Concourse E Guide: STL Terminal 2 (Gates E1–E40)

Terminal Overview

Concourse E is the single concourse inside Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). It’s best known as STL’s home for Southwest Airlines, plus a small set of other operations including Lufthansa and some seasonal/charter activity. Terminal 2 is also where international arrivals that require U.S. Customs are processed at STL (for flights that don’t use preclearance), so you may arrive on the lower level even if you depart later from the upper level.

The vibe is practical and busy, especially during Southwest bank times. The building is straightforward—one main security checkpoint feeding a single concourse—so it’s easy to navigate once you’re airside. Expect a typical mid-size airport experience: plenty of quick-service food, a couple of standout local options, and enough seating to settle in, though the area near the central gates can feel crowded at peak hours.

Airlines & Destinations

  • Southwest Airlines: Primary operator in Concourse E, using many gates including E4, E6, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16, E18, E20, E22, E24, E31, E33, E34, E36, E38, E40. Destinations are predominantly domestic across the U.S., with especially strong service to major business and leisure markets (for example, large hubs and popular warm-weather routes).
  • Lufthansa: Typically operates from Gate E29 for its international service.
  • Other/limited: Frontier and charter operations may appear in Terminal 2/Concourse E depending on season and scheduling.

Alliance note: Southwest is not part of a global airline alliance (not Star Alliance/SkyTeam/Oneworld). Lufthansa is a Star Alliance carrier, which matters if you’re connecting onward internationally on partner itineraries—though many connections at STL still require re-screening and a terminal transfer depending on your next airline.

Layout & Navigation

Terminal 2 is organized on two levels: the upper level is for departures and the main entrance to the security checkpoint, while the lower level is where you’ll find baggage claim and international arrivals facilities (including customs processing for applicable flights). After security, you enter Concourse E, a single long concourse with gates spread out from the lower-numbered gates toward the mid/high-numbered gates (including the 20s, then the 30s and 40s).

  • Security: Concourse E is served by the Terminal 2 checkpoint (often referenced as checkpoint E/F). A CLEAR lane is available here when open.
  • Walking times: From the checkpoint to the central gate area is usually 5–7 minutes at a normal pace. If you’re heading to far-end gates (for example, the upper 30s/40 area), plan roughly 10–15 minutes, especially when the concourse is busy.
  • Connecting to Terminal 1 (Concourses A/C): Terminals are about 0.5–1 mile apart and are not connected airside. Use the free 24/7 terminal shuttle or the MetroLink (there’s pedestrian access to the station from Terminal 2’s lower level). Build extra time if you must switch terminals and re-clear security.

Amenities & Services

  • Lounges: Wingtips Lounge is the main public lounge option in Terminal 2/Concourse E (access rules vary by pass/membership). There’s also a USO Satellite Lounge near baggage claim by exit 11 (typically Mon–Fri, 7am–6pm).
  • Food highlights: You’ll find a strong mix of grab-and-go and sit-down options, including Starbucks, Shake Shack, Pei Wei, Great American Bagel, Auntie Anne’s, Vino Volo, Crushed Red, Midtown Cafe, plus local favorites like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and Urban Chestnut Brewing. If you’re early, these make Concourse E one of the easier STL areas to “kill time” without leaving your gate zone.
  • Shopping: Look for quick souvenir and snack stops such as Natalie’s Candy Jar and the St. Louis Marketplace—good for last-minute gifts, local treats, and travel essentials.
  • Family amenities: A lactation suite is located near Gate E33, which is useful if you’re flying Southwest from the 30s/40s gate area.
  • Accessibility: Expect elevators/escalators between levels, accessible restrooms, and typical airport support features. If you’re using MetroLink or a shuttle to connect terminals, allow extra time and ask staff for the most step-free routing.

Practical Tips

  • For long layovers: Base yourself near the central concessions cluster (close to the main flow of gates) so you’re within a short walk of coffee, full meals, and restrooms. If you want a quieter reset, consider the Wingtips Lounge if it fits your access plan.
  • Quietest places: The concourse ends tend to be calmer—walk toward the far gates (often the E30s/E40 side) if the center seating is packed.
  • Power & charging: Your best odds for outlets are around gate seating pods and along wall seating. If you need guaranteed access, arrive at your gate area 10–15 minutes earlier and claim a powered seat before a departure bank fills the area.
  • Wi-Fi: STL provides airport Wi-Fi; connect to the airport’s public network and follow the on-screen prompts. If it’s slow during peak times, moving away from the busiest gate clusters can help.