How Early Should I Arrive at St. Louis Lambert?
Personalized arrival time recommendations for St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) based on current conditions
Recommended Arrival Times at STL
Domestic Flights at STL
International Flights at STL
Current Wait Times at STL
What's Included in These Times
Domestic Flight (2 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop (if needed): 15-20 min
- Security screening: 13 min avg
- Walk to gate: 10-15 min
- Buffer for delays: 20-30 min
International Flight (3 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop: 20-30 min
- Security screening: 13 min avg
- Passport control: 5 min avg
- Walk to gate: 15-20 min
- Buffer for delays: 30-45 min
Tips for STL
- Add 30 minutes if you're checking bags
- Add 30-60 minutes during holidays and peak travel seasons
- TSA PreCheck can save 30+ minutes at STL
- Mobile check-in 24 hours before saves time at the airport
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Use Arrival CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at St. Louis Lambert International Airport for a domestic flight?
For domestic flights at STL, arrive 2 hours before departure. During peak hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM), arrive 2 hours 30 minutes early. With TSA PreCheck, 1 hour 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
How early should I arrive at St. Louis Lambert International Airport for an international flight?
For international flights at STL, arrive 3 hours before departure. This includes time for check-in, security, and passport control. During peak periods, arrive 3 hours 30 minutes early.
Is 2 hours enough time at St. Louis Lambert International Airport?
2 hours is generally sufficient for domestic flights at STL during normal hours. Add 30 minutes if checking bags, and consider arriving earlier during peak travel periods or holidays.
What are the busiest times at St. Louis Lambert International Airport?
The busiest times at STL are typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. The busiest months are Jul, Aug, Dec. Arriving earlier during these periods is recommended.