Plan to arrive at STL 2h 15m before a domestic flight or 3h 15m for international. TSA lines average ~23 minutes and 80% of flights depart on time. Fastest through security: 4 AM (5 min).
How Early Should I Get to STL?
St. Louis Lambert International — St. Louis
Recommended Arrival
2h 15m
before a domestic flight
3h 15m for international
~23m
TSA wait
30m
Check-in & bag drop
80%
On time
64m
Avg delay
Best & worst times through security
Fastest
4 AM (5 min)
Busiest
6 PM (20-26 minutes)
Wait times are similar throughout the week.
Terminal info at STL
Terminals: Terminal 1 (Concourses A, B, C), Terminal 2 (Concourse E — Southwest)
Getting around: Walking within Terminal 1; MetroLink train between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Transit time: 5-8 minutes within Terminal 1; 15-20 minutes between terminals
Re-screening: Some terminal changes require going through TSA again. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are separate buildings. Changing between them requires the MetroLink and re-screening.
Tips for arriving at STL
- →Morning flights are best — less delay risk, shorter TSA lines, calmer weather.
- →Check in online — skip the counter and go straight to security with a mobile boarding pass.
- →TSA PreCheck saves time — typically 5-10 minutes vs. standard lanes. $78 for 5 years.
- →Holidays need more buffer — add 30-45 minutes around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer peaks.
Common questions
How early should I get to St. Louis (STL) for a domestic flight?
We recommend arriving at STL 2h 15m before your domestic flight. TSA wait times at STL average around 23 minutes, and the airport has an on-time departure rate of 80%. The fastest time through security is 4 AM (5 min). Add extra time if you're checking bags or traveling during peak hours.
How early should I get to STL for an international flight?
For international flights from STL, arrive 3h 15m before departure. International check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure, and you may need extra time for passport control and security screening. Airlines recommend 3 hours for international departures.
What is the best time to go through security at STL?
The fastest time through TSA at STL is 4 AM (5 min). The busiest time is 6 PM (20-26 minutes). Wait times are similar throughout the week.
Does TSA PreCheck help at STL?
Yes. TSA PreCheck lanes at STL are significantly faster — typically 5-10 minutes vs. the standard line. PreCheck members keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops in bags. If you fly more than twice a year, PreCheck ($78 for 5 years) pays for itself quickly.
How long are TSA wait times at STL?
TSA wait times at STL are currently around about 20-26 minutes. Fastest: 4 AM (5 min). Busiest: 6 PM (20-26 minutes).