STL Terminal 2 Guide: Gates, Food, Lounges & Tips

Terminal Overview

Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the home of Concourse E. It’s best known as the primary base for Southwest Airlines, and it also supports a small mix of other operations (including some charter activity). Importantly, STL routes international arrivals that require U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing through Terminal 2, so if you’re landing internationally without preclearance, this is where you’ll clear immigration and customs.

The terminal has a straightforward, traveler-friendly feel: one main concourse after security with a familiar Southwest-heavy gate lineup, plenty of quick dining options, and a couple of lounges that can make a delay more tolerable. It’s not directly connected to Terminal 1 airside, so connections between terminals require planning—but the airport makes it manageable via a free shuttle and MetroLink access.

Airlines & Destinations

  • Southwest Airlines: The dominant carrier in Terminal 2, operating from many Concourse E gates including E4, E6, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16, E18, E20, E22, E24, E31, E33, E34, E36, E38, E40.
  • Lufthansa: Typically associated with Gate E29 when operating at STL (verify day-of-travel since gate assignments can shift).
  • Other/select operations: Terminal 2 can also see Frontier and charter flights depending on season and airport assignments (always confirm your terminal on your boarding pass/app).

Key destinations from Southwest at STL commonly include major U.S. cities and hubs (think Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, Orlando, and other high-frequency domestic markets), with seasonal leisure routes depending on the schedule. For international service, Terminal 2 is the critical arrival point when customs processing is required.

Alliance notes: Southwest is not part of a global alliance (not Star Alliance/SkyTeam/Oneworld). Lufthansa is part of Star Alliance. If you’re connecting from a Star Alliance carrier in Terminal 1 to Lufthansa (or vice versa), build extra time for the terminal change.

Layout & Navigation

Terminal 2 is organized on two levels: an upper level oriented around departures and check-in, and a lower level that supports arrivals and, for international inbound passengers, the customs/immigration flow. After you clear security, you’ll enter Concourse E, which is essentially a single main corridor with gates branching off—easy to navigate even if you’ve never been here.

  • Security: The primary checkpoint serves Concourse E. A CLEAR lane is available at the Terminal 2 checkpoint (often referenced as checkpoint E/F). Arrive early during morning and late-afternoon banks when Southwest departures cluster.
  • Gate walking times: Concourse E is manageable on foot. As a rule of thumb, expect 5–10 minutes for mid-concourse to far gates and up to around 10–15 minutes end-to-end at a comfortable pace (longer if you’re stopping for food).
  • Getting to Terminal 1: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are roughly 0.5–1 mile apart and not connected airside. Use the free 24/7 terminal shuttle or the MetroLink (Terminal 2 has a pedestrian connection to the station from the lower level). If you must re-check bags or change airlines, factor in time to exit and re-clear security.

Amenities & Services

  • Lounges: Wingtips Lounge (a public lounge option) is the main lounge choice in Terminal 2. There’s also a USO Satellite Lounge near baggage claim by Exit 11 (hours typically weekdays, so check current access and timing).
  • Food highlights: You’ll find a strong lineup for quick meals and sit-down breaks, including Shake Shack, Pei Wei, Crushed Red, Great American Bagel, Midtown Cafe, Auntie Anne’s, Vino Volo, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, and Urban Chestnut Brewing. There’s also Starbucks when you want something predictable.
  • Shopping: Look for grab-and-go gifts and snacks at spots like Natalie’s Candy Jar and St. Louis Marketplace.
  • Family amenities: A lactation suite is available near Gate E33, which is useful if you’re trying to time a calm break before boarding.
  • Accessibility: Expect standard accessible features including elevators/escalators between levels, accessible restrooms, and airport assistance services. If you use a service animal, ask staff for the nearest relief area location based on your gate.

Practical Tips

  • Best for long layovers: Set up near the central food cluster (and closer to restrooms) so you’re not trekking back and forth. If you want a quieter, more comfortable reset, consider the Wingtips Lounge access if it makes sense for your budget and timing.
  • Quietest spots: For a calmer wait, walk a bit away from the busiest dining zones and sit nearer the ends of the concourse (still keeping an eye on boarding announcements and your walking time back).
  • Power outlets: Your best bet is usually seating near restaurants and newer gate-area seating. If you’re low on battery, scout a gate seating cluster early—outlets can get claimed during peak Southwest departure waves.
  • Wi-Fi: STL provides airport Wi-Fi; connect as soon as you pass security so you can use the airline app for gate changes (which happen) and monitor boarding groups.
  • International arrival planning: If you’re arriving internationally into Terminal 2 and connecting onward, build extra buffer for customs processing and the terminal transfer if your next flight leaves from Terminal 1.