Across Major U.S. Carriers” (2024)
